March 2012 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

NASA's Head-Worn Display (need one for astronomy)
by Patrick Wiggins 16 Mar '12

16 Mar '12

Just think, if they had one of these except with an astronomy database we could all be Dave Bernsons. :) http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/2151-full.html#206327 patrick

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WISE
by erikhansen＠thebluezone.net 16 Mar '12

16 Mar '12

New Photos released from WISE http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=19598795&title=usu-built-telescope-captures…

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OT: Jethro Tull coming to SLC in October
by Chuck Hards 14 Mar '12

14 Mar '12

I know there are a number of Jethro Tull fans on Utah-astronomy, and wanted to make sure you knew the band is coming to SLC in October. Ian Anderson has written a sequel to "Thick As A Brick" and will be performing both the original album and the sequel in Abravanel Hall. Tickets are on-sale now. I've ordered a pair for Kelly and I and may give my daughter a pair in the cheap seats for her birthday present. If any other Utah-Astro members want to attend, perhaps we can meet up after the show for a late dinner in town. Ticket info: http://www.uconcerts.com/calendar/2012/10/22/jethro-tulls-ian-anderson/136 Too bad I cut my hair short last week! (Donated to Locks of Love)

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Conjunction in Dubai
by Barrett 14 Mar '12

14 Mar '12

I ran across this and thought someone may be interested. I know it's old news, but what the heck, this is from DUBAI! LOL In case anyone is going to rush off to Dubai to see it there, it's already tomorrow isn't it? Enjoy the show :) -Barrett +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Venus and Jupiter will be in conjunction on March 15th, 2012, passing within 3° of each other. The two planets have been getting closer and closer in the sky for the last month, and now its time to see them side-by-side. Venus is the higher, brighter object, and Jupiter is the lower dimmer one. Of course, Venus and Jupiter arent actually close to one another in the sky. Theyre really separated by millions of kilometres. But from our perspective here on Earth, we see the two objects closely lined up. Thats a conjunction. And in case youre wondering, the conjunction will be visible from everywhere on Earth As a special bonus, the planet Mars is also high and bright in the sky, visible as that bright red star further to the East, Mars recently reached its closest point to Earth, known as opposition. Mars wont be this close and bright for two more years. The sky show will continue, and on March 25th, 2012, the New Moon will join the pair again to create a triple conjunction. Another great photo opportunity. Although 3° sounds close, they can actually get much closer. In October 26, 2015, for example, the two planets will only be 1° apart. We are organizing observation session, all members are invited, come down to our Zubair Camp, the event is free, we will start 6PM to 9PM. For location please see maps on our website. http://www.dubaiastronomy.com/ Wish you Astronomical times. Best Regards, Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri Dubai Astronomy Group

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Tyson on starstuff
by Joe Bauman 14 Mar '12

14 Mar '12

In his excellent blog, Jay Eads posted a link to a comment by Neil DeGrasse Tyson. We should all be reading the blog --- which is here: http://jaysastronomyobservingblog.blogspot.com The one with the comment by Tyson is Tuesday's edition. Just to make it easier, here is the link to Tyson's comment. It's something almost all amateur astronomers already know, but he expresses it beautifully: http://jaysastronomyobservingblog.blogspot.com Thanks and best wishes to all, Joe

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Tom Johnson, RIP
by jcarman6＠q.com 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

I still have and use the first telescope I ever owned, a C-8, orange tube and tan parts (looks like grey to me). We used to joke in the club the best telescope was an orange one. It has been used for occasional photography. The sunspots I photographed several months ago were taken through it. I didn't know Tom Johnson was the founder of Celestron. Certainly not about the many awards he received. He has certainly had a powerful impact on amateur astronomy. He sounds like he was quite a man. RIP indeed. Thanks Tom. (and Erik for posting)

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OT again -- Bauman disliker(s) need not read
by Joe Bauman 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

Hi Friends, Here's the first review to be published of my book. Dennis Robinson, the reviewer, is the person who publicized the discovery of one George Fishley daguerreotype about 10 years ago, before I bought my own daguerreotype of him: http://tinyurl.com/6sjmqol Best wishes, Joe

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Tom Johnson, RIP
by erikhansen＠thebluezone.net 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

Celestron Founder and Schmit-Cass designer Tom Johnson has passed. http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/Tom-Johnson-xxxx1502012-142534025.…

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Venus and Jupiter Closing Ranks
by M Wilson 13 Mar '12

13 Mar '12

Judging from the weather forecast for this upcoming week, it looks like we're going to be disappointed in seeing much more of the Venus-Jupiter conjunction. I was out last night and captured this (possible) final image of the planet pairing before the weather turns yucky http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=4902

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Albert Einstein
by erikhansen＠thebluezone.net 09 Mar '12

09 Mar '12

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." Albert Einstein

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