July 2007 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

For Saturday's Sun Party - Will solar minimum ever arrive?
by Kurt Fisher 27 Jul '07

27 Jul '07

We seem to be in year 7 of the 11 year solar cycle - and solar minimum has yet to arrive. - http://sidc.oma.be/html/wolfmms.html - and the prediction looks like it will not turn to the rising phase until the end of this year, almost 7 years after the last maximum - http://sidc.oma.be/html/wolfjmms.html - but then will rapidly rise to the next maximum in just three years in 2011. http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/images/ssn_predict_l.gif This page - http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/predict.shtml - references a paper on the shape of the curve of past cycles as the basis for predicting future cycles - Hathaway, Wilson, and Reichmann Solar Physics; 151, 177 (1994) http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/papers/hathadh/HathawayWilsonReichmann199… Among the things that the authors note are: 1) Solar cycles are not strictly periodic and do not follow a lockstep 11 year pattern. "[W]hile the average cycle length (minimum to minimum) is about 11 years, individual cycles vary in length from 9 to 14 years." 2) "Further, smaller cycles tend to rise to maximum more slowly than larger cycles (the Waldmeier effect)." I'm not sure what a "large amplitude" cycle means - what's big, medium, and small? But this chart of the cycles back to 1750 will give you an idea: http://sidc.oma.be/html/wolfaml.html 3) "Most cycles shows substantial asymmetry, with the rise to maximum being faster than the fall to minimum." 4) The last few cycles have been anomalous and show chaotic behavior. The fact that we are into seven years since the last maximum seems to be norm, not the exception. But this is probably a good thing for club members. It has given more time for club members to buy and become proficient with the ubiquitous PSTs. More solar amateurs are taking up and becoming proficient in solar imaging. They'll be ready for the next maximum. Looks like things are shaping up for a real solar Renaissance, observationally speaking, at the next max. - Kurt See also http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/SunspotCycle.shtml _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Wolf Creek Pass Site Locations
by Kurt Fisher 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

Diveboss wrote: > think if you are going to let a bear get close enough to where "Bear > Mace" will work without blowing back in your face, I would go with a > Taser! True enough. But the bear mace can is pretty industrial. It's the size of a small fire extinguisher and shoots 30 feet. After 10 years, it still reads green and pressurized. But I should probably test it just to make sure that it still works. To test it, I need something that is over 225 lbs, woolly, and that has a mean temperment. Care to volunteer? If it works on a Marine at 30 paces, surely the bear has no chance. :) Kurt _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net

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Wolf Creek Pass Site Locations
by Kurt Fisher 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

David, - one final note. It can get down to 40 degrees at night even when the city vallies exceed 100 degs during the daytime. I use a summer bag, but also throw a wool blanket into the truck for an extra layer of warmth. A winter bag is too much; a summer bag too litte. - Kurt _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net

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Wolf Creek Pass Site Locations
by Kurt Fisher 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

David, Your'r welcome. Just a couple of other notes. 1) Because of deer and domestic horse use, the skitters and some biting flys are a problem. Light DET is recommended. 2) There's a campfire restriction in effect, particulary at the no-fee sites. Stove's only. 3) Because its a drought year, wildlife is on the move. Although I've never seen a bear or bear track at that site, throwing a can of bear mace into the truck might be an idea. 4) If you drive out after 10pm, deer on the road is a real hazard. Keep the speed down. It's a great place for a quick nearby getaway car camp. - Kurt _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Wolf Creek Pass Site Locations
by Naz & David 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

Thanks Chuck, Yes, I know the weather is a bit dodgey this time of year (not exactly and exception around Salt Lake City) but my wife is away for a few weeks and I need to entertain an only child :( Can anyone comment on best locations at Wolf Creek? Cheers David

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Wolf Creek Pass Site Locations
by Naz & David 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

Thanks for you detailed reply Kurt! Despite the moon I think we'll venture up there and do some fishing, camping and hopefully some observing. I liked a spot at the end of FR532 that appeared in the clear, might try that (when there's no lightning...). I'm using my wifes Honda CRV AWD which bounced along FR091 pretty nicely. Will have to wash it before she gets back :) Cheers David

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Re: Dark sky fund (Was: Rush Valley or Lakeside)
by Patrick Wiggins 26 Jul '07

26 Jul '07

Sieg is still too shy to actively participate here but he did ok my posting the following from him. pw On 25 Jul 2007, at 17:30, ziggy943(a)xmission.com wrote: > I am not against a dark sky site. Not at all. I agree that no dues > or other SLAS funds should be used for a private site. > > I don't know if this is the whole thread so I don't know if I'm > understanding this. Is someone suggesting that we dump gravel on a > site the make the site better for the people that go out there? Do > we own the property. I would have a real problem with SLAS making > improvements on land that it doesn't own. Somebody (BLM for > example) could get real pissed. So if we own it, who in that case > is "we"? Not SLAS if no SLAS funds are used. Chuck still had the > best solution, an association of site owners pooling their funds > and efforts. > > The new southern Utah observatory presents a unique and timely > opportunity to piggyback on their project. I know it's a longer > drive. I would feel much more comfortable if SLAS were involved > there then in any other location. I think in that case SLAS could > and even should be involved. > > sig

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Wolf Creek Pass Site Locations
by Kurt Fisher 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

David, I assume you are already generally aware of how to get to the campground from your description and/or using the SLAS overview map. http://www.slas.us/maps/wolfcreek.htm When you pull into the turnoff to the east and south campgrounds, go down the dirt road to the south (the first right), Forest Service Road 091. One-quarter mile down this road are some additional campsites. These are fee campsites, but a nice place to spend the afternoon out of the afternoon rain showers and lightning. This 3 mile scale map illustrates the relevant points. http://members.csolutions.net/fisherka/astronote/Darkskysites/WolfCreekDeta… Drive past these fee campsites and continue up the two wheel FR091 for 1 1/4 miles to the second junction. This second junction is between FR091 and FR561, about 1/4 miles short of the ridgeline that looks down into the West Fork of the Duchesne River. FR091 is two-wheel, but I would recommend not using a low-clearance vehicle. My VW bus was fine; I would not want to drive it in a low-clearance Toyota. Others may have a different experience and opinion. At this second junction, the road branches right-west (FR091) and left-east (FR561). On either of side of these branches are non-fee horse campsites in the trees and open fields. These are the observing areas that I have used. Along the ridge, both FR091 and FR561 are two-wheel drive for about 3/4 of mile with a difficult two-wheel turn around at the FR091 end. Both roads then become serious 4 wheel terrain. I have three years of limited experience at this site. Typically, the mountains make weather: the afternoon showers mentioned by Chuck, and mountain clouds that stay into after dusk. Usually, I lounge around the campgrounds during the afternoon clouds and showers (read take a nap) and drive up onto the ridge at dusk and set up camp. For about 3 out of 6 nights, it has been cloudy at dusk. I set my clock for midnight or 1AM. Typically, the mountain generated clouds have blown out by then and I set up to observe for a couple of hours until I am driven back into the tent by the need to sleep. There are a few scenic diversions in the area. First, about 1/2 miles from the Wolf Creek campground entrance, going east, is the north running FR174. For about two miles up to Silver Meadow, it is two wheel with a difficult turn-around at the Silver Meadow end. Silver Meadow itself is a large open gently sloping valley covered with lupines for over a mile. http://members.csolutions.net/fisherka/astronote/Darkskysites/WolfCreekDive… Second, on the drive back take the two wheel dirt FR037 (the Soapstone Basin Road) between the Wolf Creek side, over the north ridge to State Highway 150. This road goes up Soapstone Mountain and then down the gentle Soapstone Basin. There are series of steep switchbacks leading down to State Highway 150. This two-wheel dirt road does not have the same clearance issues that FR091 has. I have driven it when dry after rain on the previous night. It may not be two-wheel immediately during and after a thunderstorm. http://members.csolutions.net/fisherka/astronote/Darkskysites/WolfCreekDive… David asked: > Are there any fish in the lakes nearby? :) I don't know about the status of aquatic rodents in that lake below the ridge and FR091. It is within hiking distance. But a third diversion in the area is the Mill Hollow Reservior off FR054 about four miles west down the road from Wolf Creek along Highway 35. It looks like a stocked lake to me. A late breakfast-brunch at that yuppie Italian restaraunt in downtown Kamas on the northeast corner of State Highways 189 and 32 is a good treat. Outstanding omelets. I've forgotten the name; it starts with a "P"; maybe someone can chime in on that one. Hope that helps; clear skies. - Kurt _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net

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Obs Rep - SLC - Sept. 7, 1859 - Solar Flare
by Kurt Fisher 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

Glad you enjoyed it. It's a good piece of history. - Kurt _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net

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Obs Rep - SLC - Sept. 7, 1859 - Solar Flare
by Kurt Fisher 25 Jul '07

25 Jul '07

I have been reading Stuart Clark's new book, The Sun Kings (Cambridge Press), regarding the life of Richard Carrington. Central to the book are two massive solar flares: the Halloween Flare of Oct. 30, 2003 and the mega-flare of Sept. 2, 1859. I captured the Halloween Flare of Oct. 30, 2003 on film; the image can be seen in my Utah Astrogallery folder: http://www.utahastronomy.com/kurt/CME486_001 The great flare of Sept. 2, 1859 was on a much larger scale. Auoral displays covered the entire northern and southern hemispheres down to 10 degrees latitude. Telegraph wires transmitted induced currents that burned out, and in some cases, set on fire, telegraph stations. One telegraph operator in Pennsylvannia was electrocuted and knocked unconscious. Magnetic interference rendered the global telegraph network inoperable for days. The significance of the great flare has to be understood in the context of the times. In the mid-1800s, the nature of the Sun was still unknown. Prevailing scientific theories included that the heat of the Sun was generated by gravitational collapse of a rocky solid body. Sunspots were still thought to be mountain peaks sticking up through a luminensicent solar atmosphere. The great flare of 1859 was observed by English observers Carrington and Hodgson. It marked the beginning of modern solar astronomy. Clark's book inspired me to check the Deseret News weekly for the edition immediately after September 2, 1859. The following is the published report of W.W. Phelps, described as the "Metrological Observatory Superintendent". http://www.lib.utah.edu/digital/unews/ ========================== Desert News Weekly Ed. Sept. 7, 1859 Northern Lights by W.W. Phelps, Sup. Met. Obs. On Sunday evening, the 28th utl., a beautiful display of aurora borealis, or northern lights was observed in this city between 9 and 10 p.m.; a palish light wavered up about 30 degrees towards the zenith, giving the "Great Bear" or "Dipper" quite a silver hue; thence it began to spread east and west with increasing grandeur, till about 11, when the perpendicular waves, streams, rays of light, moving consecutively from the North Star east and west, beautified a large portion of the northern hemisphere. A few masses of floating, fleecy (sonder) clouds were gorgeously decorated with a splendor not easily described. The light, about 20 degrees above the horizon, decreasing upward and downward, so that, at nearly midway to the zneith, the scene chagned into a fine yellow-green, which was joined by a rich livery of crimson or red, spanning the whole heavens from east to west, several degrees wide, as the great red belt of the North. This magnificent phenomenon, in varying hues, beautifies and fashions among the sombre and fall clouds, continued to give the science of meterorology nimble specimens of the light fire-works of heaven, till about one in the morning. Again, on the evening of the 1st and morning of the 2nd inst., was displayed the inimitable phantasma-glory of the whole heavens. The aurora borealis, a little after midnight, had spread from north to south, from east to west, in grand divisions of pale light, mellow yellow, light crimson, and sable green. Once, the light formed a grand cross, north and south and east and west, curved to a horizontal parallax. I could tell the time of night on my watch by its light. There was beautiful center, equally rayed near the zenith. Much of the time, the sky was overcast with fall clouds, and the variegated colors which softly tinged the homogeneous, rolling masses were too beautiful and sublime for plain English. At times, the southern hemisphere began with pale red at the zenith and shade after shade faded down to a dark orange horizon, while the northern hemisphere glowed with yellow and green, as the light, east and west, peeped through the jaggled cloud holes, as if the 'upper deep' was an [h]ising-glass globe lantern. I viewed this grand scene till past 2 a.m. and went to bed, double impressed that Jehovah can show signs and wonders yet. Also, on the evening of the third, about 8, while a thunder shower was rising south-westerly, a faint light sprung up in the east, and continued to rise till the summit was about 45 degrees high and resembled faint northern lights. After the shower, which began at a quarter to 9 and continued 15 minutes, affording about 1.4 of an inch of water, it glowed beautifully. This singular "lesser twilight" grew fainter from ten till it disappeared a little after midnight. A "sign in the east" according to custom, should take the cognomen of aurora orientalis, or eastern lights. ================= _______________________________________________ Sent via CSolutions - http://www.csolutions.net

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