Reprinted from the Tehachapi News
by Dale Hawkins

Since the beginning of civilization, science as we know it was
practiced by amateurs, rolling back the layers of ignorance on their
own time. A fortunate handful were given grants by wealthy patrons;
but, realistically, one could not expect to earn a living conducting
pure science - that is, knowledge for its own sake.

In the field of space research, until recently, astronomy and
astrology were one in the same, because the only apparent practical
application of the study of the stars was to make superstitious
predictions about the future. Kings and other rich men were willing to
pay well for good predictions. Those that were lucky - or were able to
couch their predictions in adequate vagary - made out. Those who were
found to be wrong once too often were retired - summarily. Today we
know that the gravitational attraction of the obstetrician had more
effect on your birth than the position of Mars.

As science matured and pure knowledge became more valued, it became
possible for a person to become a professional scientist. Today, the
National Science Foundation, universities, and philanthropists ensure
that there is adequate funding for professional scientists to make a
decent living. At the same time, the questions at the leading edges of
science require more and more education of the scientist to be able to
make a meaningful contribution. One must often devote their entire
life's work to the advancement of a single question. Further, the
modern tools needed to tackle these questions go far beyond a
microscope and a slide rule. The necessary tools for serious science
are very expensive and sophisticated. As a result, the amateur
scientist has become nearly extinct.

Yet, there is one science that still needs and appreciates its
amateurs - astronomy. The universe is so vast and the questions about
it so numerous that, with a relatively modest investment, a person can
educate themselves enough to employ a backyard telescope to do
meaningful astronomical research. Many have rigged telescopes to
computers to systematically scan the sky for new supernova (exploding)
stars. Others are sentinels, looking for asteroids and comets that may
threaten earth. If they get lucky, their name be attached to a newly
found comet, be the first to report a new supernova or asteroid, and
may even save the world. But it should be noted that these dedicated
amateur scientists have invested thousands of dollars and hours in the
pursuit of astronomy.

Yet, for those us without the time and money for such obsession, there
is a new way to advance astronomy that anyone can pursue. All you need
is a personal computer and an Internet connection to participate
Project Galaxy Zoo. (If you don't own one, you can use one at the
library.) The Sloan Digital Sky Survey has taken pictures of millions
of distant galaxies - the "island universes" that can be found to the
very limits of space. While computers are great at determining exactly
where they are in the sky and how bright they are, humans are much
better a determining what kind of galaxy we're looking at, how it's
oriented, and how it appears to be rotating.

Galaxies come in three basic types - spiral galaxies like our own, in
which most of the stars, gas and dust are distributed in a flattened,
rotating disc; elliptical galaxies in which everything is more evenly
distributed in a roughly spherical shape, and peculiar galaxies, which
are those that are neither spiral nor elliptical.  Each type has
subtypes based on various features.

To participate in the project, log on to www.galaxyzoo.org. You will
be taken through a short tutorial and in three minutes you will start
categorizing distant galaxies.

Meanwhile, the Greater Tehachapi Astronomy Club will hold its first
gathering for a telescope clinic at the Tehachapi High School on
Friday evening, Oct. 26 to show people how to use telescopes. We'll
start gathering at 6:30 p.m. near the high school flagpole. If you
have a scope and aren't yet comfortable with it, we'll be there to
help. If you don't have a telescope, here's your chance to stop by and
enjoy one. We'll meet even if there are clouds, but not if it's really
raining.

Manned Space Watch
Discovery is go for launch on Tuesday, Oct. 23 to deliver and attach
"Node 2" to Space Station Alpha, which will allow the attachment of
more modules in the coming months. The mission will be commanded by
Astronaut Pam Melroy.
Meanwhile, Peggy Whitson of Beaconsfield, Iowa, has assumed command of
Space Station Alpha, becoming the first woman ever to command the
station. She was launched to the station earlier this month aboard a
Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Go, girls!

Night Sky Watch
With a full moon near perigee on Thursday, our evenings will be bright
with moonlight.

Jupiter is still bright in the southern sky, with Mars rising toward
midnight.
Venus reaches its greatest western elongation (highest point in the
sky) on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Sunrise/Sunset (PDT)
7:02 AM/6:16 PM

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Hi All
  For those who haven't heard we have a very unusual comet in Perseus now
It went from magnitude 17 to magnitude 2.5 in 24 hours!That is a
million fold increase in brightness! It is now 1/2 the size of the
moon and is out past Mars It has a coma over 1,000,000 KM across
making it the second largest object in the solar system.It is expected
to increase in to almost 2,000,000 miles in diameter! To see it go out
after dark and look to the east and find Perseus it is visible as a
fuzzy star you don't need a telescope just a pair of binoculars will
give you a nice view.
Pat

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Reprinted from the Tehachapi News
by Dale Hawkins

I have for some time advocated the formation of a local astronomy club
in Tehachapi. This has become a reality. Brandon Wood took the
initiative to create a Yahoo Group site at
http://tech.groups.yahoo.co... and named our group the Greater
Tehachapi Astronomy Club. Nice job, Brandon! The site will provide a
forum for communication and planning. Whether you are an experienced
astronomer or have a new found interest in our universe, everyone of
all ages is invited. Anyone interested in joining can go to the site
and sign up. I will also provide updates and announcements of
gatherings in this column, as well as post this column on the website.

Our primary purpose is to share our love of astronomy with each other
and with the community. We will organize star parties, provide
speakers for community groups, and actively support the creation of a
community observatory, planetarium, and science center.

The charter members of the club are all busy people. We have therefore
reached a consensus via e-mail that we would like, at least for the
time being, to avoid the formal complications of electing leaders,
paying dues, incorporating, buying insurance, attending business
meetings, etcetera, which would only detract from our time available
to enjoy astronomy. We believe we can exist informally, gathering only
to enjoy the sky and each other's company.

TENTATIVELY, our first gathering will be at the Tehachapi High School
on Friday evening, Oct. 19 [Now Oct 26], for a telescope clinic to
show people how to use telescopes. We'll start gathering at 6:30 p.m.
  If you have a scope and aren't yet comfortable with it, we'll be
there to help. If you don't have a telescope, here's your chance to
stop by and enjoy one. Please check this column next week or the club
website to make sure the event is on as planned.

Manned Space Watch
Discovery is preparing for launch on Oct. 23 to deliver and attach
"Node 2" to Space Station Alpha, which will allow the attachment of
more modules in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the New Mexico Spaceport Authority has released its design
concept for the first facility purposefully built for commercial space
travel. New Mexicans are digging deep for the nearly quarter-billion
dollars needed to build the terminal, runways, and other facilities
and infrastructure. Despite the tragic setback at Scaled Composites
last summer, Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic Spaceline is still
hoping for a 2009 launch, while the spaceport is scheduled for
completion in 2010.
Orbital Commerce Project is working with XCOR at the Mojave Spaceport
to train the commercial astronauts that will fly the ships in New Mexico.
I may yet be able earn my astronaut wings!

Space Probe Watch
Inaugurating the Planetary Society-sponsored International Lunar
Decade, Japan's Selene lunar probe is on its way to the moon. Selene
will launch two auxiliary satellites.  The three probes will provide
detailed data on the moon's gravitational and magnetic fields that
cannot be accomplished by a single probe. China is expected to follow
with its own lunar mission in a matter of weeks, though there is talk
of launch delays of up to several months. And Google has put up a $20
million prize for the first private group to land a probe on the moon
and post a video from the lunar surface on the Internet. It really is
about time.

Night Sky Watch
With a new moon on Wednesday, our evenings will be dark with clear
skies in the long-range forecast.

Jupiter is still bright in the southern sky, with Mars rising at
around midnight.
Venus is still stunning in the early morning eastern sky. Though
receding from us, its phase is waxing (getting more full), which keeps
it bright.

Orion is now high enough in the eastern morning sky to enjoy with
binoculars and telescopes before the winter cold sets in.

The Draconid Meteor Shower peaks on Tuesday morning, the ninth.

Sunrise/Sunset (PDT)
6:56 AM/6:25 PM

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I want to welcome everyone that has signed up to the GTAstronomyClub
Yahoo! Group.  We have members with a wide variety of amateur
Astronomy interests.  Some have purchased but never been able to use
their telescope.  Others have have gone so far as to design and build
their own telescope, including grinding the mirror.  Among us we have
an astrophotographer with a home observatory.  We have a gigantic
binocular user.  We have a solar observer.  We have a member that
lives on top of Bear Mountain and another in Sand Canyon.  All of this
in the first 11 members!

To learn more about our collective background, I'd like to ask you to
complete three Polls I created in the Yahoo! Group.  They're anonymous
and can help us focus our events on activities of interest.

See http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAstronomyClub/polls

Of course, please feel free to join Pat and Bruce by introducing
yourself and your interests via a message.

This organization can be whatever we choose and have the motivation to
create.  Dale Hawkins has setup the telescope clinic next Friday (Oct
26) based on some interest I gathered from local homeschooling
families.  It will double as an opportunity for whomever attends to
discuss what they'd like to get out of an astronomy club, and what
they would like to contribute.  I hope to meet many of your there,
even if you are only able to attend for a brief time.  I don't really
know how many people will attend or what kind of background they'll
have, but I'm sure we could use any available expertise to help the
inexperienced attendees use their (or the high school's) telescopes.

As for me, I've been an astronomer since my mother introduced me to
the stars when I was 9-years-old.  It's motivated my career and given
me a perspective useful in many areas of my life.  I hope to be able
to share my experiences with others and encourage what has been so
motivating for me.  I am an engineer by education and have a
background in spacecraft development and space-based telescopes.  I've
owned eight telescopes or binoculars over the years and now use my
15x70 binoculars and 8" Dobsonian.  I am renovating my 18" Dobsonian
and want to have it available for a Messier Marathon in March.  I've
dabbled in astrophotography but my latest observational interest is
the planets and different kinds of nebula.

Again, welcome and thank you for your interest in a Tehachapi
astronomy club.  I sincerely hope we can use our recently-gained
momentum to create a long-lasting and helpful organization for our
community.

Clear skies!
   Brandon Wood

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My name is Pat Bailey and I have  a small backyard observatory in
Golden Hills.I have been active since 1985 and have owned a variety of
scopes since then including a 17"Odysee a few CATS and now have a WO
80mm ZS and a WO 66mm for guiding,on a Atlas EQG mount.I have posted
some pictures under the files section in the astrophotography folder
   I am a former member of AVAC and now I am a member of KAS.I am happy
to see a club forming up here!

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All makes and brands of telescope are welcome and encouraged.  We may not be experts in your particular telescope, but someone attending should help you figure it out!  If you're planning to attend please let us know by replying.  Also here's short checklist of things to consider:

I caught up with Lauren Hollen at the Tehachapi High School.  October
19th will not work for the telescope clinic.  We agreed to do it on the
following Friday, October 26th.  It will be a full moon, which will
provide an inspiring target for beginners and provide light by which to
work.

With sunset/moonrise at about 6PM, we will begin gathering at 6:30 near
the high school flagpole.

This information will be published in my column next week (hopefully--my
column has been dumped for the last two weeks in favor of advertising
space) unless I hear an objection.

/s/ Hawk

--- In GTAstronomyClub@yahoogroups.com, "zipperdu" <marion@...> wrote:
>Good advice Brandon, you've covered all the bases. I'd like to
re-emphasize the fact that one doesn't need a fancy telescope to do
astronomy. A basic star chart, a flashlight (with red lense!) and
maybe
some binocs- go out and learn the constellations! Look at the
different
colors of the stars, find planets. The moon can be very interesting to
study with binocs, most important, turn off the TV, go outside and
look
up.

Jon
>
>
> --- In GTAstronomyClub@yahoogroups.com, "Brandon Wood" <bwood44@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Cross-posted with Tehachapi Homeschool Co-op Group
> >
> > ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> > From: Penelope Wood pawood17@
> > Date: Oct 2, 2007 12:24 PM
> > Subject: Beginning Astronomy Advice
> > To: TehachapiHomeschoolCo_Op@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> > Brandon Wood here. Natalie asked about recommendations for a
beginner
> > telescope. It's a question I get on occasion, and with the
holidays
> around
> > the corner, I thought I would share my opinion with the group.
> >
> > First off, you don't need a telescope to enjoy the night sky. Many
> folks
> > advise a budding astronomer to start with a decent pair of
binoculars.
> A
> > pair of 10x50 binoculars (10x magnification, 50mm diameter
objective
> or
> > front lens) is an easy to make recommendation. You can get some
great
> wide
> > views of the sky and start to identify different stars and other
> > objects. Any larger-sized binoculars are challenging for an adult
to
> hold
> > steadily, even while seated. I have a pair of 12x50 and 15x70
> binoculars
> > and I mount them on a camera tripod. For younger kids, binoculars
are
> hard,
> > if not impossible, to handhold and a sturdy camera tripod becomes
a
> > necessity. A telescope may be a better option.
> >
> > If there's one piece of advice that amateur astronomers try to
pass on
> to
> > beginners, it is that you should never buy a telescope based on an
> > advertised magnification. Many boxes on "department store"
telescopes
> like
> > to claim the products are capable to 600x or other ridiculous and
> irrelevant
> > numbers. The cheap optics and mounts do not let you SEE anything
at
> that
> > high of a magnification.
> >
> > You should buy a telescope based on aperture and stability. The
> diameter of
> > the primary lens or mirror is called the aperture and it is key to
> seeing
> > distant and dark objects. Secondary to that is a mount that
provides a
> > sturdy means of holding the telescope. Many of the most
inexpensive
> > telescopes have a small primary lens (or mirror) and a flimsy
mount. A
> new
> > astronomer will be doomed with frustration and disappointment
trying
> to use
> > a telescope like this. It's hard to buy a telescope for less than
$200
> that
> > doesn't fall in this category. Be careful however, as you can pay
much
> more
> > and still get a telescope that fails to provide good views or be
easy
> to
> > use. The trap that a beginning astronomer can fall into is putting
> limited
> > money into a fancy electronic "Goto" mount instead of better
optics.
> The
> > optics are what provide the "wow". The electronics are designed to
> make it
> > easier to find celestial objects. Goto mounts are a marvel of
modern
> > technology and they certainly have their place, but they are
often not
> user
> > friendly and can be more of a hindrance than a help.
> >
> > With this in mind, I suggest perusing the Orion Telescopes and
> Binoculars
> > website: www.telescope.com. Orion has a long history as a mail
order,
> now
> > web-based, inexpensive telescope distributor. Two telescopes I
> recommend
> > from Orion are the StarBlast and the Skyquest XT4.5. Both of these
> > telescopes are reflectors and have a 4.5" diameter primary
mirror. The
> > StarBlast sells for $180 and it's big enough to see the planets,
star
> > clusters, and the brightest nebula and galaxies. It's relatively
easy
> to
> > store and very easy to use. The Skyquest XT4.5 is $240 and has the
> same
> > size mirror but some upgrades that make it a little easier for
higher
> power
> > views of the Moon and planets. I have owned an XT4.5 and wrote a
> review
> > here: www.novac.com/resources/reviews/xt45.php. (Be warned that
the
> review
> > is aimed at more advanced astronomers and does get technical.) The
> bottom
> > line is that either telescope is a great value and can provide a
> wonderful
> > introduction to astronomy.
> >
> > For the more adventurous type, there is a well-developed secondary
> market
> > for astronomy gear. It's called Astromart.com and those looking
for a
> used
> > telescope will find many options there. Astromart caters all
levels of
> > astronomers so it helps to have an idea of what you want to
purchase.
> Good,
> > gently used equipment can often be had for 60-70% off new prices.
I
> have
> > bought and sold around 40 items on Astromart and could help if
this is
> an
> > option you want to pursue.
> >
> > Independent of what you use to view the sky, a few other things
are
> critical
> > for astronomy. You'll need some kind of star map. I'd recommend a
book
> > called "How to Identify the Night Sky," by Storm Dunlop and Wil
> > Tirion. There many other good star map and astronomy books out
there.
> The
> > library might be a good resource to investigate different
> > options. Additionally, a flashlight with a red lens is helpful for
> reading
> > the map in the dark. (It's red, so it doesn't ruin your night
vision.)
> If
> > you already know you want to dive deep into amateur astronomy,
Phil
> > Harrington's latest edition of "Star Ware" is available. It has
417
> pages
> > of expert advice on astronomy equipment and could be very helpful.
> >
> > The last piece of advice I like to give to new astronomers is to
> attend
> > local star parties. These events are often set up because
astronomers
> like
> > to share views through their telescope with the general public.
You
> can ask
> > questions and get opinions based on a variety of experiences.
People
> will
> > bring different types of telescopes so you can get a feel for
what may
> work
> > best for you or your family. (It helps to watch them set it up and
> take it
> > down too!) The Greater Tehachapi Astronomy Club will be doing
this in
> the
> > future and you can visit our Yahoo! Group for more details:
> > http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAstronomyClub/. Since we're
just
> > starting out, nothing firm has been set but if you've read this
far,
> please
> > feel join in and let us know your interested! The Antelope Valley
> Astronomy
> > Club is a very well developed club with regular events and
meetings.
> See
> > their website for information about nearby star parties:
> > www.avastronomyclub.org.
> >
> > One of earliest memories I have of my youth was when I was about
six
> and my
> > mother and I sat underneath the evening sky looking for man-made
> > satellites. It's a great memory and I have tried to create the
same
> > memories with my sons. I hope you can provide the same kinds of
> memories
> > for your family.
> >
> > - Brandon
> >
>
>
>
>
>     Good advice  Brandon, you've covered all the bases. I'd like to
> re-emphasize the fact that one doesn't need a fancy telescope to do
> astronomy. A basic star chart, a flashlight (with red lense!) and
maybe
> some binocs- go out and learn the constellations! Look at the
different
> colors of the stars, find planets. The moon can be very interesting
to
> study with binocs, most important, turn off the TV, go outside and
look
> up.
>
> Jon
>

--- In GTAstronomyClub@yahoogroups.com, "Brandon Wood" <bwood44@...>
wrote:
>
> Cross-posted with Tehachapi Homeschool Co-op Group
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Penelope Wood pawood17@
> Date: Oct 2, 2007 12:24 PM
> Subject: Beginning Astronomy Advice
> To: TehachapiHomeschoolCo_Op@yahoogroups.com
>
>
> Brandon Wood here. Natalie asked about recommendations for a beginner
> telescope. It's a question I get on occasion, and with the holidays
around
> the corner, I thought I would share my opinion with the group.
>
> First off, you don't need a telescope to enjoy the night sky. Many
folks
> advise a budding astronomer to start with a decent pair of binoculars.
A
> pair of 10x50 binoculars (10x magnification, 50mm diameter objective
or
> front lens) is an easy to make recommendation. You can get some great
wide
> views of the sky and start to identify different stars and other
> objects. Any larger-sized binoculars are challenging for an adult to
hold
> steadily, even while seated. I have a pair of 12x50 and 15x70
binoculars
> and I mount them on a camera tripod. For younger kids, binoculars are
hard,
> if not impossible, to handhold and a sturdy camera tripod becomes a
> necessity. A telescope may be a better option.
>
> If there's one piece of advice that amateur astronomers try to pass on
to
> beginners, it is that you should never buy a telescope based on an
> advertised magnification. Many boxes on "department store" telescopes
like
> to claim the products are capable to 600x or other ridiculous and
irrelevant
> numbers. The cheap optics and mounts do not let you SEE anything at
that
> high of a magnification.
>
> You should buy a telescope based on aperture and stability. The
diameter of
> the primary lens or mirror is called the aperture and it is key to
seeing
> distant and dark objects. Secondary to that is a mount that provides a
> sturdy means of holding the telescope. Many of the most inexpensive
> telescopes have a small primary lens (or mirror) and a flimsy mount. A
new
> astronomer will be doomed with frustration and disappointment trying
to use
> a telescope like this. It's hard to buy a telescope for less than $200
that
> doesn't fall in this category. Be careful however, as you can pay much
more
> and still get a telescope that fails to provide good views or be easy
to
> use. The trap that a beginning astronomer can fall into is putting
limited
> money into a fancy electronic "Goto" mount instead of better optics.
The
> optics are what provide the "wow". The electronics are designed to
make it
> easier to find celestial objects. Goto mounts are a marvel of modern
> technology and they certainly have their place, but they are often not
user
> friendly and can be more of a hindrance than a help.
>
> With this in mind, I suggest perusing the Orion Telescopes and
Binoculars
> website: www.telescope.com. Orion has a long history as a mail order,
now
> web-based, inexpensive telescope distributor. Two telescopes I
recommend
> from Orion are the StarBlast and the Skyquest XT4.5. Both of these
> telescopes are reflectors and have a 4.5" diameter primary mirror. The
> StarBlast sells for $180 and it's big enough to see the planets, star
> clusters, and the brightest nebula and galaxies. It's relatively easy
to
> store and very easy to use. The Skyquest XT4.5 is $240 and has the
same
> size mirror but some upgrades that make it a little easier for higher
power
> views of the Moon and planets. I have owned an XT4.5 and wrote a
review
> here: www.novac.com/resources/reviews/xt45.php. (Be warned that the
review
> is aimed at more advanced astronomers and does get technical.) The
bottom
> line is that either telescope is a great value and can provide a
wonderful
> introduction to astronomy.
>
> For the more adventurous type, there is a well-developed secondary
market
> for astronomy gear. It's called Astromart.com and those looking for a
used
> telescope will find many options there. Astromart caters all levels of
> astronomers so it helps to have an idea of what you want to purchase.
Good,
> gently used equipment can often be had for 60-70% off new prices. I
have
> bought and sold around 40 items on Astromart and could help if this is
an
> option you want to pursue.
>
> Independent of what you use to view the sky, a few other things are
critical
> for astronomy. You'll need some kind of star map. I'd recommend a book
> called "How to Identify the Night Sky," by Storm Dunlop and Wil
> Tirion. There many other good star map and astronomy books out there.
The
> library might be a good resource to investigate different
> options. Additionally, a flashlight with a red lens is helpful for
reading
> the map in the dark. (It's red, so it doesn't ruin your night vision.)
If
> you already know you want to dive deep into amateur astronomy, Phil
> Harrington's latest edition of "Star Ware" is available. It has 417
pages
> of expert advice on astronomy equipment and could be very helpful.
>
> The last piece of advice I like to give to new astronomers is to
attend
> local star parties. These events are often set up because astronomers
like
> to share views through their telescope with the general public. You
can ask
> questions and get opinions based on a variety of experiences. People
will
> bring different types of telescopes so you can get a feel for what may
work
> best for you or your family. (It helps to watch them set it up and
take it
> down too!) The Greater Tehachapi Astronomy Club will be doing this in
the
> future and you can visit our Yahoo! Group for more details:
> http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAstronomyClub/. Since we're just
> starting out, nothing firm has been set but if you've read this far,
please
> feel join in and let us know your interested! The Antelope Valley
Astronomy
> Club is a very well developed club with regular events and meetings.
See
> their website for information about nearby star parties:
> www.avastronomyclub.org.
>
> One of earliest memories I have of my youth was when I was about six
and my
> mother and I sat underneath the evening sky looking for man-made
> satellites. It's a great memory and I have tried to create the same
> memories with my sons. I hope you can provide the same kinds of
memories
> for your family.
>
> - Brandon
>




     Good advice  Brandon, you've covered all the bases. I'd like to
re-emphasize the fact that one doesn't need a fancy telescope to do
astronomy. A basic star chart, a flashlight (with red lense!) and maybe
some binocs- go out and learn the constellations! Look at the different
colors of the stars, find planets. The moon can be very interesting to
study with binocs, most important, turn off the TV, go outside and look
up.

Jon

Forwarded from the Tehachapi Homeschool Co-op Yahoo! Group:

Hi Lisa,

My name is Brandon Wood.  I'm Penny's husband.  We moved to Tehachapi
(top of Bear Mountain actually) about six months ago and homeschool
our three boys.

I'm an amateur astronomer and started the Greater Tehachapi Astronomy
Club last month.  It's still very much in the formative stage.  I am
hoping to organize local astronomers for a variety of reasons but one
is to help the situation that you've described below.  The Devil's
Punchbowl is a long ways away.  It's hard to dedicate the time to
drive down there and then drive back in the middle of the night or
early morning.  (When I was a kid, my mom did that for me and I
certainly appreciate her effort now more than I did then!)  One of my
first goals is to identify local areas that are free from significant
light pollution that astronomers and the "interested public" like you
can meet at to share our telescopes or to view meteor showers.  I
can't say I'm as knowledgeable as the park rangers at the Devil's
Punchbowl, but I'm definitely homeschooler friendly!!

I would enjoy championing local events that focus on whatever area of
astronomy that is of interest.  Last month I created a Yahoo Group to
help organize the club and these kind of activities.  Please see
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAstronomyClub/ for more info.  If
you think you may be interested in participating I'd encourage you to
join.  It will have low message traffic but the calendar will capture
all local, and many regional, events.

Some telescopes can be a little frustrating to use.  There are many
out there that get purchased for a seemingly interest kid only to
collect dust after a few less than successful attempts to use it.  If
there's the interest, we could do a "telescope clinic" where people
could bring there own telescopes and the focus would be on
understanding how to get the most out of it.

Again, I'd encourage anyone interested to reply back on this thread or
better yet join the GTAstronomyClub Yahoo group and follow along
there.  I can also be reached directly at bwood44@....

Clear skies!
  Brandon




On 9/26/07, Lisa Howard <sicilianroze@... > wrote:

The Devil's Punchbowl, just outside of Palmdale, is having a Star
Party on Saturday 10/13 at 8pm.  They have an 11" telescope that can
see planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies!

Also, on Sunday 10/21 at 9pm they will be viewing the Orionids Meteor
Shower and on Saturday 11/17 at 9pm the Leonid Meteor Shower, and on
Thursday 12/13 at 9pm the Geminids Meteor Shower.

The rangers at the Punchbowl are amazing, knowledgeable and love
homeschoolers.  These experiences are probably best suited for a bit
older children or those that can stay up late due to the lateness of
the shows and the distance from Tehachapi.

Enjoy,



Lisa Howard
Certified Referring Travel Agent
www.avantetravel.biz

Reprinted from the Tehachapi News
by Dale Hawkins

People being hurt be falling meteors is extremely rare. While it has
certainly been known to happen, one report estimates the odds at only
person injured every 180 years. Nevertheless, I'm willing to bet that
you have been struck by meteors — several times!

We tend to think of meteors as those glorious fireballs that streak
across the night sky. However, for every one we see, there are
millions of tiny meteors that float down through the atmosphere and
land completely unnoticed. On their way through the atmosphere, they
tend to have all of their sharp edges melted off and end up as tiny
spheres. They also slow down dramatically and land without even
creating a dent in a marshmallow.

While micrometeorites pose no danger to life or property on the
earth's surface, they certainly do pose problems for space hardware
and travelers. Though small, they travel at incredible velocities and
are the primary cause of "space weathering." Protecting against the
dangers posed by micrometeors is a constant concern for astronautical
engineers.

Fall is good time to hunt for micrometeorites. Many have collected on
our roofs over the summer. Wait for the next rain to wash them down
into your gutter. Then examine the collected gunk with a microscope.
I'll bet you'll find tiny spheres from outer space among the dirt and
leaves. Let me know what you find at hawk@....

It should be noted that this topic was suggested by my seventh grade
science teacher, and surely my biggest fan, who reads all of my
articles back in Spencer, Iowa. Thanks, Wayne!

Aviation Watch — Phasers are on their way
The Air Force is progressing with its Airborne Laser testing at
Edwards Air Force Base. "Low-power testing" has been completed as the
fire control system acquired a target aircraft, actively tracked the
target and measured atmospheric conditions, and then fired a low-power
laser to simulate engagement of the target. The next step is to
install the high-energy laser in the aircraft, which has already
completed rigorous ground testing at Edwards, leading up to an actual
intercept of a ballistic missile in 2009.

No doubt other nations are watching this technological development
with concern and are working on their own versions. Such
"zero-time-of-flight weapons" make pilots very nervous. Whatever can
be deployed in an aircraft can be more easily deployed on the ground,
making all military and civilian aircraft very vulnerable to attack.
I've heard a military pilot comment that, "When I have to contend with
phasers, I'm looking for a new job." I can't blame him. I think it's
time to start developing deflector shields, as well.

Manned Space Watch - Landing gear seals may delay launch
Concerns over faulty seals in Discovery's port landing gear may delay
her mission to deliver a crew habitation module (crew quarters) to
Space Station Alpha. She was to head out on Oct. 23, but may be
delayed as much as a month.

Space Probe Watch
Perhaps spurred on by the tribulations of our dust-covered
solar-powered Mars rovers, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Los
Alamos National Laboratory are working on a design for nuclear powered
rovers. Unlike the limited radioisotope thermal generators used on
Voyager and Pioneer, the new reactors would be more like those used on
nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. The downside: Though small,
the reactor with its shielding weighs a ton — 1,169 kilograms, to be
exact!

Night Sky Watch
With a full moon on Wednesday, the 26th, the evenings will be quite
bright. The next full moon is likely to much chillier, so now's the
time for moonlight strolls.
Jupiter is still bright in the southern sky, with Mars rising at
around midnight.
Venus is now a dazzling jewel in the eastern morning sky, just as it
was on spring evenings. Through a telescope, she is a very slender
crescent. It's amazing how such a sliver of light can be so bright
from so far away. Through my telescope with a narrow-band filter, it
seems that I can dimly make out the unlit portion of Venus, just as we
can see the unlit portion of the moon by reflected earthlight.
However, the only way this could be so is if the earth also lights the
dark side of Venus. Could the light from the sun actually reflect off
the earth, then bounce off Venus, and still be seen by us back on the
earth — or is my mind just filling in the view? I wonder; a "full
earth" would be far more dazzling than a crescent Venus.

Brandon Wood of Bear Valley counted 51 meteors in a ninety minute
period during the recent Aurigid Meteor Outburst. He reported it as
great quality time with his eight-year-old son.

Summer comes to a close with the Autumnal Equinox 2:51 AM on Sunday,
Sept. 23. (Notice the sunrise and set times are very close.)

Sunrise/Sunset (PDT)
6:45 a.m./6:44 p.m.

Reprinted from the Tehachapi News
by Dale Hawkins

For the first time in my life, I was able to enjoy a total lunar
eclipse from beginning to end. Many of my years were spent in San
Diego, where "night and morning low clouds and fog" were the rule. My
years in New England weren't much better, and my years in the
Submarine Service a total no-go for astronomy.  Finally in Tehachapi I
found the crisp, clear sky that lasts all night.

I watched the clock carefully. At about five minutes before the
eclipse was to begin, I could wait no longer. Using the excuse of
setting up my telescope, I headed out to find that the northwest edge
of the moon was already growing dark! (The exact timing of eclipses is
dependent on your exact location. We were a bit ahead of the general
predictions.) Within a half-hour, the local rooster became confused;
but noticing something odd, did the only thing he knew how - started
crowing his brains out.

The stars began to brighten as the moon dimmed. I watched in
fascination as the shadow of the earth move across the floor of the
great crater Tycho. By this time, the moon filter was unnecessary; it
was the first time I had ever looked at a full moon through a
telescope without a filter. With this sharper view, I was struck by
the unevenness of the edge of the moon against the blackness of space.

Totality came as the moon became fully engulfed in earth's shadow. It
lasted for an hour and a half with a ruddy moon lit by the combined
sunrises and sunsets of all earth, and the stars and Milky Way blazing
in full glory. Lightning from a distant thunderstorm flashed on the
northern horizon.

I hope I live long enough to hear the descriptions of the first human
to witness such an eclipse from the moon — earth a jet-black orb
ringed in a rainbow of sunlight.

With my telescope, I saw a star in Aquarius emerge from behind the
moon's darkened surface near Mare Crisium as the moon moved along in
its orbit. Such a star would otherwise be lost in the glare of the
full moon. Enchanted, I watched for others, and did indeed see another
even dimmer star emerge from the Southern Highlands.

As totality ended and white light again spread across the face of the
moon, the local rooster again began to crow. I dare say he didn't get
a very good night's rest with these strange goings on. I again watched
the edge of the earth's shadow race across the floor of Tycho. As the
last of the shadow cleared the edge of the moon, morning twilight was
just beginning to lighten the eastern horizon.

The next lunar eclipse that will be visible from Tehachapi will be on
Feb. 21 when the moon will rise already partially eclipsed.

Space Probe Watch
The Cassini space probe will fly by Saturn's moon Iapetus on Monday,
Sept. 10. This moon, which is bright on one side and dark on the
other, has intrigued astronomers ever since it was discovered by
Giovanni Cassini in 1671. Photos of Iapetus from Cassini have revealed
a bulge at the equator and a huge crater, giving it the appearance of
the "Death Star" from Star Wars.  This month's fly-by will be the
closest yet.

Night Sky Watch
With the moon reaching last quarter on Monday, Sept. 3, the evenings
will be dark and warm for astronomy.

Jupiter commands the evening sky, while Mars rises at around midnight.
  Venus has made her way to the other side of the sun and is now a
dazzling jewel in eastern morning sky.

Uranus, the farthest planet that can be seen with the naked eye,
reaches opposition — that is, directly opposite the sun from the
earth, and approximately its closest approach of the year — on
September 8. Uranus lies in the constellation Aquarius, just to the
west of Phi Aquarii.  At magnitude 5.7, a sharp eye can find it
without binoculars — but they sure help.

Neptune is also near opposition, but binoculars are required to find
it.  For more details on finding these distant orbs, consult the
latest issue of Sky & Telescope or Astronomy magazines.
Sunrise/Sunset (PDT)
6:30 a.m./7:14 p.m.

Here's my post to the Cloudy Nights General Observing forum.  Hope you
had an opportunity to see them as well!

I was able to see 51 Aurigids this morning. I observed them between
1030 and 1200 UT from my house at 6000ft in the Southern Sierras.
Transparency was good to excellent with a few clouds to the north that
dissipated before 1100 UT. The count was:

1030-1040 0
1040-1050 2
1050-1100 0
1100-1110 5
1110-1120 11
1120-1130 13
1130-1140 8
1140-1150 9
1150-1200 3

So my peak was between 1120 and 1130 at a rate of 78/hr. This peak
rate was similar to what I observed of the Perseids between 1050-1150
UT on Aug 13. The Aurigids had to be brighter than the Perseids to
outshine the moon, which was more annoying than I had expected. The
dynamic nature of the Aurigids, the rapid rise and fall, made the
shower more enjoyable for me.

Clear skies!
Brandon

Tehachapi News - Skywatch
by Dale Hawkins

I enjoyed this morning with my telescope as the sky was unusually
clear of smoke. Day was breaking and I packed up my telescope and lit
off the barbeque for the morning's steak and eggs. As I was
meditating on the flaming grill, my attention was drawn to a dazzling
point of light just above the trees in the pale blue of the morning
twilight. My heart was filled with joy, for the appearance of Sirius
(pronounced "serious") in the morning sky has signaled the approach
of autumn and cooler days.

This runs contrary to the origin of the term "dog days of summer." If
one were able to see all the way down to the horizon, Sirius would
become visible at dawn in early July, thus signaling the start of the
hottest part of summer, traditionally July third through August
eleventh. The Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians believed that the
intense light of Sirius, the brightest star in our sky after the sun,
added its own heat to the sun's, thus making for hotter days. The
name Sirius means "dog star," by which it is known throughout a
surprising number of cultures. Thus, we still speak of the "dog days
of summer."

However, from my backyard, I don't actually see Sirius rising in
twilight until it clears the mountains and the neighbor's roof, which
takes another six weeks or so. Therefore, to me it actually signals
the coming of cooler days. This is probably the case for most
everyone in our mountain valley.

I've found some interest in an astronomy club for the Tehachapi
Valley, but we could use some more support. Everyone seems to be so
busy. Perhaps we can limit our meetings to star parties and special
events. Tell me what you think at hawk@....

Manned Space Watch
With Endeavor's successful addition of a new truss to Space Station
Alpha, Discovery is preparing for an October 23rd launch to deliver
and attach the Harmony Node Module. It will provide an attachment
point for Japanese and European modules to be delivered in the coming
months.
There are no opportunities for sighting Space Station Alpha this
week.

Night Sky Watch
The moon will continue to dominate the evening sky this week. As the
moon reaches its full phase on Tuesday morning, Aug. 28, Tehachapi
will be treated to the best lunar total lunar eclipse of the decade
(if you don't insist that it occur in the evening). Such an eclipse
occurs when the earth passes between the moon and the sun. The moon
is cast in ruddy light of the combined sunrises and sunsets from
around the world. The moon will be about thirty degrees above the
horizon, providing a rich opportunity for photographers.

The eclipse will begin at 1:51 a.m., reach totality at 2:52 a.m.,
which will last for about ninety minutes, and end at 5:24 a.m., about
an hour before sunrise.

The Alpha Aurigid Meteor Shower is expected to provide a burst of
meteor activity on Saturday morning, September first. As many as
three meteors per minute are expected during a two hour period
peaking at 4:36 a.m.

Jupiter commands the evening southern sky, outshining all but the
moon.
I've received a host of e-mails reminding me that Mars will be at its
best position for viewing in decades this week. This is not true!
Mars will be at opposition - the best position for the year — on
Christmas Eve. The next great opportunity will be in 2016. I think
these e-mails are in reference to the last really close approach of a
few years ago.

Sunrise/Sunset (PDT)
6:25 a.m./7:24 p.m.

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
GTAstronomyClub group:

What areas of amateur astronomy interest you most?

   o Deep Sky Observing
   o Deep Sky Astrophotography
   o Lunar/Planetary Observing
   o Lunar/Planetary Astrophotography
   o Variable Star Observing
   o Double Star Observing
   o Solar Observing/Photography
   o Artificial Satellite Observing/Photography
   o Amatuer Telescope Making
   o Astronomy Education/Outreach
   o Comet Hunting
   o Astrophysics / Cosmology / Planetary Science


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAstronomyClub/surveys?id=2256075

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
GTAstronomyClub group:

How many telescopes (inclucing binoculars useful for astronomy) do you own?

   o 0
   o 1
   o 2
   o 3
   o 4
   o 5 or more


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAstronomyClub/surveys?id=2256023

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
GTAstronomyClub group:

How long have you been an amatuer astronomer?

   o <1 Year
   o 1-3 Years
   o 3-9 Years
   o 10-20 Years
   o 20+ Years


To vote, please visit the following web page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAstronomyClub/surveys?id=2255999

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Tehachapi News - Skywatch
by Dale Hawkins

The Perseid Meteor Shower was splendid, as advertised. I saw well over
a hundred meteors on the morning of the thirteenth. However, nearly
half did not seem to radiate from Perseus, but were instead random
meteors that you might see on any night. Most of the Perseid meteors
came in bursts of several within a few seconds. A couple were bright
enough to be called "fireballs" that leave a lingering trail of
glowing debris.

It's interesting to note that most of the meteors that we see are in
fact glowing as they pass through extremely thin air about 200 miles
up. That's about how high the space shuttle and space station operate!
And you thought it was empty space up there. In fact, our atmosphere
thins out gradually and wisps can even be detected past the moon.

Meteors are well known for streaking at great speed across the
heavens. But what if one were coming straight at you?  You would see a
new pinpoint of light that would brighten very rapidly, then wink out
— either because it burned up or blew your eyeball out! (Don't worry;
the odds are very much in your favor.) I've only seen that happen
twice in my life, and the second time was last week!  What a treat.

Many communities have organized gatherings for observing the Perseids
and other astronomical events. I think it's about time we started an
astronomy club for the Tehachapi Valley. If you're interested, please
let me know at hawk@....

Manned Space Watch
Endeavor is to have completed the addition of a new truss to Space
Station Alpha. Another milestone was reached when Endeavor started
drawing power from the station, allowing her stay to be extended by
three days. She is now scheduled to depart the station on Monday and
touchdown on Wednesday morning at 9:48 a.m. Tehachapi time.

Being able to supply power to visiting ships is an important step in
creating a real spaceport. When a captain arrives at a port, he
expects to hook up to "shore power" and turn off his engines. However,
we still have quite a ways to go: A captain and crew also expect to be
able to get fuel, repairs, fresh food and other supplies. And let us
not forget the critical need for a seedy space ranger's bar! More
modules will be added onto the station every other month for the next
year; but I don't see a "lounge module" on the list. All in good time,
I trust.

As this article goes to press, NASA is still deciding whether to have
the crew fix a gouge in Endeavour's protective tiles caused by a
flying piece of ice during launch. They say it's not a matter of
safety for the crew, but more a matter of avoiding the need for
extensive repair when she get's home.

A good opportunity for sighting Space Station Alpha will come on
Wednesday evening, Aug. 22. The station will approach from the
west-northwest at 8:43 p.m., rise to 51 degrees above the southwestern
horizon, and disappear in the south-southeast two minutes later.

Night Sky Watch
The moon will dominated the evening sky this week, culminating in a
splendid lunar eclipse on Tuesday morning, Aug. 28. This is expected
to be the best total lunar eclipse of the decade (if you don't insist
that it occur in the evening). Such an eclipse occurs when the earth
passes between the moon and the sun. The moon is cast in ruddy light
of all of the combined sunrises and sunsets on earth. The moon will be
about thirty degrees above the horizon, providing a rich opportunity
for photographers.

The eclipse will begin at 1:51 a.m., reach totality at 2:52 a.m.,
which will last for about ninety minutes, and end at 5:24 a.m., about
an hour before sunrise.
The Perseid Meteor Shower has passed its peak, but a few meteors can
still be seen in the early morning hours through Friday, Aug. 24.

Jupiter commands the evening southern sky, outshining all but the moon.

Sunrise/Sunset (PDT)
6:19 a.m./7:33 p.m.