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I'll be darned!
by Chuck Hards 23 Jun '16

23 Jun '16

I think this is the first year that we got to the Summer Solstice with nobody mentioning those stupid Sun Tunnels!

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SLAS meeting Wednesday night
by Chuck Hards 20 Jun '16

20 Jun '16

Thanks to all who attended the SLAS meeting on Wednesday night. We were treated to a pretty remarkable talk by Dr. Tim Parker of JPL. I know that my knowledge of Mars geology increased at least tenfold thanks to Dr. Parker. When I see pictures of the Martian surface, from now on I'll have a much better understanding of the formations I'm looking at. We had a pretty good turnout for a summer meeting, I estimate somewhere between fifty and sixty. Hopefully we can get him to speak again next year. Tim attended "Advanced Training" at VI afterwards. Thursday morning Rodger Fry kindly opened SPOC and gave him a personal tour of the observatory. He was very impressed with the facility. Tim is also a lifelong amateur astronomer and telescope maker, having a special interest in the Springfield mount (the 32" Grim scope at SPOC is on a Springfield), and having at least four awards from Riverside to his credit during his lifetime so-far. Tim spoke to Rodger about Mars geology quite a bit and Bruce Grim joined us for the tour. We were treated to some nice views of the sun with the Brandt refractor and DayStar filter. Tim said he had a very good time with SLAS and asked me to thank you all for your hospitality. Please feel free to repost this to SLAS TALK on FB if you are a FB member.

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Impressive solar prominence today
by John M. Craig 17 Jun '16

17 Jun '16

Hi Folks, I haven't had a chance to look myself, but the views at halpha.nso.edu show a pretty great prominence on the NE limb of the sun. It was a pretty impressive filament yesterday. Happy viewing! John

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Friday Night Pit n Pole
by JayLEads 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

I have obligations on Saturday so I have to come home around 2am or so, but a few of us are planning to observe tonight at Pit n Pole if anyone wants to join us there. Sunday night I am planning on Vernon again. -- Thanks! Jay

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Observing Wed June 1st and Thurs June 2nd (Camping Over)
by JayLEads 01 Jun '16

01 Jun '16

It's mid week, I'm lucky, I'm off, new moon is this weekend and the skies are gorgeous tonight. Guess where I am off too? I am loading up and heading out in about 2 hours to Vernon. I am shooting for the spot just after the cattle guard on Forest Road 006, turn right immediately after the cattle guard and come back by the lone Juniper tree. I'll be there. I AM camping over . . . and then observing again on Thursday night. SO if your off or wanting to come out, and you want to see some stuff or observe, feel free to come out. One last chance at GALAXIES for Spring. I anticipate being alone tonight (maybe a few will show up and possibly one on Thursday) but as always, I make the offer if anyone wants to join me. Temps are mild, mid 50's tonight and Thursday night. Bring a tent or sleep in mine if you want, and a decent sleeping bag should keep you warm. I no longer have data out there on my phone, so no texts, but my phone receives calls at the site, and my number is on the SLAS page if you should need to call me. I'll bring a tent but may car camp in the back of the Outback. We'll see. -- Thanks! Jay

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Great Basin Astronomy Festival
by Gilliland, Annie 21 May '16

21 May '16

I work in the astronomy program at Great Basin National Park and am organizing this year's astronomy festival. The festival will be from September 29 - October 1 and we have star parties all three nights. We rely on volunteers to help us out with these events. We have a large observing field (a picnic area) and will generally have interested people for several hours each night. During the days, we feature solar observing, a night photography workshop, children's activities, and more. We'll have a keynote speaker and other popular evening events. There is also a volunteer appreciation dinner! If you are interested in helping out, please see our website: https://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/greatbasinastronomyfestival.htm and especially the volunteer info page: https://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/astrovip.htm Please let me know if I can answer any questions. Thank you, Annie Gilliland

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How it's made - Vixen telescope factory
by Chuck Hards 16 May '16

16 May '16

This is a pretty cool video showing some important steps in the making of refractor telescopes at the Japan Vixen factory. A little over 13 minutes long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv6mA1POktU

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L&O Next Saturday
by Chuck Hards 16 May '16

16 May '16

A reminder that the Liver & Onions Subcommittee will meet this coming Saturday May 21st, at the Left Fork Grill at 1:00 PM. Note the time, this is so the diner won't be so crowded and those wishing to attend the Sun Party in the morning can do so, and have lunch with us afterwards. This also makes it easier for some of our Ogden friends to attend. 68 W 3900 S, SLC. Plenty of on-site parking as well as easy TRAX access only half a block to the west. If you haven't already, please RSVP so I can get a head count and reserve our table. Hope to see you there!

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Big sunspot
by Chuck Hards 16 May '16

16 May '16

The clouds broke yesterday afternoon for a short time, so I set up a small scope with a white-light filter. I was surprised to see that large sunspot of several weeks ago has rotated back into view. Take a look if you get the opportunity.

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Venus/Mercury Shadow Size Comparison
by Dave Gary 16 May '16

16 May '16

Larry and Dan were commenting on the relative sizes of the shadows of Mercury and Venus as cast on Sun’s surface during their respective transits. I found my Venus transit photos from 5 June 2012 and put three of these photos beside the two photos I posted for the recent Mercury transit. The size difference of the shadows is quite pronounced. Enlarge each photo for full effect. > https://www.flickr.com/photos/78046474@N06/albums/72157667682350260/with/71… <https://www.flickr.com/photos/78046474@N06/albums/72157667682350260/with/71…> Dave

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