By Donna Pursley<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our\nwinter solstice dinner was late this year. We decided that the holidays would\nbe too busy and scheduled the dinner for early January. This actually worked\nout because it was unusually warm for January. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\ndinner was at the Unitarian Church in New Haven. Cheryl did a terrific job of\ndecorating to put us all in the solstice mood. It is nice to relax and enjoy a\ndelicious meal with our friendly astronomy bunch. This is the only time of the\nyear that we get to meet some of the spouses. We always have a good turnout for\nthe solstice dinner and everyone brings a tasty dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Al\u2019s\nquiz had some difficult and some easy questions this year. I overheard that\nmany of us just guessed at some of the answers. Overall there were 4 winners,\nmost of who were surprised that their guesses were actually correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\nwas a fun night and hopefully we will see everyone at the Solstice Picnic in\nJune!!<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IMG_0243a.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IMG_0240b.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IMG_0245c.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ASNH Meteorites Hard at Work! <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBy Al Washburn<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Friday, March 6th I brought the ASNH meteorite collection to Deer Run Elementary School, in East Haven, CT to give a presentation to my grandson Aden\u2019s kindergarten class. I also brought my, newly made, \u201cCrater Maker Box\u201d, step ladder, 10 pounds of flour, a container of chocolate milk mix, an old bed sheet and a mechanical sifter! I set up while the class was at lunch, as it was to be a surprise, especially for Aden. Lots of \u201cwows\u201d and wide eyed students returned through the door after their lunch period. I told them I was going to show them special rocks from space! I began with \u201cwhat was a meteor?\u201d I used my green laser to show a quick streak of light across the ceiling of the darkened classroom mimicking a night time meteor! They thought this was \u201ccool!\u201d Next, I mentioned that some of these meteors can reach the Earth\u2019s surface and make a crater. I demonstrated this with the \u201ccrater maker box\u201d where, upon impact, I covered my pants with lunar ejecta (flour). They loved this too! I showed them a map of the Moon and a picture of \u201cBarringer\u2019s Crater” and asked what might have made those craters? Subsequently, I asked if they wanted me to make a new crater and they replied, in unison, Yes! I paused and asked, would they like to do it? A very excited reply occurred! All class members, one at a time, climbed the short step ladder and dropped a rock. \u201cPoof\u201d went the flour and we made great craters and a wonderful mess!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next we went to the table of meteorites and learned there were three different kinds using handouts and a coloring page to boot!. They were then handed magnets and we found out which meteorites were stone or metal. All of this was followed with a question and answer period. We all had a great time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This all went very well because on 1\/29\/2020 I did the same routine at the Tabor School, in Branford, for my granddaughter Zoey\u2019s preschool class!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IMG_3489b.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IMG_3447b.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nASNH Loans Telescope to Milford Public Library<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nOn Saturday January 18, ASNH held a public event at the Milford Public Library to donate a 4.5-inch Orion Starblast telescope to the library that can be loaned to any interested library patrons. The event was attended by about 20 people, both adults and children. ASNH President Greg Barker began by formally turning over the telescope to the library, and then Laurie Averill demonstrated how to set up and use the scope. Jim Mazur gave a Powerpoint presentation showing how to find some of the brighter objects in the winter sky. At the end of the program there was a raffle to select the first few people who could borrow the telescope, and one lucky family took the scope home with them. We hope they had at least a few nights of clear skies to enjoy trying out the telescope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the fourth Starblast telescope that ASNH has loaned to local libraries for use by the public. The other scopes are available at libraries in Branford, Madison, and Durham. As part of this outreach program, ASNH typically holds follow-up events at these libraries to encourage use of the telescopes, and more generally, to stimulate an interest in viewing the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/IMG_0259b.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJuno Science Update <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBy Laurie Averill<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on July 2019 Webinar with updates from press releases by the Juno Team and Scott Bolton, Southwest Research Institute and Principal Investigator for the Juno Mission<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Juno launched on August 5, 2011, went around the Sun out past\nMars and came back around Earth for a gravity assist so that it could travel\nwith more speed to Jupiter. The\nspacecraft reached Jupiter on July 4, 2016, where it sped up with respect to\nthe Sun, but slowed compared to Jupiter transitioning from a solar to a Jovian\norbit. Juno now orbits the Sun as a Jovian\nsatellite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New discoveries are made during each flyby when the 50 foot wide\nJuno spacecraft cartwheels twice per minute at 125,000 – 150,00 mph around\nJupiter. She travels from the north pole\nto the south pole in two hours, crossing the poles at every longitude. On April 10, 2020, the 25th of the 32 orbits\nwill begin. During the earlier, closer\npasses the scientific analysis focused on the equatorial regions, the more\nrecent, more distant passes focuses on the poles.
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Juno1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe goals of the Juno mission are to investigate Jupiter\u2019s\ninterior structure, atmosphere, magnetosphere measuring gravity fields,\nmagnetic fields, visual light, infrared light, microwaves, plasma waves, to\nmake better inferences about its formation and its role in the formation of our\nsolar system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Juno2-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo understand Jupiter\u2019s internal structure, its gravity field has\nbeen very carefully and precisely measured to find out if there is a core, its\nsize, and its composition. Because the\ncore had to be present at the formation of the planet\u2014it could not be added\nlater–it can provide information about the conditions of the proto-planetary\nnebula and what started the formation of Jupiter. The gravity science and magnetosphere readings\nindicate that at the center of the planet at a pressure of 40 megabars is an\nice\/rock core of not-yet-known composition. \nAround this center beginning at 2 megabars of pressure is an internal\nsea of liquid hydrogen that behaves like molten metal. It is unlike anything that has yet been\ndiscovered and is not possible to replicate in a lab on Earth due to the\nextreme pressure. The metallic hydrogen\nis considered a possible source of Jupiter\u2019s magnetic field. This two-part core makes up more half the\nsize of Jupiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above the core is a helium-poor hydrogen region and then the\natmosphere. To determine the composition\nof the atmosphere, Juno uses the Microwave Instrument (MRW) with six different\ninstruments that detect radio transmissions in microwaves of different\nfrequencies to see through the levels. \nThe instrument measures temperature and opacity or transparency of the\nclouds at the specific spots and at specific frequencies. The more ammonia or water, the more opaque it\nis and the less deeply into the atmosphere can be seen. Because it is known how opaque water and\nammonia are at different temperatures, it is possible to determine the make-up\nof the atmosphere by correlating readings of opacity and temperature. Jupiter\u2019s clouds are made up of water closer\nto the core, then ammonia and sulfide, and at the highest level, ammonia. The MRW peels the onion of Jupiter\u2019s\natmosphere. Here is a depiction of the changing\nlevels at the Red Spot. Note that the storms are colder than the surrounding\nareas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Juno3-1024x596.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJuno has mapped the north and south poles of Jupiter and observed aurora from directly above. Cyclones encircle the poles in changing pentagonal and hexagonal structures around a central cyclone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Juno4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRaw visual-light data from the Juno Cam is available at https:\/\/www.missionjuno.swri.edu\/junocam\/processing<\/a> for citizen scientists, photographers, and artists to process images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming Public Events<\/strong>*<\/h2>\n\n\n\n*Because of the Coronavirus, all ASNH events for March were canceled. Future events may also be canceled, depending on how the situation develops. Please check the ASNH website for the latest information about these events.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, April 25, 10:00am – 3:00pm<\/strong>
Earth Day at Ansonia Nature Center (map<\/a>)
The ASNH meteorite collection will be on display<\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, April 25, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nTuesday, April 28, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting <\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, May 16, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nTuesday, May 26, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, May 29, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Killingworth Library event
Parmalee Farm, 475 Higganum Rd, Killingworth, CT (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, June 13, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Picnic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSaturday, June 20, 12:00pm \u2013 6:00pm<\/strong>
Summer Solstice Picnic
Osbornedale State Park, Chatfield St, Derby, CT (map<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\nFeatures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calendar <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSkyMap <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpace Place<\/strong> Read the monthly article from Space Place.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDirections <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther regular features can be found within these pages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming Public Events <\/strong>Many ASNH events are free and open to the public. These include the monthly meetings and public observing sessions at Young’s Pond Park in Branford and Silver Sands State Park in Milford. This section gives the dates, times, and descriptions of these events.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUpcoming Events for ASNH Members <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNight Sky Highlights <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGallery <\/strong> This section features 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nObserving Reports<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nFrom Michael Amato:<\/strong>
With the news of the sudden dimming of Betelgeuse, I would like to discuss my observations of both Antares and Betelgeuse over a period of several years. I was always intrigued by both of these stars being near to the end of their life. I used my naked eyes, binoculars, telescopes and my star spectroscope to see if I can guess which one of these stars would go supernova first. I first tried to determine which star was cooler temperature wise in order to determine which star was older. The color of Betelgeuse always seemed a darker orange than Antares which would mean it is temperature is cooler than Antares. The clincher was when I attached the Star Spectroscope to my telescope. The number of spectral lines I observed on Antares was two while the number of spectral lines I observed on Betelgeuse was four and that proved to me Betelgeuse would beat Antares in the race to go supernova. Right now, Betelgeuse seems to have dimmed to about 1.5 magnitude compared to its Orion shoulder partner which is about 1.6 magnitude. We’ll see what happens next.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Pat Maturo:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe observing targets in Orion in the last newsletter reminded me of the night I saw my first deep sky object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Way back in the mid-1970’s my brother and I bought our first real telescope, a Criterion RV-6, a 6\u201d reflector on an equatorial mount, with a ** clock drive ** !!
We set up in the driveway, and we couldn\u2019t find anything. I knew nothing, he knew a little, so he decided to try for M42. As he looked through the finder and moved the scope to find our target I was looking in the eyepiece to see when he was on it. The eyepieces in those days had really small eye lenses and nowhere near as easy or as comfortable to use as what\u2019s available today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then I said, ‘Oops, there\u2019s a smear<\/em> on the eyepiece, I must\u2019ve accidentally touched it!’. Then he took a look: \u2018That\u2019s not a smear, that\u2019s it! That’s the Orion Nebula!!’
My first deep sky object, quite a thrill. We looked at it all night (we knew we\u2019d never find anything else).
Good times. . . We could even pick out the Milky Way naked eye from the end of our driveway back then, which was nice and really made you feel in touch with the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Ray Kaville:<\/strong>
This new website, which began on January 1, 2020, displays a different superb amateur astrophoto each day:<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmateur Astronomy Picture of the Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.aapod2.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, here is a good place to find information about Comet ATLAS and other comets currents visible in our skies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/theskylive.com\/comets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Dave Noble:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you would like to observe or image the International Space Station cross in front of the Sun or the Moon, the website below gives predictions about when and where these events will occur. If you find a transit in your area, be sure to recheck the details as the time of the transit draws near, because forecasts of the ISS location can change over time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/transit-finder.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNight Sky Highlights for April-June 2020<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nSolar System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nComet C\/2019 Y4 (ATLAS<\/strong>)
This is expected to be a fairly bright comet that will pass through Camelopardalis and Perseus during April and May. It may be visible to the naked eye in the northwestern sky after sunset. Just how bright it will get is hard to predict, but keep it in mind during the spring months. Here is a finder chart:
https:\/\/www.skymania.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/comet_ATLAS_april-may.png<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nMercury<\/strong>
This elusive planet will be low in the west after sunset in late May, and it will be about a degree from much brighter Venus on May 21 and 22. It will be furthest from the Sun on June 4, a good time to look for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVenus<\/strong>
In April and May, Venus will glow brilliantly in the west after sunset. Its crescent shape will be easily visible through a telescope or binoculars. By June it will be too close to the Sun to observe. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMars<\/strong>
Mars will be prominent in the morning sky throughout the spring, gradually increasing in size and brightness as it get closer to Earth. By the end of May it reaches magnitude 0.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJupiter<\/strong> and Saturn<\/strong>
These two gas giants will put on a naked-eye show throughout the rest of 2020 and into 2021 as they appear close together in our night sky. By the end of April they will be just 5 degrees apart in the region of Capricornus and Sagittarius. They will be visible in the early morning hours during April and May, and in June they will be rising in the east around midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUranus<\/strong>
Uranus will be close to the Sun and very difficult to observe throughout the spring months. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNeptune<\/strong>
Neptune will be in Aquarius, and can be observed with a telescope in the morning sky. To find it you will need a go-to scope or a finder chart such as the one in this article from the Sky & Telescope<\/em> website:<\/p>\n\n\n\nwww.skyandtelescope.com\/observing\/planets\/ice-giants-neptune-and-uranus\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDeep Sky Objects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you have a telescope of moderate aperture, spring is a great time to explore distant galaxies, including the many galaxies of the Coma-Virgo cluster. Some are in Messier’s catalog, but there are also some impressive galaxies that are listed in the New General Catalog (NGC). Click on the link after each object to get a star-hopping chart with directions for finding it in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messier 65, 66, and NGC 3628, the Leo Trio<\/strong>
Galaxies in Leo
The three galaxies of this well-known trio will all fit in a 1-degree field of view, and they are bright enough to be seen with even small telescopes. Messier 65 and 66 appear oval with brighter centers. NGC 3628 is larger and more elongated but dimmer and more challenging to see. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 87<\/strong>
Galaxy in Virgo
Messier 87 is one of the largest elliptical galaxies visible in small telescopes. A member of the Coma-Virgo group, it contains about a trillion stars. In the center of the galaxy is a massive black hole, from which a jet of material is being expelled. It takes a very large telescope to spot the jet visually, however. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 89 and 90
<\/strong>Galaxies in Virgo
Messier 89 appears as a fairly small but bright circle, an elliptical galaxy with a dense center. Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy about 2\/3 degree to the north-north-east of Messier 89. They are roughly 50 to 60 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 94<\/strong>
Galaxy in Canes Venatici
The central region of this spiral galaxy is very bright, making it easy to find in even a small telescope. The bright central region is surrounded by tightly wound arms, and some of the spiral detail can be seen through the eyepiece of a large scope. The galaxy is relatively close, about 16 million light years away. Star-h<\/a>o<\/a>p chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy
<\/strong>Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This large edge-on galaxy is a very impressive one. Its long spindle shape can extend across the eyepiece’s entire field of view, and its dark lane can be seen cutting through the bright nuclear region. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4631, the Whale Galaxy<\/strong>
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This nearly edge-on spiral galaxy has an asymmetrical shape that gives rise to its nickname, the Whale Galaxy. It is also known as the Herring Galaxy and Cadwell 32. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4656, the Hockey Stick<\/strong>
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
Just 1\/2 degree to the southeast of the Whale Galaxy, NGC 4656 can be seen in the same low-power field of view. It is an edge-on galaxy with a hook at one end that led to its nickname, the Hockey Stick. These two galaxies are estimated to be about 25 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGallery<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nASNH member Al Johnson is a long-time amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. His skill and experience are obvious in these beautiful images, all taken with an SBIG STF8300C camera on a Takahashi FS102 refractor\/CGEM-DX mount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messier 42, the Orion Nebula:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Johnson-M42b.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMessier 45, the Pleiades:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Johnson-Pleiades.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMessier 13, globular cluster in Hercules (and galaxy NGC 6207 near lower right corner):<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Johnson-M13.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMessier 8, the Lagoon Nebula in Sagittarius:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Johnson-Lagoon-b.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Winter Solstice Dinner, January 11, 2020 By Donna Pursley Our winter solstice dinner was late this year. We decided that the holidays would be too busy and scheduled the dinner for early January. This actually worked out because it was … Continue reading
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nASNH Loans Telescope to Milford Public Library<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nOn Saturday January 18, ASNH held a public event at the Milford Public Library to donate a 4.5-inch Orion Starblast telescope to the library that can be loaned to any interested library patrons. The event was attended by about 20 people, both adults and children. ASNH President Greg Barker began by formally turning over the telescope to the library, and then Laurie Averill demonstrated how to set up and use the scope. Jim Mazur gave a Powerpoint presentation showing how to find some of the brighter objects in the winter sky. At the end of the program there was a raffle to select the first few people who could borrow the telescope, and one lucky family took the scope home with them. We hope they had at least a few nights of clear skies to enjoy trying out the telescope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the fourth Starblast telescope that ASNH has loaned to local libraries for use by the public. The other scopes are available at libraries in Branford, Madison, and Durham. As part of this outreach program, ASNH typically holds follow-up events at these libraries to encourage use of the telescopes, and more generally, to stimulate an interest in viewing the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJuno Science Update <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBy Laurie Averill<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on July 2019 Webinar with updates from press releases by the Juno Team and Scott Bolton, Southwest Research Institute and Principal Investigator for the Juno Mission<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Juno launched on August 5, 2011, went around the Sun out past\nMars and came back around Earth for a gravity assist so that it could travel\nwith more speed to Jupiter. The\nspacecraft reached Jupiter on July 4, 2016, where it sped up with respect to\nthe Sun, but slowed compared to Jupiter transitioning from a solar to a Jovian\norbit. Juno now orbits the Sun as a Jovian\nsatellite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New discoveries are made during each flyby when the 50 foot wide\nJuno spacecraft cartwheels twice per minute at 125,000 – 150,00 mph around\nJupiter. She travels from the north pole\nto the south pole in two hours, crossing the poles at every longitude. On April 10, 2020, the 25th of the 32 orbits\nwill begin. During the earlier, closer\npasses the scientific analysis focused on the equatorial regions, the more\nrecent, more distant passes focuses on the poles.
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe goals of the Juno mission are to investigate Jupiter\u2019s\ninterior structure, atmosphere, magnetosphere measuring gravity fields,\nmagnetic fields, visual light, infrared light, microwaves, plasma waves, to\nmake better inferences about its formation and its role in the formation of our\nsolar system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo understand Jupiter\u2019s internal structure, its gravity field has\nbeen very carefully and precisely measured to find out if there is a core, its\nsize, and its composition. Because the\ncore had to be present at the formation of the planet\u2014it could not be added\nlater–it can provide information about the conditions of the proto-planetary\nnebula and what started the formation of Jupiter. The gravity science and magnetosphere readings\nindicate that at the center of the planet at a pressure of 40 megabars is an\nice\/rock core of not-yet-known composition. \nAround this center beginning at 2 megabars of pressure is an internal\nsea of liquid hydrogen that behaves like molten metal. It is unlike anything that has yet been\ndiscovered and is not possible to replicate in a lab on Earth due to the\nextreme pressure. The metallic hydrogen\nis considered a possible source of Jupiter\u2019s magnetic field. This two-part core makes up more half the\nsize of Jupiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above the core is a helium-poor hydrogen region and then the\natmosphere. To determine the composition\nof the atmosphere, Juno uses the Microwave Instrument (MRW) with six different\ninstruments that detect radio transmissions in microwaves of different\nfrequencies to see through the levels. \nThe instrument measures temperature and opacity or transparency of the\nclouds at the specific spots and at specific frequencies. The more ammonia or water, the more opaque it\nis and the less deeply into the atmosphere can be seen. Because it is known how opaque water and\nammonia are at different temperatures, it is possible to determine the make-up\nof the atmosphere by correlating readings of opacity and temperature. Jupiter\u2019s clouds are made up of water closer\nto the core, then ammonia and sulfide, and at the highest level, ammonia. The MRW peels the onion of Jupiter\u2019s\natmosphere. Here is a depiction of the changing\nlevels at the Red Spot. Note that the storms are colder than the surrounding\nareas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJuno has mapped the north and south poles of Jupiter and observed aurora from directly above. Cyclones encircle the poles in changing pentagonal and hexagonal structures around a central cyclone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRaw visual-light data from the Juno Cam is available at https:\/\/www.missionjuno.swri.edu\/junocam\/processing<\/a> for citizen scientists, photographers, and artists to process images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming Public Events<\/strong>*<\/h2>\n\n\n\n*Because of the Coronavirus, all ASNH events for March were canceled. Future events may also be canceled, depending on how the situation develops. Please check the ASNH website for the latest information about these events.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, April 25, 10:00am – 3:00pm<\/strong>
Earth Day at Ansonia Nature Center (map<\/a>)
The ASNH meteorite collection will be on display<\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, April 25, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nTuesday, April 28, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting <\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, May 16, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nTuesday, May 26, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, May 29, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Killingworth Library event
Parmalee Farm, 475 Higganum Rd, Killingworth, CT (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, June 13, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Picnic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSaturday, June 20, 12:00pm \u2013 6:00pm<\/strong>
Summer Solstice Picnic
Osbornedale State Park, Chatfield St, Derby, CT (map<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\nFeatures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calendar <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSkyMap <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpace Place<\/strong> Read the monthly article from Space Place.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDirections <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther regular features can be found within these pages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming Public Events <\/strong>Many ASNH events are free and open to the public. These include the monthly meetings and public observing sessions at Young’s Pond Park in Branford and Silver Sands State Park in Milford. This section gives the dates, times, and descriptions of these events.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUpcoming Events for ASNH Members <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNight Sky Highlights <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGallery <\/strong> This section features 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nObserving Reports<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nFrom Michael Amato:<\/strong>
With the news of the sudden dimming of Betelgeuse, I would like to discuss my observations of both Antares and Betelgeuse over a period of several years. I was always intrigued by both of these stars being near to the end of their life. I used my naked eyes, binoculars, telescopes and my star spectroscope to see if I can guess which one of these stars would go supernova first. I first tried to determine which star was cooler temperature wise in order to determine which star was older. The color of Betelgeuse always seemed a darker orange than Antares which would mean it is temperature is cooler than Antares. The clincher was when I attached the Star Spectroscope to my telescope. The number of spectral lines I observed on Antares was two while the number of spectral lines I observed on Betelgeuse was four and that proved to me Betelgeuse would beat Antares in the race to go supernova. Right now, Betelgeuse seems to have dimmed to about 1.5 magnitude compared to its Orion shoulder partner which is about 1.6 magnitude. We’ll see what happens next.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Pat Maturo:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe observing targets in Orion in the last newsletter reminded me of the night I saw my first deep sky object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Way back in the mid-1970’s my brother and I bought our first real telescope, a Criterion RV-6, a 6\u201d reflector on an equatorial mount, with a ** clock drive ** !!
We set up in the driveway, and we couldn\u2019t find anything. I knew nothing, he knew a little, so he decided to try for M42. As he looked through the finder and moved the scope to find our target I was looking in the eyepiece to see when he was on it. The eyepieces in those days had really small eye lenses and nowhere near as easy or as comfortable to use as what\u2019s available today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then I said, ‘Oops, there\u2019s a smear<\/em> on the eyepiece, I must\u2019ve accidentally touched it!’. Then he took a look: \u2018That\u2019s not a smear, that\u2019s it! That’s the Orion Nebula!!’
My first deep sky object, quite a thrill. We looked at it all night (we knew we\u2019d never find anything else).
Good times. . . We could even pick out the Milky Way naked eye from the end of our driveway back then, which was nice and really made you feel in touch with the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Ray Kaville:<\/strong>
This new website, which began on January 1, 2020, displays a different superb amateur astrophoto each day:<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmateur Astronomy Picture of the Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.aapod2.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, here is a good place to find information about Comet ATLAS and other comets currents visible in our skies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/theskylive.com\/comets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Dave Noble:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you would like to observe or image the International Space Station cross in front of the Sun or the Moon, the website below gives predictions about when and where these events will occur. If you find a transit in your area, be sure to recheck the details as the time of the transit draws near, because forecasts of the ISS location can change over time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/transit-finder.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNight Sky Highlights for April-June 2020<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nSolar System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nComet C\/2019 Y4 (ATLAS<\/strong>)
This is expected to be a fairly bright comet that will pass through Camelopardalis and Perseus during April and May. It may be visible to the naked eye in the northwestern sky after sunset. Just how bright it will get is hard to predict, but keep it in mind during the spring months. Here is a finder chart:
https:\/\/www.skymania.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/comet_ATLAS_april-may.png<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nMercury<\/strong>
This elusive planet will be low in the west after sunset in late May, and it will be about a degree from much brighter Venus on May 21 and 22. It will be furthest from the Sun on June 4, a good time to look for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVenus<\/strong>
In April and May, Venus will glow brilliantly in the west after sunset. Its crescent shape will be easily visible through a telescope or binoculars. By June it will be too close to the Sun to observe. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMars<\/strong>
Mars will be prominent in the morning sky throughout the spring, gradually increasing in size and brightness as it get closer to Earth. By the end of May it reaches magnitude 0.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJupiter<\/strong> and Saturn<\/strong>
These two gas giants will put on a naked-eye show throughout the rest of 2020 and into 2021 as they appear close together in our night sky. By the end of April they will be just 5 degrees apart in the region of Capricornus and Sagittarius. They will be visible in the early morning hours during April and May, and in June they will be rising in the east around midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUranus<\/strong>
Uranus will be close to the Sun and very difficult to observe throughout the spring months. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNeptune<\/strong>
Neptune will be in Aquarius, and can be observed with a telescope in the morning sky. To find it you will need a go-to scope or a finder chart such as the one in this article from the Sky & Telescope<\/em> website:<\/p>\n\n\n\nwww.skyandtelescope.com\/observing\/planets\/ice-giants-neptune-and-uranus\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDeep Sky Objects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you have a telescope of moderate aperture, spring is a great time to explore distant galaxies, including the many galaxies of the Coma-Virgo cluster. Some are in Messier’s catalog, but there are also some impressive galaxies that are listed in the New General Catalog (NGC). Click on the link after each object to get a star-hopping chart with directions for finding it in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messier 65, 66, and NGC 3628, the Leo Trio<\/strong>
Galaxies in Leo
The three galaxies of this well-known trio will all fit in a 1-degree field of view, and they are bright enough to be seen with even small telescopes. Messier 65 and 66 appear oval with brighter centers. NGC 3628 is larger and more elongated but dimmer and more challenging to see. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 87<\/strong>
Galaxy in Virgo
Messier 87 is one of the largest elliptical galaxies visible in small telescopes. A member of the Coma-Virgo group, it contains about a trillion stars. In the center of the galaxy is a massive black hole, from which a jet of material is being expelled. It takes a very large telescope to spot the jet visually, however. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 89 and 90
<\/strong>Galaxies in Virgo
Messier 89 appears as a fairly small but bright circle, an elliptical galaxy with a dense center. Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy about 2\/3 degree to the north-north-east of Messier 89. They are roughly 50 to 60 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 94<\/strong>
Galaxy in Canes Venatici
The central region of this spiral galaxy is very bright, making it easy to find in even a small telescope. The bright central region is surrounded by tightly wound arms, and some of the spiral detail can be seen through the eyepiece of a large scope. The galaxy is relatively close, about 16 million light years away. Star-h<\/a>o<\/a>p chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy
<\/strong>Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This large edge-on galaxy is a very impressive one. Its long spindle shape can extend across the eyepiece’s entire field of view, and its dark lane can be seen cutting through the bright nuclear region. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4631, the Whale Galaxy<\/strong>
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This nearly edge-on spiral galaxy has an asymmetrical shape that gives rise to its nickname, the Whale Galaxy. It is also known as the Herring Galaxy and Cadwell 32. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4656, the Hockey Stick<\/strong>
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
Just 1\/2 degree to the southeast of the Whale Galaxy, NGC 4656 can be seen in the same low-power field of view. It is an edge-on galaxy with a hook at one end that led to its nickname, the Hockey Stick. These two galaxies are estimated to be about 25 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGallery<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nASNH member Al Johnson is a long-time amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. His skill and experience are obvious in these beautiful images, all taken with an SBIG STF8300C camera on a Takahashi FS102 refractor\/CGEM-DX mount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messier 42, the Orion Nebula:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMessier 45, the Pleiades:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMessier 13, globular cluster in Hercules (and galaxy NGC 6207 near lower right corner):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMessier 8, the Lagoon Nebula in Sagittarius:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Winter Solstice Dinner, January 11, 2020 By Donna Pursley Our winter solstice dinner was late this year. We decided that the holidays would be too busy and scheduled the dinner for early January. This actually worked out because it was … Continue reading
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJuno Science Update <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nBy Laurie Averill<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on July 2019 Webinar with updates from press releases by the Juno Team and Scott Bolton, Southwest Research Institute and Principal Investigator for the Juno Mission<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Juno launched on August 5, 2011, went around the Sun out past\nMars and came back around Earth for a gravity assist so that it could travel\nwith more speed to Jupiter. The\nspacecraft reached Jupiter on July 4, 2016, where it sped up with respect to\nthe Sun, but slowed compared to Jupiter transitioning from a solar to a Jovian\norbit. Juno now orbits the Sun as a Jovian\nsatellite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New discoveries are made during each flyby when the 50 foot wide\nJuno spacecraft cartwheels twice per minute at 125,000 – 150,00 mph around\nJupiter. She travels from the north pole\nto the south pole in two hours, crossing the poles at every longitude. On April 10, 2020, the 25th of the 32 orbits\nwill begin. During the earlier, closer\npasses the scientific analysis focused on the equatorial regions, the more\nrecent, more distant passes focuses on the poles.
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe goals of the Juno mission are to investigate Jupiter\u2019s\ninterior structure, atmosphere, magnetosphere measuring gravity fields,\nmagnetic fields, visual light, infrared light, microwaves, plasma waves, to\nmake better inferences about its formation and its role in the formation of our\nsolar system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo understand Jupiter\u2019s internal structure, its gravity field has\nbeen very carefully and precisely measured to find out if there is a core, its\nsize, and its composition. Because the\ncore had to be present at the formation of the planet\u2014it could not be added\nlater–it can provide information about the conditions of the proto-planetary\nnebula and what started the formation of Jupiter. The gravity science and magnetosphere readings\nindicate that at the center of the planet at a pressure of 40 megabars is an\nice\/rock core of not-yet-known composition. \nAround this center beginning at 2 megabars of pressure is an internal\nsea of liquid hydrogen that behaves like molten metal. It is unlike anything that has yet been\ndiscovered and is not possible to replicate in a lab on Earth due to the\nextreme pressure. The metallic hydrogen\nis considered a possible source of Jupiter\u2019s magnetic field. This two-part core makes up more half the\nsize of Jupiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above the core is a helium-poor hydrogen region and then the\natmosphere. To determine the composition\nof the atmosphere, Juno uses the Microwave Instrument (MRW) with six different\ninstruments that detect radio transmissions in microwaves of different\nfrequencies to see through the levels. \nThe instrument measures temperature and opacity or transparency of the\nclouds at the specific spots and at specific frequencies. The more ammonia or water, the more opaque it\nis and the less deeply into the atmosphere can be seen. Because it is known how opaque water and\nammonia are at different temperatures, it is possible to determine the make-up\nof the atmosphere by correlating readings of opacity and temperature. Jupiter\u2019s clouds are made up of water closer\nto the core, then ammonia and sulfide, and at the highest level, ammonia. The MRW peels the onion of Jupiter\u2019s\natmosphere. Here is a depiction of the changing\nlevels at the Red Spot. Note that the storms are colder than the surrounding\nareas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJuno has mapped the north and south poles of Jupiter and observed aurora from directly above. Cyclones encircle the poles in changing pentagonal and hexagonal structures around a central cyclone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRaw visual-light data from the Juno Cam is available at https:\/\/www.missionjuno.swri.edu\/junocam\/processing<\/a> for citizen scientists, photographers, and artists to process images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUpcoming Public Events<\/strong>*<\/h2>\n\n\n\n*Because of the Coronavirus, all ASNH events for March were canceled. Future events may also be canceled, depending on how the situation develops. Please check the ASNH website for the latest information about these events.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, April 25, 10:00am – 3:00pm<\/strong>
Earth Day at Ansonia Nature Center (map<\/a>)
The ASNH meteorite collection will be on display<\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, April 25, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nTuesday, April 28, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting <\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, May 16, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nTuesday, May 26, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, May 29, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Killingworth Library event
Parmalee Farm, 475 Higganum Rd, Killingworth, CT (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nSaturday, June 13, 7:00pm<\/strong>
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Picnic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSaturday, June 20, 12:00pm \u2013 6:00pm<\/strong>
Summer Solstice Picnic
Osbornedale State Park, Chatfield St, Derby, CT (map<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\nFeatures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calendar <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSkyMap <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpace Place<\/strong> Read the monthly article from Space Place.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDirections <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOther regular features can be found within these pages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming Public Events <\/strong>Many ASNH events are free and open to the public. These include the monthly meetings and public observing sessions at Young’s Pond Park in Branford and Silver Sands State Park in Milford. This section gives the dates, times, and descriptions of these events.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUpcoming Events for ASNH Members <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNight Sky Highlights <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGallery <\/strong> This section features 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nObserving Reports<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nFrom Michael Amato:<\/strong>
With the news of the sudden dimming of Betelgeuse, I would like to discuss my observations of both Antares and Betelgeuse over a period of several years. I was always intrigued by both of these stars being near to the end of their life. I used my naked eyes, binoculars, telescopes and my star spectroscope to see if I can guess which one of these stars would go supernova first. I first tried to determine which star was cooler temperature wise in order to determine which star was older. The color of Betelgeuse always seemed a darker orange than Antares which would mean it is temperature is cooler than Antares. The clincher was when I attached the Star Spectroscope to my telescope. The number of spectral lines I observed on Antares was two while the number of spectral lines I observed on Betelgeuse was four and that proved to me Betelgeuse would beat Antares in the race to go supernova. Right now, Betelgeuse seems to have dimmed to about 1.5 magnitude compared to its Orion shoulder partner which is about 1.6 magnitude. We’ll see what happens next.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Pat Maturo:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe observing targets in Orion in the last newsletter reminded me of the night I saw my first deep sky object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Way back in the mid-1970’s my brother and I bought our first real telescope, a Criterion RV-6, a 6\u201d reflector on an equatorial mount, with a ** clock drive ** !!
We set up in the driveway, and we couldn\u2019t find anything. I knew nothing, he knew a little, so he decided to try for M42. As he looked through the finder and moved the scope to find our target I was looking in the eyepiece to see when he was on it. The eyepieces in those days had really small eye lenses and nowhere near as easy or as comfortable to use as what\u2019s available today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then I said, ‘Oops, there\u2019s a smear<\/em> on the eyepiece, I must\u2019ve accidentally touched it!’. Then he took a look: \u2018That\u2019s not a smear, that\u2019s it! That’s the Orion Nebula!!’
My first deep sky object, quite a thrill. We looked at it all night (we knew we\u2019d never find anything else).
Good times. . . We could even pick out the Milky Way naked eye from the end of our driveway back then, which was nice and really made you feel in touch with the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Ray Kaville:<\/strong>
This new website, which began on January 1, 2020, displays a different superb amateur astrophoto each day:<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmateur Astronomy Picture of the Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.aapod2.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlso, here is a good place to find information about Comet ATLAS and other comets currents visible in our skies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/theskylive.com\/comets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom Dave Noble:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you would like to observe or image the International Space Station cross in front of the Sun or the Moon, the website below gives predictions about when and where these events will occur. If you find a transit in your area, be sure to recheck the details as the time of the transit draws near, because forecasts of the ISS location can change over time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/transit-finder.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNight Sky Highlights for April-June 2020<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nSolar System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nComet C\/2019 Y4 (ATLAS<\/strong>)
This is expected to be a fairly bright comet that will pass through Camelopardalis and Perseus during April and May. It may be visible to the naked eye in the northwestern sky after sunset. Just how bright it will get is hard to predict, but keep it in mind during the spring months. Here is a finder chart:
https:\/\/www.skymania.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/comet_ATLAS_april-may.png<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nMercury<\/strong>
This elusive planet will be low in the west after sunset in late May, and it will be about a degree from much brighter Venus on May 21 and 22. It will be furthest from the Sun on June 4, a good time to look for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVenus<\/strong>
In April and May, Venus will glow brilliantly in the west after sunset. Its crescent shape will be easily visible through a telescope or binoculars. By June it will be too close to the Sun to observe. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMars<\/strong>
Mars will be prominent in the morning sky throughout the spring, gradually increasing in size and brightness as it get closer to Earth. By the end of May it reaches magnitude 0.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJupiter<\/strong> and Saturn<\/strong>
These two gas giants will put on a naked-eye show throughout the rest of 2020 and into 2021 as they appear close together in our night sky. By the end of April they will be just 5 degrees apart in the region of Capricornus and Sagittarius. They will be visible in the early morning hours during April and May, and in June they will be rising in the east around midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUranus<\/strong>
Uranus will be close to the Sun and very difficult to observe throughout the spring months. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNeptune<\/strong>
Neptune will be in Aquarius, and can be observed with a telescope in the morning sky. To find it you will need a go-to scope or a finder chart such as the one in this article from the Sky & Telescope<\/em> website:<\/p>\n\n\n\nwww.skyandtelescope.com\/observing\/planets\/ice-giants-neptune-and-uranus\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDeep Sky Objects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you have a telescope of moderate aperture, spring is a great time to explore distant galaxies, including the many galaxies of the Coma-Virgo cluster. Some are in Messier’s catalog, but there are also some impressive galaxies that are listed in the New General Catalog (NGC). Click on the link after each object to get a star-hopping chart with directions for finding it in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messier 65, 66, and NGC 3628, the Leo Trio<\/strong>
Galaxies in Leo
The three galaxies of this well-known trio will all fit in a 1-degree field of view, and they are bright enough to be seen with even small telescopes. Messier 65 and 66 appear oval with brighter centers. NGC 3628 is larger and more elongated but dimmer and more challenging to see. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 87<\/strong>
Galaxy in Virgo
Messier 87 is one of the largest elliptical galaxies visible in small telescopes. A member of the Coma-Virgo group, it contains about a trillion stars. In the center of the galaxy is a massive black hole, from which a jet of material is being expelled. It takes a very large telescope to spot the jet visually, however. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 89 and 90
<\/strong>Galaxies in Virgo
Messier 89 appears as a fairly small but bright circle, an elliptical galaxy with a dense center. Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy about 2\/3 degree to the north-north-east of Messier 89. They are roughly 50 to 60 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMessier 94<\/strong>
Galaxy in Canes Venatici
The central region of this spiral galaxy is very bright, making it easy to find in even a small telescope. The bright central region is surrounded by tightly wound arms, and some of the spiral detail can be seen through the eyepiece of a large scope. The galaxy is relatively close, about 16 million light years away. Star-h<\/a>o<\/a>p chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy
<\/strong>Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This large edge-on galaxy is a very impressive one. Its long spindle shape can extend across the eyepiece’s entire field of view, and its dark lane can be seen cutting through the bright nuclear region. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4631, the Whale Galaxy<\/strong>
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This nearly edge-on spiral galaxy has an asymmetrical shape that gives rise to its nickname, the Whale Galaxy. It is also known as the Herring Galaxy and Cadwell 32. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nNGC 4656, the Hockey Stick<\/strong>
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
Just 1\/2 degree to the southeast of the Whale Galaxy, NGC 4656 can be seen in the same low-power field of view. It is an edge-on galaxy with a hook at one end that led to its nickname, the Hockey Stick. These two galaxies are estimated to be about 25 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGallery<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\nASNH member Al Johnson is a long-time amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. His skill and experience are obvious in these beautiful images, all taken with an SBIG STF8300C camera on a Takahashi FS102 refractor\/CGEM-DX mount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Messier 42, the Orion Nebula:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMessier 45, the Pleiades:<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMessier 13, globular cluster in Hercules (and galaxy NGC 6207 near lower right corner):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMessier 8, the Lagoon Nebula in Sagittarius:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Winter Solstice Dinner, January 11, 2020 By Donna Pursley Our winter solstice dinner was late this year. We decided that the holidays would be too busy and scheduled the dinner for early January. This actually worked out because it was … Continue reading
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe goals of the Juno mission are to investigate Jupiter\u2019s\ninterior structure, atmosphere, magnetosphere measuring gravity fields,\nmagnetic fields, visual light, infrared light, microwaves, plasma waves, to\nmake better inferences about its formation and its role in the formation of our\nsolar system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To understand Jupiter\u2019s internal structure, its gravity field has\nbeen very carefully and precisely measured to find out if there is a core, its\nsize, and its composition. Because the\ncore had to be present at the formation of the planet\u2014it could not be added\nlater–it can provide information about the conditions of the proto-planetary\nnebula and what started the formation of Jupiter. The gravity science and magnetosphere readings\nindicate that at the center of the planet at a pressure of 40 megabars is an\nice\/rock core of not-yet-known composition. \nAround this center beginning at 2 megabars of pressure is an internal\nsea of liquid hydrogen that behaves like molten metal. It is unlike anything that has yet been\ndiscovered and is not possible to replicate in a lab on Earth due to the\nextreme pressure. The metallic hydrogen\nis considered a possible source of Jupiter\u2019s magnetic field. This two-part core makes up more half the\nsize of Jupiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Above the core is a helium-poor hydrogen region and then the\natmosphere. To determine the composition\nof the atmosphere, Juno uses the Microwave Instrument (MRW) with six different\ninstruments that detect radio transmissions in microwaves of different\nfrequencies to see through the levels. \nThe instrument measures temperature and opacity or transparency of the\nclouds at the specific spots and at specific frequencies. The more ammonia or water, the more opaque it\nis and the less deeply into the atmosphere can be seen. Because it is known how opaque water and\nammonia are at different temperatures, it is possible to determine the make-up\nof the atmosphere by correlating readings of opacity and temperature. Jupiter\u2019s clouds are made up of water closer\nto the core, then ammonia and sulfide, and at the highest level, ammonia. The MRW peels the onion of Jupiter\u2019s\natmosphere. Here is a depiction of the changing\nlevels at the Red Spot. Note that the storms are colder than the surrounding\nareas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Juno has mapped the north and south poles of Jupiter and observed aurora from directly above. Cyclones encircle the poles in changing pentagonal and hexagonal structures around a central cyclone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raw visual-light data from the Juno Cam is available at https:\/\/www.missionjuno.swri.edu\/junocam\/processing<\/a> for citizen scientists, photographers, and artists to process images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n *Because of the Coronavirus, all ASNH events for March were canceled. Future events may also be canceled, depending on how the situation develops. Please check the ASNH website for the latest information about these events.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday, April 25, 10:00am – 3:00pm<\/strong> Saturday, April 25, 7:00pm<\/strong> Tuesday, April 28, 7:00pm<\/strong> Saturday, May 16, 7:00pm<\/strong> Tuesday, May 26, 7:00pm<\/strong> Saturday, May 29, 7:00pm<\/strong> Saturday, June 13, 7:00pm<\/strong> Saturday, June 20, 12:00pm \u2013 6:00pm<\/strong> 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calendar <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SkyMap <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Space Place<\/strong> Read the monthly article from Space Place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Directions <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other regular features can be found within these pages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upcoming Public Events <\/strong>Many ASNH events are free and open to the public. These include the monthly meetings and public observing sessions at Young’s Pond Park in Branford and Silver Sands State Park in Milford. This section gives the dates, times, and descriptions of these events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upcoming Events for ASNH Members <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Night Sky Highlights <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gallery <\/strong> This section features 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n From Michael Amato:<\/strong> From Pat Maturo:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The observing targets in Orion in the last newsletter reminded me of the night I saw my first deep sky object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Way back in the mid-1970’s my brother and I bought our first real telescope, a Criterion RV-6, a 6\u201d reflector on an equatorial mount, with a ** clock drive ** !! Then I said, ‘Oops, there\u2019s a smear<\/em> on the eyepiece, I must\u2019ve accidentally touched it!’. Then he took a look: \u2018That\u2019s not a smear, that\u2019s it! That’s the Orion Nebula!!’ From Ray Kaville:<\/strong> Amateur Astronomy Picture of the Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.aapod2.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, here is a good place to find information about Comet ATLAS and other comets currents visible in our skies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/theskylive.com\/comets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n From Dave Noble:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to observe or image the International Space Station cross in front of the Sun or the Moon, the website below gives predictions about when and where these events will occur. If you find a transit in your area, be sure to recheck the details as the time of the transit draws near, because forecasts of the ISS location can change over time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/transit-finder.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Comet C\/2019 Y4 (ATLAS<\/strong>) Mercury<\/strong> Venus<\/strong> Mars<\/strong> Jupiter<\/strong> and Saturn<\/strong> Uranus<\/strong> Neptune<\/strong> www.skyandtelescope.com\/observing\/planets\/ice-giants-neptune-and-uranus\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a telescope of moderate aperture, spring is a great time to explore distant galaxies, including the many galaxies of the Coma-Virgo cluster. Some are in Messier’s catalog, but there are also some impressive galaxies that are listed in the New General Catalog (NGC). Click on the link after each object to get a star-hopping chart with directions for finding it in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Messier 65, 66, and NGC 3628, the Leo Trio<\/strong> Messier 87<\/strong> Messier 89 and 90 Messier 94<\/strong> NGC 4565, the Needle Galaxy NGC 4631, the Whale Galaxy<\/strong> NGC 4656, the Hockey Stick<\/strong> ASNH member Al Johnson is a long-time amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. His skill and experience are obvious in these beautiful images, all taken with an SBIG STF8300C camera on a Takahashi FS102 refractor\/CGEM-DX mount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Messier 42, the Orion Nebula:<\/p>\n\n\n Messier 45, the Pleiades:<\/p>\n\n\n Messier 13, globular cluster in Hercules (and galaxy NGC 6207 near lower right corner):<\/p>\n\n\n\n Messier 8, the Lagoon Nebula in Sagittarius:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Winter Solstice Dinner, January 11, 2020 By Donna Pursley Our winter solstice dinner was late this year. We decided that the holidays would be too busy and scheduled the dinner for early January. This actually worked out because it was … Continue reading <\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUpcoming Public Events<\/strong>*<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Earth Day at Ansonia Nature Center (map<\/a>)
The ASNH meteorite collection will be on display<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unitarian Universalist Church
608 Whitney Avenue, New Haven CT (map<\/a>)
General monthly meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Killingworth Library event
Parmalee Farm, 475 Higganum Rd, Killingworth, CT (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Young’s Park
60 Blackstone Ave Branford CT 06405 (map<\/a>)
Public observing, telescopes needed <\/p>\n\n\n\nSummer Solstice Picnic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Summer Solstice Picnic
Osbornedale State Park, Chatfield St, Derby, CT (map<\/a>) <\/p>\n\n\n\nFeatures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Observing Reports<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
With the news of the sudden dimming of Betelgeuse, I would like to discuss my observations of both Antares and Betelgeuse over a period of several years. I was always intrigued by both of these stars being near to the end of their life. I used my naked eyes, binoculars, telescopes and my star spectroscope to see if I can guess which one of these stars would go supernova first. I first tried to determine which star was cooler temperature wise in order to determine which star was older. The color of Betelgeuse always seemed a darker orange than Antares which would mean it is temperature is cooler than Antares. The clincher was when I attached the Star Spectroscope to my telescope. The number of spectral lines I observed on Antares was two while the number of spectral lines I observed on Betelgeuse was four and that proved to me Betelgeuse would beat Antares in the race to go supernova. Right now, Betelgeuse seems to have dimmed to about 1.5 magnitude compared to its Orion shoulder partner which is about 1.6 magnitude. We’ll see what happens next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We set up in the driveway, and we couldn\u2019t find anything. I knew nothing, he knew a little, so he decided to try for M42. As he looked through the finder and moved the scope to find our target I was looking in the eyepiece to see when he was on it. The eyepieces in those days had really small eye lenses and nowhere near as easy or as comfortable to use as what\u2019s available today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My first deep sky object, quite a thrill. We looked at it all night (we knew we\u2019d never find anything else).
Good times. . . We could even pick out the Milky Way naked eye from the end of our driveway back then, which was nice and really made you feel in touch with the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This new website, which began on January 1, 2020, displays a different superb amateur astrophoto each day:<\/p>\n\n\n\nNight Sky Highlights for April-June 2020<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Solar System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is expected to be a fairly bright comet that will pass through Camelopardalis and Perseus during April and May. It may be visible to the naked eye in the northwestern sky after sunset. Just how bright it will get is hard to predict, but keep it in mind during the spring months. Here is a finder chart:
https:\/\/www.skymania.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/comet_ATLAS_april-may.png<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This elusive planet will be low in the west after sunset in late May, and it will be about a degree from much brighter Venus on May 21 and 22. It will be furthest from the Sun on June 4, a good time to look for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In April and May, Venus will glow brilliantly in the west after sunset. Its crescent shape will be easily visible through a telescope or binoculars. By June it will be too close to the Sun to observe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mars will be prominent in the morning sky throughout the spring, gradually increasing in size and brightness as it get closer to Earth. By the end of May it reaches magnitude 0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These two gas giants will put on a naked-eye show throughout the rest of 2020 and into 2021 as they appear close together in our night sky. By the end of April they will be just 5 degrees apart in the region of Capricornus and Sagittarius. They will be visible in the early morning hours during April and May, and in June they will be rising in the east around midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uranus will be close to the Sun and very difficult to observe throughout the spring months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neptune will be in Aquarius, and can be observed with a telescope in the morning sky. To find it you will need a go-to scope or a finder chart such as the one in this article from the Sky & Telescope<\/em> website:<\/p>\n\n\n\nDeep Sky Objects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Galaxies in Leo
The three galaxies of this well-known trio will all fit in a 1-degree field of view, and they are bright enough to be seen with even small telescopes. Messier 65 and 66 appear oval with brighter centers. NGC 3628 is larger and more elongated but dimmer and more challenging to see. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Galaxy in Virgo
Messier 87 is one of the largest elliptical galaxies visible in small telescopes. A member of the Coma-Virgo group, it contains about a trillion stars. In the center of the galaxy is a massive black hole, from which a jet of material is being expelled. It takes a very large telescope to spot the jet visually, however. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Galaxies in Virgo
Messier 89 appears as a fairly small but bright circle, an elliptical galaxy with a dense center. Messier 90 is a spiral galaxy about 2\/3 degree to the north-north-east of Messier 89. They are roughly 50 to 60 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Galaxy in Canes Venatici
The central region of this spiral galaxy is very bright, making it easy to find in even a small telescope. The bright central region is surrounded by tightly wound arms, and some of the spiral detail can be seen through the eyepiece of a large scope. The galaxy is relatively close, about 16 million light years away. Star-h<\/a>o<\/a>p chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This large edge-on galaxy is a very impressive one. Its long spindle shape can extend across the eyepiece’s entire field of view, and its dark lane can be seen cutting through the bright nuclear region. Star-hop chart<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
This nearly edge-on spiral galaxy has an asymmetrical shape that gives rise to its nickname, the Whale Galaxy. It is also known as the Herring Galaxy and Cadwell 32. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Galaxy in Coma Berenices
Just 1\/2 degree to the southeast of the Whale Galaxy, NGC 4656 can be seen in the same low-power field of view. It is an edge-on galaxy with a hook at one end that led to its nickname, the Hockey Stick. These two galaxies are estimated to be about 25 million light years away. Star-hop chart<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGallery<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n