Some Interesting Links
Ray Kaville has sent some links he’s come across when searching the Internet that might be of interest to our members. First, there is this very long duration image of Orion, which shows the constellation as you have never seen it before:
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap151123.html
He also recommends the Sea and Sky website as one that has a lot of things to explore:
In particular, he recommends the calendar of astronomical events for 2016:
http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2016.html
Finally, if you are looking to improve your observing skills and in sketching astronomical objects, the website of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society has a monthly observers’ challenge. The society invites everyone to make careful observations of the monthly target and send in your observations and drawings:
http://www.lvastronomy.com/index.php/observer-s-challenge
Backyard Viewing, Sunday March 6
By Donna Pursley
I always say that I will observe out my back yard during the prime viewing time of the winter. But I never do. I can easily set up my 6” scope in under 5 minutes on the picnic table, but it is cold outside. But, I decided to bring out the scope on Sunday, March 6th because it was really clear, all the neighbors had their lights off and the time was going to change next week.
I chose to look around Orion since it was in a good Southern location for my backyard. Everything was very clear and crisp. I was looking for a few Messier objects that I have not been able to find before. I didn’t really think that there was much of a chance in my backyard. But, I found M79 which was unexpected. So I went for M1. I had to move the scope to verify that it wasn’t just my imagination, but it was M1. Now I can cross 2 more Messiers off my list. I hope I can do this again when Virgo gets in a better location for my yard.
Features
If you have not looked at the newsletter before, check out some of the regular features. There are four useful links in the menu at the top of this page:
Calendar This is a monthly calendar that includes all the scheduled events of ASNH, other regional events of interest, plus the dates and times of noteworthy events in the night sky.
SkyMap This page has a chart of the sky as it appears over the New Haven area at the present date and time. It is constantly updated, so you can go to this page on any clear night to see what is overhead.
Space Place Read the monthly article from Space Place.
Directions This page gives directions to all the locations where regular activities of ASNH take place, including the monthly meeting, public observing sessions, and the annual Connecticut Star Party.
Other regular features can be found within these pages:
Upcoming Public Events Many ASNH events are free and open to the public. These include the monthly meetings, open houses at Bethany Observatory and public observing sessions at Young’s Pond Park in Branford. This section gives the dates, times, and descriptions of these events.
Upcoming Events for ASNH Members These events are for ASNH members only. Some are private observing nights, and others are outreach events where volunteers are needed with the telescopes and equipment.
Night Sky Highlights For those who are new to astronomy, this section lists some objects to observe in the sky during the next few months, whether you are using just your eyes, a pair of binoculars, or a telescope.
Gallery This section will feature recent photographs of celestial targets taken by ASNH members and others. If you have a picture you want to share with us, please submit it to newsletter@asnh.org.