March 2009 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Re: [Utah-astronomy] Not necessarily just astronomy
by stormcrow60＠xmission.com 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

Hi Erik, I am not sure if your comment about not posting links was directed at me or not. However, I did not post my aforementioned link for several reasons. 1. I did not realize that the global warming topic was off limits. My initial post to Joe's article was one of countering the idea that global warming was not human induced and stated that I assumed there would be retorts. I stated that because I was not sure if the global warming topic would take off on a tangent, yet I could not let the subject of Joe's article go unchallenged. 2. One blogger posted a comment to get the subject back to astronomy. Ho many others' sentiments leaned that way I do not know. 3. Many of the usual daily posters stopped posting... including the moderators. I did not know if they was dissatisfied with the discussion. 4. After Kevin's post with some very revealing scientific data regarding the Sun's activity, it appeared my post would prolong what I thought may be an off topic discussion. Thus my subsequent post to bow out of the discussion. 5. My link would have provided a roughly one hour documentary regarding global warming. Although the program was excellently produced with very credible scientists and data, the data I was speaking of in this documentary was actually only about a ten minute segment of the whole program. But it spoke volumes regarding the proof that global warming is being exacerbated by human activity. 6. I have checked the three websites where I thought I would find this documentary, but I had no luck. Neither could I find it through a Google search. Oh well... I suppose I could actually post a link to NOAA's full length report that was recently released. But would it really change anyone's mind regarding human induced global warming? I thought it better to let sleeping dogs lie. Anyhow, have a good one! Jon

3 3

OT: Plan B 3.0
by Richard Tenney 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

To leave what I just said on a more constructive note, I encourage you all to read the excellent book by Lester Brown, "Plan B. 3.0". I promise, it has nothing to do with Al Gore! And it's free -- you can read it online here: http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PB3/Contents.htm It is full of solid science data and plenty of good ideas as to what we as a civilization can do to remedy the current climate/ecological/economical mess we are in. /R

1 0

Astronomical League Certificates?
by Troy Davidson 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

About 10 years ago, the Astronomical League used to have some certificates that a person could earn for observing various things. Looking at their website now, I don't see these certificates. Are these still available? Thanks. -- ++++++++++++++++++ Troy Davidson

4 7

Re: [Utah-astronomy] Astronomical League Certificates?
by JayLEads 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

I know that I am about to finish the Messier Club and the Binoculars Messier (should be this month but depends on how the old back recovers and the weather). I started the Urban Club and am working on my own on the Best of the NGC. After that I'll probably do the Double Star. One thing I noticed with these is that often you can do at least two lists since many objects are near to each other.

3 2

Re: [Utah-astronomy] Utah-Astronomy Digest, Vol 73, Issue 18
by stormcrow60＠xmission.com 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Hi Kevin, Bravo! Now that is data that one can sink their teeth into. It is better then the link I was going to provide to the documentary about global warming. But since I am not able to find it, and your provided data is much more in depth, I will take it and run with it. That being said, I am bowing out of this debate. Although I enjoyed it quite a bit, this is an astronomy blog and I understand others on this list may be getting frustrated. Nevertheless, I am always ready to participate in any discussions that may find their way on this blog, be they astronmical or not. Thanks everyone for their opinions and input. Jon

4 3

Global Warming is for Real
by M Wilson 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Here is absolute proof that global warming exists: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuEpZaiKdAw

3 2

Bogdan refractor
by Patrick Wiggins 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Bruce Grim, Roger Butz and I have been working to get the Bogdan refractor ready for the upcoming SPOC season. A few days ago Roger decided the scope's brass tailpiece needed to be polished (it had not been polished in a very long time). So polish it he did and here he is with the result: http://users.wirelessbeehive.com/~paw/temp/roger01.jpg Thanks Roger, patrick

2 1

Re: [Utah-astronomy] Not necessarily just astronomy
by stormcrow60＠xmission.com 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Patrick said: And to the Digesters, it would be handy if when replying to a digest you change the subject to something relevant rather than sticking with the standard "Utah-Astronomy Digest, Vol XX, Issue YY" the list automatically puts in the Subject box. Sorry Patrick, I realized after I sent the email, I had not changed the subject. Sheepishly kicking pebbles... Jon

1 0

Telescope Retailer
by Troy Davidson 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Hello all. I'm new here and this is my first message. I am going to be getting a new (at least new to me) telescope soon. I'm looking for an 8" dob that takes 2" eyepieces. What I'm wondering is...where is a good place to buy either used or new telescopes at a decent price? Thanks for the help. -- ++++++++++++++++++ Troy Davidson

9 12

Help ID a globular?
by Patrick Wiggins 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

I came across a couple of slides I took years ago when I was first dabbling in astrophotography. One of M-57 was easy to identify. The other is a globular but I've no idea which one. I've compared it to pictures of several globulars but none match. Anyone have any ideas which globular it is? http://users.wirelessbeehive.com/~paw/temp/mystery.jpg Thanks, patrick

3 3