Utah-Astronomy

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April 2024

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Re: How to learn about astronomy?
by John M. Craig 12 Apr '24

12 Apr '24

Hi Pam Bickell, I would recommend you find a book that is mostly pictures with moderate descriptions. One disadvantage of such books (like this one), is that they can be relatively costly, but fun to look at again and again: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-beautiful-solar-system-andreas-metzen/… Here's a similar one that's not as costly, but has the same emphasis on photographs: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stargazing-nirmala-nataraj/1130072657?ean=… You might enjoy exploring this website that has a wide range of pictures with brief explanations: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ I also enjoy spending time on the websites for the 2 main amateur astronomy magazines: https://skyandtelescope.org https://astronomy.com This page of the Astronomy magazine site is focused on the solar system, for instance: https://www.astronomy.com/science/solar-system/ This site is about the constellations: https://www.go-astronomy.com/constellations.htm You click on the name or picture of a constellation and it gives you some information about it (and you can skip the overly technical parts). Depending upon where you live, and how much you're able to get around (either with or without help), you would likely enjoy coming to a warm-weather star party. You can find out more about the various astronomy club events in some parts of the state by checking out: Utah Valley Astronomy Club https://uvac.us Salt Lake Astronomical Society https://slas.us Cache Valley Astronomical Society https://cvas-utahskies.org/ The Ogden astronomy website takes you to some kind of gambling site--so I don't know if the club is still operating or just doesn't maintain the website. (Can anyone in the Ogden club let us know the club's status?) Helper Dark Sky Observers https://www.facebook.com/DarkSkyObservers/about It doesn't appear this site is very current. There's another site hosted by the Helper City Library, but not much info there either. https://helpercitylibrary.wordpress.com/dso-club-dark-sky-object/ (Does anyone on the Utah Astronomy list know the status of this club?) I hope something above looks intriguing to you. All the best, Pam! John Craig On 4/10/2024 10:24 PM, Pamela wrote: > Hello, > > I am wondering if you could please give me some direction. > > I am 71 yrs old and though I have always watched the sky (and have > some great pictures of amazing sky moments), I’ve never learned about > the stars, and I want to learn about them now. But I have some > dementia, so I probably wouldn’t remember the scientific data. I’m > sorry to trouble you with this, but: > In light of my condition, and my desire to ‘get to know’ in a feeling > kind of way the planets of our solar system and perhaps star clusters, > could you point me in a direction? > > Thank you very much for your time and trouble on my behalf, > > Pam Bickell >

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Partial eclipse viewing in Orem City Center Park tomorrow from 11:30 to 1:30
by John M. Craig 08 Apr '24

08 Apr '24

Hi Folks, For those not fortunate enough to be traveling to see the total eclipse (like me), anyone who's interested, and can get away during the middle of the day is welcome to join me for some looks at whatever's visible on the face of the sun as the moon blocks about 60% of it, maximum. I'll have 2 white-light scopes and an H-alpha set up. I've tried to put the word out to a bunch of people, but don't know how many may show up. Come with or without your own scope--and I apologize for the late notice... Between taxes and other financial issues, my distraction level's been high! Orem City Center Park (NE-ish end) (Just W of 400E between Center St & 100 N) 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Parking available on 100 N at about 300 E or on Center St If you are traveling, I wish you easy travel (Ha!) and clear skies! John Craig

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