The Sidereal Times

since 1959

Observe—Educate—Have Fun May 2019 The Sidereal Times

The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society P.O. Box 50581, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87181-0581 www.TAAS.org

Ou r 60 t h An n iversary Si nce 1959

General Meeting News TA A S Astronomy101

MAY 25TH - 6:00 P.M. Speaker: Vance Ley “Bare Bones Basic Sky Photography” Science and Math Learning Center, UNM Campus Free and Open to the Public

Prior to the TAAS General Meeting on May 25, TAAS astro- Photo by Vance Ley TAAS GENERAL MEETING photographer Vance Ley will present As- th MAY 25 - 7:00 P.M. tronomy 101: “Bare Bones Basic Sky CHACO SCIENCE and MATH LEARNING CENTER Photography.” UNM CAMPUS CANYON FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This evening will be a presentation on DSLR + tripod night sky pho- STAR tography, suitable for brand-new, PARTY beginner astronomers who’d like to Our featured speaker for the TAAS General Meeting on May take pictures of the night sky. The May 31st 25 will be Ron Kramer, president of the Astronomical League talk will also assume that the aspir- ing photographer’s experience is and (AL). His topic: “All About the Astronomical League.” ST limited to taking snapshots on auto- June 1 matic and autofocus. Kramer says the AL has about 18,000 members worldwide See page 6 with hopes of growing to about 20,000 members by next year. AL’s primary goals are the fostering of astronomical educa- Vance is one of the most accom- tion, providing incentives for astronomical observation and plished astrophotographers we research, and assisting communications among amateur astro- have, and has taught numerous oth- nomical societies. continued on page 2 . . . ers how to capture images —Lynne of New Olson Mexico’s beautiful night skies.

Public Star Party Public Star Party La Vida Llena Event Bachechi Open Space Oak Flat Picnic Area for La Vida Llena residents. Sat., May 18 Sat., June 8 Tue., May 14 6:00–11:00 p.m.

INSIDE 2...... President’s Message, Bachechi Open Space 7...... TAAS Baseball Outing June 12 11...... Astrophoto: Mars and Constellations 3...... Nightscape: Corona Arch 8...... Astrophoto: Lagoon Nebula (M8) 12...... Opinion: Astronomy Terms 4...... Under the Dome, Telescope Loan Update 9...... Spring Placitas Star Party 13...... TAAS Reports & Notices 6...... Chaco Canyon Observing Event 10...... Texas Star Party 14...... TAAS Directors & Staff

continued on page 3 . . . The Sidereal Times May 2019

President’s Message Jim Fordice

Large Star Parties are Great! sider it. By observing for several nights in a row you will hone your observing I recently returned from my first skills and get to know your fellow ob- Texas Star Party. (See article elsewhere servers much better. Okie-Tex this year in this issue.) I thoroughly enjoyed it. will run Sept. 21-29. Check it out at I have also attended six Okie-Tex star http://www.okie-tex.com. parties. Help us Plan the 2020 ALCON These large star parties are photo by lynne olson a great experience. They TAAS is the hosting astrono- offer dark skies and sup- my club for the 2020 Astro- TAAS Public Star Party ply you with lots of fellow nomical League Convention observers to share your (ALCON), to be held July Bachechi Open Space views with in addition to 16-18. We formed a planning Visitors Center presentations, food, and ac- committee last year and are 9521 Rio Grande Blvd., NW commodations. making very good progress. We (corner of Rio Grande and Alameda) need your help. Please consider join- Saturday, May 18TH If you have not attended a large star ing us. Here are two important positions party yet I highly encourage you to con- we need to fill: 6:00–11:00 p.m. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 2020 ALCON Co-Registrar: The 2020 . .. G eneral Meeting N e w s ALCON Committee needs someone to serve as the Co-Registrar. The Co-Reg- continued from p a g e 1 Our spring star party at the Bachechi istrar will assist the Registrar (David Open Space Visitors Center will be held on Downs) in setting up and running the Saturday, May 18 from 6 to 11 p.m. (sunset effort to register conference partici- This presentation will discuss the benefits at 7:59 p.m.). It is co-hosted with TAAS by pants. of being a member of the League and the the County of Bernalillo. The public can plans for its future, including “diversifica- observe the wonders of New Mexico skies 2020 ALCON Publicist: The committee tion of the League and its member clubs, through TAAS member telescopes. needs someone to help us publicize the global expansion, and the obtaining of conference. The Astronomical League grants from commercial, personal and gov- Phil Fleming will present the TAAS Fabu- provides a lot of support for this effort. ernmental agencies, which will enable the lous Fifty Spring Session inside the Educa- We need you to work with them to pro- League to further reach its goals.” tion Building at 7:00 p.m. to acquaint the vide the inputs they need. group with the stars, constellations and Kramer will also discuss some of AL’s im- planets of the season, which visitors will be Please contact me if you are interested mediate needs, including a new Webmas- seeing as it darkens and observing begins. in filling one of these important posi- ter and candidates for upcoming elections. Our astronomers are eager to show off the tions. targets of the season and answer any ques- The 2020 Astronomical League Conference tions guests may have. (ALCON) will be held July 16-18 in Albu- querque, and TAAS is the host club. The A large parking lot is available to all visi- hardworking TAAS Astronomical League tors, with entry leading to the access path. coordinator is Becky Ramotowski. (ALCON There is limited parking from the Rio 2019 will be at the Kennedy Space Center Grande entrance side. Please arrive before in Florida.) dusk and bring a jacket for any evening chill, as well as only red flashlights or Ron Kramer was raised in Brooklyn NY and Observe – Educate – Have Fun headlamps to preserve night vision. served in the Air Force during Vietnam as an F-4 fighter pilot. He holdsReflector a BS degreeMag - *TAAS members with telescopes: see ar- azinein Physics from Columbia University. He is ticle on www.TAAS.org for maps to and managing editor of the AL’s of the site, where to enter and how to ac- and CEO/COO of Las Cruces-based—Lynne Olson cess the observing area. Rick —Lynne Vergas is Olson the RJI Publishing Inc. Owner of this event. Page 2 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

Corona Arch, west of Moab, Utah, near the Colo- nometer app on my phone and the direction using my phone’s rado River. I attended the Nightscaper Conference in Moab compass since Polaris was behind the rocks to my north. The May 1-3 and stayed a few extra nights for photography. On two images were blended in Photoshop. It was also a bit chal- the day after the conference I hiked to Corona Arch with two lenging to set up on the 20-degree slope of the rocks in front friends and 40 pounds of camera equipment on my back over of the arch. The light dome at the horizon seen through the a pretty strenuous 3-mile round trip trail (uphill both ways, it arch is light pollution from Moab, 15 miles away. seemed). This arch was famous for people swinging under it on ropes or I shot two time lapses and also managed to get this image, bungee cords – until a Darwin Award winner killed himself by made from two exposures – the foreground and the sky. jumping off the top of the arch with a rope that was too long. Equipment: Nikon D850 and Nikon 14-24 lens at 14 mm and Such activity is now banned on this and several other arches in wide open at F2.8, tripod, and Sky Watcher Star Adventurer the area. equatorial mount. The arch was lit by 3 strategically placed, very low light-level LEDs with tungsten filters (given to us Such arches formed after seas covering the area evaporated, at a previous night’s workshop). The light was so dim on the leaving salt beds between sandstone formations deposited arch that it could not be seen with the dark adapted eye. 150 million years ago. The salt beds eroded, the sandstone domes collapsed and weathered into vertical slab-like “fins.” I exposed the foreground for 120 seconds with the sky track- Sections of the thin walls eventually eroded through, forming er turned off. The sky was also a 120 second exposure, but arches – some 50–100 million years old. with the tracker turned on. I had to do a polar alignment by setting the elevation angle of the tracking axis using an incli- —Bob Fugate

Page 3 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

Under the Dome The Clanons used a 90mm CST and a Ce- lestron 11” for views of Messiers. David and Notes from and about GNTO Jim Fordice Dan stayed all night and bagged 101 Messier Johnobjects. Purnell commented April 6 - New Moon Observing: : I wanted to drop and Elaine Clanon, and Dan and Tara Clanon. a reply thanking the members that made Alan Scott and Mark Goodman opened the my first experience at GNTO such a fun and site. Mark was doing his final walkthrough to Mike Molitor led Isengard training, with awesome experience! Special thanks to Mike become qualified as an Opener. He reported: John Purnell, Liang Ming, and me in atten- Molitor, for introducing me into the taming dance. After that, John and Ming continued of the Isengard telescope beast and curing We had a good evening of New Moon Ob- to work with the Isengard, observing various me of my fear of meridian flips, to Mark and serving last night at GNTO. Alan Scott, Jim objects. Ming also used his scope on the field. Ming for being training buddies, to Alan Fordice, and I opened the site at around 6:00 Scott for showing me the glorious Omega p.m. Jim Fordice worked with his 22” Obsession Centauri (I didn’t even know that was pos- to view a general list of objects. I had a great sible from Albuquerque), and to anyone else Initially the sky was mostly cloudy (75- view of the Trapezium through his scope, I may have chatted to in the dark without 80%), the winds at 12 mph, and the temper- and even though the seeing was average, it realizing exactly who you were. ature in the mid-60s. The skies improved as was an impressive view. Alan had his 20” the night went on, though the clouds moved Dob and enjoyed showing a range of objects And thanks to Jim Fordice for staying all back in beginning at 9 p.m. By 11 p.m. the to folks. M51 was a clear target through his night. I can confirm you closed the facilities skies had again cleared appreciably, and the scope, and he also captured Omega Centauri by 6 a.m. because I woke up and ran to the cloud-cover continued to diminish after that. on the horizon at 11:30 p.m. or so. securely padlocked outhouse at 6:05. Thank Temperature around midnight was around goodness Penny’s Diner is open 24 Hours. 50 with light winds. Jim Lawrence had his refractor and was after objects, mostly in the west and earlier in the Congrats to the Clanon clan for overcom- Also in attendance were Jim Lawrence, David evening, that weren’t obscured by the clouds. ing initial cloudiness and the lateness of Telescope Loan Program Update the Messier season to bag more than 100 Messier objects: I’m impressed! Our club is By Rick Vergas, Telescope Loan Program Coordinator blessed with a wonderful observatory and There are no active changes to the telescope and accessories inventory available membership. continued on page 5 . . . this month. I am currently taking inventory of surplus equipment and taking photos in preparation for an auction, probably in the early Summer. Items and details will be provided later. There are currently 2 scopes immediately available for loan, an 8” SCT and an 8” Dobsonian, and any other scope may be reserved.

Loan Program Statistics # of % on # on Loan # Available Scopes Loan

39 37 2 95%

Type: Reflectors Refractors Catadioptrics

23 7 12

Size: Large (>8”) Medium (5”-8”) Small (<5”)

12 17 13

Tracking: Manual Push-To Go-To Tracking

26 5 7 11

As of: 5/9/19

Page 4 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

...Under the Dome continued from page 4

David Clanon sent

: Had a great time observing at GNTO for the first ers packed up one-by-one to head home, until around 4 a.m. when time last night! Thanks to all the new openers, veteran openers and Aprilonly Vance 27 - 3 andrd Quarter Jim K were Moon left Observing: to greet the glow of sunrise. star friends there to share the experience with us! Clouds were there for show mostly as we had our first Messier marathon. We knew we weren’t going to get them all but did get 101 and had some lovely Mike Fuge opened the site. He reported: viewing of Jupiter as well. Will have to investigate which moon had a near occultation of which. Hope to enjoy many nights at GNTO and at Last night’s GNTO field observing was a success, though the weather AprilTAAS event,s7 - Special as work Observing permits! Session: was occasionally uncooperative from 8-12 p.m. After midnight the clouds cleared out and the seeing and transparency, improved greatly. The temperatures were mild at ~50 F. The wind was under Jim Kaminski organized the Special Observing Session. April. Vance 10mph. Ley opened the site fully. Jim reported: In attendance was my brother, Jim (first-timer), Ben and Bethany There were eight observers at this GNTO session: Jim Roucis, Eric Burnett (also first-timers), Boris Venet, Paul Pulaski, Clara Iriarte, Edwards, Vance Ley, Fernando Torres, Bridget de Saint Phalle, Paul Viola Sanchez, Melissa Kirk and Susan Evans. Pulaski, Boris Venet, and myself (Jim K). Boris was a steadfast example of determination in his photo imaging As sunset progressed, “sucker holes” between the clouds grew, al- attempt of “The Trio in Leo.” Paul spent hours hunting for globular lowing mount/finder alignments and setting focus on a thin crescent clusters. Clara has a keen interest in astrophotography and she, Vio- Luna. The delay in working an observing list allowed for a relaxed la, and Melissa took the time for casual planet observing, especially time period of mirror collimation, socializing, Remember to notify TAAS when Jupiter. and various gear adjustments. your mailing address, e-mail Susan (as an artist) “was delighted by the soft- address, phone numbers, etc., Before moonset, observers were finding ob- focus puffs of clouds against the crispy contrast jects and attempting widefield pictures (but change. Send updates to Doug of a black diamond star studded sky.” She also Boris got shortchanged when a cloud moved LeGrand, [email protected], or viewed her domain, from the “lofty-perches-of- into Orion). After moonset (~10 p.m.) the skies her-throne”! to Bob Anderson, membership@ were clear, but “washed out” (most likely from very, very thin clouds), with the Milky Way vis- TAAS.org. I had my best night ever in the operation of the ible but “soft”. Isengard telescope. After I figured out that the slew button needed to be depressed, the evening Seeing was a typical New Mexico “average,” was fantastic I observed several items, includ- with fast-moving currents aloft (readily visible ing M64, M103, M16, M12, and M82, the Cigar in a greatly defocused image of a brighter star) Galaxy. – i.e., no splitting of very close double stars. Temperatures remained in the 50s for before midnight and winds were mostly gentle (1-3 Everyone on the field shared great telescope-viewing and it was awe- mph) to light (4-7 mph). Darkness on an SQM-L device was the typi- some. But, by far, brother Jim’s first visit to GNTO was memorable, cal GNTO 21.5 (magnitudes per square arc-second, or MPSAS). as he was slammed with numerous “viewings” where distances at 35M-LY and 58M-LY seemed commonplace. It’s great when you can Many observers chased faint fuzzies (aka galaxies far, far away), with razzle/dazzle your brother. Fernando and Paul making great progress in finding Herschel 400 objects, Eric getting many exposure seconds in Virgo in and around The rising moon at 2:41 a.m. slowed up most observing. Many decid- the Markarian chain, and Jim K enjoying/sketching small groups of ed to stay and get a few hours of sleep. Closure was at 7:30 a.m. with galaxy wisps. Bridget spent some time troubleshooting her iOptron a big breakfast at Penny’s Diner. Great coffee, good food! A real taste mount, with some technical assistance from Jim R, who was also of Americana. The evening was basically a fun, festive-happening and pursuing various galaxies in the skies around Leo, Canes Venatici, Mayall enjoyed 3 - Special a good Observing time, doing Session: what we like to do. and Coma Berenices. Vance thinks he captured many (enough?) pho- tons from the “Hockey Stick” (NGC 4656/7) and “Whale/Pup” (NGC 4631/4627) galaxies in Canes Venatici. Jim Roucis opened the site. He reported: GNTO was closed just before midnight. Eric Edwards and I saw some starlight,continued but on it page was 6filtered . . . As midnight and subsequent early morning hours passed by, observ- through hazy skies and thin clouds. Page 5 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

...Under the Dome continued from page 5 CHACO CANYON May 4 - New Moon Observing: STAR detail, particularly turbulence in the North PARTY Mark Goodman opened the site. He reported: Equatorial Band and some bright details in the South Tropical Zone. Observation at May 31st Conditions didn’t look at all favorable for 1 a.m. showed the GRS heading behind the observing when folks arrived at GNTO. Jon eastern limb. and (please forgive me, but I can’t recall your last June 1ST name) was there around 6:30, followed by Saturn was a brilliant sight, also, with the Melissa Kirk and Will Dickerson. Cassini Division obvious at medium magni- Chaco Culture National fication and six moons apparent. It was diffi- Initial conditions, as I said, were unpromis- cult to move on from Saturn to other objects, Historical Park ing. The winds were 8-10 mph, gusting up to it was such a captivating sight. and International Dark Sky Park 20 or a bit over. Cloud cover was 80-90%, at OPEN TO THE PUBLIC times reaching completely overcast. I went I got a great view of the Ring Nebula, another through the Isengard set-up, just in case. of my favorites. With Scorpio high in the South, I spent some good time catching a Melissa had planned on doing some dark bunch of globular clusters. M4 was notable, The Albuquerque Astronomical Society sky photography of the Milky Way. Jon and not only because it’s a nice glob, but also and Chaco Culture National Park (www. Will had planned to do general observing but because, while observing it, a meteor zipped nps.gov/chcu/index.htm) will co-host an never unpacked their gear. through the field of view. observing event on Friday and Saturday, May 31-June 1. Always anticipated, this We all alternated time in the Cocina, snack- All in all, a successful night of observing, af- spring public star party event includes ing on the cookies that Will was generous Upcomingter waiting Events:patiently for four hours or so. solar and night observing, lectures and an enough to bring along and share, and making opportunity to camp at an amazing loca- rd rounds of the observing field, hoping that • June 1: 3 Quarter Moon tion, filled with history and sites to explore. we’d have some indication that conditions Observing were improving. Jon called it a night around Enjoy observing at an International Dark- • June 8: New Moon Observing 10 p.m. and Melissa checked it in close to Sky Park site at the Chaco Observatory and midnight, with Will following close behind. • June 29: 3rd Quarter Moon also with the telescopes and members of Observing TAAS; visit the ancient Anasazi ruins and I decided to stick it out and see if the Clear learn from the lectures presented by the Sky Chart’s prediction of clearing between • July 6: New Moon Observing Chaco Rangers. 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. would be accurate. It was. By 1:30 a.m. the sky was 80% clear, and • August 3: GNTO Picnic Visitors and non-TAAS members should by 2 a.m. there wasn’t a cloud to be seen, make camping reservations through except low on the horizon to the North and the National Park Service link: www. Northwest. Transparency was 4 out of 5 and recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. To seeing was above average. Transparency de- plan your visit, go to www.nps.gov/chcu/ teriorated later in the morning, due to some Don’t forget that the GNTO Observing Field is planyourvisit/camping.htm. Park phone: high thin clouds that moved from the North- available for use by TAAS members anytime. 505-786-7014. Make your plans early as Check the TAAS website for the procedure to west, but from the Zenith to the southern IMPORTANTChaco is very popularNOTE this time of year! horizon remained clear until dawn. follow. Contact me if you have any questions. : A campground up- Beginning at around 2:50 a.m. I observed As always, check TAAS_Talk and the TAAS grade project is currently under way at Europa emerge from an eclipse. It was a website for last-minute changes and up- Chaco, continuing through June. Each week beautiful sight, and the image was crisp, dates. GNTO events are open to all TAAS a handful of sites will be closed for the with Europa appearing as a little “pimple” members and their guests. work. All other sites are open on a first- on Jupiter’s disk. At approximately 3:09 a.m. come, first-servedcontinued basis. on page 7. . . there was discernible dark space between GNTO Director: [email protected] or 505- Europa and Jupiter. As for the bands, they 803-3640. were prominent and displayed considerable Page 6 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

. .. C h a c o C a n y o n S t a r P a r t y continued from p a g e 7

TAAS Baseball Outing – At Chaco Canyon, TAAS volunteers provide public viewing for a few hours after sunset Isotopes Park (with optional daytime solar viewing), and then may enjoy private viewing after visi- Wednesday June 12 tors retire for the night. at 6:35 p.m. TAAS volunteers may come for one night or both, and receive free admission to the Join your fellow TAAS baseball Food will include hot dogs, park (large RVs excepted: for these, you fans at the ballpark for a fun hamburgers, BBQ pulled pork must pay the usual reservation fee for a session in the Jack Daniel’s Old No. sandwiches, bone-in BBQ chicken, spot in the public campground). TAAS 7 Club, located down the third base baked beans, pasta salad, sliced volunteers typically tent-camp or sleep cheese, tortilla chips and salsa, in their vehicles in a small camp area re- line in the corner of the stadium, brownies and soft drinks. Adult served for park volunteers. The observing which provides covered seating. area is behind the park’s Visitor Center, The Isotopes will take on the beverages may be purchased and a very short drive from the volunteer’s visiting Oklahoma City Dodgers. individually at the park. camp area. Seating is limited to the first 28 —Dee Friesen Facilities: the kitchen building in the vol- persons to sign up. The cost of Questions? Call, text or email: unteer camp area has a gas stove and re- $38.25 includes a ticket to the 505-681-6094 / taasdee@comcast. frigerators, a sink, but no microwave (last game and unlimited feasting at the net check). Also last check, there was a pro- banquet table. pane grill outside. The shower building has two shower rooms, with flush toilets. The kitchen building has a few electrical out- lets where you can charge electronics; but TAAS General Meeting many people, so keep your needs modest.

Saturday, May 25 Boris Venet ([email protected]) is the TAAS coordinator for Chaco Canyon Science and Math Learning Center, UNM, 7:00 p.m. events. If you’re a TAAS member interested in participating, contact Boris with the following information: (a) bringing scope? (b) number of people? (c) tent camp or sleep in vehicle? Most TAAS attendees stay for both nights, but it’s not obligatory.

You may make a last-minute decision to attend (or not), but if possible let Boris know ahead of time so that we have a general idea of the number of people—Lynne to expect. Olson

“ALL ABOUT THE ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE” Ron Kramer, Astronomical League President, speaker

6:00 p.m. Astronomy 101: “Bare Bones Basic Sky Photography” Vance Ley, speaker

Page 7 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

The Lagoon Nebula (M8), captured using the Hyperstar C-14 system located in the GNTO imaging dome, on during the early morning hours of May 6. Sky conditions were far from optimal, with poor transparency and clouds present. This huge glowing gas cloud is located approximately 4,100 light years away in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius.

A total of 26 two-minute integrations were made with the club’s STF 8300 camera, controlled by CCDSoft. Guiding was done with a separate guide scope, an Orion guide camera and PhD-2. The sub frames, together with dark frames and flat frames, were combined using PixInsight and further processed with Photoshop CS-2. The image was cropped, rotated and reversed to a normal view for aesthetics. Because the Hyper- star equipped C 14 uses only one mirror, the original image is reversed in one plane.

The imaging dome is available for use by all TAAS members. Because of the high optical speed of the system (f/1.9) it is possible to create fairly deep images of large objects in a relatively brief time, on the order of one-half to one hour for many objects. The system has a field of view of 91’ x 69’ which allows us to image fairly large objects, such as M33, in a timely manner. It is, of course, less useful for smaller objects such as M51. At least two training sessions for the imaging dome will be offered during the Spring/Summer 2019. Contact me at [email protected] to be put on the sign-up sheet.

—Vance Ley

Page 8 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

Members and visitors at Placitas Elementary School April 13. Photo by Bruce Meyer.

TAAS Spring Placitas Star Party

by Jim Roucis

Held on the evening of Saturday, April 13 at Placitas Elementary of Mars, double/multiple stars, star clusters, the Orion nebula (M42), school, the spring star party for the village of Placitas and surrounding and brighter galaxies (including M51, M81, and M82). We were also areas was a resounding success. treated with a few passing artificial satellites and a bright meteor or two. Early weather conditions were uninviting but as TAAS members arrived and set up equipment the clouds thinned and moved off, the This was the first time TAAS held a star party at the school, so we were nagging breeze died just after dark, and then we finally had spectacu- pleasantly surprised to find an old concrete basketball court as an ob- lar conditions with clear skies from horizon to horizon with cool but serving area. It provided a nice level surface for telescopes with scope- seasonable temperatures. side parking for TAAS members plus expansive views of the sky. It seemed unanimous among TAAS members that this site worked very We had a good turnout of TAAS members and telescopes and could well for a public star party. Although attendance was light (perhaps 40 have handled 10 times the number of visitors: Bethany Burnett, Lynne to 50 visitors), we are hopeful more star parties can be hosted here. Olson, Melissa Kirk, Sara Wofford, Ben Burnett, Boris Venet, Bruce Meyer, Ed Juddo, Fernando Torres, Special thanks go to Lynne Olson Larry O’Hanlon, Jim Fordice, Jim Ka- for publicizing the event, Steve minski, John Laning, Liang Ming, Mike Snider for shuttling equipment Salazar, Will Dickinson and myself. between the site and the TAAS storage unit, and Larry O’Hanlon Just past first quarter, the moon pro- (event co-owner) for making vided an early target before sunset arrangements with Placitas El- as did the sun with a prominent sun- ementary staff for this event on spot. After dark, the sky was not the short notice. And, of course, a big limit: TAAS members shared views thank-you to Placitas Elementary for hosting us!

President Jim Fordice with visitors. Photo by Lynne Olson.

Page 9 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

Texas Star Party highAs stated, I have been observing globular clus- Fort Davis TX - April 28–May 5 ters. Omega Centauri is huge and glorious, and By Alan Scott (about 10 degrees above the horizon). On high power, you can see many of the individual stars, although they are still boiling from atmo- spheric turbulence. M51, M57, M3, M13, M81/ TAAS was reasonably well represented at the M82, M4, M42, etc. were gorgeous. Texas Star Party (texasstarparty.org) this year. We had Gordon Schaefering (working on Herschels), Jupiter came up in the east, and on Tuesday night Jim Kaminski (working on faint galaxies that make the moons were all lined up on the left, like a lint look bright), Shane Ramotowski (imaging stuff), string of small pearls holding a pennant. The Becky Ramotowski (not sure) , Jim Fordice (playing with his new biggest highlight for me Friday night was the Hamburger Galaxy 22” scope), Fernando Torres (working on Herschels), Jeff Bottman (Centaurus A). You could see both top and bottom buns, and the (a friend of mine, working on imaging), and me (working on the hamburger in the middle. With averted vision, you could see the globular cluster list). cheese in the middle of two hamburger patties. Outstanding!

Weather was generally pretty good. I arrived Saturday (5/27), I also really enjoyed bagging numerous globular clusters that and set up Sunday. Sunday night started out cloudy, with waves of were way south – as far as 50 degrees south declamation. M13 sucker holes, but cleared up around 1 a.m. Monday night started was wonderful, and Jim and I enjoyed searching for details in this out better than expected with poor transparency, but you could wonderful northern globular cluster. Friday night, Omega Centauri actually see stuff, degrading to a ceiling of clouds around mid- was surprisingly stable, looking close to what you see in Australia. night. Tuesday was beautiful. Transparency was great with no I observed numerous Pal Globs (i.e., lint), and had a great time. clouds. Seeing was good early, degrading to poor around midnight. Friday, I decided to take a road trip. Fort Davis is only a few hours Wednesday night was also fabulous. Jim Fordice and I headed from Big Bend National Park. I drove down there, and enjoyed off the field around 3 a.m., and after an adultspectacular beverage (to quote it immensely. The mountains look a lot like the layered purple Gordon Pegue), headed to bed. Thankfully, Thursday night was mountains around southern Arizona. Next time I want to extend cloudy, so we all got some rest. Friday was . Transpar- my trip, go to Big Bend, and do some hiking and observing. ency was perfect and I would rate seeing as very good. Jim F. and I finally gave up about 3 a.m., and retired to Fort Davis to swap lies I headed home Saturday afternoon, totally content. Next year’s and impressions of TSP. A great way to end a star party. TSP is May 17-24. I hope more TAAS folks make it then!

Photos by Alan Scott

Page 10 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

Mars and Constellations, imaged May 5th at a gathering of TAAS and Rio Rancho Astronomical Society members at the White Mesa Observation Site. I could not get enough of the zodiacal light. In this photo, the light band covers parts of Gemini, Taurus, and Auriga, with Mars above and to the left of Cabezón Peak. Mars is at a vertex of an almost isosceles triangle, with Alnath and sigma Tauri at the other vertices. The image consists of one 20-second exposure at ISO 6400, with the lens set at f/4 and 18 mm focal length. —Melissa Kirk

Page 11 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

“astronomical “Star Party?” entertainment?”

“outreach?” “skygazing?”

Opinion: Astronomy Terminology By Jim “Jim K” Kaminski

We use the term “star party” to describe many of our events, but to me it’s insider jargon. From the perspective of a member of the average public, is this event a party with famous people, or is it going somewhere to be under the stars with music, lights, food and adult beverages, etc.?

“Star Party” can also be used to describe a regional multi-day skygazing and imaging convention for backyard astronomers. Examples include the Texas Star Party, Okie-Tex Star Party, Rocky Mountain Star Stare, and the Enchanted Skies Star Party. TAAS members do not call visits to GNTO a “star party”, nor does their “backyard” observing get this label (“observing sessions” perhaps).

We use the term “outreach” often, but to me it’s also insider jargon with a bit of self-congrat- ulation for one’s gift of time, money or effort. Perhaps this clinical-sounding term is best used only for internal discussions. Although “Astronomical Entertainment” also describes these public events, it perhaps diminishes the efforts of those who offer their knowledge and gear and time to the public for free. There should be a better way.

In a brochure I once made for events at Oak Flat, I used the top-of-the-sheet phrase or tagline “Attend an evening of observing the wonders of the dark New Mexico night sky.” To me this clearly explained the event.

Other useful, related/derivative phrases may be: “Observe Our Universe”, “See Wonders of the Sky”, “Enjoy Views of the Night Sky”, or “Experience Astronomy”, each with the suffix “at [location]” added. Or perhaps just: “Bachechi Open Space Skygazing” [followed by] “Attend an evening to view the wonders of our night sky.” And if someone asks me about TAAS events for the public, I’ll probably say “Yes, TAAS has skygazing events with the public; the next one is ….”

When we talk among ourselves, terminology can be skewed to highly technical or traditional Ed.aspects, note: but if TAAS discussions members with wish the to publicrespond should to this beopinion self-explanatory. piece, we will try to include them in the next issue of the Sidereal Times. But please keep any responses short and to the point.

Page 12 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

TAAS Reports & Notices Location, Location, Location Donations to TAAS Welcome to New • Chaco Canyon• or Returning 6185’ elevation TAAS Members Latitude Longitude 36˚ 01’ 50”N 107˚ 54’ 36”W

Ricky Adams 36.03˚ -107.91˚ Ricky Adams Kara Baker 36˚ 1.83’ -107˚ 54.60’ George Dulleck • Oak Flat• Jim Degnan John Hatton 7680’ elevation Christopher Johnsen Latitude Longitude Elizabeth (Lisa) Glass Kaylynn Johnsen 34˚ 59’ 48”N 106˚ 19’ 17”W Paul Johnson 34.99˚ -106.32˚ Garrick E. Lewellyn Eric Klamerus 34˚ 59.80’ -106˚ 19.28’ Jacob Krashin Jamie Krashin • UNM Campus Observatory• Richard Schiek 5180’ elevation Michael Krashin Latitude Longitude Rick Valles Penner Krashin 35˚ 5’ 29”N 106˚ 37’ 17”W Mark McLaughlin Steve Welch Keith Nelson 35.09˚ -106.62˚ Bryan Ruane 35˚ 5.48’ -106˚ 37.29’ Keith Wyman Courtesy Pete Eschman

For security reasons, GNTO location is The Albuquerque Astronomical Society is a available by request only, so please contact 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are deduct- Explanation of Dues and Jim Fordice, GNTO Director, for GNTO ible as charitable contributions on the donor’s Membership Renewal Date information, e-mail [email protected]. federal income tax return. New memberships are registered immediately if you pay online. If you Membership Services Monthly Membership Report pay by check, your membership is A p r i l 2 0 1 9 registered when your check is re- for: ceived by the treasurer. •Membership Inquiries Membership Current Past Change •Events Information Month Month Renewal notices will be sent out •Volunteer Opportunities via e‑mail beginning 60 days before Regular 227 235 -8 your membership expires. If your Contact Bob Anderson at Family 132 147 -15 membership is renewed before it [email protected] Educator 15 15 0 expires or with in 90 days after it ex- Student 26 27 -1 for: Military 4 3 1 pires, your new expiration date will be advanced one year from the previous •Membership Dues Honorary 5 5 0 •Address/e-mail changes Total Members 409 432 -23 expiration date and your membership will be continuous. Contact Doug LeGrand at If dues payment is received more [email protected] Editor’s Note than 90 days after the expiration The deadline for the next issue of The date, you will be reinstated as a mem- TAAS Sidereal Times is Wednesday, June 5. The ber with an expiration date set as one P.O. Box 50581 newsletter editors’ e-mail address is year from the receipt of payment. Albuquerque, NM 87181 [email protected] .

Page 13 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Sidereal Times May 2019

2019 TAAS Board of Directors/Staff

Jim Fordice, President Steve Snider, Vice President [email protected] [email protected] 505-803-3640 505-249-4066

Doug LeGrand, Treasurer Bob Shipley, Secretary [email protected] [email protected] 505-559-0252 [email protected] 505-872-8366

Robert Anderson, Director Jim Fordice, Director Membership Coordinator GNTO Director, [email protected] [email protected] 505-803-3640 505-275-1916

Mark Goodman, Director Bob Havlen, Director Education Outreach Director [email protected] [email protected] 505-856-3306 505-328-6157

Carl Larson, Director Boris Venet, Director [email protected] Chaco Events Coordinator, 408-623-4717 UNM Observatory Coordinator [email protected] 505-507-7838

Rick Vergas, Director Telescope Loan Coordinator [email protected] 505-620-2832

Astronomical League Coordinator Becky Ramotowski 505-286-8334 [email protected] ATM Coordinator Ray Collins 505-344-9686 [email protected] Chaco Events Coordinator Boris Venet 505-507-7838 [email protected] Education Outreach Mark Goodman 505-328-6157 [email protected] Explora Adult Night Coordinator Bob Hufnagel 505-890-8122 [email protected] Fabulous Fifty Coordinator Phil Fleming 505-870-5604 [email protected] GNTO Director Jim Fordice 505-803-3640 [email protected] Membership Chair Bob Anderson 505-275-1916 [email protected] Newsletter Co-Editor, Content Bruce Meyer 917-449-0700 [email protected] Newsletter Co-Editor, Design Gary Cooper 505-227-3974 [email protected] Public Events Coordinator Steve Snider 505-249-4066 [email protected] Publicity Coordinator Lynne Olson 505-856-2537 [email protected] Scout Coordinator Chaz Jetty 505-350-7949 [email protected] Telescope Loan Coordinator Rick Vergas 505-620-2832 [email protected] UNM Observatory Coordinator Boris Venet 505-507-7838 [email protected] Webmaster John Purnell 209-355-5166 [email protected]

Page 14 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society The Albuquerque Astronomical Society

P.O. Box 50581 Albuquerque, NM 87181-0581

TAAS was honored to receive an TAAS was honored to receive an “Editor’s Pick 2013 Best of the City” “Out-of-this-world” award 2011 award from Albuquerque Magazine. from Astronomy Magazine BEST PLACE TO STARGAZE for Outstanding Public Programming. CELESTIAL EDITION

MEMBERSHIP RTICLES/ADVERTISEMENTS TAAS online

You can join TAAS or renew your AArticles, personal astronomical clas- TAAS website: http://www.TAAS.org membership online. Just go to www. sified advertisements and advertise- taas.org and select “Join Us!” or “Renew ments for businesses related to as- The TAAS website includes: Your Membership” from the main tronomy must be submitted by the deadline shown on the Society calen- • Programs . . . menu on the left side. Annual dues are dar (generally the Friday near the new • TAAS 200 $30 for a regular membership, $15 for Moon). Rates for commercial ads (per • TAAS Fabulous Fifty educators and active military, and $5 issue) are $120 per page, $60 per half • Educational Outreach: School Star for students. Only regular members page, $30 per quarter page, $7 for are eligible to vote in society matters. business card size. The newsletter edi- Parties, Solar Astronomy Outreach Our new member information packet tor reserves the right to include and/ • Equipment Trader can be viewed or downloaded from or edit any article or advertisement. • Telescope Loaner Program the same location on the website. You E-mail attachments in Microsoft Word • Telescope Making and can pay your dues on line through or compatible word processor format; Maintenance PayPal, by Visa, MasterCard, or ASCII and RTF are acceptable. One space between paragraphs is pre- . . . And more American Express. To pay by check, ferred. One column is approximately • Online Sidereal Times mail your check to TAAS, P.O. Box 350 words. Contact the Newsletter • Calendar of TAAS Events 50581, Albuquerque, NM 87181-0581 Editor at [email protected] for more in- or give it to the treasurer at one of our formation. • Members’ Guide meetings. • Links to Astronomy Resources and Note that the Sidereal Times is no Members’ Blogs longer mailed. It is posted on the TAAS MAGAZINES website, www.TAAS.org. E-mail: [email protected] TAAS no longer offers magazine Send submissions or correspondence subscriptions. to [email protected]. Members’ Google Group: [email protected] The Sidereal Times May 2019

Page 16 The Official Newsletter of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society