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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

from various astronomy list-serves
scroll to end for latest post

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Recently, author Dava Sobel (Longitude, Galileo's Daughter, The Planets)
visted Ithaca College to give a public lecture titled "A Brief History of Light".

During the question and answer session after Dava's talk, an audience member
asked her if she would help promote and support an effort to stop light
pollution in Ithaca. Dave replied that the residents of the city must make
the effort to get their officials to reduce bad lighting in the area, as they
would not listen to someone who isn't a voter no matter who she or he is.

It looks like someone in Ithaca is aware of the light pollution issue, as a
bill has been introduced to reduce bad lighting in the city.

You can read about it here in the new newspaper, Tompkins Weekly.
It is the first story on the front page:

http://www.tompkinsweekly.com/index.html

For those of you who come to enjoy the celestial sights at Fuertes Observatory,
courtesy of CAS, it is hoped that you will promote and support this bill, so that
residents can enjoy the night sky as it is meant to be seen: Full of stars, not
artificial lights.
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

> Space Weather News for Oct. 19, 2006

> http://spaceweather.com
>
> ORIONID METEOR SHOWER: This weekend, a mild but pretty flurry of meteors will shoot out of the constellation Orion. The source is Halley's Comet. Although the comet itself is far away, ancient clouds of dust from the comet are nearby, and Earth is about to run through them. The best time to look is Saturday morning, Oct. 21st. Dozens of meteors might streak across the sky during the hours before sunrise. Dark skies are recommended!
>
> AURORA WATCH: A solar wind stream is heading toward Earth, and it could spark a display of auroras when it arrives on Oct. 20th or 21st. Check http://spaceweather.com for updates.
>
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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Galileo Playing at Cornell's Schwartz Center

ITHACA, NY. - Cornell University's Department of Theatre, Film &
Dance will present Bertolt Brecht's Galileo, directed by Cornell
senior Emily Ranii '07, as part of its Black Box Series.

Galileo's proof that the sun is at the center of the universe
revolutionized 2,000 years of philosophy and astronomy. While
history celebrates Galileo as a legend, Brecht's famous play shows
the man behind the scientist in all of his arrogance, lustiness,
gluttony, humor, and, most of all, his freedom of spirit. Galileo
copies the design for a telescope and then claims it as his own
invention. But what he discovers with this instrument is so
exquisite and earth-shattering that the audience is left questioning,
is he an imposter, or is he pragmatic? When the Catholic Church
condemns Galileo's discoveries, the play launches into the conflict
between critical thinking and authority.

The cast of this fascinating and provocative piece includes:
Christine Bullen, Josh Burlingham, Tim Fasano, Barrie Kreinik, Tom
Mansell, Justin Nisley, Ariel Reid, Emilie Stark-Menneg, and Vijay
Vachani.

Performance Dates: Friday, November 10 at 4:30 p.m., Saturday,
November 11 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $2 in advance and $3 at the door.

Box Office Info:

Tickets for Galileo are available at the Schwartz Center Box Office.
Call 254-ARTS or visit our Box Office between 12:30 - 5:30 p.m.,
weekdays.
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0306 Boldt Hall
Ithaca NY 14853-5106
(607) 253-1318

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Space Weather News for Oct. 31, 2006
http://spaceweather.com

SPOOKY ASTRONOMY: Today is a date of astronomical interest: it's a cross-quarter date, midway between an equinox and a solstice. There are four cross-quarter dates throughout the year, and each is a minor holiday. One is Groundhog Day (Feb. 2nd), another is May Day (May 1st), the third is Lammas Day (Aug. 1st), and the fourth ... ? Happy Halloween!

SUNSPOT 921: Sunspot 921, just a speck two days ago, is ballooning into a planet-sized behemoth. It is too soon to say whether this active region will pose a threat for solar flares, but it is certainly entertaining to watch it expand before our very eyes. Visit http://spaceweather.com for movies and updates.

TRANSIT OF MERCURY: On Wednesday, Nov. 8th, Mercury will cross the face of the Sun--a five-hour transit widely visible from the Americas, Hawaii and around the Pacific Rim. For fun (and prizes) we're holding a Transit of Mercury Art and Photo Contest. Click here for details: http://Spaceweather.com/mercury/
_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

On Wed., Nov. 8, the planet Mercury will pass in front of the Sun's
disk as seen from Earth, beginning at 2:12pm Eastern Time. This event
cannot be seen with the naked eye, as Mercury's disk is too small.
However, if the weather permits, the Cornell Astronomical Society
will open Fuertes Observatory for public viewing of the transit,
starting at 1:30pm and continuing until the Sun disappears behind
the trees lining Beebe Lake, shortly after 4pm. (The transit will
not be over at that point; it ends after sunset as seen from this
part of North America.)

WARNING: NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PROPER
PROTECTIVE FILTERS. Looking at the Sun without protection carries
a severe risk of permanent eye damage or blindness. The Fuertes
telescope has the protective filters to permit safe viewing of the
transit; all members of the Cornell and Ithaca communities are
encouraged to stop by and see this relatively rare astronomical
event.

As always, the observatory is open for regular public viewing on
all clear Friday evenings beginning at 8pm. You can call the
Fuertes hotline, 255-3557, to find out if we are open on a given
Friday evening.

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

The solar active region that came around the limb last week is now facing
Earth. There was a large solar flare with attendant coronal mass ejection
from this region at 0224 GMT on the 13th. This interplanetary disturbance
should reach the Earth on the morning of the 14th GMT. It could take up to
12 hours to transfer its power to the geomagnetic field. The conclusion is
watch the sky tonight and tomorrow night in North America perhaps as far
south as the middle US and tomorrow night in Europe as far south as northern
Europe. The aurora should be visible also from Tasmania and South New
Zealand.

You can watch our simulation of the shock travel from the sun to the planets
if you go to http://www.gedds.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/
and click on the black map on the left side of the page to watch the Java
movie of the interplanetary shock.

Click on the short-term (1 hr) forecast map on the right hand side of the
page to see what will happen in the next hour. That way you won't have to
stand around outside like those in the maritimes right now in a 36 deg.
drizzle and watch the cloudy sky.

If it is clear where you are, watch for the Geminid meteors too.

Dr. Charles Deehr, Prof. Emer. Phys. Ph. 907 474 7473 Fax 907 474 7290
email cdeehr@gi.alaska.edu
The Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Ave N
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7320

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Earth & Sky, and last night was the peak of the Geminid showers:

http://www.earthsky.org/article/50814/top-10-tips-for-2006-geminid-meteor-shower
_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

The auroral activity associate with the solar event on the 13th has arrived
and everyone with clear sky in Europe and US is enjoying a great display
that started at sunset.

Another event occurred on the 14th from the same active region on the sun.
It will arrive at 2pm (the same time of day as today's arrival) on the 16th
GMT. So watch the sky tonight, the 14th, probably the 15th and again on the
16th.

Dr. Charles Deehr, Prof. Emer. Phys. Ph. 907 474 7473 Fax 907 474 7290
email cdeehr@gi.alaska.edu
The Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Ave N
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7320

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

photos of aurora http://spaceweather.com/aurora/gallery_01dec06_page2.htm

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Space Weather News for Jan. 10, 2007
http://spaceweather.com

Comet McNaught has continued to brighten as it approaches the sun and it is now the brightest comet in 30 years. For observers in the northern Hemisphere, tonight is probably the best time to see it: Go outside this evening and face the sunset. A clear view of the western horizon is essential, because the comet hangs very low. As the twilight fades to black, it should become visible to the naked eye. Observers say it's a fantastic sight through binoculars.

In the days ahead, Comet McNaught will pass the sun and emerge in good position for southern hemisphere viewing later this month. Meanwhile, solar heating will continue to puff up the comet, causing it to brighten even more. It could become one of the brightest comets in centuries, visible even in daylit skies.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and updates.

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Space Weather News for Jan. 13, 2007
http://spaceweather.com

Observers around the world are reporting that Comet McNaught is now visible in broad daylight. The comet is very close to the sun, so it is tricky to find. If you want to try, here's how to do it: Go outside and stand in the shadow of a building so that the glare of the sun is blocked out. Make a fist and hold it at arm's length. The comet is about one fist-width east of the sun.

This weekend is a special time for Comet McNaught because it is making its closest approach to the sun. Solar heat causes the comet to vaporize furiously and brighten to daytime visibility. McNaught is now the brightest comet in more than 40 years, and it may become the brightest in centuries.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and updates.
_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Space Weather News for Jan. 19, 2006
http://spaceweather.com

Last night at sunset, motorists in South Africa pulled over to watch what seemed to be a bush fire. As the twilight deepened, however, they realized it was something else: the extravagant tail of Comet McNaught. Even experienced astronomers say they've never seen anything quite like it. McNaught's tail materializes at sunset in the southern hemisphere and is visible to the unaided eye as a majestic fan of pale streamers.

The comet itself is visible only from the southern hemisphere, but its tail sweeps all the way back into northern skies. People in California, Colorado and Hawaii have seen it peeking above the western horizon about an hour after sunset. This "northern tail" is faint but pretty, and resembles a pale aurora borealis. (Dark skies are absolutely required.)

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos and observing tips.

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_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Science/Astronomy:

* Plan Ahead: Total Lunar Eclipse March 3

Soon after sunset on Saturday evening, March 3, skywatchers in eastern North
America can watch the rising full Moon undergoing its first total eclipse in
nearly 2-½ years.

http://www.space.com/070209_ns_lunar_eclipse.html
_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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TheDude · Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Hey! That's my birthday!
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Adam Z

Mike_L · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 1705

Space Weather News for March 20, 2007
http://spaceweather.com

GREEN COMET: There's a new comet in the southern hemisphere: Comet Lovejoy (C/2007 E2). Terry Lovejoy of Australia discovered it on March 15th using, remarkably, not a telescope but only an off-the-shelf digital camera. The green comet is too dim to see with the naked eye, but it is a nice target for backyard telescopes. After five days of monitoring, the comet's orbit is now known with some accuracy and it is possible to make predictions about Comet Lovejoy's future movements and brightness. Visit http://spaceweather.com for details.

BONUS--VENUS AND THE MOON: When the sun goes down tonight, step outside and look west. You'll see Venus and the slender crescent Moon beaming together through the glow of sunset. If you miss the pair on March 20th, try again on the 21st. They will be beautifully close together on both nights. http://spaceweather.com/images2007/20mar07/skymap_north.gif

If a friend sent you this newsletter and you would like to subscribe, click here: http://spaceweather.com/services/
_________________
Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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