{"id":758,"date":"2014-11-23T12:19:58","date_gmt":"2014-11-23T17:19:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/?p=758"},"modified":"2019-01-17T08:06:13","modified_gmt":"2019-01-17T13:06:13","slug":"janfebmar2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/2014\/11\/23\/janfebmar2015\/","title":{"rendered":"JanFebMar2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winter Solstice Dinner<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Our winter solstice dinner was held on December 13th at the Bethany Observatory. We had an excellent turn out with both long time members and a few new members. This is a pot-luck dinner so we had plenty of tasty dishes to choose from.  Al Washburn gave his famous astronomy quiz. Chris Predom won with several others tied for second place. Even our new members learned enough this year to have some correct answers. Washburn awarded Chris his prize, a beautiful large-format book on the Cosmos. The solstice dinner and summer picnics are both great opportunities for members to gather together for casual conversation and to get to know each other better. Everyone had a great time with some great food.<\/p>\n

\"Photo

Photo by Mike Zarick.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Photo

Photo by Mike Zarick.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Al

Al Washburn gives his annual Astronomy Quiz. Photo by Laurie Averill.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Quiz

Quiz winner Chris Predom (left) receives his prize from Al Washburn. Photo by Laurie Averill.<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

ASNH Elections<\/strong><\/h1>\n

At the November monthly meeting, elections were held for ASNH officers for the year 2015.  The results were as follows:<\/p>\n

President:  Greg Barker
\nVice-President:  Dave Johnson
\nTreasurer:  Cheryl Barker<\/p>\n

Members at large:
\nDonna Pursley
\nAllan Sacharow
\nAl Washburn<\/p>\n

Congratulations to all, and thank you for your service to the Society!<\/p>\n

Features<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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

Calendar <\/b> 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

SkyMap <\/b> 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

Space Place<\/strong>  Read the monthly article from Space Place.<\/p>\n

Directions  <\/b>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

Other regular features can be found within these pages:<\/p>\n

Upcoming Public Events  <\/strong>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 Silver Sands State Park in Milford and Young’s Pond Park in Branford.  This section gives the dates, times, and descriptions of these events.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Events for ASNH Members  <\/strong>These events are for ASNH members only.  Some of these are outreach events where volunteers are needed with the telescopes and equipment.<\/p>\n

Night Sky Highlights <\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Gallery <\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Upcoming Public Events<\/strong><\/h1>\n

These events are free and open to the public. At the observing events, we will have telescopes to show you the best objects visible in the sky that night.  Our members will also point out the stars, planets, and constellations that you can see with the naked eye.  If you have your own telescope or binoculars, feel free to bring them.  If you have a telescope but don’t know how to operate it, our experienced observers can help you learn to use your equipment. If the weather looks questionable for an observing event, check the ASNH website<\/a> before you leave home.  There will be a scrolling message on the home page if an event has been cancelled.<\/p>\n

January 2015<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Friday, January 16, 7:00pm
\n<\/strong>Bethany Observatory, Bethany CT
\nOpen house and public observing session<\/p>\n

Tuesday, January 27, 7:00pm<\/strong>
\nYale Leitner Student Observatory
\nGeneral monthly meeting<\/p>\n

February 2015<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tuesday, February 24, 7:00pm<\/strong>
\nYale Leitner Student Observatory
\nGeneral monthly meeting<\/p>\n

March 2015<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Friday, March 13, 7:00pm<\/strong>
\nBethany Observatory, Bethany CT
\nOpen house and public observing session<\/p>\n

Saturday, March 28, 6:00-9:00pm<\/strong>
\nAnsonia Nature Center
\n10 Deerfield Ln, Ansonia CT (map<\/a>)
\nPublic outreach and observing event<\/p>\n

Tuesday, March 31, 7:00pm<\/strong>
\nYale Leitner Student Observatory
\nGeneral monthly meeting<\/p>\n

Upcoming Events for ASNH members<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Saturday, January 17, 7:00pm
\n<\/strong>Bethany Observatory, Bethany CT
\nMembers only observing session<\/p>\n

Saturday, January 31, 7:00pm<\/strong>
\nVietnam Veterans Memorial Park
\n1039-1069 E Center St, Wallingford CT  (map<\/a>)
\nPublic outreach and observing event, telescopes needed.<\/p>\n

Saturday, March 14, 7:00pm
\n<\/strong>Bethany Observatory, Bethany CT
\nMembers only observing session<\/p>\n

Sunday, March 29, 10:00am-4:00pm<\/strong>
\nDiscovery Museum
\n4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport CT
\nSpace Day:  ASNH members will display the meteorite collection and distribute materials from ASNH and from NASA.<\/p>\n

Recent ASNH Activities and News<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

by Donna Pursley<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cub Scout Hauntaree, Camp Cedarcrest, Orange, October 17, 2014<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is a family camping weekend for the cub scouts. They invite us once or twice a year to set up the telescopes on the field. There are trees around the border and this is not a dark sky event but we have the opportunity to bring astronomy to many Cub Scout families in the Orange area. We attempt teach them how white flashlights make them lose their night vision. We were able to show them the Ring Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Hercules star cluster and many other objects in the night sky. This is a great opportunity to explain the advantages of a dark sky and maybe get a few kids interested in astronomy.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of our newest members, Wendo, was nice enough to bring some hot cider and cinnamon buns for us to enjoy. Thanks Wendo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Outreach Events in November<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Our November public outreach events of Bethany Observatory, Silver Sands and Young\u2019s Park were all successful. We had mostly clear skies for all three events.  All three nights were bitterly cold and even though we had plenty of scopes and binoculars set up, we had only a few members of the public show up for Silver Sands and Young\u2019s park. Bethany had a little better turnout, and we had Al Washburn and the meteorites.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sounds of the Solar System<\/strong><\/h1>\n

by Leo Taylor<\/h3>\n

Somehow I’ve gone through life without hearing what the planets sound like. I didn’t know sounds existed in space.<\/p>\n

NASA has had the capability going back to Voyager 1. The spacecraft have electromagnetic sensors that pick up wideband signals. They filter the signal and pass only the audible range and have what essentially is sound from space.<\/p>\n

The below link contains audio from several planets, moons, and rings. Each of has a distinctive sound.<\/p>\n

In my humble opinion Jupiter sounds like a storm, Neptune sounds like an ocean, and the first recording of Saturn’s rings sounds like bells!<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-MmWeZHsQzs&noredirect=1<\/a><\/p>\n

A Verbose and Meandering Rendition<\/strong> of About a Half<\/strong> an Hour Under a Beautiful Clear Sky in Northern<\/strong> Hamden CT During the 2014 Geminid Meteor<\/strong> Shower<\/strong><\/h1>\n

by Ray Kaville<\/span><\/h3>\n

December 16, 2014 @ 23:59<\/span><\/p>\n

A somewhat balmy night in December, around 40 degrees and unusually clear. Very slight breeze from time to time, but not enough to chill. A friend out in Hampton was on his deck looking southeast and posted on Facebook how amazing it was to see this shower on the 15th. I was dressed in a pair of warm up pants, old sneakers and sox and a sweatshirt all ready to hit the dune rack, but I had to see what the buzz was about.<\/span><\/p>\n

The skies were thrilling to look at with all the bright stars and constellations floating there. Uncharacteristically clear. After setting up a deck chair and laying it back to about 40 degrees I faced it towards Gemini and settled back to just gaze at the sky. Probably my favorite part of this hobby. (the lazy part;-) Where else can you lay back and relax and actually accomplish something constructive? In a couple of minutes I started drawing my limbs together to conserve heat. I knew if I went in I’d never come back out and this was too much to miss out on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Approx 00:08<\/strong> a small meteor passed between Pollux and Castor towards Elnath in Taurus. Just like a hundred lawyers at the bottom of the bay, a nice start (sorry to all you lawyers out there). I panned around and identified what constellations I could. At one point it occurred to me how derelict I’ve been in this hobby. As I passed east of the twins I was having trouble remembering what was in that part of the sky. I thought I saw some of Leo and was pretty sure I spotted Leo Minor. Couldn’t find Cancer, but if I remembered it was there I probably could have worked it out. Just about then a very bright star passes into view from behind my roof.  Jupiter – I think! First time I’ve seen this beauty in months! Wish I had my binocs out to confirm (again very derelict, oh, and I was tired. Really!).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Milky Way’s easy. Perseus and Cassy in the western trees. A couple of stars in Ursa Minor. The last couple of stars of Cygnus the swan dropping out of view. Swing back to Taurus to get a long look at M45 between the branches. Yeah, either I cut down a bunch of 30 foot trees (not on my property) or wait till winter and deal with branches. 00:12<\/strong> Just as I moved to locate M42 in the branches, Zoom! A nice one! Started between Pollux and Castor and passed straight through and almost right down to Bellatrix! Wow! That was a long one. My focus was back in the Gemini area now and 00:14<\/strong> a very tiny streak passed Castor. Interestingly, the NASA video pegged the exact starting spot this originated as the radiant point of  the Geminids! Around 00:16<\/strong> a nice little fireball ran along under the Castor (right figure’s) arm and straight towards M35, burning out right where the leg starts. It got quiet. Now I get to enjoy a little more time in a sublimely quiet, dark area with no dogs barking and no doors slamming at the dorm house next door. (I think they left town for the holidays, and this time they turned OFF the lights!). Just me and the rustling oak leaves and that majestic view of the cosmos.<\/span><\/p>\n

00:18<\/strong> I thought I spotted a flash by Pollux. I’m wondering if it’s possible that a meteor was coming straight in like that and burning up in short order? More quiet time. Well it’s getting to be about 00:23<\/strong> now and I’m starting to feel too much of the cold. Just about ready to call it a night and BANG! A really nice good sized fireball burns down between the bottom of Gemini and Auriga and straight down almost to Orion’s head. This was a beauty that lit up the sky and prompted me to hang out for another few minutes. 00:28<\/strong> It\u2019s still quiet and I\u2019m still cold. Time to call it a night.<\/p>\n

It was short, but oh so pleasant to get out there and experience at least a part of the Geminids. It would have been nice to have been out there last night for the full show all prepped in warm clothes with a pair of binocs and warm shoes, but sometimes we take what we get.<\/p>\n

Clear Skies! <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Exploratory Test Flight 1 of the Orion Spacecraft, Friday December 5, 2014<\/strong><\/h1>\n

by Laurie Averill<\/h3>\n
\"Launch\"

Launch<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Artist\u2019s

Artist\u2019s Rendition of Jettison of Launch Abort System<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Three

Three Main Parachutes Slowing Descent of Crew Module. Images courtesy of NASA.<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Friday, December 5, 2014, at 7:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, the first Exploratory Test Flight of the Orion spacecraft lifted off from Flight Pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida.  After the launch was scrubbed on Thursday, due to the failure of valves to close,  there was concern that the launch would not occur during the next day, but it did and was virtually flawless.<\/p>\n

ASNH member Andy Poniros witnessed the launch in person as a member of the press and made an audio recording of the powerful Delta IV – Heavy rocket.  Reflecting on his experience, Andy said that he was with several hundred members of the press corps.  After he had set up his recording equipment and made a final check, he took the last few moments before the launch to pause and appreciate the moment.  He looked at the people around him, one was praying, another was nervously chewing on his hand, a third was making a last check of his camera equipment.  All had gathered to witness the first flight of the Orion spacecraft, all had a passion about travel into deep space, all focused on the success of the mission.<\/p>\n

The purpose of the Exploratory Test Flight 1 was to test under real flight conditions Orion spacecraft systems critical to the safe launching, ascent, and reentry of the crew.  Because this first test mission was uncrewed, modified crew and service modules were used, only the jettison motor of the three motors of the Launch Abort System was operational, and Delta IV- Heavy rocket was used instead of the people-grade Space Launch System that is currently being built at the Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and will be used during the next uncrewed mission scheduled for 2017.<\/p>\n

During its four hour mission, the Orion Spacecraft travelled 60,000 miles completing two  Earth orbits, one near-Earth and the other high-altitude reaching a distance of 3,600 miles from Earth’s surface.  It successfully underwent tests of critical systems.<\/p>\n

The jettison motor of the Launch Abort System was tested.  It successfully separated the abort tower, primary production structure, and the boost protective cover and acoustic shield.  The motor jettisoned the LAS away from the crew module with 30,000 pounds of thrust during early ascent stage of the flight.<\/p>\n

Another key test of the mission was the jettisoning of fairing panels that enclose the service module to protect it from heat, wind, and sound as it climbs into space.  They also support half of the weight of the crew module and Launch Abort System during launch and ascent.  After ascent, the fairings were jettisoned at about 560,000 feet.  To separate in specific sequences,  six breakable joints were broken, six explosive separation bolts were fired, and six spring assemblies successfully pushed the panels away.<\/p>\n

On this test mission the service module provided structural support to the crew module and did not contain the payload and systems that it would during a crewed mission.  The test of the separation from the crew module was successful.<\/p>\n

The crew module re-entered Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of about 20,000 mph with its heat shield withstanding a temperature exceeding 4,000 degree F.  The heat shield was the largest of its kind made of a titanium web covered with a honeycomb of 300,000 individual cells that are filled by hand with Avocat, an oblative material that protects the crew module from the extreme heat of re-entry by partially burning off.<\/p>\n

The Forward Bay Cover was jettisoned when a series of pyrobolts were activated, thrusters ignited, and the cover was pulled away from the crew module by the first set of the parachutes at 23,000 feet.  Next to deploy were the drogue parachutes that slowed the spacecraft down to 307 mph.  Then pilot parachutes opened to help deploy the three main parachutes that opened in stages and slowed the descent of the crew capsule to 17 mph, a safe splashdown speed.  The crew capsule hit the water within about a mile of the expected location in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the Baja Peninsula. The eleven parachutes deployed in a perfectly choreographed sequence to slow re-entry speed from 324 to 17 mph.   The successful test of the re-entry system shows that it dependably operates as the crew module re-enters Earth’s atmosphere.<\/p>\n

The capsule was successfully recovered by the Navy using a specially designed ship with a well deck that allowed the capsule to be floated right onto the flooded, sea-level deck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Observing Report<\/strong><\/h1>\n

by Ray Kaville<\/h3>\n

Date: <\/b>8-29-2014 Hamden, CT
\nTemp:<\/b> around 63\u00b0 w\/gentle breeze
\nTime:<\/b> @23:40 – 00:20
\nEquipment<\/b>: 15×70 Bear Binocs on a cheap $30 Velbron photo tripod with homemade poplar bino mount no charts or aids. just browsin’ – a short tour of the sky above
\nComments:<\/b> Gorgeous night. Milky Way showing at zenith even before eye adjustment to darkness<\/p>\n

A balmy breeze and just plain comfortable. No humidity, cool but not cold. Pulled my binocs, tripod & chair from the car and went looking for a binary pair in Hercules near Ophiuchus that I’ve been wanting to check out. I found a few pairs that were pretty nice and one that may have been the one I was looking for. Yellow\/orange and bluegreen, and very pretty.<\/p>\n

Moving on, M13 was easily captured and as beautiful as it gets in a pair of binocs. Albireo in Cygnus easily separated, but close. Milky Way was very apparent, various nice open clusters and groupings. NGC864 & NGC889 the Double Cluster in Perseus, the owl\/ET cluster was a wide view, but spectacular nonetheless, plus a nice little fireball from the Lyra area through Sagitta burning out just about Capricornus. For some reason the double cluster isn’t as robust as I remember around here. Possibly due to good samaritans leaving outside lights on as a public service.<\/p>\n

Up on the back deck-<\/b>
\nM31 showed a beautiful core with growing oval cloud surrounding it. It was visible naked eye with slightly averted, but years back I could see it straight on. Triangulum was easy and somewhere near Perseus\/Andromeda there were two geometric shapes. A smaller triangle and small square. Easy to find again, but not visible naked eye. I saw a large coathanger that filled my FOV near Sagitta and Sagitta itself. I may have my perspective wrong, but I thought the coat hanger was much smaller. Up to the backend of Cygnus I was panning around and spotted a nebula like opaque cloud near Sadr in Cygnus. Not sure if I should be seeing this in 15×70 binocs, but it was apparent.<\/p>\n

A couple of satellites-<\/b>
\nTwo hits from wife in kitchen with all lights on and one in the bathroom was a real thrill. Like being fired on by a destroyer in the black of night in the Pacific. Yes, my profane moan was heard everywhere except in her lovely ears. I did spot a couple of satellites over the course of the evening, one was very dim.<\/p>\n

Back in driveway on my way inside-<\/b>
\nLooking at Lyra I wondered if I could spot M57 with binocs. Exactly where I point my telescope showed a small soft and dim star, it was exactly where M57 should be. Ok, no central star and no real form, but hey, it was unexpected and I’ll have to check this out next time I’m out with the scope.<\/p>\n

I suppose I could have done more with some prep, but this was a lesiurely birthday browse and very enjoyable considering the minor (@5 minutes) setup and break down required. Relocating was equally easy. Someday I want to get a better set of binocs and a nicer tripod setup. Possibly a superchair and parallelogram mount, but that would require a lot more setup wouldn’t it?<\/p>\n

Clear Skies!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Night Sky Highlights for January-March, 2015<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Solar System<\/b><\/h2>\n

Comet Lovejoy C\/2014 Q2
\n<\/b>This comet is rapidly heading north, and by mid-December 2014 it was visible for northern hemisphere observers.  During January and February 2015, it may be dimly visible to the naked eye as it passes through Lepus, Eridanus, Triangulum, Aries, Andromeda, and points further north.  It already has a visible tail, and it should be a fine sight through binoculars or telescopes of all sizes.  Here is a link to a finder chart from Sky and Telescope<\/em>:<\/b><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.skyandtelescope.com\/astronomy-news\/observing-news\/binocular-comet-lovejoy-heading-c2014-q2-lovejoy-1211142\/<\/a><\/span><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n

Mercury
\n<\/b>Mercury will make a brief but interesting appearance in the western sky after sunset in the beginning of January.  It will get quite close to Venus, and on January 10<\/span> the two planets will be less than 1 degree apart.<\/p>\n

Venus
\n<\/b>Shining with its usual brilliance, Venus will be visible in the western sky after sunset throughout the entire winter, and during the spring as well.<\/p>\n

Mars
\n<\/b>Adding to the evening scene with Venus and Mercury, Mars will be higher in the western sky during January.  At this time, Mars will be about 2 magnitudes fainter than Mercury, but because it will be higher in the sky and away from the bright twilight glow, it may be easier to see than Mercury is.  On February 21<\/span>, Mars will be less than \u00bd degree from Venus.<\/p>\n

Jupiter
\n<\/b>The giant planet will rise in the east shortly after dark in January, and later in the winter it will be high in the eastern sky after sunset.  Even the smallest telescope will reveal its four Galilean moons.<\/p>\n

Saturn
\n<\/b>In January, Saturn is in the eastern sky before sunrise, and it gets higher and higher in the morning sky as winter progresses.<\/p>\n

Uranus
\n<\/b>Now in Pisces, this greenish planet is still visible in the evening through most of the winter, and it is not hard to find with binoculars or a telescope if you have a good map, such as this one from Sky & Telescope<\/i>:<\/p>\n

http:\/\/d366w3m5tf0813.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/WEB_Uranus_Neptune_2014.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Neptune
\n<\/b>This winter, Neptune will pass by two of the brighter planets, providing a good opportunity to find it.  On January 19<\/span>, It will be just \u00bc degree north of Mars in the western sky after sunset.  On February 1<\/span>, Neptune will be about 3\/4 degree to the right of brilliant Venus.  For other dates, the link above also provides a finder chart for Neptune.<\/p>\n

Deep Sky Objects <\/b><\/h2>\n

Here are just a few of the many impressive deep-sky objects that can be seen in the winter months.<\/p>\n

Messier 1, the Crab Nebula
\n<\/b>Supernova remnant in Taurus
\nThis nebula is the product of a supernova explosion in the year 1054 A.D.  Although it is fairly dim and diffuse, it is still well worth tracking down.<\/p>\n

Messier 42 and 43, the Orion Nebula
\n<\/b>Diffuse nebula in Orion
\nThe famous Orion Nebula can be seen with the naked eye as a fuzzy \u201cstar\u201d in Orion\u2019s sword.  It is one of the brightest nebulas in the entire sky, and a spectacular view through a telescope.<\/p>\n

Castor (alpha Geminorum)
\n<\/b>Double star in Gemini
\nAlong with nearby Pollux, Castor is one of the brightest stars in the sky.  It is a nice telescopic double star, with its two components separated by about 5 arcseconds.<\/p>\n

NGC 2392, the Eskimo Nebula
\n<\/b>Planetary nebula in Gemini
\nThis is a bright planetary nebula that looks something like a face surrounded by a parka hood, hence its nickname.  It is also sometimes called the Clown Face Nebula.<\/p>\n

Messier 35 and NGC 2158
\n<\/b>Open clusters in Gemini
\nMessier 35 is a bright group of over 100 stars that makes a beautiful sight through a telescope with a low power eyepiece.  But if you use higher power and move your telescope about \u00bc degree to the southwest, you may be able to spot NGC 2158, which is another open cluster, five times farther away.  They make an interesting contrasting pair of objects.<\/p>\n

Messier 36, 37, and 38
\n<\/b>Open clusters in Auriga
\nThese three open clusters are just a few degrees apart, and each can be easily seen in binoculars.  Through a small telescope, each has a distinctly different appearance.<\/p>\n

r Leporus, Hind\u2019s Crimson Star
\n<\/b>Red star in Lepus
\nThe constellation Lepus, the hare, can be seen just south of Orion in the winter sky.  Hind\u2019s Crimson Star is a very red variable star.  Its magnitude varies between about 5.5 and 11.7.<\/p>\n

Messier 79
\n<\/b>Globular cluster in Lepus
\nThe winter sky does not feature many examples of globular clusters, but one is Messier 79.  It is not as bright as the better known globular clusters, but it can be spotted with just about any telescope, and some of its individual stars can be resolved with scopes of medium to large apertures.<\/p>\n

Beta Monoceros
\n<\/b>Triple star in Monoceros
\nThis is a nice system of three blue-white stars.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Gallery<\/strong><\/h1>\n

These two pages include images of some popular winter deep-sky targets, taken by ASNH members.<\/p>\n

\"Messier

Messier 42 and 43 (the Orion Nebula) and NGC 1422 (the Running Man Nebula, on left). Photo by Leo Taylor (Orion ST-80, SBIG ST4000XCM, 1 min x 54 exposures and 20 secx 43 exposures).<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"NGC

NGC 2024 (Flame Nebula) and B 33 (Horsehead Nebula) in Orion. Photo by Leo Taylor (Stellarvue Nighthawk, SBIG ST4000XCM, 3 min x 38 exposures).<\/p><\/div><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n

\"NGC

NGC 891, an edge-on galaxy in Andromeda. Photo by Leo Taylor (Meade 2080 8-inch f\/10 SCT, f\/6.3 reducer, SBIG ST4000XCM, 10 min x 13 exposures).<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Gallery, page 2<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n
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\"Abell

Abell 2589, a remote galaxy cluster located in the Great Square of Pegasus. Photo by Jim Mazur.<\/p><\/div><\/dt>\n

View larger image<\/a><\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Messier

Messier 1, the Crab Nebula in Taurus. Photo by Jim Mazur.<\/p><\/div><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n

 View larger image<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
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\"Messier

Messier 35 (on left) and NGC 2158 (on right), two open clusters in Gemini. Photo by Jim Mazur.<\/p><\/div><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n

View larger image<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Winter Solstice Dinner Our winter solstice dinner was held on December 13th at the Bethany Observatory. We had an excellent turn out with both long time members and a few new members. This is a pot-luck dinner so we had … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-758","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-15"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/758","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=758"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/758\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1894,"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/758\/revisions\/1894"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asnh.org\/ShootingStar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}