August 2014 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Flocks of Birds While Observing
by Bruce Hugo 14 Aug '14

14 Aug '14

I live in Sandy near Little Cottonwood Canyon. The city's "glow ball" lighting system does a great job of lighting the bottom of airplanes (ugh) but it also lights up flocks of birds travelling overhead. Anyone know what type of birds are flying by at night? I was out last night bumping around some Messier objects around 10pm before the moon kicked in and there were numerous flocks of birds slipping through my eyepiece view. The city glow illuminated them well. They seem rather high in altitude. They were light in color. Possibly white. I'm assuming a smaller bird from their movement and they traveled in a loose "V" or "W" when in flock. I saw them a number of times last year too. Anyone else see these night travelers? Anyone know who they are? Just being Mr. Curious! Thanks! Bruce Hugo

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NASA awards
by Joe Bauman 14 Aug '14

14 Aug '14

NASA is giving out the awards right now. NASA TV

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Did you see the google logo?
by Richard Tenney 12 Aug '14

12 Aug '14

https://www.google.com/webhp?tab=ww&ei=J5bpU8DFEoqwjAL_xICoCw&ved=0CBkQ1S4

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OT -- warning for Patrick
by Joe Bauman 11 Aug '14

11 Aug '14

http://safeshare.tv/w/kLlmcNCGBk

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Early Persieds
by Chuck Hards 11 Aug '14

11 Aug '14

Twice this week I have seen bright meteors in the early morning sky, with a radiant near Perseus. This morning a very bright one was seen just below Venus, as it was only a few degrees above the skyline. Hoping this bodes well for this year's shower peak. The moon will compromise the shower somewhat, so only the brighter shower members will be easily seen, but if the two I've seen this week are any indication, we just might get a great show.

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Saturn 8/9/2014 ~22:00
by Dave Gary 10 Aug '14

10 Aug '14

Quick and dirty image of Saturn before it set behind my house. https://www.flickr.com/photos/78046474@N06/sets/72157646332303704/

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Rosetta comet images
by Richard Tenney 09 Aug '14

09 Aug '14

In case you were asleep yesterday... http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/rosetta-catches-comet-0806201… also: https://www.facebook.com/EarthSky/photos/a.61619521852.81951.36709031852/10… Beautiful stuff -- good job ESA!

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Utah Bucket List feature Bryce skies
by Wiggins Patrick 09 Aug '14

09 Aug '14

KUED 7 will air Utah Bucket List 2 this coming Monday evening starting at 7:00. One portion will feature astronomy programs at Bryce Canyon (featuring Kevin Poe) and the annual astronomy festival. patrick

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Nice to have a personal shopper
by Wiggins Patrick 07 Aug '14

07 Aug '14

Those here who are familiar with my standard style of dress might be interested (or amused) in this bit of my preparation for the NASA event later this month. Grins, patrick https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204421337479322&set=a.24628208957… p.s. Thank Ann!

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Excellent ISS pass this evening
by Wiggins Patrick 07 Aug '14

07 Aug '14

CalSky is calling for a near vertical pass of ISS for northern Utah this evening. Now if the weather will just cooperate. patrick Appears 20h40m19s 0.6mag az:234.0° SW horizon Culmination 20h45m43s -3.8mag az:323.7° NW h:82.9° distance: 418.7km height above Earth: 417.0km elevation of Sun: -2° Disappears 20h51m09s -0.6mag az: 53.4° NE horizon

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