Hi Patrick, I just got my minor planet observatory code today (G87)! - so I hope you don't mind a question or two. I saw your question on the mpml list and it made me curious. You were asking about problems with the MP images streaking higher than a certain magnitude. I thought it was okay to report the mid-point of the observation? I.e. it doesn't matter if there is some streaking if you get the mid-point position and time (or an end-point position and time). Are you observing NEO's or doing photometry? Is that why this would be more important? I'm more interested in Kuiper belt objects and main belt asteroids - so streaking wouldn't be as big an issue. But, I'm curious about why you needed to avoid streaks. Clear skies, Dale. P.S. I hope you don't mind me posting this here - I'm guessing that there are others that are interested in minor planet observing.
Dale Hooper wrote:
Hi Patrick,
I just got my minor planet observatory code today (G87)! Kudos! In case you need to know it mine is 718.
- so I hope you don't mind a question or two. Not at all.
I thought it was okay to report the mid-point of the observation? I.e. it doesn't matter if there is some streaking if you get the mid-point position and time (or an end-point position and time). I think you are right. I posted the question because I've never worked an asteroid moving fast enough to trail in my typically 2 minutes or less exposures. Now that I'm thinking along the lines of NEOs I may have to learn how it's done. However, now that I've purchased Astrometrica it may solve the problem for me.
Are you observing NEO's or doing photometry? I tried my first NEO a few nights ago but until I feel good about the data I wont be officially reporting them.
Most (all?) of the astrometry software today automatically does photometry so I guess you could say I'm doing minor planet photometry as well. I'm also trying to figure out how to do light curves. I got into this back when it was still pretty easy to make discoveries so back then (1998) my primary concern was astrometry. Now that the game is changing I'm trying to figure out what to do now.
Is that why this would be more important? I'm sure the answer to that will depend on which camp you ask. I don't have an opinion.
Good luck! Patrick
Is there anyone on the list that is knowlegable about collecting metorites? I'm a geologist, and have studied Earth rocks, and would like to get into meteorites. Can you recommend some good books? I'm especialy interested in Classification and formation. Also, How easy is it to find meteorites in Utah? Are the Salt Flats a good area to hunt? Are there any known Strewn fields in the state? Thanks Jermeiah J. Burton
Jeremiah J. Burton wrote:
Is there anyone on the list that is knowlegable about collecting metorites?
I don't know of anyone on the list but former Hansen Planetarium director Von Del Chamberlain is the one I turn to when I have such questions. You'll find him in the SLC phone book.
Also, How easy is it to find meteorites in Utah?
I guess you have not heard about this little bit of (not totally serious) Utah meteorite hunting history: http://users.wirelessbeehive.com/~paw/METEOR01.HTML Kim Hyatt (a subscriber to Utah-Astronomy) got that ball rolling (er, falling). I believe he did quite a bit of research into Utah falls so hopefully he'll chime in with details.
Are the Salt Flats a good area to hunt?
Kim has also searched for meteorites on the Salt Flats. Patrick
Patrick, I have some ideas about meteorite hunting. Let's talk sometime. Also, did you get the off-topic article I sent about the Revolutionary War veteran? Very best wishes, Joe
Hi Joe, Joe Bauman wrote:
Patrick, I have some ideas about meteorite hunting. Let's talk sometime.
Good idea. And let's get Kim and Ann and some of the others from before involved. Care to call a meeting? Maybe we could put together a proper field trip this time.
Also, did you get the off-topic article I sent about the Revolutionary War veteran?
Yes. Really liked the section about how you ID'd the person in the picture. And got a laugh from the "'halloo 'a shell," incident. Patrick
Jeremiah, Patrick, Joe: I did some research into meteorite hunting in Utah. Chuck Hards, as I recall, has done some hunting. I believe there is at least one known strewn field near Sevier Lake, but I don't recall how productive it is. Regardless, Sevier Lake, when dry, should be a good place to hunt. The Salt Flats would also still be a good choice to look, I believe. This last storm may have dumped too much water there to make an expedition practical this year. Jeremiah, for more information you might try the Utah Geological Survey office. I believe that there have been articles published in their journal over the years documenting meteorite finds in Utah, but I don't recall how one may access that information. I know that I saw something written there, either an article or in a book - I just don't remember exactly what it was. I would be interested in joining an expedition. This time of year would be wonderful for a combined meterite hunting and nighttime observing trip. Anyone else game? Say, October new moon? Kim
Patrick, Assuming I'm not out peering at the stars while everybody else is at the next society meeting, should we talk then? I took several days off next week for a new moon excursion, hoping one of the days would have decent weather. Thanks, Joe
Joe Bauman wrote:
Patrick, Assuming I'm not out peering at the stars while everybody else is at the next society meeting, should we talk then?
The meeting itself may be pretty busy but you might want to check with Lowell to see if there's room for a discussion of the topic in the general meeting. If not, it would be a fun topic of conversation at Advanced Training (probably at Village Inn) afterwards. Patrick p.s. Funny this should come up now as just yesterday I was at the Tooele DI and found they have a whole case of bowling balls on sale for $2.
I was thinking about an informal chat -- thanks, Joe
participants (5)
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Dale Hooper -
Jeremiah J. Burton -
Joe Bauman -
Kim -
Patrick Wiggins