January 2011 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Motel help
by Joe Bauman 29 Jan '11

29 Jan '11

Hi, to those who are heading south around Feb. 4 for a weekend of observing: I would like to coordinate with others and think I'll stay Thursday and Sunday nights in a motel but can't decide which one. I read some fairly wretched reviews of some Hurricane motels on the Internet, and would like a recommendation from someone who knows. Are there any good ones in Virgin that aren't too expensive? I'm especially freaked out by the thought of dirty or buggy accommodations, in this era of bedbugs. Thanks, Joe

3 2

The offer is still good
by Dave Gary 28 Jan '11

28 Jan '11

I guess I was a little tired at 03:30 this morning when I offered accommodations for any one heading to the St. George area for a weekend of observing. It dawned on me later in the day that it would be nice if you had a phone number so you could reach me. My cell number is: 435-669-5507 Dave

1 0

Hurricane Motels
by Stephen Peterson 28 Jan '11

28 Jan '11

Try this link for motel evaluation: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g57022-Hurricane_Utah-Hotels.html I have personally heard bad things about the Super 8. Wife and I spent 1 night at the Days Inn which was OK. The opinions in the link are probably a better indication than me doing a walk through but I am willing to do that or try to negotiate for a "group rate". Don't know of any motels in Virgin, maybe a B&B. Steve

2 1

Motels II
by Stephen Peterson 28 Jan '11

28 Jan '11

Travelers might consider motels in Springdale. It is a little further to drive to the Virgin site but one might find some good deals this time of year and some motels are a bit more up-scale. Just a thought. teve

1 0

lunar boat on 4 feb sunset
by daniel turner 28 Jan '11

28 Jan '11

Next Friday just after sunset when the sun is just below the horizon there will be a one day old moon 11 degrees away from the sun. The angle of the ecliptic and lunar orbit will position the moon so that it will appear like a boat above the horion. The moon will be 1 percent illuminated and you will need a clear west south west horizon but it should be a sight worth seeing. I learned this from the Jean Meeus book, forth in the series "Morsels" which I'm currently reading. I highly recomend the entire series I through V for anyone enjoys observational astronomy. Readings like these are how I make it through the cold and cloudy days of winter. DT

3 3

The offer is still good
by Dave Gary 28 Jan '11

28 Jan '11

To anyone who is coming down for this weekend of observing the offer is still good to stay at my place if you so desire. I live in St. George, so it won’t be too far from where you might be going. I have two open bedrooms, each with their own adjoining bathrooms. I have an excellent library (for the geeky types) a big-screen TV and a hot tub under a cabana near the swimming pool. However, I wouldn’t recommend swimming this time of year. We’re here all weekend. Dave

1 0

Challenger 25 years on the 28th
by Jay Eads 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Just thought it would be appropriate to remember that on January 28, 1986 we lost 7 terrific people when the Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch. I remember in 2002 at the Kennedy Space Center seeing the memorial for all those who have lost their lives and this one probably impacted me the most as I was 21. I'll never forget that I had just finished eating lunch at a buffet in Greensboro North Carolina, when the party I was with walked out and there was a electronics store next door that had tv's in the windows. We stopped and watched in extremely cold temperatures as Challenger lifted off (it wasn't so common place back then and a small crowd had gathered) and I will never forget when the vehicle exploded. Mere shock and awe in what we were viewing with a few people openly starting to cry. Not a wonderful silver anniversary, but I hope our country never forgets those who have given their lives to promote humankind's exploration of space and to increase our scientific knowledge in the space programs we/we've have/had and the sacrifices both they and their families have made on our behalf. To them I raise a toast of my favorite beverage and invite you to do the same. -- Jay Eads

2 1

interesting web site
by Gary Vardon 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

The ciclops.org website site has a lot of pictures and information about the Cassini mission. Sincerely, Gary Vardon The book DO It Right will help you understand vital ideas leading to your greater success. GO to PublishAmerica.com Consulting For Profit is also available. Learn how to make money as a consultant.

1 0

Screaming deal
by Chuck Hards 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

Surplus Shed is having a 30% off sale through 11:59 PM tonight, EST. I just bought a KONUS 20 x 80mm "wide angle" binocular, brand-new, for $67.96, which includes $5 shipping. The regular price, already low, is 89.95. Use coupon code SS40111 at checkout to invoke the discount. Its good for their entire inventory, as far as I know. Hurry!

3 3

ALCON 2011 Reservations vs Accommodations
by Lowell Lyon 27 Jan '11

27 Jan '11

There still may be some confusion about registration. You may reserve rooms at Ruby's Inn by going to www.astroleague.org, then click on the ALCON 2011 logo, then go to the tab that says "Accommodations". Reservations for ALCON itself will begin formally by the end of January. Reserving rooms at Ruby's Inn is separate from registering for ALCON itself. I hope this helps. Watch your mailbox for the next issue of the Reflector magazine. ALCON 2011 will have a full-page ad plus registration information. Both Astronomy and Sky & Telescope magazines will have ads to promote this event in upcoming issues. Stay tuned!!! Thank you. Lowell Lyon, ALCON 2011 Co-Chair

2 1