Lackawanna Astronomical Society

Jupiter’s GRS in September

admin — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:58:27 +0000

Added more features to follow in September. All are times are approximate values.

2010 / 9 / 2 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 242.58 SYS II= 8.44

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 4: 2 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 13:58 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 23:53 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 4: 5 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 14: 1 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 23:57 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 4:47 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 14:42 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 6: 6 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 16: 2 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 3:12 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 13: 8 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 23: 4 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 3 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 40.43 SYS II= 158.91

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 9:49 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 19:44 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 9:52 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 19:48 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 0:38 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 10:33 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 20:29 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 1:57 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 11:53 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 21:48 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 8:59 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 18:55 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 4 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 198.63 SYS II= 309.38

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 5:40 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 15:35 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 5:43 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 15:39 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 6:24 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 16:20 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 7:44 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 17:40 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 4:50 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 14:46 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 5 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 356.48 SYS II= 99.84

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 1:31 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 11:26 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 21:22 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 1:34 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 11:30 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 21:25 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 2:15 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 12:11 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 22: 7 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 3:35 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 13:31 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 23:26 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 0:41 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 10:37 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 20:32 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 6 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 154.69 SYS II= 250.31

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 7:17 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 17:13 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 7:21 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 17:16 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 8: 2 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 17:58 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 9:22 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 19:17 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 6:28 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 16:24 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 7 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 312.89 SYS II= 40.43

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 3: 9 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 13: 5 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 23: 0 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 3:12 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 13: 8 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 23: 4 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 3:54 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 13:49 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 23:45 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 5:13 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 15: 9 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 2:19 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 12:15 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 22:11 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 8 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 110.74 SYS II= 190.9

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 8:56 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 18:51 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 8:59 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 18:55 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 9:40 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 19:36 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 1: 4 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 11: 0 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 20:56 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 8: 6 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 18: 2 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 9 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 268.59 SYS II= 341.37

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 4:47 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 14:42 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 4:50 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 14:46 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 5:31 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 15:27 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 6:51 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 16:47 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 3:57 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 13:53 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 23:49 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 10 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 67.15 SYS II= 131.84

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 0:38 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 10:33 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 20:29 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 0:41 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 10:37 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 20:32 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 1:22 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 11:18 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 21:14 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 2:42 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 12:38 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 22:33 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 9:44 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 19:40 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 11 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 224.65 SYS II= 282.3

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 6:25 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 16:20 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 6:28 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 16:24 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 7: 9 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 17: 5 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 8:29 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 18:24 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 5:35 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 15:31 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 12 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 22.85 SYS II= 72.77

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 2:16 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 12:11 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 22: 7 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 2:19 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 12:15 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 22:10 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 3: 0 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 12:56 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 22:52 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 4:20 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 14:15 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 1:26 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 11:22 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 21:17 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 13 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 181.05 SYS II= 222.89

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 8: 3 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 17:59 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 8: 6 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 18: 2 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 8:48 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 18:43 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 0:11 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 10: 7 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 20: 3 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 7:13 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 17: 9 U.T.

2010 / 9 / 14 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 338.91 SYS II= 13.36

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 3:54 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 13:50 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 155) transits at 23:45 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 3:57 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 13:53 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 157) in STZ transits at 23:49 U.T.

The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 4:39 U.T.
The White Spot (SYSII = 182) in NEBs transits at 14:34 U.T.

The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 5:58 U.T.
The White Oval (SYS II = 230) in SSTB transits at 15:54 U.T.

The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 3: 4 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 13: 0 U.T.
The Dark Cond. (SYS II = 125) in NTB transits at 22:56 U.T.

Follow comet 103P Hartley 2 in September

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:34:29 +0000

The first two weeks of September 2010 should be a good time to begin a search for comet 103P Hartley. By that time the should be bright enough to see in a modest size telescope. Depending of course that it follows the redicted pattern of increased brightness.

Already I have read online that this comet will be visible to the unaided eye when at maximum brightness of 5th magnitude. Let me point out that this depend upon the extend of the size of the coma. A 5th magnitude star is can be difficult enough to see for newbies to astronomy, a diffuse object of 5th magnitude will be more difficult.

To brush up on comet observing you can review information on the topic in November Observing post (2009) in this Observing Notes blog.

I do expect this comet get some press in newspapers and featured in popular online news outlets for two reasons. It will make a close approach to Earth, some 0.12 A.U., Astronomical Units, roughly 11 million miles (October 20, 2010). The other reason, the spacecraft EPOXI, you know it as the Deep Impact http://deepimpact.umd.edu/ is on it’s way to a encounter this comet in November 2010. That alone will insure some press coverage.

Here is a list produced from the software Guide version 8. The positions are for zero hours Universal Time, U.T., from orbital elements at this time. the column labeled “r” is distance from the Sun in A.U. and “delta” from the Earth in A.U.
P/Hartley (103P)

UT Date Time RA declination r delta mag
——- —- – ———– - —– —
6 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h31m12.13s +25 49′ 39.2″ 1.5250 0.6452 11.2
9 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h33m05.26s +27 06′ 52.9″ 1.4992 0.6122 11.0
12 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h34m58.18s +28 25′ 36.8″ 1.4736 0.5803 10.7
15 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h36m52.77s +29 45′ 51.9″ 1.4483 0.5495 10.4
18 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h38m51.36s +31 07′ 41.5″ 1.4233 0.5197 10.1
21 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h40m56.67s +32 31′ 10.7″ 1.3987 0.4910 9.9
24 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h43m11.94s +33 56′ 25.2″ 1.3744 0.4632 9.6
27 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h45m41.09s +35 23′ 32.0″ 1.3506 0.4363 9.3
30 Aug 2010 0:00:00 22h48m28.97s +36 52′ 38.9″ 1.3273 0.4103 9.0
2 Sep 2010 0:00:00 22h51m41.73s +38 23′ 55.5″ 1.3044 0.3852 8.7
5 Sep 2010 0:00:00 22h55m27.25s +39 57′ 32.1″ 1.2822 0.3610 8.4
8 Sep 2010 0:00:00 22h59m55.89s +41 33′ 41.3″ 1.2606 0.3375 8.2
11 Sep 2010 0:00:00 23h05m21.42s +43 12′ 38.3″ 1.2398 0.3148 7.9
14 Sep 2010 0:00:00 23h12m01.93s +44 54′ 40.7″ 1.2197 0.2929 7.6
17 Sep 2010 0:00:00 23h20m21.04s +46 40′ 01.0″ 1.2004 0.2718 7.3
20 Sep 2010 0:00:00 23h30m49.90s +48 28′ 32.2″ 1.1821 0.2514 7.0
23 Sep 2010 0:00:00 23h44m10.21s +50 19′ 26.0″ 1.1647 0.2318 6.7
26 Sep 2010 0:00:00 00h01m17.60s +52 10′ 32.8″ 1.1485 0.2131 6.3
29 Sep 2010 0:00:00 00h23m24.21s +53 57′ 12.3″ 1.1333 0.1954 6.0
2 Oct 2010 0:00:00 00h51m55.59s +55 30′ 22.4″ 1.1194 0.1788 5.7
5 Oct 2010 0:00:00 01h28m10.66s +56 34′ 11.0″ 1.1067 0.1635 5.4
8 Oct 2010 0:00:00 02h12m28.45s +56 44′ 12.9″ 1.0954 0.1499 5.2
11 Oct 2010 0:00:00 03h02m48.53s +55 30′ 14.7″ 1.0855 0.1384 4.9
14 Oct 2010 0:00:00 03h54m27.01s +52 27′ 17.0″ 1.0771 0.1295 4.7
17 Oct 2010 0:00:00 04h41m58.66s +47 30′ 41.3″ 1.0702 0.1235 4.5
20 Oct 2010 0:00:00 05h22m04.41s +41 02′ 30.3″ 1.0649 0.1209 4.5
23 Oct 2010 0:00:00 05h54m09.45s +33 43′ 19.6″ 1.0612 0.1218 4.4
26 Oct 2010 0:00:00 06h19m13.45s +26 16′ 38.6″ 1.0591 0.1260 4.5
29 Oct 2010 0:00:00 06h38m40.99s +19 15′ 49.7″ 1.0587 0.1330 4.6
1 Nov 2010 0:00:00 06h53m48.57s +12 59′ 19.2″ 1.0600 0.1425 4.8
4 Nov 2010 0:00:00 07h05m36.19s +07 32′ 58.3″ 1.0628 0.1537 5.0
7 Nov 2010 0:00:00 07h14m48.68s +02 55′ 00.1″ 1.0673 0.1663 5.2

A plot of the comet’s path from TheSky6 follows.

The GRS in August

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:22:31 +0000

More transit times of the GRS on Jupiter. I suspect that the Oval BA will get close to the GRS a pass by it during this viewing season. Keep an watch on this for any changes than may occur to the Oval BA.

Add White Spot in NEBs 8/15/2010

2010 / 8 / 15 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 277.73 SYS II= 181.41

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 9: 7 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 19: 2 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 9: 7 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 19: 2 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 13:40 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 23:30 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 16 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 75.59 SYS II= 331.52

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 4:58 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 14:54 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 4:58 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 14:54 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 09:21 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 19:11 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 17 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 233.79 SYS II= 121.99

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 0:49 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 10:45 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 20:41 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 0:49 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 10:45 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 20:41 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 05:02 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 14:52 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 18 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 31.99 SYS II= 272.46

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 6:36 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 16:32 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 6:36 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 16:32 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 0:43 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 10:33 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 20:23 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 19 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 189.84 SYS II= 62.58

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 2:27 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 12:23 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 22:19 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 2:27 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 12:23 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 22:19 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 6:14 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 16:04 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 20 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 347.7 SYS II= 213.05

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 8:14 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 18:10 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 8:14 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 18:10 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 1:55 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 11:45 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 21:35 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 21 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 145.9 SYS II= 3.87

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 4: 5 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 14: 0 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 23:56 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 4: 5 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 14: 0 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 23:56 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 7:06 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 17:16 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 22 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 304.1 SYS II= 153.98

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 9:52 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 19:48 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 9:52 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 19:48 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 3:07 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 12:57 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 22:47 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 23 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 102.3 SYS II= 304.45

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 5:43 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 15:39 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 5:43 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 15:39 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 8:38 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 18:28 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 24 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 260.16 SYS II= 94.92

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 1:34 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 11:30 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 21:25 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 1:34 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 11:30 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 21:25 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 4:19 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 14:09 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 25 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 58.01 SYS II= 245.39

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 7:21 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 17:16 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 7:21 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 17:16 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 0:00 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 9:50 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 19:40 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 26 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 216.21 SYS II= 35.86

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 3:12 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 13: 7 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 23: 3 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 3:12 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 13: 7 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 23: 3 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 5:31 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 15:21 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 27 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 14.41 SYS II= 185.98

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 8:59 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 18:55 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 8:59 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 152) in STZ transits at 18:55 U.T.

The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 1:12 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 11:02 U.T.
The White Spot (SYS I = 58) in NEBs transits at 20:52 U.T.

Jupiter in View for 2010

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:20:00 +0000

For observers of the planet Jupiter, who rise early or stay up late, the planet is a prime target in the finder’s crosshair or Telrad circle. This is a good time to see the Great Red Spot, as it stands out alone against a dull white STrZ and SEB region. At this time the usual dark SEB is hidden behind a higher layer of white clouds or haze. When this happens the GRS is a easy target. It may also be possible to see the Oval BA that follows the GRS by some 20 degrees.

Here are some Universal dates and time to look for both of these features.

2010 / 7 / 22 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 86.13 SYS II= 172.62

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 9:21 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 19:17 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 9:43 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 19:38 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 23 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 243.98 SYS II= 323.09

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 5:12 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 15: 8 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 5:34 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 15:29 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 24 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 41.84 SYS II= 113.2

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 1: 4 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 10:59 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 20:55 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 1:25 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 11:21 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 21:17 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 25 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 200.04 SYS II= 263.67

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 6:50 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 16:46 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 7:12 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 17: 8 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 26 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 357.89 SYS II= 54.14

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 2:41 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 12:37 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 22:33 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 3: 3 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 12:59 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 22:54 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 27 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 155.74 SYS II= 204.26

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 8:29 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 18:24 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 8:50 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 18:46 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 28 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 313.59 SYS II= 354.38

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 4:20 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 14:16 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 4:42 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 14:37 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 29 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 111.8 SYS II= 144.84

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 0:11 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 10: 7 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 20: 3 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 0:33 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 10:29 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 20:24 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 30 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 269.65 SYS II= 295.31

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 5:58 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 15:54 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 6:20 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 16:15 U.T.

2010 / 7 / 31 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 67.85 SYS II= 85.43

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 1:50 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 11:45 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 21:41 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 2:11 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 12: 7 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 22: 3 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 1 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 225.7 SYS II= 235.9

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 7:36 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 17:32 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 7:58 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 17:54 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 2 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 23.91 SYS II= 26.37

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 3:27 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 13:23 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 23:19 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 3:49 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 13:45 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 23:40 U.T.

2010 / 8 / 3 U.T. DATE , CM AT 0:00 U.T SYS I= 181.41 SYS II= 176.48

The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 9:15 U.T.
The GRS Spot (SYS II = 152) transits at 19:10 U.T.

The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 9:36 U.T.
The Oval BA (SYS II = 165) in STZ transits at 19:32 U.T.

Lunar Observing Resource Guides

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:08:21 +0000

Our Moon, when viewed thru the eyepiece of a telescope shows us a great variety of surface detail. Besides the many craters of all sizes and complexity there are mare, mountains, rilles, and small domes spread across the surface. Under a changing illumination these features take a different view in the eyepiece.

Guidebooks and maps are well worth it when locating and identify these named features. Any of the variety of references here will be of great value to assist a Lunar Observer with that task. Not an exhaustive list of all resources, rather a good material to start with. Each resource type is separated into one of six category type. You’ll notice the majority of the resources are Internet available, with the exception of the first two categories.
Lunar Resources

Books

The Moon – Peter Grego
The Modern Moon – Charles Wood

Maps and Atlas

Rukl’s Atlas of the Moon – Rukl
Sky & Telescope Field Map of the Moon – Reverse and Nonreverse
The Lunar 100 – Sky & Telescope – Charles Wood

Online magazines

ALPO The Lunar Observer – http://moon.scopesandscapes.com/ALPO_Lunar_Program.htm
BAA The New Moon – http://www.baalunarsection.org.uk/tnm.htm
BAA Circulars - http://www.baalunarsection.org.uk/circulars.htm
GLR (Geologic Lunar Research Group) Selenology Today - http://digilander.libero.it/glrgroup/

Online maps and places

Observing the Lunar 100 – http://www.eastvalleyastronomy.org/downloads/OTL100.pdf
Hitchhikers’s Guide to the Moon – http://www.shallowsky.com/moon/hitchhiker.html
The Full Moon Atlas - http://www.lunarrepublic.com/atlas/index.shtml
Moon Atlas – http://the-moon.wikispaces.com/Lunar+Maps

Lunar Picture of the Day – lpod.wikispaces.com
Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lunar-observing/
Wiki Moon – http://the-moon.wikispaces.com/Introduction
Eclipse – http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html
Moon Zoo – http://www.moonzoo.org

Organizations with a Lunar Section

ALPO - http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/
BAA – http://www.baalunarsection.org.uk
GLR - http://www.glrgroup.eu/old/home.htm

Software

Virtual Moon Atlas (VMA) free - http://ap-i.net/avl/en/start
Lunar Terminator Visualization Tool (LTVT) free – http://ltvt.wikispaces.com/LTVT
Lunar Map Pro commercial – http://www.riti.com/prodserv_lunarmappro.htm

The Two Inner Planets

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:17:31 +0000

I cannot recall the last time the weather was so good at sunset during April. Our usual rain clouds that prevail mostly during the start of spring weather held back, till the 2nd half of the month. This weather happened at the right time, the planet Mercury was putting on an appearance in the west joining Venus in the same part of the sky. It was good time to show Mercury during the start of the spring public viewing nights at Thomas G. Cupillari Observatory. With Venus serving as a guide, Mercury is easily swept up in the 8 x 50 finder scope on the Clark refractor.

Using the local terrain, I aim the refractor to the approximate point in the western sky where Venus makes its appearance. One or two sweeps of the scope and Venus is found in the 8 x 50 finder. Offsetting Venus in the finder and Mercury is seen. Most of the time I can locate Venus between 7:30 and 7:45 PM EDT, when the Sun is on the western horizon. On April 14, 2010 I swept it up at 7:13 PM EDT, using my hand to shade the Sun from my eyes. It was a good telescope view, very steady gibbous disk, better than any of the precious 8 days that I was able to view it in the scope. It took more time to find Mercury. Rarely had I seen Mercury show a good appearance in the low sky, but tonight the crescent phase was holding steady, if only for a little while. The small nine arc second disk was 20% illuminated. Never have I seen it so well, so low in the sky.

My camera got a work out in April. Sitting on a tripod I would capture from 75 to 90 photographs a night of Venus and Mercury as they moved closer to the horizon. A record 9 out of 16 days that I was able to photograph both planets together. Usually I would only manage 3 days before weather hampered photographing Mercury.

The long string of nice skies and warmer temp is now past it’s time. Now it is back to more normal conditions for this time of year.

Resource Material

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:54:58 +0000

More times than I can recall club members have ask to shared their digital media with the club at the regular meeting or during social observing nights. Many of items are photographs they have taken; a few are documents they have discovered on the Internet. Usually the photographs are on a directory of a USB memory stick, which are displayed with one of the Imaging software program on the observatory computer. I have seen many great photographs presented in this fashion. It was not always a good presentation method. A better way would have been by using digital slide show software. By using one of these programs text information could have been added to the slide and the photos could be shared with all of the members during the meetings.

The software Impress, part of the Open Office suite of programs, is a free slide show program that is a well suited this purpose. For my slide shows I use an old version of Microsoft PowerPoint, which is not free and very expensive. As with any software learning how to use it takes time. Often the supplied Tutorials are long-winded, and sometimes hard to follow. I find the HELP functions often are more insightful.

Remember now that I have spend a lot of my working years in the Information Technology field, reading many software manuals and documenting procedures for “In House” developed software. I realized how much of a task it could be to learn new software. I have often seen software documentation focus on minor details and impressive features, while burying basic features inside the manual. To that end I have documented the steps to guide the user in creating a basic slide show. Assuming the user knows what a toolbar is and drop down menus are and how to navigate using a mouse. This is all covered in one or two page document. Not all of the step procedure I write will make sense to everyone. Need more information, search the software Help files for details.

So here they are for you to download and follow. First you must download and install the Open Office software suite for the Impress slide show from this web page. http://www.openoffice.org/ You can use the custom install to load only the Impress on your computer or load all of the programs.

Then download my (very) basic documents:

How to make a slide show using Open Office Impress. Text Version .txt

Impress

How to make a slide show using Open Office Impress. WordPad Version .rtf

Impress

If you have Microsoft Office suite then use this one:

How to make a slide show using Microsoft PowerPoint. Text Version .txt

PowerPointInstructions

How to make a slide show using Microsoft PowerPoint. WordPad Version .rtf

PowerPointInstructions

Now if you really get the hang of this and share your photos at the club meetings, you can use you newfound skills by making any number of different informative presentations. One such example is the Konstellation Klouseup show, that former President Joe Kamichitus many years ago. An informative slide show of the deep sky objects of interest in a Constellation that can be observed with a telescope from your backyard. Need reference material to create a Konstellation Kloseup show? Well you’re in luck, for the club’s library is stocked with many observing books well suited for this. Download this list of books in the library and other resource available online.

Observational books in the LAS library and online resources. Text Version .txt

LASGuide

John D Sabia

Musing on Maps

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:46:14 +0000

As I have stated many times, I like looking over printed charts of the sky and maps of the worlds of our Solar System. However, not all maps can be used at the telescope. Moisture from dew, which can damage a chart, a windy night, or just plain cold weather can make their use cumbersome at the telescope. Laminated charts are great at keep dew from destroying charts.

Some of you may recall my slide show program review of three downloadable PDF charts. There a number of free star atlas available online for download. Printing selected PDF charts or from software such as Guide or AstroPlanner has some advantages. The paper charts fits easily on a clipboard; one can mark it up with notes, and if dewdrops do fall and make a mess of the chart one can simple print another. I prefer to use a tape or digital recorder for making notes at the eyepiece. Another handy item I use in the field are the 3 x 5 inch AstroCards. They can be stored in a small index card box, or as I have done with my sets, insert them into a 4 x 6 inch photo books.

If you enjoy browsing through a hardcopy atlas, then there are many to choose from. The Sky Atlas 2000 is a very popular and oversized set of charts. It also comes in a laminated version for use at the scope. When I am in need of a closer view of an object of interest then I use Uranometria or one of my software charting programs.

Most of the time a printout from software works fine for my purpose at the eyepiece in the field when used with my Sky Atlas 2000. On occasion I do use one of the 571 Type C Tri Atlas PDF charts instead of a software-generated charts. These are 8.5 x 11 portrait orientated charts of the sky that can be downloaded for free from www.uv.es/jrtorres/triatlas.html website. Check out the other Type A and Type B charts also available at no cost.

A new Atlas in print has just come to market. The Great Atlas of the Sky by Piotr Brych is larger and more detailed than The Sky Atlas 2000. There are 296 pages; each is 24 x 17 inches in size. It’s big. To see how big this atlas is see
www.astro-forum.org/Forum/index.php?showtopic=30784. This is not something to carry around in the field. So that is why each one of the pages can be removed from the Atlas and placed in a protective sleeve. In a price range of some planetarium software packages this atlas is billed as “the world’s largest printed atlas of the entire sky, available on the market”. Less than the price of the no longer available DeskTop Universe software. If this sound like a must have for your library then direct your web browser at www.greatskyatlas.com.

To identify lunar features I use my copy of Rulk’s Atlas of the Moon. The book is not laminated so I prefer not to use it in the field on nights of high humidity. The book is out of print at this time, new observers do have other sources to use when observing the Moon. One that I have just become aware of is the Lunar Field Atlas CI. A large and free PDF file, on the same layout order as Rukl’s Atlas of the Moon, the Lunar Field Atlas CI is by Frederick C. Dase. Lunar Field Atlas covers the lunar surface with 38 separate charts, each from the digitized photographs of the Consolidated Lunar Atlas. Get yourself a copy from the website www.astronomylogs.com/index.html.

The website on the moon by Charles Wood, lpod.wikispaces.com, is a rich source of detail information on many of the well known and lesser known lunar terrain.

These are some of the many fine charts and atlas available now.

John D Sabia

The Globe at Night campaign

admin — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:43:34 +0000

The annual event that uses the bright stars of the constellation of Orion to estimate regional brightness levels of the sky at night will get underway again in March 2010. Starting on March 3 and continuing to March 16 you have the opportunity to get involved in this worldwide program. All the information need to participate is online on their web site of the Globe at Night.

The program is based upon limiting magnitude, the faintest star that one can see with one’s eye, without optical aid. No special equipment is require, i.e. binoculars or a telescope, just your own eyes. The stars used in the program are those of the constellation of Orion. Orion is one of the most familiar and easily recognized star patterns in the sky. The other patterns are the stars of the Big Dipper; still not a constellation, and of course the often mistaken for a constellation The Pleiades; still not the Little Dipper. I’ll let you figure that out.

Using charts of Orion downloaded from the Globe at Night web site, participants determine the faintest star one can see with their eye. This along with your longitude and latitude is submitted to the Globe at Night program using an online form or paper form if you wish. The web site has instructions on how you can get the longitude and latitude of you location from online sources or your own personal GPS device. Of the two web sites mentioned on the Globe at Night web site the ItouchMap web site was easier to use.
Use the drop down menu in the upper left to select the Lat – Long menu. You then enter your home address to display your Latitude and Longitude in both degrees minutes and seconds and in decimal degrees. Not to complicated is it?

I have been participation in the program for a number of years, as have other members of the club.

Ok so you’ll need a red light and warm clothing and a good view of the sky where Orion is. And a chair, that’ s all you need. And a computer. I’ll assume since your reading this you have one. But that’s all, really. One last thing, clear skies. A eye patch, one that you may have left over from Talk Like a Pirate Day, is not required.

And the website location http://www.globeatnight.org

Mars Observation Feb 5, 2010 UT

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:42:55 +0000

Mars Feb 05, 2010 UT 0:15 – 1:00 UT
CM : 349.8 – 1.0
Instrument: 9.5-inch (241.3-mm) f/15 A. Clark Refractor
Magnification: 172x and 241x
Filters: Blue W80 and Yellow W15
Seeing: 6-7
Transparency (SAC): 4

The first views of 2010 opposition of Mars with the 9.5 inch f/15 A. Clark Refractor

My main objective of the night was imaging various Messier Objects with the RC-20, a project of one of the Astronomy Class students. A thin layer of clouds turned the sky to grayish color. Only the brighter stars of Orion and stars of the other constellations made their way through the clouds. No chance getting acceptable photos of galaxies and planetary nebula on the schedule tonight.

However this made Mars a prime visual observing target with the Clark Refractor. Having missed out looking at the planet with telescopes because of the long periods of overcast skies and single digit temps, this would be a chance to get a look at the planet. Even with the small halo around the planet, seeing conditions were over all very good. Better views as the planet climbed higher.

By the time I arrived most of the 15 or so Astronomy Class students had already taken a look through the eyepiece. When it was my turn at the eyepiece the view was not good at all, slightly out of focus and over magnified for the seeing conditions at the time. A 21mm plossel improved the view considerably. The seeing settled down and the edges of the planet were sharp. The right angle diagonal was removed, so I could view it straight through the scope. I prefer this setup over the other.

The NPC stood out as a very bright white easy target, bordered by a darker collar surface. Above the NPC and rotating into view Mare Acidalium was an easy dusty region. Further south a bright white feature hugging the limb. Half the size of the NPC it was the second brightest feature seen tonight. I have never seen a bright marking as this before close to the equatorial region of Mars, I assumed it to be a very bright morning cloud on the limb. It was surprising easy to see without the use of a filter. It was slightly brighter when viewed with blue and green filters. Near the CM, Sinus Sabaeus stretch across the southern hemisphere of Mars. Rotating out of view was Syrtis Major, marked only as a darker feature close to the limb. Seeing was acceptable when the magnification was increased with a 15 mm Panoptic eyepiece. Steady views more that unstable conditions. More of Sinus Sabawus was seen and the bright white clouds on the limb still an easy target.

Overall I was very pleased with tonight’s first long awaited view of the 2010 opposition of Mars. The students enjoyed the view also their second time around.

This web site has a photo closely matches the eyepiece view.

http://astrosurf.com/prostjp/Galerie%20Photos/Mars/M20100204-00h21UT-JPr.jpg