June Meeting - Dark Matter

The June meeting was held at our usual venue - the Letterston Memorial Hall & at the usual 1st Tuesday of the month at 7.00.p.m.

22 attended - several of our regulars couldn't make it this time including Andrew, Liz, Brian, Rob and Nathan to name a few.
We did have 2 new attendees - Mike and his wife (regret I missed her name) from Neyland.

Rob has intimated that he is to put the material from the main lecture on the website so check for it here:
click here

Hence as from this post I will be omitting the main lecture thoughts.

Other lecture material will be posted on the website from time to time.


The "What's Up in June" item is reproduced in slide form below and notes related to the slides are there also.

WHAT’s UP IN JUNE

1

2

June2-4.  Mercury visible about 45 mins after sunset given a low horizon.

Fading from +1.2 to +3.4 (on the 11^th). Lost to view as it moves towards inferior conjunction

(lying between the Earth & Sun) on 19^th.

3

Looking  East before dawn (30 mins). Venus, shining at mag.~ -3.9 and lying between the Pleiades & Hyades clusters in Taurus, will be seen ~2.5 degrees to the left of a thin crescent Moon.

4

If you have yet to spot Saturn through a telescope, it’s still well placed in the sky especially around midnight. If you can draw your attention away from the beautiful rings, see if you can spot Saturn’s largest and brightest moon, Titan at its greatest elongation - that is its greatest distance from the planet- on the 7th of the month.

Magnitude 8.2 – visible in binoculars held steady.

5

A small telescope will show the rings with a magnification of x25 and one of 6-8 inches aperture with a magnification of ~x200 with good “seeing” (calm atmosphere) will show Saturn and its ring system in its full glory.

As Saturn rotates quickly with a day of just 10.5 hours, its equator bulges slightly so it appears a little squashed.

Like Jupiter, it does show belts but their colours are muted in comparison.

6

These are 2 good nights to observe an interesting feature on the Moon if you have a small telescope.

Close to the limb (on 6^th) is the Appenine mountain chain that marks the edge of Mare Imbrium.

Toward the upper end you should see the cleft across them called the Alpine alley. It is about 7 miles wide and 79 miles long. As shown in the image a thin rill runs along its length which is challenging to observe. Over the next 2 nights the dark crater Plato & the young crater Copernicus will come into view.

 7

2 G.C’s in Hercules – M13 & M92 are impressive

 8

Lyra  is dominated by its brightest star, Vega, the 5^th brightest star in the sky. It is a blue-white star having a magnitude of 0.03 and lies 26 light years away.

There is a lovely double star called Epsilon Lyrae up and to the left of Lyra. Binoculars will show them up easily.

A telescope shows that each of the two stars is a double star as well so it is called a double double!

Cygnus, the Swan, is sometimes called the Northern Cross. Deneb, the Arabic word for “tail” is a 1.3 magnitude star that marks the tail of the swan. It is nearly 2000 light years away and appears so bright only because it gives out around 80,000 times as much light as our Sun. If Deneb were as close as Sirius it would appear as brilliant as the half moon and the sky would never be really dark when it was above the horizon.

Albireo which marks the head of the swan is much fainter and a beautiful sight in a small telescope – slide 10.

M56 is an 8^th magnitude globular cluster visible in binoculars. Slide 10 also.

9

M57 is a planetary nebula – so called because in a telescope they show a disc –like planets. They are, in fact, remnants of stars that have come to the end of their life and have blown off a shell of dust and gas around them.

Brocchi’s Cluster is an easy object to spot with binoculars – often called “the Coathanger” although it appears upside down in the sky. Follow down the neck of the swan to Albireo then sweep down and to its lower left

10

Albireo is made of two stars – one is amber and the other green which provide a wonderful colour contrast. With magnitudes 31 and 5.1 they are regarded as the most beautiful double that can be seen in the sky.

There is a beautiful region of nebulosity up and to the left of Deneb which is visible in binoculars in a dark and clear sky. Photographs show an outline that looks like N America – hence the name.... 

11 & 12 Noctilucent Clouds

Just one picture to conclude with -this is Peter giving out the latest FAS newsletter.

I hope you like this format - I can't guarantee it will always look like this but variety is .........

  Fin

May Meeting - with a difference

The scheduled talk for May was on  "Black Holes" and to be delivered by our secretary Rob Woodman.
Sadly, at short notice, Rob was called away to an examiners conference.
The joys of being Head of Physics at the local secondary school!
Hopefully Rob will be back with us in June as he is talking on "Dark Matter" on Tuesday the 3rd.

For May we adjusted the seating arrangement - the projector picture quality was much better this way round, more room was available for seating and the tables better situated for displays.

As it turned out we had just 22 turn up with several away as a result of the bank holiday no doubt.
We missed Kim, Jenny, Yoroy, Philt, Peter and of course Rob. (Both our tea makers being absent was a real problem!!)
Several other faces that I struggle to put a name too were also sadly missed.

 Around 7.10 we were beginning to get concerned as chairman Jim had the laptop, projector etc.

Anyway - here he is, cool as the proverbial cucumber, arriving and pictured from the kitchen.

We hurriedly set up the equipment and after a few minor hiccups were ready to go with the "What's Up in May"
 item.

This was to be handled by Jim - another reason we were anxious for his arrival.

 Meteor Showers were 1st on the agenda.
Around the 24th May the NEW 209P Linear shower is the one to watch. Predictions for peak rates have been made of several hundred meteors per hour! It could be somewhat of a damp squib as the peak is expected around 08.00- 09.00 BST on the 24th when the Sun will be well above the UK horizon. Also the time period is narrow - a few hours or possibly just a few minutes.
Meteors are reliably unpredictable so anything could happen.

Mercury was mentioned as the planet to look out for at the end of the month - it fades as the month progresses but even so some good views should be possible. There is not much to see (aside from phases) but it's nice to tick the box to say it was seen.

A number of interesting clusters are on view later in the evening including everyone's favourite the  M13 Hercules globular.


To follow we showed a dvd (with sound - another innovation for us) with the theme of the Moon one object that we can see all year round.
How the Full Moon affects people was an interesting observation - if in doubt ask a policeman as it would appear that the police forces around the world have much more on their plate around this time of the month.
The reasons behind the Moon pulling away from the Earth was also enlightening though not to worry as the final break is 50 million years away.

 
It was soon time to pack all the equipment together and to re-arrange the room to the condition it was in when we arrived.
Many members helped and it was done quickly - our thanks to all.

There was still time for some "astro chat" and we managed, for once, to vacate the building when we should.

In another part of the room Andrew had some of his pictures on display - they always attract attention and many questions are answered.

The group now has a solid nucleus of those who are proficient at astro-imaging - a bonus for any astronomy society.

Just a question to conclude - I'm considering abandoning this blog and perhaps producing a newsletter to be e-mailed to members instead.
Those without e-mail/internet (and we have one or two) could have hard copy instead.

So any thoughts - good or bad?

If you have something to share that could be put in the newsletter also. Put any observations on the forum and I'll look out for them.
Hope to see you all in June and meantime keep a look out for Mercury and those new meteors - I know  I will.

N.A.W. - Jupiter & Saturn

National Astronomy Week ran from 1st - 8th March and our meeting on Tuesday 4th slotted in well.
The focus for the week was Jupiter - beautifully positioned for viewing this month and happily, for once, we had a clear sky to enjoy it - more about that later.

A good turn-out, perhaps prompted by the clear skies - we counted (loosely) 37 in attendance.

1st on the agenda was the item - "What's Up in March" ably covered by Mike.
5 planets can be seen at different times of the night in March and the winter constellations are now beginning to give way to the Spring constellations of Leo and Virgo. Some interesting galaxies are to be found in these and later we managed to locate a few.

After a short break Kim treated us to his findings related to Jupiter.

Essentially it is a gas giant composed predominantly of hydrogen (90%) and helium (10%) though below its cloud layers there are the more exotic substances that live at high pressures - liquid hydrogen and solid hydrogen.

Because there is no solid ground, the surface of Jupiter is defined as the point where the atmospheric pressure is equal to that of Earth.  
At this point, the pull of gravity is almost two and a half times stronger than it is on our planet.

Trying to stand on that surface would be impossible, since it is simply another layer of gases.

A probe or spacecraft traveling  toward the center of the planet would continue to find only thick clouds until it reached the core.

The composition of the core is still a matter of debate but it's size is larger than the Earth as can be seen from the cut-away image above.

Just after 8.00p.m. we ventured out to a clear sky. I counted 7 telescopes plus  a few binoculars  so there was plenty to see.
One of the projects for N.A.W. was to count the number of naked eye stars visible in Orion - or more precisely the trapezium bounded by Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Saiph and Rigel.
Some members excelled at this - Goodwick Mike counted 25, others (Liz and Brian were mentioned) saw a few more. I struggled to see 10!!
We would have quite a list if I were to detail all the sights seen that night - fortunately the Moon was just a crescent so didn't interfere and so we could see galaxies and open clusters that would otherwise be imposible.
I don't know if anyone saw the Great Red Spot on Jupiter but the 2 bands and moons were clearly seen.
It was a fitting conclusion to the night that we could actually see what we had been considering earlier - and it's not too often that that can be said!!  

W.I. Meeting - 27th February

I was hoping for a few pictures from the night but currently I haven't received any so just a brief (ish) review coming up.

We had agreed to give a talk to the W.I. in Prendergast back in Oct/Nov last year but it seems that the idea generated so much interest that the Prendergast venue would have been too small.

The new venue was the Johnston Institute with the time arranged for 7.00 p.m. on 27/02/2014.
Jim arrived for 6.00 p.m. just as the place was opening and by the time I arrived he was set up and raring to go.

The Institute is well suited for giving lectures - they have a handsome 10 foot wide drop down screen with an overhead projector. They even had a couple of radio microphones which, as it happens, we managed to do without - the voice carried well enough in the main hall that we used.

I counted 60+ in attendance as the meeting commenced, a couple of ladies arrived just as the meeting finished - they thought we were at Prendergast - and by the time they came across it was all but over  - they were not the proverbial "happy bunnies.
We guesstimate 70 to be the true count!!

Jim started with a good PR exercise - looking more at the Preseli Astronomy Group. The location for our meetings, equipment we hold, what we do at meetings.
His Glaswegian accent well down well with the local ladies and much laughter characterized his delivery.

A number of sensible questions followed from the floor which demonstrated just how interested the W.I. was in the subject and also how much thought many members had put into it.

I followed with a broad review of things astronomical.
The sun, planets, comets, constellations, galaxies and even things not strictly astronomical were covered. Earthshine, noctilucent clouds and sun-dogs to name a few.

We were allocated the time until 08.15.p.m. and that time passed very quickly. My part concluded with  more questions from the floor which I like to think we covered adequately.

 Though Jupiter, Sirius and a few of the brighter stars   were visible when we arrived at the conclusion the sky was overcast so any viewing was out of the question.

Jim had brought along his 6" Dobsonian and Tal refractor and I had my 25x100 big binoculars in anticipation but sadly, and to the disappointment of many, they could not be used - though they were a great attraction in the hall.

I also brought along some freebies - constellation maps, astronomy guides, quiz questions (and answers!) and very little had to be taken home.

The audience were "gushing" in their praise of both our attendance and delivery - it was well passed 9.00 p.m. when we left, so many were the expressions of thanks and the personal questions that needed answers.
All in all we were very pleased with the night and we feel that much good was accomplished - how much good time only will tell!!  

February 2014 - Mercury & Venus

It was one of those nights when only the brave (or is it foolish?) ventured out.

15 of us arrived for the meeting - most later than usual due to the battering rain and the nigh on gale force winds.

Though few in numbers we did have 2 new to the group - Joel and Jackie (from Spittal I believe). It was especially good to welcome them when so many of our "regulars" couldn't make it.


We always have plenty of tea and biscuits - Richard lives locally and arrived in good time to get that organised.

Viewing was completely out of the question tonight though Jim gave his "What's Up" presentation of what we could see if only the skies cleared a little.

Here he is looking very professional.

Jim hi-lighted a number of things to look out for with special mention of the current supernova that has been discovered in Ursa Major. Though Jim went to great lengths to pinpoint its whereabouts for us - at magnitude 10.5 it would be tricky and as I write this it is declining further.
This one sadly is not destined to rival the Crab supernova of 1054.
 
Plenty of planets - well 5 - are on offer this month. Jupiter being the most prominent but early in the month Mercury is an evening object  and Venus an early morning object.

Constellations were given a mention - Leo one of the few that has a name that's fitting. Making the star pattern out to that of a lion is quite easy.
Orion is perhaps the most prominent winter constellation and, it was mentioned also that as part of National Astronomy Week in March a star count in Orion is on the agenda.

After tea our main lecture focused on Mercury and Venus.
Jim was amused that Astronomy Now magazine publicized this as being covered by Bob Pritchard!
Mike, in his opening remarks, commented that this was a good  subject for February with both of these planets  visible. Many members had already seen Venus in the morning sky at around 7.00-7.30 but Mercury the evening object is a little more elusive.

Mike spoke of the history of the planets - both were, in ancient times considered to be 2 objects perhaps not unsurpringly in view of their morning and evening apparitions.
Mercury has a very lunar appearance - craters, fault cliffs etc. A real peculiarity is what's called  the 3:2 spin -orbit resonance. Mercury turns on its axis 3 times for every 2 revolutions around the Sun.
Essentially what that means is that any explorer (use imagination please!) would see sunrise just once in 2 Mercurian years.
Venus is a hostile planet with an atmospheric pressure 90 times that of earth, temperatures higher than any in the S.S.(hot enough to melt lead!) and clouds of sulphuric acid gas.
It also has a retrograde motion compared to other planets which means the Sun would rise in the west and set in the east!!
Strange worlds indeed  and we hope to learn more of the planets in months to come.

With the lack of viewing opportunities of late I include "one I took earlier."

Next month - March - our meeting coincides with National Astronomy Week.
http://www.astronomyweek.org.uk/
Jupiter will be the subject of the main talk though we will have other items to interest us including that star count in Orion mentioned earlier.

So do join us - Tuesday 4th March 7.00 p.m. at Letterston Memorial Hall.

We hope the weather will have improved by then and we can experience 1st hand the things from our programme. 

Stargazing Live - 2014

Our event this year was held on Friday 10^th January – a deliberate attempt to avoid overlapping with the BBC television "Stargazing Live" nights of 7^th - 9^th.

There was a little confusion as to the actual timing – some of the earlier printed posters advertised a 7.30 p.m. start though most of us were there for 7.00 p.m.

This was taken early - many 'scopes are being assembled in the background.

Note Brian on the right of this picture - that's what I call a "vicar" pose.

I counted 47 in attendance though another count was higher – with the room and corridors around comfortably filled and people coming and going a positive count was tricky.

Add to that at least 4 that “almost” made it and we had well over 50 there in spirit.

 A good display of images on the wall and more "building" work at the rear.

From the few photographs I managed to take at least one deduction can be made - for now you can think about it, later I will reveal all.

 

      

Even the tea-room was quiet early on - I can make out Phil in this picture and Peter on the left. Who are the other two?

The original plan was to cover the “What’s up in January” feature then get out for some observing.

As it turned out the rain and overcast sky made viewing impossible so Plan B came into force yet again. 

Following the “What’s Up” the inside display of a variety of ‘scopes was to become the main feature along with many excellent astronomical pictures etc.

BBC Stargazing Live also supplied us with some freebies which included 150 calendars. Several members had downloaded this from the website but declined to print it for economical reasons – moi aussi – hence they were gratefully received.

Kim handled the “What’s Up” feature via a PowerPoint presentation.

He mentioned the current planetary situation with the highlight being Jupiter followed by Mars though later in January the elusive planet Mercury is the one to look for in the evening sky.

A nice handout detailed winter constellations to  look out for and Kim mentioned that these also provide a signpost to other night sky features - so they are well worth learning to identify. 

So why are there so few pictures?  Why are there so few people in them?

Answer – they were taken early and then later in the evening. None were taken at peak time.

I suppose that is a good sign really – even I was busy talking to visitors so had little time to take your pictures let alone admire the displays and whatever it was on Andrew’s laptop!!

  In February we are back to our 1^st Tuesday slot – let’s hope for some clear skies and then we can do what we all hope for on such occasions – some decent observing.

March 1^st – 8^th is National Astronomy Week and one of the events on our program includes a star count in the constellation of Orion – look out for that one!!

December - Quiz Night

December already and the last meeting for this year - where the does time go?

A meeting with an added dimension this time.

Brian hand-made this carbon fibre harp - even down to the moulding and here we have Liz, just before the meeting , giving an impromptu demonstration for us.

We had 24 in attendance, several back from fireworks duty last month but still a few of the (normally) faithful could not attend this time for various reasons.

Richard did his usual sterling job of manning the tearoom ably assisted by  Phil who arrived early and did pretty much a one-man job of sorting out the hall.

Both were a great help, particularly to me as I generally struggle to pull all things together before the meeting starts.
This time I was fairly relaxed.

Here we have the tea room where there is always a good gathering.

Mince pies were the added attraction tonight though surprisingly few were eaten.
Last year, I recollect, was much the same - perhaps astronomers are not mince pie people.

Still more for me - I bring 'em in , I take 'em home.
(which, I hasten to add, is quite fair because I paid for them as well!!).


Soon it was time for Jim to give his presentation of "What's Up in the December Sky."
The hi-light would have been Comet ISON but sadly it failed to survive perihelion at the end of November though as Jim reminded us we do still have a number of other comets currently on offer including Encke's and perhaps the brightest of the bunch comet Lovejoy.

Jupiter is the dominant planet on show this month - and indeed for the next few months so we are hoping for some clear skies to spot the dominant features and moons.
Winter constellations are now reminding us of the cold and dark time of year.
Wrap up warm Jim advised - sensible advice.
Other features prominent in December include the Andromeda galaxy M31 and also M33 the Triangulum galaxy which Jim has actually seen naked eye in Freystrop
M33 is arguable the most distant object visible to the naked eye though viewing conditions need to be excellent to see this one at magnitude 5.

Hi-lights over, we were entertained a little more on the harp and enticed by more tea and biscuits.

                                                                                                              

Look carefully - can you spot someone in the picture on the right who has other things on her mind!!




The December quiz last year gave some real problems so this year I attempted to make it somewhat easier - 37 questions that were either multi-choice or that had 1 word answers.

Here's the proof with question 1 - even 10 year old Nathan got this one right as well as many of the other questions.
Some questions or should I say answers proved contentious but then quizzes always do and as I stressed at the beginning - it is just a bit of fun.

Teams were made up of 4/5 members working together so no pressure there.

The best team scored 34 another 33 and yet another 32 so I think I got it about right this time.


Sadly the skies were cloudy with even some rain on our arrival though afterwards a few of us did glimpse Jupiter through the clouds.



A final look at the tea room and yes the guy on the right is still there - well done Jim.



***Will he still be there in January?***

 The BBC is doing "Stargazing Live" again in 2014 so we have moved our meeting day to Friday the 10th January, the same venue - Letterston Memorial Hall at 7.00p.m.
We will be covering the What's Up feature only at this meeting - hopefully allowing more time for viewing the night sky.

The poster below says it all - but note that it is 7.00 p.m. (the final print has been amended). We will be advertising this as a public event so let's hope for a good turn out and some good weather.