The Meteor Journal of the Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association

Transcription

1 The Meteor Journal of the Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association VOLUME XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 ********************************************************************************************* President Ed Magowan (850) Vice-President: Tom Riederer (920) Secretary Richard Walker (850) Treasurer Jim Larduskey (850) Librarian: Jacque Falzone (850) Education Chair: Dewey Barker (850) NWFAA Contact: Dennis Hausch (850) Deep Sky Committee: Dave Haluposki (850) UWF Astronomy Club Contact: Jon Ellard (251) Mobile AS Contact: Rod Mollise (251) PSC Student Chapter officers for : President: Dave Cochran (850) Vice President: AllyKat Francis Secretary- Treasurer: Susanna Rogers Editor and ALCOR: Dr. J. Wayne Wooten, Physical Sciences Department, Room 1751, Pensacola State College Pensacola, FL Phone (850) (voic ) ( ) pensacolastate.edu Please mail all dues to EAAA Treasurer, 4660 Shannon Circle, Pensacola, FL ********************************************************************************************************* Pensacon gazes and panels on February 20-21, 2016 I was not able to make Saturday morning s panel, but Billy Jackson, Ed Magowan, and Thor Garber had fun with about 25 guests discussing astronomy outreach locally. Dave Cochran and I did set up about three hours Saturday afternoon for solar observing; had probably over 200 folks, many in costume, checking out a flare and prominences with their smart phones. We gave everyone star maps for Saturday at Bartram Park, with schedules of the public gazes on the back. I could not go Saturday evening to Bartram, but Dave Cochran said it went very well, with many smartphone moon photos (attached). Rich Manarino, Ricky Johnston, Dewey Barker, Dave Cochran, Ed Magowan, Ron Fairbanks, Marissa Moore, and Jim Larduskey helped with the night session. Heavy dew, but great seeing allowed detailed moon photography. About 75 folks joined us for the night observing. Also assisting solar observing on Sunday were Ricky Johnston, Dave Cochran, Ed Magowan, Ron Fairbanks, Marissa Moore, and Jim Larduskey. About 200 solar filters and February star maps and public observing schedules were distributed, and smartphone shots of the Sun taken by many. This was a great and growing event for fusing science, science fiction, and fantasy, and with the total solar eclipse coming up next year, will again be a great venue for stimulating public interest in looking up. Many thanks to Steve Wise, Dewey Barker, and Billy Jackson for taking the lead in this coordination. --Wayne Wooten If we have anything to say about it and get invited back, we should not be stuck at Bartram Park next year. I can't imagine a worse place; we would have been better off (and busier) in the parking lot. Between the bright lights all around and the dew which I believe was brought on by the onshore wind from the bay, the viewing was terrible. From the dark side --Tom Riederer Piratefest solar observing on April 23 rd at Pensacola State Track Dave Cochran and I attended Piratefest from 11 Am 2 PM Saturday, and let folks view the sun with eclipse glass handouts, photograph the sunspot with smartphones through our Hydrogen alpha scopes, and pick up star charts/gaze schedules. Had several hundred students and staff drop by. Used up our solar eclipse glasses, but more on order. Wayne Wooten

2 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 2 A Gaze for Atmore on June 4 th? Welcome back to the EAAA, Schuyler Allen! He is familiar to some of our older members; he has a 22 dobsonian built by Marshal Holman, and wants to host a deep sky gaze in Atmore on June 4,2016, after our Fort Pickens gaze that Friday June 3rd. It would be held in a field behind Brooks Memorial Baptist Church, 904 McRae Street in Atmore, Alabama. It would start at sunset, and run until after midnight, clear skies permitting. He says it is a nice dark sky site, and will give the EAAA a chance to expand our outreach to the northern part of the county and into Alabama. If you would be interesting in assisting with this gaze, call Schuyler at , or on his cell at Pavilion Gaze on April 16, 2016 Well, this turned out to be a really decent night. Clouds cleared out around 8 pm and we had between 50 to 100 people stop by to view the Moon and Jupiter. Had a family out from Destin and had a couple visitors from London. I was joined by Lyen McAbee, Richard Mannarino, Tom Reiderer, and Orlando DeJesus. Lyen and I stuck around until 11:00 PM and are beginning to wrap up and head for the house. I ran into a couple visiting from Missouri while typing up this report, set back up for some quick views of the Moon and Jupiter. Wind picked up, so things are a little shakey but they enjoyed the view and were able to get a couple photos of the Moon before they left. Despite the clouds at the start and winds at the end, this turned into a good night and hopefully an auspicious beginning to our summer gaze schedule. --Dewey Barker Laser Shows at the Pensacola State Planetarium I had the privilege today to view the first Laser Show at the Pensacola State Planetarium with a group of friends... Billy Jackson told us the complexity of the computer system used to drive the three colored lasers on the screen - and told us of excellent upcoming shows I mentioned David Still's work with Oz and ambient vision - and he mentioned interplanetary games - where the full planetarium screen responds to control inputs from the audience to drive across the lunar surface - or do extreme sports on mars - asteroids etc We mentioned the possibility of an IHMC Night at the Planetarium - I could not be more impressed. I think if the ticket booth at the planetarium were able to sell tickets in the evenings the planetarium could do music and laser shows and also get genuine science out there to the general public - not just the students and astronomy club - but everyone! I do think the projection screen would be good training for Oz pilots too... in the future Billy mentioned a half round planetarium based flight simulator screen too All in all the experience was excellent - the chairs were comfortable - reclining at just the right 'astronaut' angle for full sky viewing - the Laser Zeppelin Show was compelling - strangely growing in amazingness as the show progressed with its mathematically generated 3D full spectrum patterns - there really was a sense of space - of visual ambience - and the lasers reacted and coordinated with the music - a very unforgettable experience unlike any to be had on any flat screen anywhere. I will definitely be back to see more of these shows We even talked about the spherical mirrors and the warping program that translates concert footage to planetarium projectable material. I mentioned that it would be a good idea to make a short feature and put that in the Corsair and the Meteor too while the Laser Shows are still available to be seen. Let's get the word out about an excellent screen experience Pensacola can be proud of. I'm coming back for the Back to the Moon for Good and the Earth to Universe shows and the Pink Floyd too Thanks for putting on this great show series! --Johnny Godowski, IHMC

3 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 3 Star Gaze at Pleasant Grove ES on February 18 th The star gaze for Pleasant Grove Elementary School was held last night from 5:30 to about 7:45 PM. Attending were John Arnold and Ed McGowan with their telescopes and me, Tom Sajwaj, with my 20x80 tripod mounted binoculars. Ed s device for photograph got a lot of attention. There were no clouds to mention, and the temperature was not too cold. The star attraction was the waxing Moon which drew lots of oohs and aahs. Despite the bright Moon, a good view of the Great Orion Nebula was possible. There were about 100 students and parents. There were many expressions of appreciation from them. --Tom Sajwaj Tales from the South Pacific I watched the eclipse via the Exploratorium live feed from Woleai, an atoll south of Guam. I've seen the island from a distance when my ship passed it while evading a typhoon passing near Guam. The 27 foot Cheoy Lee I had during my last tour on Guam had been sailed there a few times by the previous owner; by the time I bought it, its long distance cruising days were over but it served me well daysailing and the occasional overnight to Cetti Bay on the southwest side of the island, was also my apartment. Went down during a Cat 5 typhoon when the mooring line for another boat parted, sending it crashing into mine and putting both on the bottom. Seeing the name Woleai in an from Exploratorium brought back a lot of good memories. They were on centerline, got about 4 minutes totality. Ed Magowan

4 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 4 EAAA Meeting Minutes for February 19, :00pm When Worlds Erupt, Merry Edenton Wooten s artwork presented by Wayne Wooten, a comparison between the 1986 edition prepared in part with a Commodore 64 and the 2016 edition including knowledge that has been added to date from NASA and other sources. - Chris and Gina Gomez showed astrophotography showing multiple galaxies appearing in single photographs. - Outside gaze The skies are forecast to be reasonable with some clouds. There were several students and guests at the meeting. REPORTS Awards (Wayne Wooten) no awards were presented tonight Amateur Astronomer Education Program and Levels (Dewey Barker) Dewey to inform any new members about the education program, and benefits Treasurer Report (Jim Larduskey) Checking $ Savings 4, Cash Total $6, Jim found a Canadian booklet Observer's Handbook, 2016 with much the same information as the Otwells for $30. We anticipate these will be available for club members, currently obtaining Otwell calendars, next year. Dave has hats (about $15) and all sizes of shirts (about $15) for sale. He is also able to arrange to have personal items embroidered for a reasonable fee (about $12). Last Month's Minutes (distributed in the last Meteor) Please let secretary know of any needed corrections. OLD BUSINESS Past Star Gazes - maintained on EAAA calendar at Star Gaze reports appear in the Meteor.

5 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 5 Local Dark Skies Locations: If you use established or find new dark skies please let the club know about them so we can compile a list with GPS coordinates, aiding other members to find them. The Munson area is being checked out for possible dark sky use in the fall. NEW BUSINESS Future Star Gazes - maintained on EAAA calendar at Clicking on any posted star gaze should bring up additional information about that event contact, begin time, location including GPS coordinates) (Point of - Dewey Barker also sends out lists of gazes occurring in the near future. - A transit of Mercury will occur May 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Pensacon is being held this weekend and assistance was recruited for each day of the event. Saturday was expected to be good gazing while Sunday might not be good. - The French Camp Academy, Rainwater Observatory & Planetarium will be having their annual Midsouth Star Gaze and Astronomy Conference from April 6 9, Registration details can be obtained from: - A motion was made, seconded and approved to obtain a 2 Crayford focuser with a 1-1/4 adapter for $105 to replace a worn unit. - A motion was made, seconded and approved to donate the smaller pier from the Munsen site to Dave Halupowski who worked for many years maintaining that site for club use. - A total solar eclipse will occur March 9, 2016, although the eclipse will not be total in the Pensacola, FL area. It is observable in Indonesia. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm, followed by an outside gaze before the clouds got too numerous. --Richard L. Walker, Secretary

6 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 6 EAAA Minutes for March 18, 2016 TONIGHT'S PROGRAM: - 07:00pm Dave Halupowski McDonald Observatory visit and rock collecting A few photographs of dark sky initiatives being done in the Alpine, TX area. - 07:30pm Ed Magowan astro imaging - Outside gaze An evening for PLAN B NEXT PROGRAM: - Richard Mannarino NASA program Eyes on the Solar System MEETING: - 07:40pm Called to order Students and Guests There were several students and guests at the meeting. REPORTS Awards (Wayne Wooten) no awards were presented tonight Amateur Astronomer Education Program and Levels (Dewey Barker) Dewey to inform any new members about the education program, and benefits Treasurer Report (Jim Larduskey) Checking $ Savings 4, Cash Total $5,77.51 Paid the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations non-profit tax for Shirts and Hats (Dave Halupowski) Dave has hats (about $15) and all sizes of shirts (about $15) for sale. He is also able to arrange to have personal items embroidered for a reasonable fee (about $12). EAAA Meeting Minutes for April 22, :00pm - Room PSC TONIGHT'S PROGRAM: - Tour of Lowell Observatory and Surroundings Chris and Gina Gomez - Richard Mannarino NASA program Eyes on the Solar System would have required a program to be installed. I'm checking with NASA to see if this might be possible using a URL with a browser or using portable software from a flash drive. - Outside gaze The sky cleared and there was a gaze following the meeting. NEXT PROGRAM: - Introduce Students and Guests There were several students and guests at the meeting. REPORTS Awards (Wayne Wooten) No awards presented tonight Amateur Astronomer Education Program and Levels (Dewey Barker)

7 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 7 Dewey to inform any new members about the education program, and benefits Treasurer Report (Jim Larduskey) Checking $ Savings 4, Cash Total $5, Shirts and Hats (Dave Halupowski) Dave has hats (about $15) and all sizes of shirts (about $15) for sale. He is also able to arrange to have personal items embroidered for a reasonable fee (about $12). International Dark Skies Report California senate votes to not allow digital signs in certain areas. A win for astronomy. Last Month's Minutes (distributed in the last Meteor) Please let secretary know of any needed corrections. OLD BUSINESS Past Star Gazes - maintained on EAAA calendar at Star Gaze reports appear in the Meteor. Dewey gave a school gaze report, Ed gave a beach gaze report, and Dave and Dewey reported on this year's French Camp. Local Dark Skies Locations: If you use established or find new dark skies please let the club know about them so we can compile a list with GPS coordinates, aiding other members to find them. The Munson area is being checked out for possible dark sky use in the fall. NEW BUSINESS Future Star Gazes - maintained on EAAA calendar at Clicking on any posted star gaze should bring up additional information about that event (Point of contact, begin time, location including GPS coordinates) Dewey Barker also sends out lists of gazes occurring in the near future. ANNOUNCEMENTS I plan to modify the style for EAAA meeting minutes to eliminate the information that is duplicated every month yet adds nothing to the minutes. I will create hand out sheets to place with the sky maps at the meeting. Those sheets will contain all the repetitive information. Internationtional Dark Skies Report California senate votes to not allow digital signs in certain areas. A win for astronomy. Last Month's Minutes (distributed in the last Meteor) Please let secretary know of any needed corrections. OLD BUSINESS Past Star Gazes - maintained on EAAA calendar at Star Gaze reports appear in the Meteor.

8 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 8 Local Dark Skies Locations: If you use established or find new dark skies please let the club know about them so we can compile a list with GPS coordinates, aiding other members to find them. The Munson area is being checked out for possible dark sky use in the fall. NEW BUSINESS Future Star Gazes - maintained on EAAA calendar at Clicking on any posted star gaze should bring up additional information about that event (Point of contact, begin time, location including GPS coordinates) Dewey Barker also sends out lists of gazes occurring in the near future. ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm. Richard L. Walker, Secretary We did get fine images of the Great Red Spot after the meeting Friday with the PlanetCam and C-8.

9 The Meteor Volume XLI Numbers 3-4 March-April 2016 Page 9 Calendar of Events May 13 Pavilion Gaze at Pensacola Beach, sunset 10 PM, First Quarter Moon May 14 Astronomy Day, again at the Pavilion at sunset May 15 Moon passes 2 degrees south of Jupiter in southern evening sky May 20 EAAA meets at 7 PM, room 1775 at Pensacola State College May 21 Full Moon, the Flower Moon, Moon passes 6 degrees north of Mars May 22 Mars at opposition, best time to observe it this decade Moon passes 3.2 degrees north of Saturn in SE sky May 28 Deep Sky Gazing at Big Lagoon State Park (see flyer following) May 29 Last quarter moon June 3 Sky interpretation at Fort Pickens Battery Worth, sunset until 11 PM Saturn at opposition June 5 New Moon June 10 Pavilion Gaze at sunset June 11 Pavilion Gaze at sunset, Moon passes 1.4 degrees south of Jupiter June 12 First Quarter Moon June 17 EAAA meets at 7 PM, room 1775 June 17 Waxing gibbous moon passes seven degrees north of Mars June 18 Moon passes 3 degrees north of Saturn June 20 Full Moon, the Honey Moon, also summer solstice at 5:34 PM CDT June 25 Deep Sky Gazing at Big Lagoon State Park For 2016, the meetings will be on the THIRD Friday of each month. Pay at the next meeting or by mail with a check, payable to EAAA to treasurer Jim Larduskey, 4660 Shannon Circle, Pensacola, FL 32504; call him at if you have questions. Dues are $24 for individual or family membership, $12 for senior (60+) and student membership.

10 Join us for a Fun Night Under the Stars! The Escambia Amateur AstronomersAssociation Will Hold Free Public Star Gazes on the following dates: Fort Pickens Star Gazes at Battery Worth for 2016 are scheduled for Friday; May 6 th, June 3 rd, July 1 st, August 5 th, September 2 nd, September 30 th The gaze is free, but park entry fees will still apply, contact before 4:00 PM. Note: If these dates are clouded/rained out, we may set up on Saturday, please check. Gulfside Performance Pavilion Star Gazes for 2016 are scheduled for both; March 11 th & 12 th, April 15 th & 16 th, May 13 th & 14 th, June 10 th & 11 th, July 8 th & 9 th, August 12 th & 13 th, September 9 th & 10 th, October 7 th & 8 th Free parking is available at Casino Beach parking lot, near the Beach Ball Water Tower. Big Lagoon State Park Star Gazes for 2016 are scheduled for Saturday; April 30 th, May 28 th, June 25 th, July 23 rd, August 27 th, September 24 th, October 22 nd The gaze is free, but park entry fees will still apply, front gate contact: Participants must enter park before sunset, the gate is locked at that time. Members Telescopes and Binoculars will be set up for views of: the Moon, the Planets, and other Celestial Objects. Clear skies permitting, Members will begin setting up their Telescopes for these events just before sunset. The Astronomy Club meets on the Third Friday of each month at Pensacola State College, 9 th Ave Campus at 7:00 PM, building 17, upstairs in room For more information about the Astronomy Club, or for scheduling a star gaze for a school, scouting, or other social event at your location; Contact Dewey Barker after 4:00 PM at (850) for any questions. Please be sure to visit our website at or go to: for calendar of events. Join us on Facebook at: Escambia Amateur Astronomers, and contact our PSC sponsor, Dr. Wayne Wooten, at (850) , or him at wwooten@pensacolastate.edu