This month's SkyMap is available:

-----Original Message-----
From: Skymaps.com [mailto:mail@...]
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:37 PM
To: swanson.michael@...
Subject: Skymaps.com Update -- July 2009

Welcome to the latest issue of Skymaps.com Update!

IN THIS ISSUE:
  *  The Evening Sky Map -- July 2009
  *  Follow us on Twitter
  *  TESM Distribution Policy
  *  Change Address / Leave Mailing List

-----------------------------------------------
Genuine discounts on brand name telescopes, accessories and binoculars.
<http://www.skymaps.com/telescope-sale/>

-----------------------------------------------
THE EVENING SKY MAP -- JULY 2009

The latest issue of The Evening Sky Map is now available!

This month's Sky Calendar features:
  *  Two occultations of Antares
  *  Venus near the Pleiades
  *  Jupiter near Neptune
  *  Total Solar Eclipse: India-Nepal-China-Pacific
  *  plus... the best celestial objects for binoculars, telescope, or just
your eyes.

Sky Calendar and related links:
<http://Skymaps.com/skycalendar/>

Download The Evening Sky Map:
<http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html>

The Evening Sky Map remains FREE for personal non-commercial educational use
thanks to generous donations (http://Skymaps.com/donate/) and sales from
http://Skymaps.com/store/. A sincere thank you for your support.

Best wishes and clear skies!

Kym Thalassoudis
http://Skymaps.com
Quality sky maps each month to explore, learn & enjoy the night sky.

Not seeing the latest edition? This could be caused by a browser-caching
issue.
PC: Hold down the "alt" key and click your browser's reload/refresh button.
Mac: Hold down the "option" key and click the reload/refresh button in your
browser.

-----------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Follow us to receive news of updated or new sky maps, reminders of Sky
Calendar events, and other noteworthy news for sky watchers.
<http://www.twitter.com/skymaps/>

-----------------------------------------------
TESM DISTRIBUTION POLICY

Skymaps.com encourages individuals and Astronomy Education Groups to make
and
distribute printed copies of The Evening Sky Map (TESM) for non-commercial
education purposes including Astronomy outreach to the public.

Individuals and Astronomy Education Groups wishing to distribute printed
handouts of TESM do NOT need to submit a Copyright Permission Form provided
the
use is strictly non-commercial. Commercial use will require a license
agreement.

Under the Non-Commercial Educational Use policy, Individuals may make and
distribute up to 30 printed handouts of TESM each month for use by their
family
or friends. Astronomy Education Groups may make and distribute up to 300
copies
of TESM each month for non-commercial educational use.

Individuals or Astronomy Education Groups need to comply with the Terms of
Use
detailed at: <http://www.skymaps.com/terms.html>

The policy makes it convenient for Astronomy-related groups and educators to
use
The Evening Sky Map to support Astronomy awareness and education in their
region. Please contact us if you have any questions.
<mailto:info@...>

Note, reprint fees *may* apply in some cases. For example:
*  Any use of a commercial nature
*  Publication including bundling with other publications
*  More than 300 copies per month

-----------------------------------------------
HELP SUPPORT THE EVENING SKY MAP & SKY CALENDAR

You can support the continued production and distribution of The Evening Sky
Map
& Sky Calendar by making a small donation. Simply click the link below. All
donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
http://www.skymaps.com/donate/

-----------------------------------------------
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

Please forward all enquiries to <mailto:mail@...>

-----------------------------------------------
Copyright (C) 2009, Kym Thalassoudis. All Rights Reserved.

_____________________________
Change email address / Leave mailing list:
http://ymlp130.com/u.php?YMLPID=gusujgsgjbeqgesw
Powered by  YourMailingListProvider

Hi Sal,

Yep, right on the meetings page of our web site:
http://www.nexstarsite.com/_RAC/meeting.html

Best regards,
Mike

------ Original Message ------
Received: 06:55 AM JST, 06/24/2009
From: "Gaglio GySgt Salvatore" <salvatore.gaglio@...>
To: <RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: RE: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!

> Mike,
> Do you happen to have a map or directions to the classroom?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of Michael Swanson
> Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 4:47 PM
> To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!
>
>
>
> Everyone is welcome!
>
> Best regards,
> Mike
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> Received: 06:25 AM JST, 06/23/2009
> From: "Gaglio GySgt Salvatore" <salvatore.gaglio@...
> <mailto:salvatore.gaglio%40usmc.mil> >
> To: <RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com> >
> Subject: RE: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!
>
> > Mike,
> > I'm a new Den Leader for the Camp Foster Cub Scout Pack (Pack 112) and
> > was wondering if you would mind if I extend the invitation out to our
> parents.
> > I'm not sure who originally set this up, but it would be a great
> > experience for the boys. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
> >
> > Sal Gaglio
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> > <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> > [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> > <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Michael Swanson
> > Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 8:50 PM
> > To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> > <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi gang,
> >
> > It's confirmed, the Cub Scouts are coming to our club meeting this
> Saturday.
> > As usual, we will meet at the Lester Hospital conference room (7PM)
> > and as usual, the forecast calls for clouds :-( It is still early
> > though so let's hope the forecast is wrong. In any case, part of what
> > the scouts would benefit from is some hands on learning about
> > telescopes, even if it is indoors. If it is at least partly clear, we
> > will be setting up just outside the hospital in the field next to the
> helipad.
> >
> > Unless someone else would like to do it, I'm putting together a
> presentation
> > based on ones I've used at elementary schools in the past. I'll let
> > you all know if I need some folks to help with the presentation.
> >
> > Beyond that, bring your gear. Keep in mind these are elementary school
> > kids so you might not want to bring your most expensive eyepieces.
> > Also, they will be short (they are kids) so if the eyepiece of your
> > scope is higher than about 3 feet, it would be good to bring something
> > sturdy for them to stand on. We will want to show them the Moon (we'll
> > have just about the
> best
> > possible phase - 4 days old crescent), Saturn (unfortunately with
> > practically no rings) and maybe some bright clusters (M3 in bigger
> > scopes should look nice). Keep it bright and simple though as most
> > kids are
> looking
> > for Hubble-like views.
> >
> > Be prepared to answer questions like how much does your scope cost (to
> which
> > you can be frank but also point out that they can get started for a
> > couple hundred dollars), how much does it magnify (to which you should
> > probably explain several hundred times but 50 to 150 magnification is
> > most commonly used and aperture is much more important in order to
> > collect more light and show fainter objects) and how far away is that
> > thing we're looking at (I'll leave you to research that one on your own
> :-).
> >
> > If you have friends with kids (or if you have kids) this would be a
> > good time to invite them out.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Mike
> > http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm
> > <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm>
> > <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm
> > <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> > ---------------------------------------------
> > Attachment: smime.p7s
> > MIME Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature
> > ---------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>

> ---------------------------------------------
> Attachment: smime.p7s
> MIME Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature
> ---------------------------------------------

Mike,
Do you happen to have a map or directions to the classroom?

-----Original Message-----
From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Michael Swanson
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 4:47 PM
To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!



Everyone is welcome!

Best regards,
Mike

------ Original Message ------
Received: 06:25 AM JST, 06/23/2009
From: "Gaglio GySgt Salvatore" <salvatore.gaglio@...
<mailto:salvatore.gaglio%40usmc.mil> >
To: <RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com> >
Subject: RE: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!

> Mike,
> I'm a new Den Leader for the Camp Foster Cub Scout Pack (Pack 112) and
> was wondering if you would mind if I extend the invitation out to our
parents.
> I'm not sure who originally set this up, but it would be a great
> experience for the boys. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
>
> Sal Gaglio
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of Michael Swanson
> Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 8:50 PM
> To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:RACAstronomy%40yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!
>
>
>
> Hi gang,
>
> It's confirmed, the Cub Scouts are coming to our club meeting this
Saturday.
> As usual, we will meet at the Lester Hospital conference room (7PM)
> and as usual, the forecast calls for clouds :-( It is still early
> though so let's hope the forecast is wrong. In any case, part of what
> the scouts would benefit from is some hands on learning about
> telescopes, even if it is indoors. If it is at least partly clear, we
> will be setting up just outside the hospital in the field next to the
helipad.
>
> Unless someone else would like to do it, I'm putting together a
presentation
> based on ones I've used at elementary schools in the past. I'll let
> you all know if I need some folks to help with the presentation.
>
> Beyond that, bring your gear. Keep in mind these are elementary school
> kids so you might not want to bring your most expensive eyepieces.
> Also, they will be short (they are kids) so if the eyepiece of your
> scope is higher than about 3 feet, it would be good to bring something
> sturdy for them to stand on. We will want to show them the Moon (we'll
> have just about the
best
> possible phase - 4 days old crescent), Saturn (unfortunately with
> practically no rings) and maybe some bright clusters (M3 in bigger
> scopes should look nice). Keep it bright and simple though as most
> kids are
looking
> for Hubble-like views.
>
> Be prepared to answer questions like how much does your scope cost (to
which
> you can be frank but also point out that they can get started for a
> couple hundred dollars), how much does it magnify (to which you should
> probably explain several hundred times but 50 to 150 magnification is
> most commonly used and aperture is much more important in order to
> collect more light and show fainter objects) and how far away is that
> thing we're looking at (I'll leave you to research that one on your own
:-).
>
> If you have friends with kids (or if you have kids) this would be a
> good time to invite them out.
>
> Best regards,
> Mike
> http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm
> <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm>
> <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm
> <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm> >
>
>
>
>
>

> ---------------------------------------------
> Attachment: smime.p7s
> MIME Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature
> ---------------------------------------------

Everyone is welcome!

Best regards,
Mike

------ Original Message ------
Received: 06:25 AM JST, 06/23/2009
From: "Gaglio GySgt Salvatore" <salvatore.gaglio@...>
To: <RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: RE: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!

> Mike,
> I'm a new Den Leader for the Camp Foster Cub Scout Pack (Pack 112) and was
> wondering if you would mind if I extend the invitation out to our parents.
> I'm not sure who originally set this up, but it would be a great experience
> for the boys.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks.
>
> Sal Gaglio
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of Michael Swanson
> Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 8:50 PM
> To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!
>
>
>
> Hi gang,
>
> It's confirmed, the Cub Scouts are coming to our club meeting this
Saturday.
> As usual, we will meet at the Lester Hospital conference room (7PM) and as
> usual, the forecast calls for clouds :-( It is still early though so let's
> hope the forecast is wrong. In any case, part of what the scouts would
> benefit from is some hands on learning about telescopes, even if it is
> indoors. If it is at least partly clear, we will be setting up just outside
> the hospital in the field next to the helipad.
>
> Unless someone else would like to do it, I'm putting together a
presentation
> based on ones I've used at elementary schools in the past. I'll let you all
> know if I need some folks to help with the presentation.
>
> Beyond that, bring your gear. Keep in mind these are elementary school kids
> so you might not want to bring your most expensive eyepieces. Also, they
> will be short (they are kids) so if the eyepiece of your scope is higher
> than about 3 feet, it would be good to bring something sturdy for them to
> stand on. We will want to show them the Moon (we'll have just about the
best
> possible phase - 4 days old crescent), Saturn (unfortunately with
> practically no rings) and maybe some bright clusters (M3 in bigger scopes
> should look nice). Keep it bright and simple though as most kids are
looking
> for Hubble-like views.
>
> Be prepared to answer questions like how much does your scope cost (to
which
> you can be frank but also point out that they can get started for a couple
> hundred dollars), how much does it magnify (to which you should probably
> explain several hundred times but 50 to 150 magnification is most commonly
> used and aperture is much more important in order to collect more light and
> show fainter objects) and how far away is that thing we're looking at (I'll
> leave you to research that one on your own :-).
>
> If you have friends with kids (or if you have kids) this would be a good
> time to invite them out.
>
> Best regards,
> Mike
> http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm>
>
>
>
>
>

> ---------------------------------------------
> Attachment: smime.p7s
> MIME Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature
> ---------------------------------------------

Mike,
I'm a new Den Leader for the Camp Foster Cub Scout Pack (Pack 112) and was
wondering if you would mind if I extend the invitation out to our parents.
I'm not sure who originally set this up, but it would be a great experience
for the boys.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks.

Sal Gaglio

-----Original Message-----
From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Michael Swanson
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 8:50 PM
To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RACAstronomy] The Cub Scouts are coming!



Hi gang,

It's confirmed, the Cub Scouts are coming to our club meeting this Saturday.
As usual, we will meet at the Lester Hospital conference room (7PM) and as
usual, the forecast calls for clouds :-( It is still early though so let's
hope the forecast is wrong. In any case, part of what the scouts would
benefit from is some hands on learning about telescopes, even if it is
indoors. If it is at least partly clear, we will be setting up just outside
the hospital in the field next to the helipad.

Unless someone else would like to do it, I'm putting together a presentation
based on ones I've used at elementary schools in the past. I'll let you all
know if I need some folks to help with the presentation.

Beyond that, bring your gear. Keep in mind these are elementary school kids
so you might not want to bring your most expensive eyepieces. Also, they
will be short (they are kids) so if the eyepiece of your scope is higher
than about 3 feet, it would be good to bring something sturdy for them to
stand on. We will want to show them the Moon (we'll have just about the best
possible phase - 4 days old crescent), Saturn (unfortunately with
practically no rings) and maybe some bright clusters (M3 in bigger scopes
should look nice). Keep it bright and simple though as most kids are looking
for Hubble-like views.

Be prepared to answer questions like how much does your scope cost (to which
you can be frank but also point out that they can get started for a couple
hundred dollars), how much does it magnify (to which you should probably
explain several hundred times but 50 to 150 magnification is most commonly
used and aperture is much more important in order to collect more light and
show fainter objects) and how far away is that thing we're looking at (I'll
leave you to research that one on your own :-).

If you have friends with kids (or if you have kids) this would be a good
time to invite them out.

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm <http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm>

Hi gang,

It's confirmed, the Cub Scouts are coming to our club meeting this Saturday.
As usual, we will meet at the Lester Hospital conference room (7PM) and as
usual, the forecast calls for clouds :-(  It is still early though so let's
hope the forecast is wrong.  In any case, part of what the scouts would
benefit from is some hands on learning about telescopes, even if it is
indoors.  If it is at least partly clear, we will be setting up just outside
the hospital in the field next to the helipad.

Unless someone else would like to do it, I'm putting together a presentation
based on ones I've used at elementary schools in the past.  I'll let you all
know if I need some folks to help with the presentation.

Beyond that, bring your gear.  Keep in mind these are elementary school kids
so you might not want to bring your most expensive eyepieces.  Also, they
will be short (they are kids) so if the eyepiece of your scope is higher
than about 3 feet, it would be good to bring something sturdy for them to
stand on.  We will want to show them the Moon (we'll have just about the
best possible phase - 4 days old crescent), Saturn (unfortunately with
practically no rings) and maybe some bright clusters (M3 in bigger scopes
should look nice).  Keep it bright and simple though as most kids are
looking for Hubble-like views.

Be prepared to answer questions like how much does your scope cost (to which
you can be frank but also point out that they can get started for a couple
hundred dollars), how much does it magnify (to which you should probably
explain several hundred times but 50 to 150 magnification is most commonly
used and aperture is much more important in order to collect more light and
show fainter objects) and how far away is that thing we're looking at (I'll
leave you to research that one on your own :-).

If you have friends with kids (or if you have kids) this would be a good
time to invite them out.

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Hi folks,

Robert has written an article about the Galileoscope and posted it on our
web site:
http://www.nexstarsite.com/_RAC/gsc.html

Galileoscope is a project to get a quality telescope in the hand of as many
people as possible during the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA
2009).

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Hi gang,

Robert has just written an article on a planet found orbiting the nearby
star designated VB10:
http://www.nexstarsite.com/_RAC/vb10.html

Thanks Robert!

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Hi folks,

Robert Brenner has create a new version of our web site:
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Check it out and let us know what you think.  Suggestions for improvement
also welcome!

Best regards,
Mike

Hi gang - here is this month's skymap:

-----Original Message-----
From: Skymaps.com [mailto:mail@...]
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2009 12:26 AM
To: swanson.michael@...
Subject: Skymaps.com Update -- June 2009

Welcome to the latest issue of Skymaps.com Update!

IN THIS ISSUE:
  *  The Evening Sky Map -- June 2009
  *  Popular Map Posters Out of Print
  *  TESM Distribution Policy
  *  Change Address / Leave Mailing List

-----------------------------------------------
Genuine discounts on brand name telescopes, accessories and binoculars.
<http://www.skymaps.com/telescope-sale/>

-----------------------------------------------
THE EVENING SKY MAP -- JUNE 2009

The latest issue of The Evening Sky Map is now available!

This month's Sky Calendar features:
  *  Occultation of Antares
  *  Moon near the Pleiades
  *  June solstice
  *  Venus near Mars
  *  Mercury near Aldebaran
  *  plus... the best celestial objects for binoculars, telescope, or just
your eyes.

Sky Calendar and related links:
<http://Skymaps.com/skycalendar/>

Download The Evening Sky Map:
<http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html>

The Evening Sky Map remains FREE for personal non-commercial educational use
thanks to generous donations (http://Skymaps.com/donate/) and sales from
http://Skymaps.com/store/. A sincere thank you for your support.

Best wishes and clear skies!

Kym Thalassoudis
http://Skymaps.com
Quality sky maps each month to explore, learn & enjoy the night sky.

Not seeing the latest edition? This could be caused by a browser-caching
issue.
PC: Hold down the "alt" key and click your browser's reload/refresh button.
Mac: Hold down the "option" key and click the reload/refresh button in your
browser.

-----------------------------------------------
POPULAR MAP POSTERS OUT OF PRINT

Tomas Filsinger, the author of both the Map of the Universe and Celestial
Planisphere wall posters, has let us know that the maps are going out of
print
because the publishers were absorbed by another publisher that "does not do
prints".

AllPosters have already sold out of Celestial Planisphere...
<http://www.skymaps.com/290662/>

Map of the Universe (35 x 35 inches) is still available for purchase, but
probably not for long. Get it while you can...
<http://www.skymaps.com/390610/>

-----------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Just like everybody else we're new to Twitter. Follow us to receive news of
updated/new sky maps, reminders of Sky Calendar events, and other noteworthy
news for sky watchers.
<http://www.twitter.com/skymaps/>

-----------------------------------------------
TESM DISTRIBUTION POLICY

Skymaps.com encourages individuals and Astronomy Education Groups to make
and
distribute printed copies of The Evening Sky Map (TESM) for non-commercial
education purposes including Astronomy outreach to the public.

Individuals and Astronomy Education Groups wishing to distribute printed
handouts of TESM do NOT need to submit a Copyright Permission Form provided
the
use is strictly non-commercial. Commercial use will require a license
agreement.

Under the Non-Commercial Educational Use policy, Individuals may make and
distribute up to 30 printed handouts of TESM each month for use by their
family
or friends. Astronomy Education Groups may make and distribute up to 300
copies
of TESM each month for non-commercial educational use.

Individuals or Astronomy Education Groups need to comply with the Terms of
Use
detailed at: <http://www.skymaps.com/terms.html>

The policy makes it convenient for Astronomy-related groups and educators to
use
The Evening Sky Map to support Astronomy awareness and education in their
region. Please contact us if you have any questions.
<mailto:info@...>

Note, reprint fees *may* apply in some cases. For example:
*  Any use of a commercial nature
*  Publication including bundling with other publications
*  More than 300 copies per month

-----------------------------------------------
HELP SUPPORT THE EVENING SKY MAP & SKY CALENDAR

You can support the continued production and distribution of The Evening Sky
Map
& Sky Calendar by making a small donation. Simply click the link below. All
donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
http://www.skymaps.com/donate/

-----------------------------------------------
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

Please forward all enquiries to <mailto:mail@...>

-----------------------------------------------
Copyright (C) 2009, Kym Thalassoudis. All Rights Reserved.

_____________________________
Change email address / Leave mailing list:
http://ymlp130.com/u.php?YMLPID=gusujgsgjbeqgesb
Powered by  YourMailingListProvider

You might find this link handy:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/8708182.html
when one of your friends or family forwards the Mars email hoax.

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Ryukyu Astronomy Club
23 May 2009 Meeting

Saturday's meeting was lightly attended by two regular members and a guest
with a long-time interest in the night sky.

Mike Swanson gave a presentation about the relative sizes of our planet,
solar system objects and the largest stars we know of.  Unfortunately a lot
of the material in the presentation is copyrighted and we can't post it
online for your enjoyment.

Mike also gave a short talk on a new optical tube which Celestron introduced
just this weekend at the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference (RTMC).  It
is a modified Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) which Celestron is calling
the Edge HD.  The Edge HD corrects the two main aberrations of the SCT -
coma (also corrected with Meade's ACF modified SCT) and curved field.  In
fact, the Edge HD has a very flat focal plane out to the corners of
large-chip cameras, including digital SLRs.  The flat focal plane improves
wide-field visual usage as well.  Celestron is sending Mike a pre-production
model (the 8" optical tube shown at RTMC) next month, so our club will be
one the first to see it in action.

The Cub Scouts are tentatively planning to attend our next regular meeting
on 27 June.  A presentation tailored to youngsters is already in the works,
but we will need scopes, binoculars, Mike B's SkyScout :-) and extra hands
to assist as we take them outdoors to view the Moon, Saturn and a few other
objects.

Hi folks,

Just a reminder that we will be holding our monthly meeting tomorrow - 23 May,
7PM in the Lester Hospital Conference Room.  See the Meetings page of our web
site for directions to the Conference Room.

We will have a presentation on just how small we are when compared to the
solar system, galaxy and universe.  Also, we will discuss a special meeting we
will hold next month for the Cub Scouts.

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Sky and Telescope has two articles of interest:

Refurbished Hubble Will Surpass Itself
May 11, 2009
After years of anticipation, a Space Shuttle crew lifted off Monday, May
11th, for the much-delayed 11-day mission to service and repair the Hubble
Space Telescope. > read more:
http://tinyurl.com/qcxan9


Planck and Herschel:
Lifting the Veil on Inflation and Starbirth
May 14, 2009
On Thursday, May 14th, the European Space Agency launched the Herschel Space
Observatory and the Planck Surveyor on a single Ariane 5 rocket. They will
peer deeply into dust clouds and map the microwave background. > read more:
http://tinyurl.com/o6qzqc

Best regards,
Mike

Tommy's presentation from last month on the Webb Space Telescope is
available here:
http://www.nexstarsite.com/_RAC/download.htm

Thanks Tommy for the research and presentation.  Thanks Robert for
maintaining the web site.

You've probably realized by now that we didn't join the Cub Scouts at Torii
Station this weekend.  We couldn't get a venue to give a presentation/class
so I've invited them to our June RAC meeting.  We will discuss this at the
meeting next Saturday.

We need a volunteer to give a presentation next Saturday.  If you don't have
a topic you've been dying to research, a presentation on a prominent spring
constellation would be great.  Here is where you can find Mike B's
presentation from two months ago on Orion:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RACAstronomy/files/

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Latest SkyMap:

-----Original Message-----
From: Skymaps.com [mailto:mail@...]
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:39 PM
To: swanson.michael@...
Subject: Skymaps.com Update -- May 2009

Welcome to the latest issue of Skymaps.com Update!

IN THIS ISSUE:
  *  The Evening Sky Map -- May 2009
  *  TESM Distribution Policy
  *  Change Address / Leave Mailing List

-----------------------------------------------
THE EVENING SKY MAP -- MAY 2009

The latest issue of The Evening Sky Map is now available!

This month's Sky Calendar features:
  *  Eta Aquarid meteor shower
  *  Occultation of Antares
  *  Titan Shadow Transit
  *  Jupiter near Neptune
  *  plus... the best celestial objects for binoculars, telescope, or just
your eyes.

Sky Calendar and related links:
http://Skymaps.com/skycalendar/

Download The Evening Sky Map:
http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

The Evening Sky Map remains FREE for personal non-commercial educational use
thanks to generous donations (http//Skymaps.com/donate/) and sales from
http//Skymaps.com/store/. A sincere thank you for your support.

Best wishes and clear skies!

Kym Thalassoudis
http://Skymaps.com
Quality sky maps each month to explore, learn & enjoy the night sky.

Not seeing the latest edition? This could be caused by a browser-caching
issue.
PC: Hold down the "alt" key and click your browser's reload/refresh button.
Mac: Hold down the "option" key and click the reload/refresh button in your
browser.

-----------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Just like everybody else we're new to Twitter. Follow us to receive news of
updated/new sky maps, reminders of Sky Calendar events, and other noteworthy
news for sky watchers.
<http://www.twitter.com/skymaps/>

-----------------------------------------------
SAVE & GET FREE SHIPPING ON POPULAR TELESCOPES

Genuine discounts on brand name telescopes and binoculars.
<http://www.skymaps.com/telescope-sale/>

-----------------------------------------------
TESM DISTRIBUTION POLICY

Skymaps.com encourages individuals and Astronomy Education Groups to make
and
distribute printed copies of The Evening Sky Map (TESM) for non-commercial
education purposes including Astronomy outreach to the public.

Individuals and Astronomy Education Groups wishing to distribute printed
handouts of TESM do NOT need to submit a Copyright Permission Form provided
the
use is strictly non-commercial. Commercial use will require a license
agreement.

Under the Non-Commercial Educational Use policy, Individuals may make and
distribute up to 30 printed handouts of TESM each month for use by their
family
or friends. Astronomy Education Groups may make and distribute up to 300
copies
of TESM each month for non-commercial educational use.

Individuals or Astronomy Education Groups need to comply with the Terms of
Use
detailed at: <http://www.skymaps.com/terms.html>

The policy makes it convenient for Astronomy-related groups and educators to
use
The Evening Sky Map to support Astronomy awareness and education in their
region. Please contact us if you have any questions.
<mailto:info@...>

Note, reprint fees *may* apply in some cases. For example:
*  Any use of a commercial nature
*  Publication including bundling with other publications
*  More than 300 copies per month

-----------------------------------------------
HELP SUPPORT THE EVENING SKY MAP & SKY CALENDAR

You can support the continued production and distribution of The Evening Sky
Map
& Sky Calendar by making a small donation. Simply click the link below. All
donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
http://www.skymaps.com/donate/

-----------------------------------------------
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

Please forward all enquiries to <mailto:mail@...>

-----------------------------------------------
Copyright (C) 2009, Kym Thalassoudis. All Rights Reserved.

_____________________________
Change email address / Leave mailing list:
http://ymlp130.com/u.php?YMLPID=gusujgsgjbeqgesu
Powered by  YourMailingListProvider

HI,

I read the ad in Japan Update, and that led me to your group, but I missed the
meeting.  I am looking forward to learning more, and attending the next meeting,
possibly with my husband it tow.

Antoinette Burk

Hi gang,

One of the things we have discussed at the last two meetings was how to
reach a larger audience.  We all feel there are probably dozens of
English-speaking people on Okinawa who are interested in Astronomy, but they
just don't know there is an active club.  At Saturday's meeting we submitted
a classified to Japan Update and just now I sent one to Stars and Stripes
(text below).

Any other ideas?

Best regards,
Mike

Interested in stars, planets and the night sky?  The Ryukyu Astronomy Club
meets the fourth Saturday of every month at the Lester Hospital Conference
Room, 7PM.  No dues, friendly atmosphere.  Visit
http://www.nexstarsite.com/rac.htm for more information.

For those who couldn't make it to last night's meeting, Tommy made a great
presentation on the Hubble and Webb space telescopes.  The Hubble
presentation was one he found online:
http://www.slideshare.net/randy.crockett/hubble-space-telescope-presentation
The Webb presentation was a PPT Tommy compiled - we'll post it online soon.

See this new item for what I consider to be the most interesting exoplanet
discovery to date:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/newsblog/43401872.html


Best regards,
Mike

Update - the school will not need our services on May 1st.  They would like
us to help out next school year (this autumn).

Best regards,
Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Michael Swanson
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 5:42 PM
To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RACAstronomy] Next Ryukyu Astronomy Club Meeting - this Saturday,
25 April

Hi gang,

Our next RAC meeting will be this coming Saturday, 25 April, 7PM at the
Lester Hospital Conference Room.  We plan to discuss the Hubble Space
Telescope with the aid of a presentation located by Tommy McGee.  We also
need to finalize details about our school star party on 1 May.

Mark your calendars!

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm





------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

Hi gang,

Our next RAC meeting will be this coming Saturday, 25 April, 7PM at the
Lester Hospital Conference Room.  We plan to discuss the Hubble Space
Telescope with the aid of a presentation located by Tommy McGee.  We also
need to finalize details about our school star party on 1 May.

Mark your calendars!

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

Hi,

The NASA site has some good information on the upcoming solar eclipse this
summer.  It has an interactive map that shows the percentage of eclipse for
those areas (like Okinawa) that are out of the main footprint of the eclipse. 
Here is a link:

http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009.html

It looks like in the central Okinawa area, we will see a 92% eclipse and from
the northern point of Okinawa, it will be 94%.

~Mike B

Thanks Mike.

Here is the direct link to the Files section of the Group:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/RACAstronomy/files/
You'll find Mike's PowerPoint Presentation there.

Best regards,
Mike


-----Original Message-----
From: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com [mailto:RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Mike
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2009 4:14 PM
To: RACAstronomy@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [RACAstronomy] Slides Uploaded - Orion Constellation


Mike and All,

Great meeting last night!

I uploaded a file with the slides from last night's discussion on the Orion
Constellation.

~Mike B~



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

Mike and All,

Great meeting last night!

I uploaded a file with the slides from last night's discussion on the Orion
Constellation.

~Mike B~

Monthly sky chart:

-----Original Message-----
From: Skymaps.com [mailto:mail@...]
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2009 9:32 PM
To: swanson.michael@...
Subject: Skymaps.com Update -- April 2009

Welcome to the latest issue of Skymaps.com Update!

IN THIS ISSUE:
  *  The Evening Sky Map -- April 2009
  *  TESM -- Multiple Languages & new Equatorial Edition
  *  TESM Distribution Policy
  *  Change Address / Leave Mailing List

-----------------------------------------------
THE EVENING SKY MAP -- APRIL 2009

The latest issue of The Evening Sky Map is now available!

This month's Sky Calendar features:
  *  Occultation of Antares (Hawaii)
  *  National Dark Sky Week
  *  Lyrid meteor shower
  *  Occultation of Venus (North America)
  *  Mercury at greatest elongation (evening sky)
  *  plus... the best celestial objects for binoculars, telescope, or just
your eyes.

Sky Calendar and related links:
http://Skymaps.com/skycalendar/

Download The Evening Sky Map:
http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html

The Evening Sky Map remains FREE for personal non-commercial educational use
thanks to generous donations (http//Skymaps.com/donate/) and sales from
http//Skymaps.com/store/. A sincere thank you for your support.

Best wishes and clear skies!

Kym Thalassoudis
http://Skymaps.com
Quality sky maps each month to explore, learn & enjoy the night sky.

Not seeing the latest edition? This could be caused by a browser-caching
issue.
PC: Hold down the "alt" key and click your browser's reload/refresh button.
Mac: Hold down the "option" key and click the reload/refresh button in your
browser.

-----------------------------------------------
TESM -- MULIPLE LANGUAGES & NEW EQUATORIAL EDITION

The April 2009 issues of The Evening Sky Map are dedicated to the promotion
of
the 100 Hours of Astronomy events in early April. 100HA is a worldwide
International Year of Astronomy project consisting of a wide range of public
outreach activities, live science center, research observatory webcasts and
sidewalk astronomy events. Be sure to visit their web site.
<http://www.100hoursofastronomy.org/>

To support the 100HA events and the IYA in 2009, Skymaps.com together with a
team of dedicated translators, has translated The Evening Sky Map into
several
languages making it now available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese,
Portuguese (Brazil), and Turkish.

Also, for the first time ever, TESM is now available in an Equatorial
Edition
with an all new sky map for the tropics! Together with the Northern and
Southern
Hemisphere Editions, and the multiple languages, The Evening Sky Map has
become
a unique Astronomy outreach resource for the global sky watching community.
Please tell your friends.

100HA and IYA participants are encouraged to make and distribute printed
handouts of The Evening Sky Map to enhance the astronomical experience of
the
public during and after outreach events.

The Evening Sky Map remains FREE for personal non-commercial educational use
thanks to generous donations (http//Skymaps.com/donate/) and sales from
http//Skymaps.com/store/. A sincere thank you for your support.

-----------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Just like everybody else we're new to Twitter. Follow us to receive news of
updated/new sky maps, reminders of Sky Calendar events, and other noteworthy
news for sky watchers.
<http://www.twitter.com/skymaps/>

-----------------------------------------------
SAVE & GET FREE SHIPPING ON POPULAR TELESCOPES

Genuine discounts on brand name telescopes and binoculars.
<http://www.skymaps.com/telescope-sale/>

-----------------------------------------------
TESM DISTRIBUTION POLICY

Skymaps.com encourages individuals and Astronomy Education Groups to make
and
distribute printed copies of The Evening Sky Map (TESM) for non-commercial
education purposes including Astronomy outreach to the public.

Individuals and Astronomy Education Groups wishing to distribute printed
handouts of TESM do NOT need to submit a Copyright Permission Form provided
the
use is strictly non-commercial. Commercial use will require a license
agreement.

Under the Non-Commercial Educational Use policy, Individuals may make and
distribute up to 30 printed handouts of TESM each month for use by their
family
or friends. Astronomy Education Groups may make and distribute up to 300
copies
of TESM each month for non-commercial educational use.

Individuals or Astronomy Education Groups need to comply with the Terms of
Use
detailed at: <http://www.skymaps.com/terms.html>

The policy makes it convenient for Astronomy-related groups and educators to
use
The Evening Sky Map to support Astronomy awareness and education in their
region. Please contact us if you have any questions.
<mailto:info@...>

Note, reprint fees *may* apply in some cases. For example:
*  Any use of a commercial nature
*  Publication including bundling with other publications
*  More than 300 copies per month

-----------------------------------------------
HELP SUPPORT THE EVENING SKY MAP & SKY CALENDAR

You can support the continued production and distribution of The Evening Sky
Map
& Sky Calendar by making a small donation. Simply click the link below. All
donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
http://www.skymaps.com/donate/

-----------------------------------------------
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

Please forward all enquiries to <mailto:mail@...>

-----------------------------------------------
Copyright (C) 2009, Kym Thalassoudis. All Rights Reserved.

_____________________________
Change address / Leave mailing list:
http://ymlp187.com/u.php?YMLPID=gusujgsgjbeqguyy
Hosting by  YourMailingListProvider

Hi,

Ohio State University Professor Richard Pogge has made audio recordings
(MP3s) of his lectures of some of his courses and they are available free
for the download:

Astronomy 161:
An Introduction to Solar System Astronomy
http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast161/Audio/

Astronomy 162:
Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, & the Universe
http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Audio/

If you don't have an iPod, I would recommend downloading all the MP3s from
the bottom half of each page.  You can then listen to them on any MP3 player
or in Windows Media Player, iTunes, etc.

Best regards,
Mike

Hi gang,

Well, our new start to the Ryukyu Astronomy Club is coming up soon.  We will
be meeting at the Lester Hospital, Conference Room C on Saturday, 28 March
at 7PM.  If the weather cooperates we will head out afterwards for some star
gazing.

There are several things on the agenda for the meeting:

- Mike Bennett has volunteered to kick-off our new monthly constellation
presentation.  Each month another club member will volunteer (or else!) to
give a presentation on a couple of the constellations visible in the
evening.  The presentation can include how to find the constellation,
interesting objects, lore, etc.
- A discussion on activities we would like the club to engage in
- May 1st star gazing event for Emilia Earhart Intermediate School on Kadena
Air Base
- July 22nd solar eclipse

See "Meetings" at our web site for a map to the conference room in the
hospital.  (conference room B is being renovated; conference room C is right
next door)

Best regards,
Mike
http://www.NexStarSite.com/rac.htm

At least in the state of Illinois:
http://tinyurl.com/acmhjc

Best regards,
Mike