The Observer of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers

THE OBSERVER OF THE TWIN CITY AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS

Volume 42, Number 11 November 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

1«Editor’s Choice: Image of the Month – Tulip Nebula 2« President’s Note 3«Calendar of Celestial Events – November 2017 3«New & Renewing Members/Dues Blues/List/Forum 3«Subscribing to Our E-Mail List & Forum 4«This Month’s Phases of the Moon 4«Local Sunrise and Sunset Times for November 4«AstroBits – News from Around the TCAA 7«A Cosmic Halloween 8«TCAA Goes on Record… 9«On Sunspot Rings 10«TCAA Photo Gallery 11«Tim Stone’s 2018 Astronomy Calendar 12«Education and Public Outreach for October 2017 12«Public Viewing Sessions for 2018 13«TCAA on Facebook and Twitter 13«HowTimeFlies 13«Renewing Your TCAA Membership EDITOR’S CHOICE: IMAGE OF THE MONTH - TULIP NEBULA

14«TCAA Treasurer’s Report for October 2017 Editor’s Note: This month’s image is by Jim Gibbs. Jim writes,

“Sharpless 101 (Sh2-101) is a Hydrogen II region with an emission nebula located in the constellation of Cygnus, the Swan. S22-101 is sometimes also called the Tulip Nebula because it appears to resemble the outline of a tulip when imaged photographically with enough exposure. It was catalogued by astronomer Stewart Sharpless in his 1959 catalog of nebulae. It is at a distance of about 6,000 lightyears (5.7×1016 km; 3.5×1016 mi) from Earth. Its apparent magnitude is 9 with dimensions of 16 x 9 arc seconds. Sh2-101, at least in the field seen from Earth, is in close proximity to microquasar Cygnus X-1, site of one of the first suspected black holes. Cygnus X-1 is the brighter of the two stars (lower star) in close vertical proximity just to the left of Sh2-101 in the image presented here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh2-101). This image is a narrowband combination of Hα, SII, and OIII used to produced and RGB color image. As with most hydrogen regions with an accentuated emission nebula, to obtain the green and blues I had to double the acquisition times for SII and OIII respectively. The image was taken 9/9/17 from the east outskirts of St. Joseph,

IL. The image is composed of 8x300s Hα, 16x300s SII, and 16x300s OIII. The TCAA is an affiliate of the Astronomical League. For It was taken with a SBIG ST-8300M on an Astro-Tech Ritchie Chretien more information about the TCAA, be certain to visit our 8” with an Atlas Mount. Calibration, alignment and stacking was done club website. with CCD Stack, some preprocessing done with Images Plus, and post processing with Photoshop CS6.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

PRESIDENT’S NOTE The OBSERVER If November is typical this year, there will be precious few nights for outdoor is the monthly electronic newsletter of Twin astronomy. The cold, damp drizzle that precedes the winter snows has already arrived. City Amateur Astronomers, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization With harvest winding down, the fields are mostly bare, and the land itself seems to be of amateur astronomers interested in settling in for the same dormant season our astronomy will endure. Our final Public studying astronomy and sharing their hobby Viewing Session was held October 14, with overcast skies, as has been somewhat typical with the public. of our schedule this year. As astronomers, it’s tempting to go into hibernation, and await those spring nights with all their extragalactic treasures. TCAA OFFICERS & CHAIRPERSONS So, what can we do in the winter? Well, in addition to maintaining our equipment, President & Director/Property Manager collimating our optics, and reading up on the latest breakthroughs (isn’t the recent LIGO Tim Stone 309-531-2401 result exciting?), we can move in to the Waynesville observatory! That’s right! We have [email protected] been approved for occupancy by DeWitt County, and while we don’t yet have any Vice President & Director/Publicist equipment there, we can begin to use the site for our astronomical pursuits. Darren Erickson 309-336-0103 [email protected] As we begin to use the site, it’s important that we all understand a few ground rules. First, this land is being leased from a very enthusiastic land owner near Treasurer & Director/Registered Agent Waynesville. He and his wife keep their residence there as well, and we must always be Dave Osenga 309-287-0789 [email protected] very mindful of that. Let’s be good tenants: keep our noise down, keep our lights down, and be respectful of the property there as we drive in and out. We have an easement to Secretary & Director/Historian/Editor Carl J. Wenning 309-830-4085 use the driveway, but we don’t have permission to park in it. Let’s keep to ourselves [email protected] there, and we’ll enjoy the use of that land and the ongoing enthusiasm of its owner for years to come. Director & Observing Programs Coordinator Jim Gibbs 847-809-2232 There are no facilities on the site. Please keep that in mind if you plan to go there in [email protected] the evening. The closest facilities are at a Casey’s in Wapella, about five miles away. We

Astronomical League Correspondent ask that you, under no circumstances, ask the landlord if you may use the facilities in the Robert Finnigan 309-846-9533 house. Just know before you head down there that facilities are unavailable, and plan [email protected] what you eat accordingly.

Webmaster At times, the landlord may come out to check what you’re doing. If you’re Lee Green 309-454-7349 approached, let him know that you’re with the astronomy club. He may want to know [email protected] your name, and may introduce himself. We enjoy a very cordial relationship with the

Lighting Education Coordinator landlord and his wife, and they’re interested in what we’re doing there. You can take the Lisa Wentzel unlisted number opportunity to show them your equipment, and show them some of the wonders of the [email protected] sky if they’d like to have a look through your telescope. Membership Coordinator As property manager, I feel that it’s important for me to personally introduce you to Tom Willmitch 309-846-2423 the site. So, if you’d like to use the site, I’m asking you to contact me, so we can arrange a [email protected] trip down there. My email is [email protected]. I’ll show you around, let you Technology Coordinator know our property lines, and then when you wish, you can go there to observe. Justin Meyer 630-649-0611 I’m very excited for the construction phase of this observatory to be winding down. [email protected] I’d like to personally, and on behalf of Twin City Amateur Astronomers, thank our The OBSERVER anonymous donor for the tremendous donation of this facility to our club. That we have Carl J. Wenning, Editor in Chief an observatory like this is simply amazing to me. Well done, TCAA! Paul Pouliot, Assistant Editor Tim Stone, President Submission deadline end of month.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Individual Adult/Family $40 Full-time Student/Senior $25 (Senior status equals ages 60+)

To join, send your name, contact info and dues payment to Dave Osenga, TCAA Treasurer, 1109 N. Linden St., Normal, IL 61761-1471.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

CALENDAR OF CELESTIAL EVENTS – NOVEMBER 2017 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

The following individuals have paid dues for new or MORNING PLANETS (11/15): Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus st renewed memberships as of October 31 , 2017. (Others EVENING PLANETS (11/15): Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune who paid after that date will appear in the December 2017 issue of The OBSERVER.) 04 Full Moon – The Moon will rise at sunset and set at sunrise.

This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Beaver Moon because this was the time of year Sandullah Epsicokhamm, Karthick Kannaiyan, to set beaver traps before the swamps and rivers froze. It David Fulghum, Vinny Hinckelman, Kathryn Froelich, also has been known at the Frosty Moon and the Hunter’s and Patrick Hand Moon.

05 Daylight Saving Time Ends – We return to Standard Time DUES BLUES on Sunday at 2:00 AM. Turn your clocks back one hour. Remember the saying, “Spring forward; fall backward.” If you have received a “your dues are due” statement

10 Last Quarter Moon – The waning, half-lit moon rises along with the email that brought you this issue of The around midnight and sets around midday. OBSERVER, please remit your dues to Mr. Dave Osenga, TCAA Treasurer, 1109 N. Linden St., Normal, IL 61761- 13 Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter – A spectacular 1471. Dues are currently $25 for seniors (60 years of age conjunction of Venus and Jupiter will be visible in the and over) and $40 regular. morning sky. The two bright planets will appear quite close, only 0.3 degrees apart. Look for this impressive pairing in SUBSCRIBING TO OUR E-MAIL LIST & FORUM the eastern sky just before sunrise. By subscribing to a group’s mailing list, you will receive 17/18 Leonids Meteor Shower – The Leonids is an average email messages from the group so you won’t have access shower, producing up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak. to the group’s web features (like photos, files, links, polls, The Leonids is produced by dust grains left behind by calendar, etc.) unless members activate it later. The club Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1865. The has an open email listserv. It is known as the TCAA shower runs annually from November 6-30. It peaks this th th Yahoogroups listserv. It will be used to share year on the evening of the 17 and morning of the 18 . announcements and reminders about astronomical and Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. club events. To join this main listserv, you must do the Meteors will radiate from the constellation Leo, but can following: appear anywhere in the sky.

18 New Moon – Sets at sunset and rises at sunrise. 1. Subscribe: Send a blank email to TCAA- [email protected] Note: You’ll be sent a 24 Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation – The planet confirmation email from the group. Reply to the Mercury reaches greatest distance (22.0 degrees) east of confirmation email to activate your subscription. the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury because it 2. Unsubscribe: [email protected] will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening 3. To post a message: [email protected] sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after

sunset. A new forum has been established that replaces the 26 First Quarter Moon – The waxing, half-lit moon rises former yahoogroups.com imaging group. This new space around midday and sets around midnight. will give TCAAers more room to grow the forum as well as the ability to customize the look and feel of the site. For EVENING SKY MAP now, Tony Cellini will be paying for the hosting service but, Click on the icon found here if somewhere down the line he should decide that he to access a current evening doesn’t want to take on that burden, the host he chose sky map along with a more offers free hosting for 503(c) organizations. detailed celestial events So, join the discussion at the new home of the TCAA calendar. forums: https://tcaa.clubforums.net. Please note that guests may view all the forums, but registration is required to post. It’s easy and secure.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

THIS MONTH’S PHASES OF THE MOON

Full Moon Last Quarter New Moon First Quarter Saturday, November 4 Friday, November 10 Saturday, November 18 Sunday, November 26

All moon phase dates are Central Time. Additional moon phases for the 2017 calendar year can be found by clicking here. Images provided by J. K. Howell of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society & used with permission.

LOCAL SUNRISE AND SUNSET TIMES FOR NOVEMBER

From the December solstice to the June solstice, the duration of daylight increases. This occurs in general because sunrises occur earlier and sunsets occur later. The opposite is true from the June solstice to the December solstice. The table below gives times for the Bloomington-Normal area, and will help you plan observations. The times of dawn and dusk in the table below are the beginning and end of astronomical twilight when the sun’s center is 18° below the horizon and it is not contributing light to the night sky.

Event November 1 November 11 November 21 Dawn 5:54 AM 5:04 AM 5:14 AM Sunrise 7:26 AM 6:38 AM 6:49 AM Sunset 5:52 PM 4:42 PM 4:34 PM Dusk 7:25 PM 6:15 PM 6:10 PM

ASTROBITS – NEWS FROM AROUND THE TCAA

ó The first week of October saw a bevy of activity at Waynesville Observatory (WO), especially within the observing room and the roll-off-roof observatory. Bob reported that the cabinets were stained, electrical wiring was completed, the roll- off-roof fully assembled, caulked, aligned, and tested, and two extension piers were constructed for increasing the heights of the 16” and 10” telescopes within the confines of the new roll-off-roof observatory. Sitting higher in the observatory, they will be able to “see” more of the sky. The 16” will be positioned on the north end of the building and the 10” will be more centrally located. This will help both to look over much of the southern obstruction caused the presence of the retracted roof. With the roof being some 15 feet from the telescope, it will present little obstacle for southern viewing, certainly less obstruction than a 7-foor wall a mere 5 feet away. The two extension piers were made by Heritage Machine and Welding of Bloomington for a combined price of less than $400. ó The new dome for the 24” telescope was shipped from Canada on October 4th. ó The Board members have agreed to an offer by Anonymous to install a sidewalk from the concrete apron on which we have easement, to the control building, and then continuing on to the roll-off-roof observatory. The sidewalk will give us a solid surface to traverse in any conditions, and gives visual observers more choice of where to set up their portable telescopes. Anonymous has agreed to pay for the sidewalk, which will come to around $2500. The additional support by Anonymous is greatly appreciated. It should be noted that Anonymous has paid for the entire cost of WO to this point, including the cost of the soon to arrive 24” f/11 telescope and mount, as well as the clamshell dome to house it. ó Bob Finnigan reported on October 10th that the computer counter and auxiliary desk have been stained, and that two extension piers have been installed in the roll-off-roof facility at Waynesville Observatory. Three images were provided.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

ó Your editor has “caved” to the pressure, and is happy to announce that he has finally “leased” the entire set of Adobe Create Cloud applications – including Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Dreamweaver and much, much more. ó The number of TCAA Guides to Amateur Astronomy has increased to seven, and just in time for Christmas when many shoppers seek advice about how to purchase instruments for observing the night sky. Draft TCAA Guide #7 – Buying Binoculars & Telescopes – recently has been revised by Carl Wenning. It is now available along with the other TCAA Guides to Amateur Astronomy on the club’s website: http://tcaa.us/TCAAGuides.aspx ó On Wednesday, October 11th, the TCAA received its Occupancy Permit from DeWitt County. The move-in can now commence! Plans call for moving the following telescopes from PSO to WO: 20”, 16” and 10”. The 17” will remain at PSO and will serve as a training device. It is anticipated that the 12” under the dome in SGO will be moved to PSO in anticipation of an easier-to-use visual telescope – perhaps an 11” CPC telescope on an altazimuth mount. Such a telescope will occupy less space, and the difficulties of working with a German equatorial mount (which is really more appropriate for astrophotography) will be avoided. ó TCAA Guide #5 – Coordinating Public Observing Sessions has been updated. Version 1.4 has been retitled Coordinating Public Viewing Sessions taking into account the recent name change. The revision of this document, which first appearing last April, was made following reflections on the 2017 public viewing sessions. A substantial amount of new material is present for both coordinators and speakers. Please check out this updated document at http://tcaa.us/TCAAGuides.aspx. ó NCRAL Chair Carl Wenning had an hour-long conversation with Vice Chair John Attewell on October 15th. They talked about recruiting clubs into the AL (and by default NCRAL) and common web resources. John noted that he was appreciative of the fact that the TCAA has produced a number of excellent Guides for Amateur Astronomy.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

ó A sidewalk has been added to the Waynesville Observatory. The image shown here and taken by Bob Finnigan, shows the extent of the most recent work. The sidewalk runs from the parking area, past the control room, and to the roll-off-roof observatory. Segment come off the sidewalk to the adjourning 3 observing pads, one of which will hold the new clamshell dome with its 24” f/11 telescope. ó TCAA Friend Fr. Timothy Sauppé wrote the following to your editor on October 16th: “Please congratulate Jeff Cooke (and his team of astrophysicists). They have finally recorded, for the first time, a gravitational wave associated with two neutron stars colliding and were able to organize a worldwide multi-observatory scoring across all wavelengths! I can’t explain further than that but this is big, really big science – this is Noble Prize science-y stuff. [Below] is the video link. Jeff Cookie is from my parish in Westville, IL but resides in San Diego, Hawaii, and Australia. His mother is my parishioner. I am very proud of Jeff and his team. Now I know how Galileo’s pastor felt!!!” Jeff is the third author in a group of nearly 100, so he’s at the top of this group researchers. Jim Gibbs and Carl Wenning attended Dr. Cooke’s talk at Danville last year. Check out Jeff talking about this amazing observation at https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=FNrjLkF0lmo ó The clamshell dome for the club’s new 24” f/11 telescopes entered the US from Canada on October 13th. Following a delivery truck breakdown, the shipment arrived by commercial carrier on the 24th. The dome was packed in a 750-pound bundle that had to be offloaded from the truck with the use of a forklift. The package was quickly stored in the adjoining barn awaiting dryer conditions for installation. This structure will include a standard-height doorway; the picture shows only half of the lower section of the domed facility. ó Lisa Wentzel has completed yet another AL observing program. This time it is the Advanced Binocular Observing Program. Recently, Lisa had been very activing in completing observing programs. Let’s see if she wins the bulk of the awards at next February’s Annual Meeting. ó Carl Wenning’s article The Life and Times of Galileo was translated into a third language recently. First published online in 1996, the article has been translated to French, Czech, and now Estonian. In this article Carl points out various aspects of Reformation and counter-reformation history that impacted the trail of Galileo. The article can be found at the following URL: http://www2.phy.ilstu.edu/~wenning/galileo/galileo.html ó Final electrical wiring at WO should be completed sometime this week according to Bob. This will bring to a close the construction process at the new observatory. Efforts will now be focused on moving photographic instruments from PSO to WO, with the 10” being the first instrument to be moved. Two other instruments, the 16” and the 20” will follow shortly thereafter. The 17” will remain in a place as a training instrument. It is likely that the 12” under the SGO dome will be moved to PSO, with another telescope more suitable to visual observers put in place. The German equatorial mount was never very well suited to visual observers. Such a mount is more suited to astrophotography. It’s not unreasonable to assume that the 12” will be more suited to video astronomy, which is just another step our observers can use to become acquainted with the photographic process. ó WO is now ready to accept visual observers who bring their own equipment. We have two circular pads and a long sidewalk that can be used for setting out telescopes. Before doing so for the first time, however, please contact President Tim Stone for an orientation visit. Policies for use of the facility still need to be worked out, but several points among them are to not bother the landowner to use bathroom facilities, to expect visits from time to time by the land owners, to park in the designated locations, to keep lights and sounds down to a minimum, more. Stay tuned for details.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

ó The clamshell dome was assembled by our work crew on Friday/Saturday, October 27/28. The images above show the completed structure. The small storage shelter has also been moved into place; it may be used for storage of personal items with the approval of the Board of Directors.

A COSMIC HALLOWEEN ~ BY TIM STONE ~

I’m not much for Halloween “celebration.” I’ve never much seen the point. I don’t care for horror movies, creepy books, or campfire ghost stories. I will, however, admit that the first time I saw an image of Sharpless 2-136, it actually startled me. “The Ghost Nebula” as it is appropriately named, really does look like a cosmic specter, so much so that it kind of gives me the willies when I see it. Given its name, and the approach of Halloween, I decided this year would be a good one to photograph this nebula. I spent quite a few nights in August, September, and October acquiring the data for this one, for a total of 90 600-second subframes, 30 each of red, green, and blue. This was necessary because the nebula is much fainter than I’d thought from the outset. The fainter something is, the more images are required to improve the signal to noise ratio to the point where the nebula can be distinguished from image noise. I was also surprised to see NGC 7023, the Iris Nebula, in the frame as my first subframes came off the camera. I had no idea that the Ghost Nebula was so close to this iconic nebula. In fact, the Iris Nebula looks nothing like a flower to me, and accompanied by the Ghost Nebula, it takes on a whole new paranormal appearance to me. Its light seems to be slowly moving down the frame, trailing smoke behind it as it goes, as if an unseen creature holds a torch to ward off the ghosts.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

Lanes of thick cosmic dust cross this scene. They harbor Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). These complex organic molecules may be created when simpler carbon compounds are bombarded by ultraviolet light. The reddish hue of this dust is not the product of image processing; it is real, and has been studied by professional astronomers seeking to understand the composition of these dust clouds. It is believed that some of the compounds in the dust glow with this ruddy red color in the intense ultraviolet light of the region. Sharpless 2-136 is also an intriguing object. It is a reflection nebula, also known as VdB 141, and houses several newborn stars. The brightest lends its light to the central part of the nebula, backlighting the thicker dust and illuminating several pillars of dust. I’m no longer startled by this seen, in the Halloween sense, anyway. I am startled by its beauty, though. I’m so glad I took the time to get to know this neighborhood of our sky. The photography was a real trick, but the result is a real treat!

TCAA GOES ON RECORD AGAINST POTENTIAL LIGHT-POLLUTING WIND TOWERS

Editor’s Note: On Monday, October 9th, Bob Finnigan represented the TCAA before the Waynesville Town Council. Placed the town’s officials on public notice that the TCAA opposes any light polluting windmills within a 1.5-mile radius of the outskirts of Waynesville. He provided to the mayor a written statement prepared by TCAA Lighting Education Coordinator Lisa Wentzel on behalf of the Board. The statement read as follows:

The TCAA observatories at the Sugar Grove Nature the night skies of Waynesville show twice as many stars as Center (SGNC) provide convenience and accessibility for can be seen from SGNC, and about ten times as many stars public educational activities. However, over the years, as can be seen from Bloomington-Normal. increasing light pollution from Bloomington-Normal and I-55 The beautiful night skies that are enjoyed by the have significantly reduced the visibility of the night sky to residents in Waynesville are a stunning natural treasure that the point where, on a good night, the Milky Way is now only are seen by less than 1% of the US population. faintly visible. As a result, this past summer the TCAA Unfortunately, the variance for wind farm siting that has selected land in Waynesville to build new observatories to been proposed to the Board will significantly increase light house the club’s computerized deep-sky astrophotography pollution in Waynesville. Sky glow from wind farm lights so telescopes, including a new 24-inch aperture custom close to the town will brighten the night sky and obscure astrographic telescope. many stars from view. The TCAA opposes the proposed The town of Waynesville was selected both for its variance and encourages the Board to do the same to pristine night skies and its convenient access from prevent this intrusion on Waynesville’s wonderful night Bloomington-Normal, Champaign, Decatur, and Springfield. skies. The site also offers the TCAA the ability to collaborate even The TCAA thanks the Waynesville Board for the more with organizations from these cities. In comparison, opportunity to share its concerns.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

On the back of the document, Lisa included a statement by the National Conference of State Legislators (www.ncls.org) the nature of effects of light pollution. The latter dealt with energy consumption, humans and wildlife, and military. Also pointed out was the fact that at least 18 states have laws in place to reduce light pollution. Bob was pleased to announce after the meeting that it was attended by all seven council members, and that all went on public record opposing the request of the Alta Farms Wind Project IL for installing electricity- generating and light-pollution-emitting windmills within a 1.5-mile limit of the town’s limits. (See map below.) The Trade Wind Energy representative more or less conceded defeat – at least temporarily. For additional details, visit the project’s web page at the following URL:

http://tradewindenergy.com/project/altafarmswindproject

Bob also noted that members of the public were unanimously against permitting construction with the 1.5-mile radius of town which is stipulated by state law. For the moment, this appears to have diffused the problem with nuisance night lighting from the prospective windfarm which came to the club’s Map showing location of the TCAA’s new observatory (tip of arrow) attention recently. Because of this, no wind towers will in relation to Waynesville. No windmills will be permitted inside the yellow ring (1.5 miles from town border). WO is located about 0.5 be constructed within about ¾ mile of the Waynesville miles outside the boundary of Waynesville (red ring). It’s probably a Observatory. Thanks to Bob for going to bat on behalf first when being close to a town actually enhanced dark sky of the club. conditions for an observatory!

ON SUNSPOT RINGS ~ By Jamey L. Jenkins ~

Most white-light solar features are subtle and of low contrast. Granulation is one instance; color within the umbra of a spot is another. However, a trained eye with plenty of patience can glimpse fleeting views of both when seeing conditions cooperate. Another difficult feature to spot on the white light Sun is the so-called “bright rings” within and surrounding a sunspot. The inner and outer bright rings of a sunspot are a misnomer; the rings are not bright in the sense that they greatly outshine other features. Rather the rings when detectable, and all sunspots have rings, are only ever so slightly brighter than their immediate surroundings. An inner bright ring is located between the umbra and the inner area of penumbra, a thin region occupied by the comet- like heads of the penumbral grains. Bright penumbral grains and dark filaments make up the halo we call the sunspot penumbra. The inner bright ring is surely an increase in intensity found in the penumbra, difficult visually but traceable photometrically. Beyond the penumbra of a sunspot in the vicinity of the photosphere is the outer bright ring. Having intensity up to 10% brighter than the photosphere, the outer bright ring generally is less thick than the sunspot’s penumbra. The outer bright ring is brightest near the penumbra and decreasing with distance. Rings seem to have a strong relationship to energy transport within the sunspot. Below the surface, convection is stifled by the sunspot’s magnetic field. It is conjectured that part of this energy is distributed to the areas occupied by the rings, resulting in their increased brightness and temperature (about 75 Kelvins more than the quiet photosphere). Spotting rings visually is challenging. My experience is that symmetrically shaped sunspots produce rings of a greater visibility. Irregular shaped spots tend to break a ring into clumps which are harder to detect. Rings may be more difficult to observe near the limb owing to the presence of the yet brighter faculae, so a round sunspot near the solar meridian provides the best opportunity to see rings. The filtration of the telescope must transmit in the green-blue-violet regions. Red and orange filters suppress contrast of these features making them even more difficult. Broadband filters are productive for observing rings while photographically narrowband Ca II K-line filters are superior.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

For an additional “notch-in-your-belt” while observing the white light (or Ca II K-line) Sun, watch for the bright rings around sunspots. They are a great way to test the daytime visual acuity of your eyes.

Photo from August 27, 2002 of Active Region An image obtained August 5, 2017 of symmetrically shaped AR2670. Same 0085 acquired with the author’s 125mm f/18 telescope, but through a broadband filter (10nm) with bandpass centered on the G- refractor using a Wratten 58 (green) filter in band at 430nm. This wavelength provides maximum contrast of white light solar addition to normal white light filtration. The features. Left panel is the normal visual appearance, in the original a mild increase inset has been digitally processed to show the in photospheric brightness near the penumbral edge is evident; the right panel has inner and outer bright rings of this spot. been processed to show the outer bright ring.

TCAA PHOTO GALLERY

C1848/1871 inside the Soul Nebula by Jim Gibbs. Messier 11 - Wild Duck Cluster by Jim Gibbs. The Wild Duck Cluster IC1848 or Westerhout 5, Sharpless 2-199, LBN 667 (Soul (Messier 11 or NGC 6705) is an open cluster in the constellation Scutum. Nebula) is an emission nebula located in Cassiopeia it It was discovered by Gottfried Kirch in 1681. Charles Messier included it resembles a cursive M. Several small open clusters are in his catalogue in 1764. The Wild Duck Cluster is one of the richest and embedded in the nebula: CR 34, 632, and 634 (in the most compact of the known open clusters, containing about 2900 stars. head) and IC 1848 (in the body). The object is more Its age has been estimated to about 250 million years. Its name derives commonly called by the cluster designation IC 1848. For from the brighter stars forming a triangle which could resemble a flying a full view image of the Soul Nebula, see flock of ducks (or, from other angles, one swimming duck). Source: www.flickr.com/photos/jrgibbs/11898081166/in/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Duck_Cluster dateposted/ Can you spot this sub-frame close-up?

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

TIM STONE’S 2018 ASTRONOMY CALENDAR

For the past two years, I’ve created a calendar featuring per print. Now that’s a bargain! When you’re done with the my images, acquired using the facilities of Twin City Amateur calendar, you can cut out the pictures and frame them, put Astronomers. In each of the prior years, I procrastinated long them in a scrapbook, or put them to any number of enough that the calendar wasn’t ready decorative uses. Think about it! until February. Realizing the silliness of There are literally hundreds of that, I imposed discipline upon myself imaging hours in this calendar, and an this year, to make sure the calendar is appropriately large number of hours on ready before the first day of its year. (I the computer assembling and finishing know… it even sounds dumb to write them. For many of us, this kind of time such a sentence.) commitment is simply not possible: our This year, the calendar is called lives and schedules just don’t permit it. “Heavens Declare” and features twelve While I find tremendous enjoyment and of my images, from 2016 and 2017. It satisfaction in making these images for shows the phases of the moon, and myself, I also want others to enjoy them some of the more noteworthy like I do. astronomical events. The images I’m quite proud of this one calendar; I themselves are photographically think it turned out very nicely. If you’d like printed on each page, on heavy stock to purchase one, please contact me at pearlescent paper. This paper really [email protected]. I plan to makes the images glow. The calendar is make my order early in November, so 12x18, hanging from the top, with one don’t delay if you’d like to have one for page per month. The images take half the holidays. They would make great gifts of the page, and so they are 12x9. for the other astronomy lovers in your life. I’m asking $32 for this calendar. That may seem like a lot Don’t think you have to only order one. (Ok, that was for such a thing, but consider that you’re getting twelve very shameless…) Anyway, do contact me soon if you’d like one. high-quality prints of some very good images, at less than $3 I’m looking forward to sharing my images with you!

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

EDUCATION & PUBLIC OUTREACH FOR OCTOBER 2017

As cooler autumn weather approaches, the number of scheduled public outreach events continues to decrease. Only three such events were held in October. On Sunday, October 1st, Paul Pouliot, Amber Pouliot, Brandon Cox, and David Meyer manned four telescopes and a pair of binoculars at an event near Pontiac. Approximately 150 Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, parents, and adult sponsors were in attendance according to Paul. Before sunset, they showed how telescopes work, and how to use the binoculars and telescopes to view a cellphone tower in the distance. They battled intermittent clouds but were still able to show some excellent views of the nearly full moon and Saturn. A fun and positive time was had by all. The 8th and final public viewing session for 2017 was held on October 14th. The talk about the Andromeda Galaxy was presented by Nataya and Mark Boulware. 31 were in attendance despite the almost continuous flash of lighting to the northwest. The following TCAA members were in attendance also: Tom & Carolyn Weiland, Bob Finnigan, Lee Green, Brian Barling, Carl Wenning, Tim Stone, Pete & Daniel Kates, and Lisa Wentzel. Joining as a result of the good time he had that evening was new member David Fulghum. Welcome David!

PUBLIC VIEWING SESSION FOR 2018

SGNC director Angela Funk approved the TCAA’s proposed schedule for 2018 public viewing sessions on October 13th. The draft schedule is below. That dates and times are fixed as are the topics. Titles and descriptions, however, are subject to change depending upon the desires of the speakers.

Mar 17 Orion the Hunter (speaker needed) 7:30-9:30 PM This constellation is so large and complex, that it is can serve as the basis for learning everything one needs to know about the field of Astronomy. Learn about this celestial marvel.

Apr 14 Galaxies – Deep-space Wonders (Tim Stone) 8:00-10:00 PM No time of year is better for observing the galaxies of deep space than spring. At this time of year, the Milky Way rings the horizon and our overhead view exposes the depths of space.

May 19 Our Magnificent Moon (Carl Wenning) 8:45-10:45 PM The moon has many regular features and changing appearances. Learn about our nearest neighbor in space, and observe the 5-day-old moon through a telescope.

Jun 16 Jupiter – The King of the Planets (speaker needed) 9:00-11:00 PM The solar system’s largest planet, learn about this gas giant and its many amazing moons. Jupiter is so large it can hold as many as 1,300 planet Earths.

Jul 14 Saturn – The Ringed Wonder (Lee Green) 9:00-11:00 PM Our beautiful ringed planet is showing its glories this month. Join us in exploring the planet, its moons, and results from NASA’s decades-long Cassini mission.

Aug 11 Perseid Meteor Shower (Carl Wenning) 8:30-10:30 PM Earth year during the mid-August, Earth passes through the tail of Comet Swift–Tuttle and this results in a meteor show. This year’s prospects for observing are good.

Sep 08 Mars – The Red Planet (speaker needed) 8:00-10:00 PM Every 25 months the Red Planet graces our evening sky. This year Mars will make its closest approach in many years, and will appear it largest in decades.

Oct 13 Globular Clusters (Mark & Nataya Boulware) 7:00-9:00 PM These star clusters are among the very oldest star systems within the Milky Way galaxy. Today a

swarm of perhaps 150 tightly-packed clusters orbit the core of our home galaxy.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

TCAA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Did you know that the TCAA is on both Facebook and Twitter? We encourage users of both social networks to follow the TCAA to see what the club is doing. If you have not yet joined us on Facebook, you are missing important reminders about astronomical events posted several times weekly. You can find us on Facebook by searching either TCAA or Twin City Amateur Astronomers. We can be found on Twitter at @TC_Astro.

HOWTIMEFLIES

The Twin City Amateur Astronomers was founded in 1960 through the efforts of John & Bertha Kieviet. Over the years, newsletter editors David B. Williams, G. Weldon Schuette, Garry Skinner, Jim Moncher, Mike Rogers & Jean Memken, Rebecca Wenning, and Erin Estabrook (as well as other contributors) documented the efforts of the club. Now, TCAA Editor and Historian Carl Wenning continues that effort and provides monthly updates about the history of the club going back in intervals of 40, 25, and 10 years. Details about all mentioned events will be found in either the publication Twin City Amateur Astronomers: 1960-2010 or in The OBSERVER archive found on the TCAA website.

40 Years Ago: November 1977 – Mike Hay from the Peoria Astronomical Society visited to give a talk to the TCAA membership about recent PAS activities associated with building the club’s new observatories at Jubilee State Park. Telescope mirror making has begun at Bill Zaffiri’s home in Normal.

25 Years Ago: November 1992 – Members of the club attended a showing at the ISU Planetarium called “The Voyages of Christopher Columbus.” The program was written and produced by Carl Wenning and explained how Columbus knew Earth to be spherical and even its size. Tony Cellini is now writing Comet Digest in month issues of The OBSERVER.

10 Years Ago: November 2007 – Terry Lee Wright is drawing astronomy-based cartoons for The OBSERVER. The membership has begun to plan for hosting NCRAL 2010. Carl Wenning wrote a personal reflection for the newsletter about what it means to be an amateur astronomer. He titled his reflection Does Size Really Matter?

RENEWING YOUR TCAA MEMBERSHIP

The TCAA works to promote in every way among its members and the public an interest in and knowledge of astronomy and its allied sciences, to advance amateur astronomy and observational techniques, to render assistance to other individuals or organizations working in the same or related fields, and to do everything necessary and proper to further such on a formal or informal basis. The TCAA is a Federally recognized non-profit entity organized exclusively for education and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. The TCAA currently supports family friendly public observing sessions at SGNC, public outreach events such as the recent May 9, 2016 transit of Mercury and the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse field trip, hosting of NCRAL meetings (2010 and 2016), September mini conferences, and education courses for our membership and the public. The TCAA maintains three observatories including payment of insurance, and publishes an award-winning club newsletter. We support Sugar Grove Nature Center through their membership program, maintain a loaner telescope program, and provide many other benefits as outlined in TCAA Guide #2 – Membership and Benefits. Your TCAA membership supports education and public outreach in Central Illinois and regions beyond. Membership dues and the generosity of its members are the club’s primary means of financial support. We receive no grants or public funds. We have unmet needs. By renewing your membership when it comes due, you can help to ensure our continuing efforts.

Vol. 42, No. 11 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers November 2017

TCAA TREASURER’S REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2017

Checking Account Information

Memo Category Amount

BALANCE 09/28/2017 722.15 Lights, Vacuum, Chair Waynesville Observatory (35.56) Anonymous Donation 5,000.00 Roll-Off-Roof Installation Waynesville Observatory (2,680.00) Waynesville Supplies - Payment in full Credit Card (783.74) Staining and Varnishing Waynesville Observatory (292.50) Sandullah Epsicokhan Dues Received 39.80 Karthick Kannaiyan Dues Received 39.80 To increase checking balance Transfer from Savings 1,500.00 Electrical Service Waynesville Observatory (130.88) Sidewalk Concrete Waynesville Observatory (918.00) Construction Labor Waynesville Observatory (1,712.00) Membership Dues and Subscriptions (100.00) Installation of dome Waynesville Observatory (1,945.00) David Fulghum Dues Received 39.80 Vinny Hinckelman Dues Received 25.13 Kathryn Froelich Dues Received 39.80 Patrick Hand Dues Received 25.13 Anonymous Donation 3,000.00 BALANCE 10/30/2017 1,833.93

Checking Account Balance – October 30, 2017 $1,833.93 Savings Account Balance – October 30, 2017 $3,516.83 - Includes $0.13 cents interest

Total TCAA Funds – October 30, 2017 $5,350.76

All transactions are reconciled with the bank statements as of this date.

Respectfully submitted, Dave Osenga