Snake River Skies

A Publication of the Magic Valley Astronomical Society

February 2009 Monthly Newsletter

Mighty Orion: The Mythology resolved in good binoculars and small gazing is noticing and enjoying the telescopes as a bright gray-green various colors that stars display in The most brilliant of all the mist enveloping the star. In larger dark skies. These hues offer direct constellations dominates our evening telescopes it appears as a great glow- visual evidence of how stellar tem- sky this week, climbing well up in the ing irregular cloud. A sort of auroral peratures vary. south around 9 p.m. local time. It is, glow is induced in this nebula by fluo- of course, Orion, the Hunter. But just rescence from the strong ultraviolet In Orion, ruddy Betelgeuse exactly who was he? radiation of four hot stars entangled and bluish Rigel provide an excellent within it. Edward Emerson Barnard color contrast but we can easily find (1857-1923), for many years an as- other colors as well. Look at orangish As is also the case with the tronomer at Yerkes Observatory, mighty Hercules, the figure of Orion Aldebaran and yellowish Pollux. And once remarked that it reminded him of considerably removed from the winter has been associated in virtually all- a great ghostly bat and that he always ancient cultures with great national groupings, is brilliant topaz Arcturus, experienced a feeling of surprise usually regarded as a spring star, but heroes, warriors, or demigods. Yet, in when he saw it. contrast to Hercules, who was cred- now, in the dead of midwinter, rises ited with a detailed series of exploits, this week between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Orion seems to us a vague and shad- The Great Orion Nebula is a and quickly holds forth in solitary owy figure. The ancient mythological vast cloud of extremely tenuous glow- splendor in the east-northeast. stories of Orion are so many and so confused that it is almost impossible Even as you observe these to choose among all of them. Even stellar colors, do you notice that the origin of the name Orion is ob- they're recognizable only for the scure, though some scholars have brightest stars? This is due to the suggested a connection with the physiology of the eye, more specifi- Greek "Arion," meaning simply war- cally, the fact that the color sensors rior. All, however, agree that he was on the retina – the cones – are insen- the mightiest hunter in the world and sitive to faint light. Under dim illumi- he is always pictured in the stars with nation the retinal rods take over. But his club upraised in his right hand. their greater light sensitivity is offset by their color blindness. This is why Hanging from his upraised left we see all faint stars as white How- hand is the skin of a great lion he has ever, if we look at them through bin- killed and which he is brandishing in oculars or a telescope, their amplified the face of Taurus, the Bull, who is brightness stimulates the cones, which can detect their color. charging down upon him. ing gas and dust, approximately 1,600 light-years away and about 30 light Joe Rao serves as an instructor and Where stars are born years across (or more than 20,000 guest lecturer at New York's Hayden times the diameter of the entire solar Planetarium. He writes about astron- system). Astrophysicists now believe Below Orion's famous three- omy for The New York Times and that this nebulous stuff is a stellar in- star belt is undoubtedly one of the other publications, and he is also an cubator; the primeval chaos from most wonderfully beautiful objects in on-camera meteorologist for News 12 which star formation is presently un- the sky: the Great Orion Nebula. It Westchester, New York. © 1/30/2009 appears to surround the middle star of derway. by Joe Rao and Imaginova Corp., All a fainter trio of stars in a line that rights reserved. marks the hunter's sword. The nebula In living color is invisible to the unaided eye, though the star itself appears a bit fuzzy. It is One of the pleasures of star- PAGE 2 MVAS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2009 A Preacher's Thought’s

Editor’s Note on this article: As we of troublesome facts if the parties in- tronomy, the physical life we live is celebrate the 400th Anniversary of volved do not share a common regard the result of science – from the clothes Galileo Galilei, who looked to the to different sources of knowledge. we wear, the food we eat, the homes “Heavens;” we should be reminded Setting aside for the moment the is- in which we live, the cities that we that “Faith” is a personal matter. sue of faith, there are two sources of build, the cars that we drive, the com- Galileo literally was accused of heresy knowledge – Science and History, and puter this article is typed on – all by the Catholic Church. As many of the process of obtaining knowledge these exist because of science. you may be aware, the Vatican has its through these disciplines is as differ- own observatory: “The Vatican Ob- ent as night and day. The historical method re- servatory,” which is one of the oldest quires the gathering of sources and astronomical research institutions Webster's gives the definition developing a confidence in the accu- of science as “1. A branch of knowl- racy of those sources. Unlike the sci- in the world. Read this article from edge or study dealing with a body of entific method, which should yield society member Pastor Jim Tubbs as facts or truths systematically ar- results that can be repeated and veri- he relates his own personal reflec- ranged and showing the operation of fied by others, historical sources are tions on the cosmos. There is no in- general laws 2. Systematic knowledge often spotty, not providing the level tent for any argument only a view of the physical or material world.” of detail our western scientific mind point to be shared. Likewise, history is defined as “1. craves. Multiple conflicting sources The branch of knowledge dealing with must be weighed, with judgments Many months ago, I was past events.....4. The record of past made concerning their value. Even asked by one of our society members events, especially in connection with with sources that are regarded as “How does a preacher even get inter- the human race.” having a high degree of accuracy, we ested in astronomy?” It was an hon- find ourselves wanting greater exact- est question of genuine curiosity, but ness. As an example, in studying the I did not give an answer at the time. history of ancient Egypt, I was struck Frankly I was a bit stunned. How by the varying dates given the dynas- could a preacher not be interested in ties and events of Egypt. In many astronomy? A line in one of ancient cases, all we have are names...nothing Israel's hymns of praise says “The else. To make matters worse, the heavens declare the glory of God, and Egyptians tended to memorialize only the sky proclaims the work of His those things which tended to elevate hands.” Since that question, I have them. Trying to fit in other current been thinking how I would answer. I events of the surrounding nations is spoke with V.P. David Olsen and told difficult because of all the gaps. The him I thought it would be fun to write modern mind is not comfortable with an article for our newsletter that The acquisition of knowledge these deficiencies. However, this is would answer that question without is its method. The scientific method the nature of knowledge for most of being preachy (hopefully). The arti- is “a method of research in which a mankind's existence, and therefore cle was supposed to be ready for the problem is identified, relevant data cannot be ignored. One might wonder December newsletter, but due to a are gathered, a hypothesis is formu- why we even need to concern our- busy month, I was unable to get it lated from this data, and the hypothe- selves with historical knowledge, ready (read this as, I put it on the sis is empirically tested” (again, Web- given its deficiencies. Scientific back burner and then forgot about it). ster’s). This is the method of choice in knowledge can tell us much about And that was just as well, for that our modern age. By this our knowl- what we are, but it takes historical gave me time to reconsider my origi- edge of this physical world and the knowledge to inform us who and why nal plan. universe has advanced impressively. we are. Among other benefits, his- As recent as my birth (1956), it was What I propose to do is set torical knowledge provides the frame- believed our galaxy was the sum total forth the very basic assumptions work of wisdom to guide our steps in of the universe. Our ability to meas- which lead any person to particular a scientific world where virtually any- ure distance is constantly being re- conclusions. Our views of this world thing is possible. fined. Using creative techniques and are determined by what we consider new types of telescopes we are able to There is one other term which to be valid sources of knowledge. It see objects behind other objects. And must be defined, if for no other reason is of no value to argue pros and cons just this past year we have obtained than that it is often misused. That of immediate creation by divine fiat or our first visual image of a planet or- word is faith. long creation by scientific process, or biting another star. Outside of as- to set forth alternative explanations FEBRUARY 2009 MVAS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE 3

It has been misused not only knowledge of historical inquiry, we Galaxy was the sum of the whole uni- by skeptics, but by believers as well. gain knowledge of events and move- verse to the discovery of billions of It has been given meanings and ac- ments of humanity. The problem galaxies in an increasingly expanding tions that should have never been arises when we elevate one branch universe. But I have also observed applied. Christians often present above the other. Five hundred years the arrogance present when men pre- their faith as something believed de- ago, western Christianity behaved as tend to a far greater and more perfect spite, and contrary to, all evidence. though its tradition was superior to understanding that what is war- any other knowledge. Four hundred ranted. Science cannot pass judg- Skeptics present such faith years ago, Galileo dared to posit the ment on the existence of God, for God as the wishful thinking of supersti- notion that the earth orbited the sun. exists outside the scope of science. tious or uneducated people. Web- As a result, he incurred the condem- Evolutionary or mechanical theories ster's gives these definitions as the nation of the Church. Still, the Age of cannot explain ultimate origins, for first two: 1. Confidence or trust in a Enlightenment was born, men right- such theories cannot explain the ap- person or thing. 2. Belief which is not fully questioned the tyrannical behav- pearance of something from nothing. based on proof. The second defini- ior of the Church, and the scientific I have read just recently that even tion is the one most often connected age came into fruition. cosmologists are starting to say that with religion, and often justifiably so. prior to the big bang there was noth- The first definition is universally ac- Now we face the same situa- ing. No matter, no energy. Nothing. cepted and attested. It is exercised in tion as 400 years ago. Scientific Current attempts to explain the big our lives every day. We would be un- methodology has become so perva- bang from that perspective sound able to function as human beings sive, that men have elevated it to a even more fanciful than anything a without the exercise of faith. position it does not deserve. Unless a Christian might believe. By the way, proposition can be scientifically I have come to the conclusion that I I submit that faith in a living, proved, it is not considered valid. creating God is eminently reasonable, am opposed to the teaching of crea- Belief in God is irrational, because tionism in a science class for the because it is confidence and trust science cannot prove God's existence. based upon genuine knowledge. It is many of the same reasons already Belief in creation is irrational, be- given. When we eject God into the neither the scope or the place of this cause science cannot probe a time article to present a comparison of the discussion, we enter the realm of di- when there was nothing. In short, vine revelation, a whole different historical claims made in Scriptures, men have installed science as the pro- as opposed to other religion. I will topic better left for a philosophy or tector of current orthodoxy and dis- religion course. The reason a Chris- have to content myself with simply senting voices are mocked. pointing out that the contents of the tian believes that God created this Bible are a collection of ancient docu- universe is because God said He did. Science cannot be used to prove, ei- ments, written over a span of 1,500 years, with many different authors ther before or after the fact that this that function as primary historical universe sprang from the activity of sources and demonstrated to hold to a God. high degree of accuracy. Those docu- Which brings me back to the ments do have a religious agenda, but original question, “How can a that does not invalidate them as preacher become interested in astron- faithful accounts of historical fact. omy?” I am not embarrassed or Even modern histories are written ashamed to affirm that I believe that with an agenda and bias, yet no one this universe came into existence by disqualifies those accounts on that God's power. I have a confidence basis only. that my conviction is reasonable and defensible, because it is a confidence This brings me back to what I I have an insatiable curiosity have previous written. As we seek based upon knowledge. I trust what for this universe in which we live. God says concerning those things I knowledge, we have two fundamental But I have chosen that my world view sources – scientific inquiry and his- cannot prove, because He has proven is to be informed by all that is good himself in those things that can be tory. As we gain the knowledge of and true. I have no doubt that much scientific inquiry, we gain knowledge proved. This is the great value of of what we are learning about the history. on the mechanism of this creation, cosmos is more or less accurate. Just whether we study astronomy, geol- in the course of my life we have pro- Images © 2008 by Jim Tubbs ogy, biology, chemistry, or any other gressed from believing the Milky Way scientific discipline. As we gain Continued on the back page Monthly Meeting A Preacher’s Thought’s concluded Our monthly meeting will be held on the second Satur- Many skeptics have attempted to find other day of February, which is also Valentine’s Day. causes to the things written down in that book called the Bible, but have failed, because things that God did, he February 14th will be a big day for Astronomy! At 2:00 did within the sight of men. The testimony of these eye- PM the day starts with the premier of the new planetar- witnesses is so powerful and so well grounded that for ium show “Bad Astronomy.” Right after the show is 2000 years, no amount of effort has succeeded in over- the “Great Observatories Image Unveiling” at 3:00 PM. turning them. The alternative explanations of the mira- cles of Jesus, his resurrection, or the rise of Christianity, Bad Astronomy will also play at 4:00 and 7:00, but at fail the test of authenticity. I am willing to put my trust 7:00 PM you should be at our monthly meeting! and confidence (also called faith) in God, because I have Our topic this month is a demonstration of the SHARE seen abundant proof that my confidence is well placed. II system by Sec. Rick Widmer. Rick has made quite a When I aim my telescope toward the heavens, I am peer- few changes. We can play DVDs, VHS tapes, com- ing deep into God's handiwork. When I crack open a puter images or live video from an assortment of cam- book about astronomy, I learn more of how the natural eras. With 120 watts per channel of audio and a pro- order operates. When I try my hand at such things as jector that can handle up to a fifty foot screen, we can astrophotometry, I experience first hand the precision of put on quite a show — anywhere. It runs on batteries! this universe. How could a preacher not be interested in workshop of his God? Most of SHARE II is MVAS property, and just like the loaner telescopes, it can be used by anyone who is As to those things we believe to be scientifically qualified. If you are interested, this is a meeting you true that appear to make such a belief in God irrational, I won’t want to miss. would humbly suggest that when all is said and done, any conclusion based upon science is the conclusion of I hope we can find a few people who are interested in imperfect men, and is subject to change. Such change is working with the club’s Stellacam and AstroVid 2000 in fact the history of science. cameras on a telescope. Eyepiece Projection is just one skill we need someone to figure out. We need to have several people who can use the cameras at public star parties, so please check them out and practice using them with your telescope! Part of the meeting will be a viewing of a DVD about DID YOU KNOW? Japan's Kaguya (SELENE) lunar orbiter, with SHARE The first American satellite in orbit, Explorer I, was II. After the DVD I would like to discuss the most effec- launched February 1, 1958. tive ways to use the SHARE system at our events. Another thing we should discuss is demonstrations we can do for events like Astronomy day, and at major star parties. Some examples are making a comet and mak- ing craters in fine powder. If you have any other ideas, please bring them to the meeting. This is the Interna- tional Year of Astronomy, so lets do some fun and dif- ferent things to share astronomy with the public this year! Following the Meeting we will be holding a star party in the Centennial Observatory. SNAKE RIVER SKIES

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAGIC VALLEY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

P.O. BOX 445 KIMBERLY, ID 83341

http://www.mvastro.org/

© 2009, MAGIC VALLEY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Join author, blogger and science popularizer Phil Plait in an exploration of how astronomy is misunderstood and misused. This lively program examines claims of astrol- ogy, the so-called "Moon landing hoax," and more. Debuting February 14th 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Faulkner Planetarium.

The College of Southern Idaho 315 Falls Avenue Twin Falls, ID 83301 Planetarium Ticket Sales: (208) 736-3059 Star Line Sky Info: (208) 732-MOON (732-6666) Fax: (208) 736-4712

Faulkner Planetarium Schedule Saturday, February 14th, 2009

Day Time Show

Saturday 2:00 Bad Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions

4:00 Bad Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions

7:00 Bad Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions

8:15 Lynyrd Skynyrd: Fly On Free Bird

Faulkner Planetarium Schedule Beginning February 17th, 2009

Day Time Show

Tues- 7:00 Bad Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions days

Fridays 7:00 Bad Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions

8:15 Led Zeppelin: Maximum Volume 1

Satur- 2:00 Planet Patrol: Solar System Stakeout days 4:00 Journey to the Edge of Space and Time

7:00 Bad Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions

8:15 Lynyrd Skynyrd: Fly On Free Bird