February 2004 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Ken Croswell
by Kim Hyatt 22 Feb '04

22 Feb '04

SLAS has arranged a visit from and lecture by astronomer and science writer Ken Croswell. Ken's topic will be "Magnificent Mars," which is also the title of his new book. The lecture is open to the public, so whether you are a SLAS member or not, you are welcome to join us on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:30 PM at the U of U Fine Arts Auditorium. Copies of Ken's books, including Magnificent Mars will be available for purchase and Ken will be on hand for book signing after the lecture. Following is a link to the campus map: http://www.map.utah.edu/. On the left in the "Location Finder" click on F, then select Fine Arts Museum below. (The Fine Arts Auditorium is located in the lower level of this building.) You can zoom into the map by following directions. There is parking immediately south of the Fine Arts Museum, as well as west of the Marriott Library. Even so, you are encouraged to car pool or take TRAX if you can. Also, we suggest that you arrive early - seating is limited to just over 400 and the lecture is being advertised on campus. I've been told that the College of Science expects to fill the auditorium. See you there! Kim A. Hyatt, AIA SL&A Architects 331 South Rio Grande, Suite 304 Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 Tel: 801.322.5550 x105 Fax: 801.322.5557 Cell: 801.631.5228

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Meade LX10 8"
by UTAHDEB＠aol.com 22 Feb '04

22 Feb '04

If it were my money I'd go with the Celestron 9.25. I've had my 8" Celestron for almost 19 years and the coatings are still good. I just put the OTA on the Losmandy GM-8 mount a month ago. I'm going to use it for CCD imaging someday. Debbie

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BB Drop wrap up
by Patrick Wiggins 21 Feb '04

21 Feb '04

I think I now have a handle on who wants to be involved in all of this "dropping" stuff. So, to the relief I'm sure of many, I'll make this my final post on the subject here, at least for a while. We dropping types can now go make mischief 'mongst ourselves. <grin> Patrick p.s. Here's a clip of the CBC (Canada) coverage: http://www.cbc.ca/insite/AS_IT_HAPPENS_TORONTO/2004/2/20.html (starts at 8:55 into the piece)

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Caption contest
by Josephine Grahn 21 Feb '04

21 Feb '04

This one gets my vote! :) Jo At 10:44 PM 2/20/2004 -0700, you wrote: >Late Breaking News! (UPI Wire Service) Somewhere in France, March, 1916. >Outrage against noise pollution leads to arguments, and the banning of >clothes pins and playing cards at inaugural Messier Marathon. Discord seen >as an ill omen, foretelling of continued factiousness for future generations >of amateur stargazers. > >Bob Grant > > >_______________________________________________ >Utah-Astronomy mailing list >Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy >Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com >

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Caption contest
by Chuck Hards 20 Feb '04

20 Feb '04

Here's a few to get things started: "Keep your new mount, Chuck, I'll stick with binoculars." or "I got it on eBay!" __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools

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McNeil's Nebula
by David L Bennett 20 Feb '04

20 Feb '04

From S&T's Weekly News Bulletin: A COSMIC GAME OF PEEKABOO Amateur astronomer Jay McNeil's January 23rd discovery of a newborn nebula near Messier 78 is proving to be even more intriguing than first thought. John Welch of Phoenix, Arizona, noticed that McNeil's Nebula actually appeared once before -- in an old Sky Publishing title, THE MESSIER ALBUM by John H. Mallas and Evered Kreimer (1978). That book contained a 15-minute white-light image taken by Kreimer on October 22, 1966, which was first published in SKY & TELESCOPE in January 1970 (page 27). From images obtained from the S&T archives, it now seems that this nebula has been playing peekaboo for quite some time.... > http://SkyandTelescope.com/news/article_1183_1.asp

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RE: [Utah-astronomy] Ken Croswell
by Kim Hyatt 20 Feb '04

20 Feb '04

I didn't send it to the SLAS membership. Would you please forward it to everyone? I believe a check for Ken would be fine. We can give it to him at the lecture - $150.00. Please add the following to the SLAS notice: Fifty prime seats will be reserved for SLAS members only, but they will be released for general admission at 7:15 (the lecture begins at 7:30). Please arrive early so that you won't be disappointed. The College of Science sent news releases to all the major news outlets and KUER will air an interview with Ken that morning. Therefore, we expect a capacity crowd. Come early! -----Original Message----- From: CHARLES L GREEN [mailto:cgreenx2@msn.com] Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 4:38 PM To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] Ken Croswell Kim, Thanks for sending a notice regarding Ken Croswell lecture, now I don't need to do it. I assume you sent it to everyone on the SLAS website membership roster? My the way, I have a few questions: How do we pay Ken Croswell? SLAS check? Cash? Money Order? Your credit card? And how much? And if I get the payment together, will you give it to him? Thanks again, Charlie Green cgreenx2(a)msn.com >From: Kim Hyatt <khyatt(a)smithlayton.com> >Reply-To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> >To: "Utah Astronomy (E-mail)" <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> >Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Ken Croswell >Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2004 10:21:55 -0700 > >SLAS has arranged a visit from and lecture by astronomer and science writer >Ken Croswell. Ken's topic will be "Magnificent Mars," which is also the >title of his new book. The lecture is open to the public, so whether you >are >a SLAS member or not, you are welcome to join us on Tuesday, February 24 at >7:30 PM at the U of U Fine Arts Auditorium. Copies of Ken's books, >including >Magnificent Mars will be available for purchase and Ken will be on hand for >book signing after the lecture. > >Following is a link to the campus map: http://www.map.utah.edu/. On the >left >in the "Location Finder" click on F, then select Fine Arts Museum below. >(The Fine Arts Auditorium is located in the lower level of this building.) >You can zoom into the map by following directions. There is parking >immediately south of the Fine Arts Museum, as well as west of the Marriott >Library. Even so, you are encouraged to car pool or take TRAX if you can. >Also, we suggest that you arrive early - seating is limited to just over >400 >and the lecture is being advertised on campus. I've been told that the >College of Science expects to fill the auditorium. See you there! > > >Kim A. Hyatt, AIA >SL&A Architects >331 South Rio Grande, Suite 304 >Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 >Tel: 801.322.5550 x105 >Fax: 801.322.5557 >Cell: 801.631.5228 > > >_______________________________________________ >Utah-Astronomy mailing list >Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy >Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com _________________________________________________________________ Watch high-quality video with fast playback at MSN Video. Free! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200365ave/direct/01/ _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com

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RE: [Utah-astronomy] Ken Croswell
by CHARLES L GREEN 20 Feb '04

20 Feb '04

Kim, Thanks for sending a notice regarding Ken Croswell lecture, now I don't need to do it. I assume you sent it to everyone on the SLAS website membership roster? My the way, I have a few questions: How do we pay Ken Croswell? SLAS check? Cash? Money Order? Your credit card? And how much? And if I get the payment together, will you give it to him? Thanks again, Charlie Green cgreenx2(a)msn.com >From: Kim Hyatt <khyatt(a)smithlayton.com> >Reply-To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> >To: "Utah Astronomy (E-mail)" <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> >Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Ken Croswell >Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2004 10:21:55 -0700 > >SLAS has arranged a visit from and lecture by astronomer and science writer >Ken Croswell. Ken's topic will be "Magnificent Mars," which is also the >title of his new book. The lecture is open to the public, so whether you >are >a SLAS member or not, you are welcome to join us on Tuesday, February 24 at >7:30 PM at the U of U Fine Arts Auditorium. Copies of Ken's books, >including >Magnificent Mars will be available for purchase and Ken will be on hand for >book signing after the lecture. > >Following is a link to the campus map: http://www.map.utah.edu/. On the >left >in the "Location Finder" click on F, then select Fine Arts Museum below. >(The Fine Arts Auditorium is located in the lower level of this building.) >You can zoom into the map by following directions. There is parking >immediately south of the Fine Arts Museum, as well as west of the Marriott >Library. Even so, you are encouraged to car pool or take TRAX if you can. >Also, we suggest that you arrive early - seating is limited to just over >400 >and the lecture is being advertised on campus. I've been told that the >College of Science expects to fill the auditorium. See you there! > > >Kim A. Hyatt, AIA >SL&A Architects >331 South Rio Grande, Suite 304 >Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 >Tel: 801.322.5550 x105 >Fax: 801.322.5557 >Cell: 801.631.5228 > > >_______________________________________________ >Utah-Astronomy mailing list >Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy >Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com _________________________________________________________________ Watch high-quality video with fast playback at MSN Video. Free! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200365ave/direct/01/

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RE: [Utah-astronomy] Green Laser Pointers
by David Dunn 20 Feb '04

20 Feb '04

Last year sometime, OAS ordered 10 of them and got a discount that made them $102 including shipping. The regular price was $150. It was from www.greenlaserpointer.com. We tested one of them and it was 5mW as advertised. It dropped in Watts as you held it on. My flashlight was a 2 D cell flashlight. It worked fine. I never tried it from a well lighted location. I used it mostly at school star parties. Dave -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces+david.dunn=albertsons.com(a)mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces+david.dunn=albertsons.com@mailman.xmission.co m] On Behalf Of Lambert, Aaron Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 12:22 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] Green Laser Pointers The cheapo green lasers are on e-bay. The $90 to $100 ones seem to be more and more common now though (like on e-bay, http://www.scopestuff.com/index.html, and http://www.z-bolt.com/) They all seem to be about the same and most seem to be from the same two manufacturers in China (http://www.chinagonet.com/cnilaser/products.html) and Taiwan (http://www.leadlight.com.tw/btm.htm) One of the drawbacks is that the lasers are classified at "<5 MW" and from what I have read they vary widely, usually between 1.5 and 4 MW. You might get lucky, or you might get a dud. One e-bay seller claims to test each of his and sells specific ones as "guaranteed 5 MW" and then auctions the others for less. As you all know, however, on e-bay your mileage varies. I have had some great transactions, but also seen stuff that is obviously a rip-off. Aaron > -----Original Message----- > From: Richard Tenney [mailto:retenney@yahoo.com] > Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 11:43 AM > To: Utah Astronomy > Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] Star pointer, was Meade LX10 8" > > > I keep a 4 D-cell Maglight (like the cops use) in my > eyepiece case (with a focusable beam) to point out > stars; works pretty well, and these can be picked up > for about $20+ locally at Sams club or most sporting > goods stores; even the 3 D-cell models work pretty > well. The opaque shroud is a good idea, as there is > some light spill without it for those nearby trying to > observe (I have to get away from the pack and try not > to point too low). > > But I've also seen and used some of the green lasers, > and I have to say these babies are very cool; I'd love > to have one, just haven't been able to bring myself to > plunk down $150 for one (where are you seeing them for > $60?). > > -Rich _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.utahastronomy.com

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RE: [Utah-astronomy] Green Laser Pointers
by Lambert, Aaron 20 Feb '04

20 Feb '04

The cheapo green lasers are on e-bay. The $90 to $100 ones seem to be more and more common now though (like on e-bay, http://www.scopestuff.com/index.html, and http://www.z-bolt.com/) They all seem to be about the same and most seem to be from the same two manufacturers in China (http://www.chinagonet.com/cnilaser/products.html) and Taiwan (http://www.leadlight.com.tw/btm.htm) One of the drawbacks is that the lasers are classified at "<5 MW" and from what I have read they vary widely, usually between 1.5 and 4 MW. You might get lucky, or you might get a dud. One e-bay seller claims to test each of his and sells specific ones as "guaranteed 5 MW" and then auctions the others for less. As you all know, however, on e-bay your mileage varies. I have had some great transactions, but also seen stuff that is obviously a rip-off. Aaron > -----Original Message----- > From: Richard Tenney [mailto:retenney@yahoo.com] > Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 11:43 AM > To: Utah Astronomy > Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] Star pointer, was Meade LX10 8" > > > I keep a 4 D-cell Maglight (like the cops use) in my > eyepiece case (with a focusable beam) to point out > stars; works pretty well, and these can be picked up > for about $20+ locally at Sams club or most sporting > goods stores; even the 3 D-cell models work pretty > well. The opaque shroud is a good idea, as there is > some light spill without it for those nearby trying to > observe (I have to get away from the pack and try not > to point too low). > > But I've also seen and used some of the green lasers, > and I have to say these babies are very cool; I'd love > to have one, just haven't been able to bring myself to > plunk down $150 for one (where are you seeing them for > $60?). > > -Rich

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