October 2013 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Wanna buy a name?
by Patrick Wiggins 28 Dec '13

28 Dec '13

Those who have been on this list a very long time might remember that back in 2007 I spotted a little dot on one of my images that moved from picture to picture that turned out to be an unknown minor planet. I gave it the temporary name UOFU08 (for Univ. of Utah find #8). The Minor Planet Center checked and when they decided it was in fact a new find they called it K07V08N / 2007 VN8. Going through my correspondence from back then I saw I'd posted to this list that it would probably be a couple of years before I'd be able to name it. Turned out to be longer than that. However, a couple of hours ago I received my second cosmological birthday present (the first being the GRB) in the form of an email from MPC giving my little rock a number: 361690 So, what am I bid for naming rights? :) Just kidding as the rights were gone long ago. Some here might also remember that following my (with wife Holly) first find back on 03 November 1999 and my solo find a couple of weeks later I was thinking this was going to be easy. So easy that I gave naming rights to my next find to KCPW to auction off during one of their telethons. And from what I remember, they got a handsome sum. Little did the winner (or I) know that next find would be 8 years later. And that the ability to name it would come 6 years after that. So I just sent the winning bidder an email to the address I had for him in 2007. So far it has not bounced. I'm really interested to see how he'll respond. Clear skies, patrick

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Frontiers of Science tomorrow (plus Mayan & Bernson)
by Wiggins Patrick 14 Nov '13

14 Nov '13

Frontiers of Science talk tomorrow (Thursday) https://www.facebook.com/events/106708762820137/ Evidence that the Mayan calendar does not end this year: http://www.zazzle.com/the_2013_mayan_calendar-158713461120501542 And now we know where Dave Bernson arrived on Earth: http://nationexplorer.com/feature/1448512 Clear skies! patrick Sent from my iPad

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Ideas for my presentation - November 20th General Meeting
by Tyler Allred 03 Nov '13

03 Nov '13

Hello SLAS, I thought I would start a thread to "test the waters" regarding topics for my presentation at the November 20th SLAS General Meeting. I am looking for input, so please let me know what you would like to see presented. I have given talks before that offer a very basic summary of the ways to break into astrophotography and the techniques that one can use, from the moderately cheap to the very expensive. I have also given talks where I present images I have made of various objects and discuss the interesting aspects of each. Either of these approaches could work and my previous talks could be used as a backbone and updated with the latest and greatest information. However, I am considering trying out a different approach this time. Is there any interest in a less formal and less constrained format where I bring a complete dataset and simply show how I process an image or two from start to finish? People could ask questions and we could keep it very loose and informal. It may not be of interest to everyone, but then again, maybe no topic is of interest to everyone. In the past, there have been many requests to hold a mini image processing workshop where people could to bring a laptop and try some processing steps on their own. I am open to this idea but I am unsure about such a session working out on a weeknight with serious time constraints. A workshop seems like a better activity for a weekend with a 4-hour time window (or more). I think the time allowed would be better spent if I just processed an image or two, and allowed others to watch and ask questions as they occur. I think people learn more with such an approach rather than holding questions until the end. Please let me know your thoughts on the matter. Perhaps I could begin with a brief slide show on the design and build of my backyard observatory and/or my homemade astrograph... if anyone is interested. The scope is no 1.8 meter monster, but does produce nice images, and building an astrograph has its challenges. Thoughts? I appreciate whatever feedback you can provide to help me focus on something useful and interesting to the group members. I want to hear from all the usual folks, but also from the lurkers, so please chime in one and all. Thanks, Tyler

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In today's media
by Wiggins Patrick 01 Nov '13

01 Nov '13

A couple of science related items in today's media. First an editorial in today's Tribune which seems encouraging but if I understand correctly not all "first world" countries were included in the study. Science scores a bright light for Utah schools http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/57053475-82/utah-students-countries-sc… And second from today's NPR Fresh Air program. Lots in the interview I found interesting but one thing I'd not thought about was how it's difficult to physically keep control of one's self in micro-gravity without the use of vision. Has me wondering if the same might be said about being in freefall (I think I'll try that with eyes closed and see what happens). Astronaut Chris Hadfield Brings Lessons From Space Down To Earth http://kuer.org/post/astronaut-chris-hadfield-brings-lessons-space-down-ear… patrick

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Aliens have nothing to gain from Earth
by Wiggins Patrick 01 Nov '13

01 Nov '13

From today's Chronicle. patrick Aliens have nothing to gain from Earth http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2594073

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Journey to the 1.8 Meter
by jcarman6＠q.com 31 Oct '13

31 Oct '13

I'm gratified to learn that Watson's 22" telescope not only survives but is in regular use. Recalling his arrival at star parties, the rest of us noted the white sonar tube attached to the roof of his vehicle. It looked like a MX missile and was believed to be Utah's answer to the need for a home defense system, a lthough it wasn't exactly covered by a concealed weapon's permit. Those damn Ruskies better not mess with us. W e take our second amendment VERY SERIOUSLY!!! On a more serious note, if the deal goes through with Chuck, more power to him, but if it doesn't how bout donating it to Bryce National Park? That was going to be my suggestion for Mr. 70 when even using it in Delta would be too cumbersome. Make the most of a dark sky site with a primo telescope. While on the subject of the 1.8 meter, if another attempt to visit and view through it in Herriman is set up, I would like to be included. Nothing stopped me from climbing the 18 foot ladder for the 22 and the chance to view through a 70 would be worth the climb again. Although I would probably have to climb higher than the rest by a rung or two because of my height (or lack thereof). Go figure, I actually brought this thread back to the subject listed (lol)

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] In today's media
by Kelly Ricks 31 Oct '13

31 Oct '13

Thanks for bringing the Fresh Air interview to my attention! I am impressed by Hadfield's candor, level-headedness, and ongoing expression of curiosity and openness to experience. ~Kelly > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:36:10 -0600 > From: Wiggins Patrick <paw(a)getbeehive.net> > To: utah astronomy listserve utah astronomy > <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: [Utah-astronomy] In today's media > Message-ID: <32FD4C43-8259-4400-A221-CBBF31974136(a)getbeehive.net> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > > A couple of science related items in today's media. > > First an editorial in today's Tribune which seems encouraging but if I > understand correctly not all "first world" countries were included in the > study. > > Science scores a bright light for Utah schools > > http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/57053475-82/utah-students-countries-sc… > > And second from today's NPR Fresh Air program. Lots in the interview I > found interesting but one thing I'd not thought about was how it's > difficult to physically keep control of one's self in micro-gravity without > the use of vision. Has me wondering if the same might be said about being > in freefall (I think I'll try that with eyes closed and see what happens). > > Astronaut Chris Hadfield Brings Lessons From Space Down To Earth > > http://kuer.org/post/astronaut-chris-hadfield-brings-lessons-space-down-ear… > > patrick >

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Aliens have nothing to gain from Earth
by Bruce Hugo 30 Oct '13

30 Oct '13

>They will need to destroy Earth for that Interstellar By-pass though. I'll keep my towel ready at all times. :-)

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Aliens have nothing to gain from Earth
by Bruce Hugo 30 Oct '13

30 Oct '13

The UFO's are just checking in to see if we've blow ourselves to oblivion yet so they can move in without resistance.

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70-inch field trip report
by Chuck Hards 30 Oct '13

30 Oct '13

Did you get a break in the clouds? See anything good? Impressions? I'm off to bed, 4 AM comes awfully fast. I'll read your reports in the morning.

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