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

K05Y55U flyby data
by Patrick Wiggins 06 Nov '11

06 Nov '11

Here are the latest northern Utah data from the Minor Planet Center for K05Y55U's (aka 2005 YU55) pass Tuesday night. We'll miss closest approach as that will happen right about sunset but by astronomical dark it'll still be only 345,000 km out and whizzing along at just over 450"/minute. The nearly full Moon will be a bit of a bummer but weather permitting this will still be a fun one to watch and image. My plan at the moment is to shoot stills (which I'll later put into an animation) through the C-14 and try to spot it visually at the same time through the C-5. As for weather, the NWS is currently calling for mostly clear. Let's hope they are correct. Clear skies, patrick K05Y55U Date UT R.A. (J2000) Decl. Delta V Motion Object Sun h m s AU "/min Alt Alt 2011 11 09 000000 20 43 57.7 +10 59 07 0.0021 11.7 514.73 +58 +02 2011 11 09 010000 21 17 08.2 +13 12 55 0.0022 11.4 491.02 +62 -08 2011 11 09 020000 21 48 40.9 +15 02 45 0.0023 11.2 450.39 +65 -20 2011 11 09 030000 22 17 37.0 +16 26 59 0.0024 11.1 401.02 +65 -31 2011 11 09 040000 22 43 26.4 +17 27 54 0.0026 11.1 350.17 +64 -42 2011 11 09 050000 23 06 04.8 +18 09 43 0.0028 11.1 302.59 +60 -53 2011 11 09 060000 23 25 43.9 +18 36 54 0.0030 11.1 260.52 +53 -62 2011 11 09 070000 23 42 44.1 +18 53 27 0.0033 11.2 224.60 +46 -66 2011 11 09 080000 23 57 27.6 +19 02 29 0.0035 11.3 194.47 +38 -64 2011 11 09 090000 00 10 15.8 +19 06 21 0.0038 11.3 169.44 +29 -57 2011 11 09 100000 00 21 27.8 +19 06 45 0.0041 11.4 148.66 +19 -47 2011 11 09 110000 00 31 19.3 +19 04 56 0.0044 11.5 131.35 +10 -36 2011 11 09 120000 00 40 03.4 +19 01 44 0.0047 11.6 116.83 +01 -24

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Look at the Sun!
by D P Pierce 05 Nov '11

05 Nov '11

Great sunspot group! Using Baader filter could see with unmagnified eye and really well with 8 X 21 binos. http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime/realtime-update.html Deloy Pierce

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Utah-Astronomy Digest, Vol 105, Issue 7
by garrard55＠xmission.com 05 Nov '11

05 Nov '11

Does anyone have plans to observe/image Asteroid 2005 YU 55? Quoting utah-astronomy-request(a)mailman.xmission.com: > Send Utah-Astronomy mailing list submissions to > utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > utah-astronomy-request(a)mailman.xmission.com > > You can reach the person managing the list at > utah-astronomy-owner(a)mailman.xmission.com > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Utah-Astronomy digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 and Fri Nov. 5 > (Jay Eads) > 2. Re: Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 and Fri Nov. 5 > (Steve Fisher) > 3. Re: Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 and Fri Nov. 5 > (Chuck Hards) > 4. Re: Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 and Fri Nov. 5 > (Dave Gary) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 10:52:24 -0600 > From: Jay Eads <jayleads(a)gmail.com> > To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 > and Fri Nov. 5 > Message-ID: > <CANCdW8ebHQxOsNFn8ofkx=4kUNkGUTTY+HuNVOvs-fAwQpZYjw(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Oh, winter doesn't mean the end of observing season. Indeed, for me and a > few others the best views in northern Utah often come in the winter. What > it depends on is the cloud cover for the two weeks around new moon. Also > key it is just being prepared. Layers and the right layers are the key and > not showing up with a thermal layer and jeans, that won't cut it and in my > opinion, even in summer, jeans are a poor dress material because they are > of cotton and cotton doesn't trap the heat as it soaks in moisture and > keeps it next to the skin and makes you colder. Cotton won't retain > warmth/body heat either. See this article: > http://www.midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/outdoors_recreations/winter_play… > One thing for sure, having the clothing for winter observing in the field > is another expense, one that some cannot afford, but it is the same price > as an expensive eyepiece and can be done over time. > > Mat and I were out in -6 degree F last winter and to be totally honest, we > did not get cold at all. For me, the winter Milky Way and the objects > found in the winter sky are superior to the summer ones. Perhaps a > comparison is in order . . . but we'll see if anyone responds to this. > > On Fri, Nov 4, 2011 at 10:46 PM, Canopus56 <canopus56(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > >> Ian, Glad you had a good time with it. One last peak before the winter >> season sets in. The clouds were too thick last night, so I didn't try. - >> Kurt >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php >> > > > > -- > Jay Eads > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 11:17:27 -0600 > From: Steve Fisher <iotacass1(a)hotmail.com> > To: <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 > and Fri Nov. 5 > Message-ID: <SNT135-W685ECC15E0640E1D58BDBEFDB0(a)phx.gbl> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > > Jay:I am envious and glad there are folks like you out there. I > observed M-42 early in the morning after the "trick or treaters" > had left and we observed the Pleiades from SPOC two weeks ago. That > will no doubt be just about the total extent of my winter observing. > I have a 6" Dob in the garage for those exceptional winter nights > from the back yard. I just happen to be one of those who do not do > well with cold temperatures at all. Again, that is just me. Steve > > Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 10:52:24 -0600 >> From: jayleads(a)gmail.com >> To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com >> Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 >> and Fri Nov. 5 >> >> Oh, winter doesn't mean the end of observing season. Indeed, for me and a >> few others the best views in northern Utah often come in the winter. What >> it depends on is the cloud cover for the two weeks around new moon. Also >> key it is just being prepared. Layers and the right layers are the key and >> not showing up with a thermal layer and jeans, that won't cut it and in my >> opinion, even in summer, jeans are a poor dress material because they are >> of cotton and cotton doesn't trap the heat as it soaks in moisture and >> keeps it next to the skin and makes you colder. Cotton won't retain >> warmth/body heat either. See this article: >> http://www.midwestweekends.com/plan_a_trip/outdoors_recreations/winter_play… >> One thing for sure, having the clothing for winter observing in the field >> is another expense, one that some cannot afford, but it is the same price >> as an expensive eyepiece and can be done over time. >> >> Mat and I were out in -6 degree F last winter and to be totally honest, we >> did not get cold at all. For me, the winter Milky Way and the objects >> found in the winter sky are superior to the summer ones. Perhaps a >> comparison is in order . . . but we'll see if anyone responds to this. >> >> On Fri, Nov 4, 2011 at 10:46 PM, Canopus56 <canopus56(a)yahoo.com> wrote: >> >> > Ian, Glad you had a good time with it. One last peak before the winter >> > season sets in. The clouds were too thick last night, so I didn't try. - >> > Kurt >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php >> > >> >> >> >> -- >> Jay Eads >> _______________________________________________ >> 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 3 > Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 11:42:27 -0600 > From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards(a)gmail.com> > To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 > and Fri Nov. 5 > Message-ID: > <CAHmuOYqznKDYF-Co=r_U6PxQ+3PjMDMEtXnA-E=xhFNOQ0_jJw(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > I agree with Jay that the winter nights are the best. And the longest! > > The trade-offs are that you don't have access to as many observing > sites, and snow on the ground exacerbates the light pollution problem > for sites close to the Wasatch front. You also have to contend with > ground fog on occassion, and seek out higher altitude. > > Some 25 years ago, before there was as much "sporty" winter apparel on > the market, I discovered insulated overalls, the kind worn by diesel > mechanics living in Wyoming. Those, along with a good parka, > snowmobile boots, and a rabbit-fur hat (sorry Patrick) keep the winter > observer toasty warm. I also would recommend taking a warm-up break > in the car about once per hour. Make sure the dome lights don't come > on, so you don't have to spend the next 30 minutes re-accommodating to > the darkness. > > Somewhere I have old photos of me and my observing cronies on Little > Mountain, standing on a foot of snow, enjoying the winter objects, > aurorae, and a little nip from the thermos (coffee and a dash of > Bailey's) every once in a while. > > We usually then went to Denny's (or Sambo's- anybody else remember the > horribly racist Sambo's?) for breakfast, just as the sun was peeking > over the mountains. > > > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 4 > Date: Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:43:28 -0600 > From: Dave Gary <davegary(a)me.com> > To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 > and Fri Nov. 5 > Message-ID: <98E3A31B-72B9-443E-B490-A3475BE5F599(a)me.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252 > > In Salt Lake City at least, I don?t think there was any more racist > eating establishment than the Coon Chicken Inn. Remember that one? > > Dave > On Nov 5, 2011, at 11:42 AM, Chuck Hards wrote: > >> I agree with Jay that the winter nights are the best. And the longest! >> >> The trade-offs are that you don't have access to as many observing >> sites, and snow on the ground exacerbates the light pollution problem >> for sites close to the Wasatch front. You also have to contend with >> ground fog on occassion, and seek out higher altitude. >> >> Some 25 years ago, before there was as much "sporty" winter apparel on >> the market, I discovered insulated overalls, the kind worn by diesel >> mechanics living in Wyoming. Those, along with a good parka, >> snowmobile boots, and a rabbit-fur hat (sorry Patrick) keep the winter >> observer toasty warm. I also would recommend taking a warm-up break >> in the car about once per hour. Make sure the dome lights don't come >> on, so you don't have to spend the next 30 minutes re-accommodating to >> the darkness. >> >> Somewhere I have old photos of me and my observing cronies on Little >> Mountain, standing on a foot of snow, enjoying the winter objects, >> aurorae, and a little nip from the thermos (coffee and a dash of >> Bailey's) every once in a while. >> >> We usually then went to Denny's (or Sambo's- anybody else remember the >> horribly racist Sambo's?) for breakfast, just as the sun was peeking >> over the mountains. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php > > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > 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.slas.us/gallery2/main.php > > End of Utah-Astronomy Digest, Vol 105, Issue 7 > ********************************************** >

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Protostar update
by daniel turner 04 Nov '11

04 Nov '11

I just got off the phone with Brian Greer of Protostar. Protostar is one of three businesses that Brian runs and it's not the one that puts groceries on the table. He answered on the first ring and told me about the business issues he had last year. He says that now he is again taking orders and plans to have his backlog worked off soon. I ordered online back in July when his wait time was 16 weeks and now he's taking orders for 6 weeks out. Having bought telescope and ATM equipment over the years from the likes of Discovery, Novak, and Coulter, I learned patience long ago. I understand that this is really just a hoby and it's supposed to be fun for all concerned, even suppliers like Brian. DT

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Jupiter transit and GRS, Thurs Nov. 3 and Fri Nov. 5
by Canopus56 04 Nov '11

04 Nov '11

The Nov. S and T (p. 54) lists an Io transit and Io shadow transit beginning tonight, Nov. 3, at 11:05pm MDT, and a Great Red Spot transit tomorrow night Nov. 4, at 10:45pm MDT. Jupiter will be at about 50deg alt on both nights. On Nov. 12 at 7pm MST, there will be an Io transit in progress with the GRS. Clear Skies - Kurt

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Frontiers of Science lecture coming up next Tuesday (Nov. 8), U of U
by Richard Tenney 03 Nov '11

03 Nov '11

FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE LECTURE TUE, NOV. 8 "THE ARCTIC OCEAN'S SHRINKING ICE COVER" --- --- 7:30 PM ALINE W. SKAGGS BIOLOGY BLDG. (See map: http://www.map.utah.edu/index.html?find=82) FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! NO TICKETS REQUIRED Hajo Eicken, a professor of geophysics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will discuss key factors that drive Arctic sea ice change an annual and decade-long timescales during a free public lecture on Nov. 8. In 2007, the loss of Arctic sea ice broke all previous records by early August – a month before the end of melt season – with a decline in Arctic sea ice minimum extent of roughly 400,000 square miles. For the first time in human memory, the Northwest Passage opened completely. In 2008 and 2009, Arctic sea ice minimum extent was greater than 2007, but did not return to the levels of previous years. How can we explain such changes and are they unique in Earth’s long-term history and recent past? What do declines in summer sea ice mean for Arctic residents, including walruses, polar bears and other animals that depend on the ice, as well as for human activities such as shipping or resource extraction? This event is free and open to the public! NO tickets are required. Arrive early for best seating. Click here for a campus map to the event: http://www.map.utah.edu/index.html?find=82.

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Belated thanks for the help with last Friday's star party
by Richard Tenney 03 Nov '11

03 Nov '11

This is late coming, but I wanted to say a big thank you to all who came out to help with the very successful star party for Timpview High astronomy students. We probably had a couple hundred students and friends/family, in spite of the cold temps. Those who didn't come missed a fun event (that included hot chocolate, donuts, and a VERY appreciative audience). Warm regards, /Rich

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Wizard nebula (NGC 7380)
by Ann Blanchard 03 Nov '11

03 Nov '11

Well, I can't quite leave Halloween behind and the Wizard Nebula was featured in the Astronomy picture of the day on November 1st. It was really interesting, take a look! I hunted around on the web and found an astrophotographer's picture of it (but was too big to include, except for his information on how it photographed it. I wondered if any of the talented group on our list had photographed it or if you can see it in a scope (rather than Hubble). NGC 7380, Sh2-142 , the "Wizard Nebula", locates in constellation Cepheus about 7000 light years from Oulu, Finland. The open star cluster has a catalog number NGC 7380. It's a relatively young cluster, about 5 million years. Nebula spans some 110 light years. There is only 1h 20 min. H-a light for the object, due some technical problems. Ones again, I spend most of the night by fixing my ***** scope. Seeing was better than usually, FWHM about 2,5". I'll shoot much more H-alpha data and other NB channels, S-II and O-III later. Image is very noisy due the short exposure time. Technical details: processing work flow: Image acquisition, MaxiDL v5.07. Stacked and calibrated in CCDStack. Levels and curves in PS CS3. Telescope, Meade LX200 GPS 12" @ f5 Camera, QHY9 Guiding, SXV-AO @ 6Hz Image Scale, 0,75 arcseconds/pixel Exposures H-alpha 4x1200s, binned 1x1 [cid:image005.png@01CC995C.3C1FA6D0]<http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=6953966401086641771&widgetType=HTML…>

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Article: Harvard University Loses Years of Data as Plates are Broken
by Jay Eads 03 Nov '11

03 Nov '11

If you know me, you know I like to joke and this is a joke. Okay, that's not what the article is about, I just did that to get your attention. Here is a fun article about the plates that Harvard University has collected of the sky and I thought some might enjoy reading it. I think it is rather cool what they are doing. http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-10/recording-century-night-skies… -- Jay Eads

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Halloween Treat
by Jay Eads 03 Nov '11

03 Nov '11

Because of the weather last year, I wasn't able to set up my 10 inch dob and show kids the moon and/or Jupiter. This year the weather looks good so it is time for a little neighborhood outreach and come views of the waxing crescent moon on the terminator and Jupiter if it is up high enough. Anyone else going to do this? Besides the 10 inch dob I'll have a late 1960's Tasco Spotting Scope that zooms that is an excellent lunar observing scope. Anyway, just curious. -- Jay Eads

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