Just in case anyone was planning to head to the desert tonight for
stargazing, the forecast is very poor for clear skies. We might visit
the picnic area, but it doesn't look like there will be much astronomy
taking place.
Best regards,
Mojo
--
Morris Jones
Monrovia, CA
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers: http://www.otastro.org
Normally Jane and I set up telescopes on the city sidewalk to introduce
"accidental astronomers" to the Moon and planets. We also like to
escape the city's light dome for a night with the beautiful deep sky
objects that can't be seen under city lights.
Excursions away from the city are most worthwhile when there's no bright
Moon in the sky, so we usually pick the weekend closest to New Moon.
This weekend on Saturday, February 25, we'll visit Joshua Tree National
Park with the Andromeda Society of Yucca Valley for their monthly star
party under dark skies. Imagine a sky filled with about 1,700 stars,
instead of the 20 or so you usually see from L.A.!
Early in the evening we'll have great views of the winter sky and Milky
Way, full of star clusters and nebulae. Later in the evening our planet
will spin toward the spring sky, and we'll be able to look toward
galactic north into the giant Virgo cluster of galaxies. You'll also
see meteors and earth-orbiting satellites crossing overhead.
From a dark location, you can see enough stars to see the shapes of the
constellations and easily imagine the figures for which they're named.
It's better than the best planetarium show you'll ever see!
But it is colder. If you come along, be sure to dress in lots of layers
and bring lots of water or sports drinks to stay hydrated. You also
might want to bring along a comfortable chair and a pair of binoculars
for cruising through the Milky Way and counting meteors.
The star party officially starts near sunset at 5:30 p.m. at the Hidden
Valley Picnic Area of Joshua Tree National Park.
If you are planning to come, let us know so we can be sure to connect.
The star party is sponsored by the Andromeda Society of Yucca Valley:
<http://www.andromedasociety.org/>
Best regards,
Mojo
--
Morris Jones
Monrovia, CA
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers http://www.otastro.org
Hi everyone, I thought you'd enjoy this feature about observing
Saturn, the moon and the Beehive cluster. There's a nice pairing of
the cluster and Saturn from now through June, with a nearly full
moon above, next to and below Saturn.
Over the past weekend, we showed this starry view, along with Saturn
and the moon, to about 500 people through 6 telescopes in Monrovia.
We all had a great time, despite partial clouds.
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/scitech/display.cfm?ST_ID=990
Jane
--
Jane Houston Jones
Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program
JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205
Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435
jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Cassini Saturn Observation Campaign
http://soc.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm
I have a request from a parent at Marengo Elementary School, whose
students are studying the Moon now, for a small telescope party on
Sunday evening in South Pasadena. Is there anyone on the list who would
like to visit with a telescope? Unfortunately Jane and I are out of
town this weekend.
If you're available, drop me a note and I'll put you in touch.
Best regards,
Mojo
--
Morris Jones
Monrovia, CA
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers http://www.otastro.org
The National Weather Service issued an update at 10:00 a.m. that shows
improving conditions over the area this evening. The forecast for
Monrovia right now is "mostly clear."
The Clear Sky Clock forecast is for bad conditions, but the current
satellite loop seems to confirm clearing skies tonight.
It may not be perfect tonight, but the prospects look good enough for
now. We'll plan to be at Myrtle & Lime in Old Town Monrovia tonight
from about 6:00 'til 9:30. Featured performers will be the first
quarter Moon and Saturn!
Best regards,
Mojo
--
Morris Jones
Monrovia, CA
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers: http://www.otastro.org
The forecast tonight (Friday) looks very promising for sidewalk
astronomy in Old Town Pasadena.
We plan to be there from about 6:30 'til 10:00 p.m. on Colorado Blvd.
within a block either side of Delacey -- that's somewhere between Fair
Oaks and Pasadena Ave. (It depends on where we find parking!)
We usually set up on the north side of the street, and we plan to do so
again tonight -- but there's one thing that might change that. Both
Saturn and the Moon are very much in the northern part of the ecliptic
tonight. With Saturn rising shortly after sunset, it'll be appearing on
the horizon somewhat north of east. That means from the north side of
the street it'll be blocked by buildings for much of the early part of
the evening.
The Moon will be very high in the sky, so it may be visible from both
sides of the street.
We're more familiar with the north side of the street, so that's our
preference. But if you don't find us there, look across the street for
two large telescopes!
Tomorrow evening's weather is a bit more problematic for the Monrovia
outing. I'll send an update on Saturday.
In any event, it's definitely Saturn season. Hope you can join us for a
look!
Here's our approximate location on Google Maps:
<http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=75+W+Colorado+Blvd.,+Pasadena,+CA&ll=34…>
Best regards,
Mojo
--
Morris Jones
Monrovia, CA
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers http://www.otastro.org
