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Lakeridge Jr High Star Party Postponed
by John M. Craig 10 Oct '24

10 Oct '24

Based on weather forecasts, this has been postponed (for better or worse) to Friday October 25th. So, nothing happening Friday the 11th. Thanks! John

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Oct 11 Lakeridge Jr High School Science Classes Star Party
by John M. Craig 24 Sep '24

24 Sep '24

Hi Friends, If you'd like to help with the Oct 11th Orem Lakeridge Jr High, please let me know. Here's the basic info: Orem Jr High School Corner of 400 W 900 S Parking east of the school Typically we've set up on the paved area in the middle of the track (south of the parking lot) or on the track. The students in the 9th grade science classes will be invited; some family members may come. The school will be open for restroom access. At this point, the teacher is planning for the students to be told an 8 pm start time. The moon will be 1 day past 1st quarter, so dimmer deep-sky objects may not be terribly visible. Besides the moon, the light-pollution is substantial (Bortle 7 - 8 or worse). Please let me know (reply directly to me, not the list) if you'd like to bring your telescope, so I can keep you apprised if plans change. Clear skies! John

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Orem Lakeridge Jr High Star Party Oct 11
by John M. Craig 29 Aug '24

29 Aug '24

Hi Folks, If you're interested in joining us on Friday October 11th at Lakeridge Jr. High (NE corner of 400 W 900 S), please let me know (email me directly, please, and include a cellphone number)--in case we end up having to postpone it and so I can send you more details. This is the longest-running annual school star party I've been involved with and it's been a lot of fun in years past. The moon will be waxing gibbous, and of course, the light pollution is pretty bad, so probably the moon itself and star clusters and doubles will be the most likely targets. I hope to have perhaps 6 or more different scopes there. Come if you are available! John Craig jmcraig(a)xmission.com

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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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Lakeridge Jr High Star Party Friday 6th
by John M. Craig 03 Oct '23

03 Oct '23

Hi Folks, Looks like we'll have good weather for the star party. I'll try to be there by 7 or so, I believe students may show up around 7:30. I hope to see many of you there. In the past, the school has been open for restroom access. Park on the SE side of the school, we'll be out on the track or the pad in the middle of the field. Let me know if you need help toting your gear. If you like, you could set up in the parking lot (I'd suggest parking sideways with the scope between your vehicle and the sidewalk). Text or call if you have any questions. John Craig 801-360-7664

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Orem Lakeridge Jr High Star Party Friday Oct 6th
by John M. Craig 07 Sep '23

07 Sep '23

Hi Folks, Please let me know if you'd like to bring a telescope to this school star party. First, thanks to all who have helped with this in the past. This is one of the most regular and well-attended public star parties in the area. If you are available (or might be available), please reply to me directly: jmcraig(a)xmission.com The moon will be at last quarter, so we'll be focused on more distant objects--too bad to miss a waxing crescent but this is the best date.Saturn should be well placed and Jupiter might peak over the mountains by 9:30 or 9:45. If you haven't been to this event before, just so you're aware, the light pollution is substantial. From my home, just a few blocks away, the limiting visual magnitude is maybe 3.5 or slightly higher, but not much. So, it's not great for deep-sky, but brighter deep-sky objects are fun for the kids anyway. If you are a member of the Salt Lake or Utah Valley clubs, please pass the word to their official channels. Hope to see you there! John Craig

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Great sunspots
by John Craig 14 Jul '23

14 Jul '23

Hi Friends, If you have a solar filter, be sure to check out the sun. There's some great sunspots. The largest group has been visible w/o magnification. I've been viewing with a white light filter. Really intriguing views. Clear skies! John

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Lots of H-alpha activity on the sun today
by John M. Craig 19 Jun '23

19 Jun '23

Hi Folks, If you have Solar H-alpha viewing gear (note, a simple H-alpha glass filter is not sufficient) there's a lot going on with the sun today. Looks like moderately interesting in white light: a few sunspots and some plages. John

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Marginally Astro-related questions
by John M. Craig 29 May '23

29 May '23

Hi Friends, I'm hoping to find someone who might help me with: * Some small-scale machining This is mostly for a friend at work, so I haven't heard what he wants * An electronics tinkerer I have 3 uninterruptible power supplies that no longer believe they're plugged into AC power. These are a type that's not made any more and can accept an external battery pack, so it would be worth something to me if I could get 1 or 2 to work. I'm in Utah County but would travel some to find someone who could help me. Thanks for any replies. John Craig

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