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What's Up for January 2011? Quadrantids (and a demoted constellation)

by Jane Houston Jones

Hi everyone! The January Quadrantids peak early next week - in the morning hours of Tuesday January 4th. It's a good night with no moon, but the sharp shower peak favors observers in Europe. Regardless, if it's clear and you are awake, look between and below the big and little dippers and you might see some belated but beautiful fireworks. My JPL podcast this month features the Quadrantids, the morning planets and a preview of next month's spacecraft flyby of comet Tempel 1. I also wrote a blog post featuring the demoted constellation, Quadrans Muralis. Did you even know that planets weren't the only thing to get demoted by the International Astronomical Union? There is a good reason for it, (for naming variable stars with a standard set of constellations), but I sure wish Felis the cat, Gallus the rooster, and Officina Typographica <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officina_Typographica> were on my modern star charts. On to the links: JPL website videos: Top right http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ NASA page: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/whatsup_index.html Many formats of the podcast and extra super related links: _http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-view.cfm?WUID=684__ _ My NASA blog - read about the shower's radiant -- the demoted constellation Quadrans Muralis _http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-view.cfm?WUID=724 __ _Youtube - January podcast http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JPLnews#p/u/0/HvIHDwYSwIk Subscribe (free) to iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nasacast-whats-up-video-podcasts/id25287… -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ http://twitter.com/jhjones What's Up For January Video and Blog: Quadrantids! http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JPLnews

14 years, 3 months

What's Up this month? Lots!

by Jane Houston Jones

Hi everyone, we had several really successful November sidewalk astronomy events, and now we're halfway through December. Some of our members will be out at Monrovia's Library park both Saturday the 11th and the 18th so stop by for views of Jupiter and the moon. 6:30 to 8:30 is the timeframe on both nights. So what else is up this month? Geminid meteor shower peaks the morning of the 14th PST. The night of the 13th/morning of the 14th actually, with the best viewing after the moon sets about 2am to dawn. More info here: http://www.nasa.gov/connect/chat/geminids2010.html And even more info here http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/06dec_geminids/ We have a total lunar eclipse on winter solstice, December 20/21. For us on the west coast, totality lasts from about 11:30 p.m. to 12:45 am. onthe 20th. Start watching at about 10:30 p.m. to see the earth's shadow "bite" the moon. Look for a trio montage of lunar eclipse images at the beginning of the podcast. They were taken by our own sidewalk astronomer Dave Hasenauer of Monrovia! :-) You can just step outside and look up, weather permitting. The moon will be nice and high! The total lunar eclipse is the topic of my podcast this month, available in these many formats: The NASA page http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/whatsup_index.html where you can subscribe to it on iTunes On the front of the JPL website: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ YouTube http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JPLnews#p/u/0/wRkCyfIxPpE (this is easiest to share with friends, as it is just one click, my folks like this one the best. ) The my NASA blog and podcast page has all the podcast in the series (now halfway through the 4th year), educational activities, including a moon cookie recipe this month, links to NASA's detailed Eclipse page and more, plus the most versions (gif, to HD) http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm So happy late fall and winter skywatching, everyone!! Monrovia, CA My What's Up Podcast: December- A Lunar Eclipse! NASA http://is.gd/igv0r Youtube http://is.gd/igv4X Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro Blog: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/

14 years, 4 months

Pasadena and Monrovia this weekend

by Morris Jones

Clear and a bit chilly, but should be great views of the moon and Jupiter tonight and tomorrow. Tonight (Friday) we'll set up in Old Town Pasadena, on Colorado Blvd., somewhere in the two-block stretch from Fair Oaks to Pasadena Ave. We use the north side of Colorado in order to face the ecliptic (where the moon and planets are) to the south. The exact spot kind of depends on parking. Expect us to be there from about 7:00 'til 9:00. But if you're really wanting to hang out with telescopes and astronomers, pop over to Monrovia's Library Park on Saturday evening. There we have room to spread out with several telescopes of every imaginable configuration. You can compare views and chat with the owners. It's much more relaxed than in Pasadena. I plan to arrive about 6:00, with others joining us as the night goes on. This month Jupiter is "that star" that's always there, bright and high towards the south most of the evening. If you're up before dawn, you'll see Venus has swung around to be the morning star for the next few months. Favorite Twitter quote from the past month by "canislatrans," Chris Clarke: "It's a beautiful night sky in Los Angeles. I just spent a little time outside looking up at the star." Best regards, Mojo -- Morris Jones, Monrovia, CA http://bridgemojo.com http://otastro.org http://mojo.whiteoaks.com

14 years, 5 months

Tonight in the desert: Clear skies, cold and wind :-)

by Jane Houston Jones

Hi everyone, I'm heading out to Mojave National Preserve's Black Canyon Group Campsite tonight for a star party! I've announced this before to you all, and I doubt anyone will make the trek on Halloween eve, but the weather is improving, and I'm packing right now! We'll be celebrating the preserve's anniversary, creating awareness of the pristine desert dark skies, and take star tours. We'll probably see some slow, yellow Taurid meteors too! http://www.preservethemojave.org/index.php Here are news and events: Comet Hartley 2 was seen from La Canada Fintridge a few days ago. A colleague of mine at JPL took out a medium-sized telescope the other night at his house and he was able to see the comet. I haven't managed to see it myself and it is my project for the desert tonight. It'll be faint and unimpressive, but comets are always worth hunting down. Here is a comet finding chart - the comet is skimming by the "feet" of Gemini over the next few days. Look for Gemini rising in the east to the left or north of Orion after 10:30 p.m, the later and higher the better. Try with binoculars and telescope if you have one. On November 2nd, Malcolm Hartley, the comet's discoverer will be giving a public talk at JPL, http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/lectures_archive.cfm?year=2010&month=11#myCo… Back on March 15, 1986, while observing in Siding Spring, Australia, Hartley discovered the comet that would officially be designated Comet 103P/Hartley2 (Hartley 2). On November 4th, 2010, NASA's EPOXI mission, the extended mission of the Deep Impact Spacecraft, will capture close-up images and other data as it flies within 750 kilometers (460 miles) of the comet's nucleus, estimated to be about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in diameter. My What's Up podcast for November is online, too. Here's the many-versioned webpage, complete with recipes for edible comets and spacecraft. http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-view.cfm?WUID=604 Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JPLnews#p/u/0/ZgtrPsXXqmg Our next sidewalk astronomy night will be November 13th in Monrovia. I'll be in Canada -- Winnipeg, Thompson, Nelson House, Churchill and back to Winnipeg via the 1000 mile train ride for the next two weeks, so I'll catch up with you in December. Jane -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA My What's Up Podcast: November-Planets and Meteors NASA http://is.gd/guuXF Youtube http://is.gd/eSMnh Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro Blog: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/

14 years, 5 months

Sidewalk Astronomy clouded out again tonight

by Jane Houston Jones

You don't really need this email to know that it's cloudy outside. We'll be canceling our Monrovia sidewalk astronomy night tonight as a result. Here's something you "can" try at home, once the clouds go away, that is: *Periodic Comet Hartley 2* remains about 6th magnitude, appearing big, round, and dim in binoculars. This week it's crossing Auriga and passing its closest to Earth (on October 20th). Here are some nice charts from Sky and Telesocpe magazine. http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/102632669.html This chart is through the 18th, and the above link has more charts for the next few weeks and months. I think it's easiest to tip this week's chart 90 degrees counter-clockwise so Capella is at the bottom and Cassiopeia is at the top. Capella is a very bright star, and you'll be able to see it from the city. Then look to your north and find the "W" shape of Cassiopeia, and then scan the cloud-free sky night by night. I have not seen it from the city, but I will still try. After next week, it will require a late night or - after midnight wake-up to see the constellation Gemini. Good luck! My monthly podcast this month is about the solar system, and includes a solar system you can make! Several "How to make" activities are on the "related links" section below the podcast versions. http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-view.cfm?WUID=584 Finally, when I was researching this month's podcast I came across a solar system necklace kit. I ordered one, made it in a couple hours, and I've been wearing mine every day. Here is what it looks like: http://www.etsy.com/listing/58924445/kit-solar-system-necklace-proportional . Mine cost $24.50, tho' there are several more expensive versions. I requested a "movable" comet to represent Comet Hartley 2, and the artist has added this to the products she sells, and I have the prototype on my necklace. http://www.etsy.com/listing/59022470/comet-pendant-re-positionable That's all for this month, November 12 and 13 are the likely Pasadena and Monrovia sidewalk astronomy nights next month, and I'll be heading to Mojave National Preserve (MNP) on October 30th for dark sky stargzing with the National Park Conservation Association, and the MNP friends and staff. Limited campsites at Black canyon Group Camp site available, RSVP for a free campsite to: David Lamfrom <dlamfrom(a)npca.org>. Let me know if you will bring a telescope. Telescopes are not required, I just want to know how many as there is a small platform to put up to 5-6 scopes on. -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA My What's Up Podcast: Oct 2010-The Solar System NASAhttp://is.gd/fILSF Youtubehttp://is.gd/eSMnh Twitter:http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro Blog:http://jane.whiteoaks.com/

14 years, 6 months

Bummer weather

by Morris Jones

I know we've been lazy about updating the web site, but there's always another sign: When you start seeing the crescent moon in the evening sky, growing bigger every day, you know it's coming up on a sidewalk astronomy weekend. Unfortunately the weather isn't looking very good this weekend. We're going to call off Pasadena tonight for fog, clouds, and a chance of rain. Tomorrow in Monrovia could be better, but I'll send an update tomorrow morning as the forecasts come out. Meanwhile if you do get some clear sky, glance up in the evening and enjoy seeing the bright gibbous moon growing towards full a week from tonight. Brilliant Jupiter is in the east in the evening, and crossing the southern sky all night as the earth turns. More tomorrow ... Mojo -- Morris Jones, Monrovia, CA http://bridgemojo.com http://otastro.org http://mojo.whiteoaks.com

14 years, 6 months

Int'l Observe the moon night and a science volunteer opportunity

by Jane Houston Jones

Hi everyone! This Saturday, September 18th will be our regular Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers viewing event in Monrovia, but it is also International Observe the Moon Night, and there will be many lunar viewing events around the world. Ours, at Library Park, corner of Myrtle and Lime in Monrovia will go from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. To see where other events are happening, check this map: http://observethemoonnight.org/ or look at this list: http://observethemoonnight.org/getInvolved/eDescriptions.cfm We will have a few special handouts - a gorgeous lunar map made just for this night and some little red flashlights. I don't have a lot of the flashlights (combo keychain, flashlight and whistle) , so they will be distributed to the first 75 or so attendees. When they are gone, they are gone. ;-) There are other events that day and night which our little band of sidewalk astronomers will be supporting. Some of us will be at Griffith Observatory for their all-day and night event, which also serves as a 95th birthday party for Sidewalk Astronomers founder John Dobson. Mojo and I will be there in the afternoon for the cake and candles. John and friends will build a 12-inch sidewalk telescope in the daytime and use it in the evening to view the moon. If you want to go to that event I wouldn't blame you, and won't be mad or anything. ;-) There are events at Monrovia High School, the Huntington Library, and the aforementioned Griffith Park event - all for your viewing pleasure. Attend one or many! Or host your own event at home or on your sidewalk. I will bring my beloved homemade 10-inch Dobsonian telescope Saturday night. I made it in John's telescope making class in 1988, and it gives gorgeous moon views. John taught the class and was old back then! :-) Today, September 14th is John's actual 95th birthday. Happy birthday John! Thanks, for igniting a fire within me, and starting me on the path to become an astronomy educator and public service science advocate. It's all John's fault! :-) ********** Here's the volunteer opportunity I put in the subject line. If you have questions, please contact the DPS volunteer coordinator, Dr. Bidushi Bhattacharya (bhattach(a)ipac.caltech.edu) Dear Amateur Astronomer, The upcoming Division of Planetary Sciences (DPS) Meeting, American Astronomical Society, is in need of volunteers. We need individuals to support various tasks in the DPS cyber cafe, press office, speaker ready room, and at the registration desk. The meeting will be held in Pasadena, October 3-8, 2010 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Volunteers will have their meeting registration fees waived if they work a minimum of 16 hours. You will also receive a free t-shirt, making you part of a select and fashionable group!! This is a good opportunity to learn more about solar system (and exoplanet) astronomy at a professional meeting, become familiar with recent research results, and network with potential advisors/employers. Full details regarding the conference, including a list of talks and posters, can be found at: http://dps.aas.org/meetings/2010/index.shtml The volunteer form can be accessed at: http://aas.org/meetings/dps/volunteerform If you have questions, please contact the DPS volunteer coordinator, Dr. Bidushi Bhattacharya (bhattach(a)ipac.caltech.edu) -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ http://twitter.com/jhjones What's Up for September? Observe the Moon Night http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/news/index.cfm

14 years, 7 months

Weekend at Yosemite, moon in Monroia!

by Jane Houston Jones

Getaway weekend suggestion! Come up to Yosemite's Glacier Point! Mojo and I are heading up to Glacier Point with the San Jose Astronomical Association this labor day weekend . Jupiter should be magnificent. The only moon we expect to see is early in the morning when a slender crescent rises above Half Dome as seen from the Glacier Point amphitheatre.This magic happens from July through Labor Day. But speaking of the moon, the countdown is on! International Observe the Moon Night is September 18th! There is a fantastic website here: http://observethemoonnight.org/downloads/. I linked to the page with the awesome moon map handout. :-) Anyways, my September 2010 What's Up Podcast is all about this moon - check it out here! Many versions and a link to iTunes http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-view.cfm?WUID=564 Youtube http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JPLnews#p/u/0/wq0XfghpHH0 If you want some NASA lunar lithographs handouts for your club's September 18th International Observe the Moon Night event, send me a note with mailing address and telephone number at that address and I will send out a nice handout -I can handle 50-100 handouts. Request before the 10th and my package should arrive in time. Now back to your regular programming! :-) -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA My What's Up Podcast: Sept 2010: NASA http://is.gd/eSMhz Youtube http://is.gd/eSMnh Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro Blog: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/

14 years, 7 months

Astronomy tonight in Monrovia

by Morris Jones

Tonight we'll have a slender crescent moon, a slender crescent Venus, and our last glance at Saturn until next year. Venus, Saturn, and Mars are grouped nicely in the west at twilight, and set quickly. We'll be at Myrtle & Lime in Old Town Monrovia, Library Park, from about 7:30 'til 9:00 tonight. Cheers, Mojo -- Morris Jones, Monrovia, CA http://bridgemojo.com http://otastro.org http://mojo.whiteoaks.com

14 years, 8 months

A warm-up act before the Perseids

by Jones, Jane H (1862)

Not everyone will be able to get to a dark sky or stay up late enough to see the Perseid Meteor shower tonight, so I have a little warm-up act for you to view. In the hour after sunset the planets and moon make a beautiful diversion and one you don't have to leave home to see. Tomorrow's view is pretty too, with the moon, so check out the view on both nights. Here's a little writeup about the planetary view with some fun graphics and photos: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2010/08/10/a-warm-up-act-for-the-perseids/ It was fun to run the JPL Solar System Simulator and see the planets in their orbits. Take it on a spin to see where the Voyagers are right now. In case you are wondering, I'm heading out to Amboy Crater tonight with a couple of the other Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers. Amboy Crater is just south of Mojave National Preserve on US 40. It's the closest "darkest of the dark spots" on the International Clear Sky Chart. http://cleardarksky.com/csk/prov/California_map.html?Mn=eyepiece If you decide to make the long drive (over 200 miles), you are welcome to join us. We will be trying to preserve our dark adaption as best we can from 11pm until 4am, so be careful with your car lights, flashlights, cell phones, Ipods, cameras and other bright things. Use them away from the observers. :-) No telescope required, just a comfy chair and plenty of water. The forcast low overnight will be in the high 80's. :-( To follow the Perseids vicariously watch or comment on the JPL Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/NASAJPL?ref=ts and /or watch any of these Twitter hashtags: #perseids, #IMOmeteors #meteorwatch ;-) 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 What's Up For August? Perseids! http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm

14 years, 8 months

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