Jacksonville State University - Mimosa Yearbook (Jacksonville, AL)

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Doug Drake searches with the binoculars as Mr. Clarence Angclcitc, instructor of astronomy, discusses the comet with him and Carolyn Hendon. Nancy Harris, biology major, and Phillip Rogers in general science plan to view the comet through the big telescope in Martin Observatory, Campus Life: Halley's Comet 23

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Astronomy students are in best slot for viewing from observatory Halley’s biggest news of year One of the biggest newsmakers of the year was a cluster of frozen gases and small pieces of rock better known as Halley’s Comet. The comet made the headlines repeatedly, and shirts and bumper stickers concerning it were sold. New books were written; there were television specials and binocular and telescope sales boomed. Several cruise lines even offered special rates for the “best view of the comet”. Why all this “comet mania”? Halley’s Comet comes only about every 76 years. Chances are most will not live long enough to see it again. Many people live and die without its ever having been visible during their lifetime. yet, some are fortunate enough to have it occur twice during their lifetime. Mark Twain was born in the year of the comet and died when it next returned. Just what is Halley's Comet? Some have termed it a “dirty snowball”. It is composed of frozen gases and pieces of rock. As the comet approaches the sun, the gases on the surface begin to vaporize. The gas expands away from the center to form the coma, or head. Pressure from the sunlight pushes the dust and gas from the head to form the comet's tail. Energy from the sun causes the comet’s gases to glow. Halley’s Comet is the only comet bright enough to be seen with the naked eye upon each return. It was named when Edmund Halley predicted its return in 1758. The very name has created diversion and excitement this year. Though news writers have clarified the pronunciation by pairing it with alley, numerous people have insisted on saying the word tike Bailey. Jacksonville, of course, both the university and the community, took part in the nationwide craze. Astronomy students had a definite advantage because of their access to the observatory at Martin Hall. There are many modern facilities and instruments there which are used for such things as determining size, magnitude and temperature of stars, as well as photographing eclipses. The JSU library also offered an excellent view of the comet, especially in March when it was nearest the earth and visible in the early mornings. What better purpose could the tallest academic building in the south serve? Mr.Clarence Angclcite shares from Hoping lo catch sighl of Halley’s his file a slide of Halley’s Comet Comet, astronomy class students — made in 1930 at the Hale Qbserva- Troy Hell, Brent Venn and Brandon tones with an IB-inch Tcssar lens. Rich work to set up telescope 22 Campus Life: Halley's Comet

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Deans announce high GPA’s Scholars noted In an effort to recognize academic excellence, the deans from the nine undergraduate colleges recognize the three or more studentrs in case of ties from each college who have earned the hi-gest GPA’s, Those seniors graduating at the end of the academic year in the spring are the recipients of this special regonition. Students who stand for excellence in their field deserve the honor. The MIMOSA staff is pleased to include these outstanding people in the photojournalism history of Jacksonville State University for 1986. With the authorization of Dr. James Reaves, Vice President of Academic Affairs, the following deans re- leased the necessary information and recognized twenty-three scholars: Dr. William Loftin, Dean of the College of Commerce and Business Administration; Dr. Thomas Barker, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice; Dr. Robert Hymcr, Dean of the College of Education; Dr. James Wade, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dr. Daniel Marsen-gill, Dean of the College of Music and Fine Arts; Dr. Roberta Watts, Dean of the College of Nursing; Dr. Reuben Boozer, Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. Not shown: Danny Vance, James Bolick, Sarah Wood and Denise Hathcock. Richard Barcfield. an English major with a 2.88 GPA was president of Lambda Rho Tau Epsilon and a member of the Writer’s Club. Michelle Basham, a marketing major with a 2.79 GPA was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, editor of the PERTELOTE and was named Who’s Who. Olayinka O. Benson, a law enforcement major with a 2.3 GPA was a member of Lambda Rho Tau Epsilon and the Nigerian Student Union. Dina Carroll, a member of BCM, Sociology Club. Who's Who and section editor of the MIMOSA is a corrections major with a 2.53 GPA. Sheila Collett, a nursing major with a 2.60 GPA was vice president of the Nurse's Christian Fellowship and was named to Who’s Who. Carolyn Early, a Faculty Scholar and a member of Phi Eta Sigma, is an education major concentrating in math and English with a 2.95. James Rudolph George, a political science major has a 2.94 GPA. He was a member of Phi Eta Sigma and was a member of the SGA senate. Delbert Hopper a forensic science political science major from Oxford has a GPA of 2.57, He is a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. 24 Campus Life: Scholars