Highlights of the February Sky

- - - 1st - - - First Quarter Moon 8:42 pm EST A Publication of the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society - - - 8th - - - PM: Algol shines at   minimum brightness for roughly two hours centered on 9:10 pm EST.

- - - 9th - - - KAS Full Moon 2:33 am EST

- - - 10th - - - General Meeting: Friday, February 7 @ 7:00 pm DUSK: Mercury reaches Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center - See Page 10 for Details greatest eastern elongaon from the Sun. It will be more than 10° above the west- southwestern horizon a half Book Club: Saturday, February 15 @ 12:00 pm an hour aer sunset. Kalamazoo Public Library (Central) - See Page 5 for Details

- - - 15th - - - Last Quarter Moon Remote Session: Saturday, February 15 @ 9:00 pm 5:17 pm EST WMU Rood Hall (Room 1110) - See Page 9 for Details - - - 16th - - - DAWN: The Moon is 1° away from Beta Scorpii, also Member Observing: Friday, February 21 @ 7:00 pm known as Graffias. February Freeze Out - Kalamazoo Nature Center - See Page 9 for Details - - - 18th - - - DAWN: A waning crescent Moon occults Mars at 6:11 am EST. Inside the Newsletter. . . - - - 19th - - - DAWN: The Moon and Jupiter are nearly 4° apart January Meeng Minutes...... p. 2 le of the Teapot asterism Board Meeng Minutes...... p. 3 in Sagiarius. Observaons...... p. 4 - - - 20th - - - NASA Night Sky Notes...... p. 4 DAWN: The Moon is now 2.5° to the lower right of New KAS Book Club...... p. 5 Saturn. KAS Library Update...... p. 5

- - - 23rd - - - The New Adventure...... p. 6 New Moon Star Pares in 2020...... p. 7 10:32 am EST February Night Sky...... p. 8 th - - - 27 - - - KAS Board & Announcements...... p. 9 DUSK: A waxing crescent Moon and Venus are 6.5° General Meeng Preview...... p. 10 apart.   January Meeting Minutes The general meeting of the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society may have lost the best friend he ever had. He ended by was brought to order by President Richard Bell on Friday, hoping that time does in fact heal all wounds and that she January 10, 2020 at 7:12 pm EST. Approximately 34 will become an active member once again. members and guests were in attendance at the Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center (KAMSC). In happier news, Richard reported that the Owl Observatory Upgrade Project has far exceeded its fundraising objective. Our feature presentation was the third installment of the The Board set a goal of $35,000 at the December 2018 board Astronomy Open House. Three KAS members were invited meeting. Currently, thanks to the generosity of several KAS to give 10 - 20 minute TED-style presentations. KAS Vice members, we’ve raised over $42,000! The equatorial mount President Jack Price’s topic was dressing properly for cold and main telescope are already in the observatory. We hope weather observing. Jack recommended avoiding cotton to hold a dedication ceremony before a Public Observing wherever possible and wearing synthetic blends. He also said Session in May. to dress in multiple lose-fitting layers to trap body heat and avoid cutting off circulation. Richard announced that he will be reducing his roll in the KAS in 2020. He explained that he’s been burning the candle Long-time KAS member Eric Schreur gave some pointers on at both ends (and all sides) with a blow torch for the 25 years what to do with a hard drive full of astronomical images. he’s been involved with the club. His main focus will now Step #1 was to organize your images by category, i.e. aurora, be on KAS meetings and observing sessions only. He has deep sky objects, planets. Step #2 is to clean-up unnecessary decided to stop participating in community outreach efforts. files generated by DSLR cameras. Step #3 is to develop a It is time other KAS members step up and play a more active consistent naming system (Eric uses designation, object type, roll. Richard concluded that his main goals for 2020 are to and date in his system). Step #4 is to identify the best get the Remote Telescope fully operational and complete the images, making them easier to locate when displaying at Owl Observatory upgrade. After that he plans to enjoy the home or sharing online. fruits of his labor.

Dale Mais, who joined the KAS in July 2018, but gave a full- The dimming of Betelgeuse was discussed at the top of length presentation at the September 2009 meeting, spoke on astronomical news. The famous red supergiant star marking spectroscopy from the backyard. Dale currently uses a Orion’s right shoulder began to slowly fade in October, but PlaneWave CDK17 and Astro-Physics 5-inch refractor, both faded more markedly in December. Typically, the 10th riding atop a Paramount ME mount, in his roll-off roof brightest star in the sky, Betelgeuse currently ranks 21st. observatory near Marcellus. His current spectrograph is a Betelgeuse is a semi-regular variable star with multiple Shelyak Lhires III. Dale shared a variety of stellar spectra he periods of variation. Its primary pulsations repeat every 425 has taken. For analysis, he uses SPECTRUM - a stellar days or so and additional changes in brightness occur with spectral synthesis program written by Richard O. Gray at periods of 100 - 180 days and 5.9 years. Typically, the Appalachian State University. variations in brightness range from 0.2 to 1.3 magnitude. Measurements in late December place it at 1.5-magnitude. Visibly distraught, Richard discussed the resignation of Jean Many have speculated that the star is about to go supernova, De Mott during his President’s Report. Despite accepting the but it’s likely just a dimmer-than-usual minima. nomination for another term as an at-large member at the November meeting and being elected at the December NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has meeting, Jean resigned from the Board (and all other KAS found its first Earth-sized planet in the habitable zone of its commitments) on New Year’s Eve. Jean said she had parent star. Designated TOI 700d, it orbits an M-type star considered leaving the Board prior to election, partly because (with 40% the Sun’s mass and 100 light-years distant) every two new members had decided to run. However, Richard 37 days. The planet is 20% larger than Earth and receives said that Jean is irreplaceable and that if he could only chose 87% the energy. The fist “Vatira” (an asteroid discovered one other member to be on the Board with him it would be within Venus’ orbit) has been discovered. The 1.2-meter her. Richard explained that recent disagreements between Oschin Schmidt Telescope spotted it on January 4th. them escalated too far due to a “clash of egos.” He added “Atiras” (asteroids orbiting within Earth’s orbit) have been that everyone may have just lost a fellow member, but he previously discovered. The meeting concluded at 9:12 pm.

Prime Focus Page 2 February 2020 Board Meeting Minutes The KAS Board met on January 12, 2020 at Sunnyside of the equipment for the upgrade. He presented a quote from Church. The meeting was called to order by President OPT for accessories still needed, mostly eyepieces, deep sky Richard Bell at 5:05 pm. Those present were Joe Comiskey, filters, a 4-inch Tele Vue refractor for piggyback use, a color Dave Garten, Scott Macfarlane, Rich Mather, Jack Price, CMOS camera, and a Coronado solar filter. There was some Don Stilwell, Aaron Roman, and Roger Williams. Richard discussion about the amount to be spent on Tele Vue began the meeting with an explanation of and apology for the eyepieces, but Richard argued persuasively for making the events of last month that led to less than respectful new system first class. Aaron suggested substituting a higher interactions between our members. We were reminded of -quality neutral density filter for the Orion Moon filter the importance of civil comportment in our discussions. On a suggested, and this was accepted by the Board. In the related topic, Richard reviewed the following guidelines for following discussion, it seemed clear that a laptop computer board meetings: (1) Limit attendance to KAS members only, would be needed as well, and this was added to the list. Jack except by invitation; (2) Notify the President or Secretary if moved to authorize spending up to $14,000 for the items on absence is expected; (3) Stay on topic and follow the agenda. the OPT quote, the Moon filter substitute, and the laptop Members of the Board were encouraged to read the Bylaws computer. After a second by Scott, the motion passed. and Articles of Incorporation, which can be found online. A further item in this category was a computer cabinet Don presented the Treasurer’s Report, which again showed a suggested by Richard. The cost was listed as $1,261 good agreement between his numbers and the Advia figures. (estimated to be $1,400 after shipping). After a brief Some slight discrepancies relative to Richard’s fundraising discussion, the Board voted not to proceed until we could get numbers are apparently due to differences in where the funds an estimate from Greg Sirna, who had offered to build a are recorded. Don was still working on the question of cabinet. A final item in the Owl Observatory topic was the opening an account to use for deposits from Amazon in their dedication of the Leonard James Ashby Telescope and the program that makes donations based on what our supporters purchase of a plaque to mount on the pier. Richard had spend with Amazon. Between Advia and Amazon, the rules found a source for a curved plaque to fit the pier, and details that they applied had stifled Don’s efforts so far. He will as to size, color of finish, and font were being considered. continue working on the problem. The date for dedication of the telescope was tentatively set for the evening of Saturday, May 16th. In a summary of January - March events, Richard mentioned the Remote Viewing Sessions scheduled for January 18th and Richard reported a surge of progress on general meeting February 15th at Room 1110 Rood Hall, both from 9 - 11 pm. speakers. All of the slots had now been filled, but some General meetings were set for February 7th and March 6th at topics had yet to be chosen. The current list is on the KAMSC. February Freeze Out was scheduled for February website. A list of year 2020 community outreach events was 21st at KNC and Messier Marathon for March 21st at included in the agenda, but in the interest of time, only two Richland Township Park, of these were discussed. These were Club Connection Day at KNC (February. 8th, 12 - 4:30 pm) and Family Science In the Follow-up category, the state of the Remote Telescope Night at Hastings Public Library (February 19th, 6 - 8 pm). operation was summarized. The system is due to be Don volunteered to help with the Hastings event and both examined again by Dave Miller of Observatory Solutions to Dave and Don with the KNC one. deal with some residual software bugs. It was also reported that the dome for the all-sky camera had lost transparency In the category of New Business, a short discussion was held and could not be cleaned to its original state. While the cost about possible changes to the format of the Holiday Party in of a replacement dome was in the range of $75, it seemed December, which was perceived to be losing momentum. worthwhile to get a spare that could be swapped in while a Alternatives were discussed for the name, day, and program. more thorough cleaning was done on the other. After a No action was taken yet. Under Other Business, Aaron motion by Don and second by Jack, the Board voted to order suggested sponsoring an astronomy-themed book club (see the spare dome. page 5 for details). He also asked whether we need to have a meeting about disentangling some of Richard’s activities, Regarding the Owl Observatory Upgrade Project, the Astro- which are threatening to cause burnout. The same Physics 1600GTO gearboxes that had been sent back for suggestion had been raised by Dave in an e-mail prior to the service and quickly returned were still awaiting meeting. Richard responded that things were easing reinstallation. Richard and Jack made specific plans for presently, and he did not feel the need for additional doing this. Scott reported that the power supply bought for measures just now. the donated Meade LX200 telescope appeared to work, but it did not come with a cable for the declination drive. Since a With the meeting running long, further discussion was replacement cable could be obtained for about $18, Scott was deferred until a later date. The business portion was asked to order one. With the power supply operational, the adjourned at 7:20 pm, and all hands set about stuffing telescope is anticipated to be readily salable. envelopes for a mailing of membership cards. The next meeting was set for 5pm on February 9th at Sunnyside. Richard reported that fund-raising for the Owl Observatory had now passed the target, which enables us to order the rest Respectfully submitted by Roger Williams.

Prime Focus Page 3 February 2020 “runaway star,” with its remarkable speed possibly triggered by merging with a smaller companion star. If that is the case, Betelgeuse may actually have millions of years left! So, Betelgeuse may not explode soon after all; or it might explode tomorrow! We have much more to learn about this intriguing star.

The Crab Nebula (M1) is relatively close to Betelgeuse in The shortest month of the year will be a busy one for the the sky, in the nearby constellation of Taurus. Its ghostly, Kalamazoo Astronomical Society. Dr. Jen Owen, an MSU spidery gas clouds result from a massive explosion; a associate professor and Michigan State Bird Observatory th supernova observed by astronomers in 1054! A backyard director, will be our special guest speaker on February 7 . telescope allows you to see some details, but only advanced She’ll educate us on how birds use stars for navigation. I telescopes reveal the rapidly spinning neutron star found in know many members are also avid bird watchers, so this its center: the last stellar remnant from that cataclysmic combines the best of both worlds. event. These gas clouds were created during the giant star’s violent demise and expand ever outward to enrich the We’ll also have another unboxing ceremony during the universe with heavy elements like silicon, iron, and nickel. general meeting. As you’ve hopefully already read, the Owl These element-rich clouds are like a cosmic fertilizer, Observatory Upgrade Project has been a big success. Recent making rocky planets like our own Earth possible. generous contributions have allowed us to order the Supernova also send out powerful shock waves that help remaining equipment on my wish list. Some items are sadly trigger star formation. In fact, if it wasn’t for a long-ago on backorder, but the Tele Vue-NP101is refractor, Tele Vue supernova, our solar system - along with all of us - wouldn’t eyepieces, ZWO ASI071MC Pro cooled CMOS camera, and th exist! You can learn much more about the Crab Nebula and other items arrived on January 20 . its neutron star in a new video from NASA’s Universe of Learning, created from observations by the Great As you’ll read on page 5, the KAS is starting a Book Club. Observatories of Hubble, Chandra, and Spitzer. This is new Member-At-Large Aaron Roman’s project. The th first gathering is on February 15 . Our last three articles covered the life cycle of stars from

st observing two neighboring constellations: Orion and Taurus! Our annual February Freeze Out will be held on the 21 if Our stargazing took us to the ”baby stars” found in the stellar skies are miraculously clear! If they are, we’ll roll the roof nursery of the Orion Nebula, onwards to the teenage stars of off Owl Observatory and take the new telescopes for a spin. the Pleiades and young adult stars of the Hyades, and ended And don’t forget, the fourth and final Remote Viewing th nd with dying Betelgeuse and the stellar corpse of the Crab Session takes place on February 15 (or 22 ). Nebula. Want to know more about the life cycle of stars? Explore stellar evolution with “The Lives of Stars” activity and handout. NASA Night Sky Notes... Check out NASA’s most up to date observations of Betelgeuse and the Crab Nebula supernova and their remains at nasa.gov Stellar Death and Rebirth by David Prosper

What happens when a star dies? Stargazers are paying close attention to the red giant star Betelgeuse since it recently dimmed in brightness, causing speculation that it may soon end in a brilliant supernova. While it likely won’t explode quite yet, we can preview its fate by observing the nearby Crab Nebula.

Betelgeuse, despite its recent dimming, is still easy to find as the red-hued shoulder star of Orion. A known variable star, Betelgeuse usually competes for the position of the brightest star in Orion with brilliant blue-white Rigel, but recently its brightness has faded to below that of nearby Aldebaran, in Taurus. Betelgeuse is a young star, estimated to be a few million years old, but due to its giant size it leads a fast and furious life. This massive star, known as a supergiant, exhausted the hydrogen fuel in its core and began to fuse helium instead, which caused the outer layers of the star to cool and swell dramatically in size. Betelgeuse is one of the only stars for which we have any kind of detailed surface observations due to its huge size – somewhere between the diameter of the orbits of Mars and Jupiter - and relatively close distance of about 642 light-years. Betelgeuse is also a

Prime Focus Page 4 February 2020 Astronomy is a study of the parts of our environment that are distant and almost always bigger than comprehension. Imagi- nation is the best tool we have to bridge the gap to under- KAS Book Club standing. Story has given us a connection to the night sky by Aaron Roman since the birth of language. As our comprehension of the cosmos has developed, so has the complexity of the narra- tives we tell about it.

We’re starting a KAS Book Club! We’ll be reading Aurora Of course, not every tale we tell has promoted better under- by Kim Stanley Robinson. Here is how it works: standing (or even been particularly beneficial to anything short of entertainment). But a few good narratives are told 1. Obtain a copy of the book. Support your local every now and then that really shift the way we think. My bookstore or contact your favorite library! Note: there Book Club pick is just such a story. It has completely are used copies for as little as $3 online. changed my perspective on how I view the night sky, science 2. Contact me via email to let me know that you are in- fiction writing and even my opinions about the politics of terested in participating. space. 3. Our first meeting will be at the Central Branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library on Saturday, February 15th, at 1:00 p.m. We will have a kick off meeting to discuss the role of Science Fiction in forming our un- derstanding of astronomy. KAS Library Update 4. After a few weeks’ time we will reconvene to discuss various chapters as we read. by Karen Woodworth, Ph.D. 5. Sometime in March we will finish reading and close out the discussion with a meeting that includes snacks and drinks! Thanks to the generosity of our members over the years, we have a great collection of materials in the KAS Library! The Fiction or nonfiction? The best narratives seem to have ele- shelves are packed full. However, we have very little room ments of both. My book pick for our discussion is set in the for new acquisitions. In addition, our circulation numbers future where our protagonist is on her way to a distant world. are very low - not many people are checking items out. So This timeworn theme is wrapped in current events. Open the I'd like to let you know about three new initiatives to help the newsfeed today to read that new discoveries of exoplanets library stay relevant to members. are being reported all the time now. The latest report about Proxima b orbiting our nearest neighboring star Proxima 1) Deaccessioning: Some textbooks and CD-ROMs will be Centauri is only 4.2 light-years from our Sun. leaving the collection. We will retain textbooks published since 2000 and before 1970, but we're letting go of the ones But why are we so interested in these “near-Earth” objects. from the 1970s through 1990s. All the CD-ROMs will be Our imagination is excited by them, that is for sure. Is it in- removed since they were intended for much older operating terest in having an intelligent neighbor? Do we hope or ex- systems. These items will be available for members to take pect that we will one day make the trip to colonize a new at the February meeting. Any that are left over will be home? The history of humanities relationship with the cos- disposed of in the most environmentally-friendly way mos has been integrally tied to the stories that we tell about possible. We will keep all the periodicals but will move the the sky. While we tell stories, we also make discoveries. The ones at the presentation center to storage. true nature of the universe is revealed when curiosity is fol- lowed by observation. Advances in mathematics promote 2) Better visibility for the library: The library cart is easy to new theories and then improving technology helps us see the forget about when it's over in its customary corner. I will be universe in new ways. All the while, students struggle to moving it to the front of the room by the door as you enter keep up with these new ideas. the Presentation Center for our meetings. Please browse through the materials and feel free to check them out! Let “We shouldn’t be proud that physics [or astronomy] is me know if you have any questions about how do this. You hard to understand – but [we should] do something about can find the library catalogue on the website kasonline.org it. Young people are offered only one path to learn phys- under "Resources." ics. For generations they’ve had to go through the same curriculum. First they are taught mechanics, then some- 3) Feedback Requested: Which categories of materials are thing about heat and electricity, then atomic physics, and you most interested in? Please let me know with an email or so on. And everything is packaged in the language of talk to me at a KAS meeting. Here are the categories: mathematics. That’s all well and good for the people who want to become physicists and take pleasure in calculat- Amateur Astronomy, Astrophysics, General, Historical ing. But for most people that is not the case. A much more Fiction [pertaining to astronomy], Science Fiction, Solar direct way is to tell the students stories to help them com- System, Textbooks, DVDs, Miscellaneous. prehend the discoveries of great physicists.” Knowing what you'd most like to check out will help when - Steven Weinberg [Klein, We Are All Stardust, 2015] accepting or soliciting donations of materials.

Prime Focus Page 5 February 2020 The following composition was written in my sophomore was. One planet was enough for one night so I went to my English class at St. Teresa High School, Decatur, IL. As for room and fell asleep. the topic, my main goal back then was to locate and view all the visible planets, a quest which began June of 1974. I did Saturday I got a new paper route in the morning. When I not consult any star charts or almanacs for the first three went outside, I saw another “star” about as bright as Jupiter. planets, but I think I ultimately used an almanac to help find In a few weeks I knew by the movements of this body that it Mars and Mercury. was Venus. I knew by now that it was a waste This is submitted for the newsletter pretty much as-is, with of time to look at celes- only a few edits. So keep in mind that it was written by a tial bodies through the high school sophomore! window, so I took my telescope outside before One morning at four o’clock I woke up, looked out the win- delivering papers. dow, and I saw a brilliant star. I thought that this might be a planet. I had never seen a planet through my telescope, and Many nights I would go the thought of looking at one thrilled me. About two weeks outside to look at the later, I woke up at about 2:00, and I looked at this star with moon, stars, and to the telescope in my room. I couldn’t focus it correctly be- search for a planet, but cause of the dirty window and the screen so I decided to go the best time to look at back to sleep. I didn’t know that the window was interfering astronomical bodies is in with my viewing that June morning. the morning. At this time there are more meteors and there aren’t as many lights on. The last Monday in June, I saw in the weather section of the One morning in late August I found Saturn. It was hard to paper: Morning stars, Venus and Jupiter; Evening stars, see because of all the dust particles but the rings were visi- Mars, Mercury and Saturn. It was then that I made up my ble. In about a month this planet was easy to see and was mind that I was going to look for these planets. That evening free from being blotted out by the sun. The rings are white I searched the sky with my telescope. I must have looked at and the planet glows in a tanish color. Then, school started – every visible bright star, and I found nothing that looked like my freshman year — and I thought I wouldn’t have much a planet. I “slept” outside on a lawn chair. At about 2:00, I time for looking at the sky. It didn’t interfere much because realized I couldn’t sleep at all out there with the excitement I’d do my homework before dark. of focusing on a planet, so I jumped up and focused on that bright star. It took the shape of a flattened sphere with one The weather started to get colder and in November, many or two black bands around it. There were two satellites on nights were clouded over. By mid-December, most nights each side of it. I was almost sure it was Jupiter — and it were clouded over, and on the good nights, I’d freeze half to death — especially in the morning if I got up. One reason I got up was to look for Mars. This was especially hard because it was small, close to the twilight, and COLD! I was unsuc- cessful in finding it. The clouds did- n’t help any either. Once in a while I’d even have nightmares about clouds blocking my view! [I still do, 45 years later!] I couldn’t wait for spring. I was missing a lot.

Finally, spring came and in May I found Mars, which was west of Jupi- ter. I couldn’t make out any surface detail because of its farness from Earth, but this coming December it will be something. Anyway, my end- less search for this red planet was over. And now I have found all five visible planets, including Mercury. Dawn breaks on Monday, June 24, 1974. This is the view that a young Joe Comiskey would have enjoyed from his backyard in Decatur, Illinois. The End

Prime Focus Page 6 February 2020 Star Parties in 2020 Pack your bags, collimate your ‘scope, and clean those eyepieces! It’s time to hit the road and attend a star party (or two). Listed below are some the major star parties that have already announced their dates for 2020. Registration deadlines for each star party may be different (or even passed), so please visit their websites for the latest information.

If you plan to attend any of the events listed (or not listed) here then let us know. Maybe other KAS members would like to attend. Plus, if you do attend any star parties this year, please consider writing a report for Prime Focus. Clear Skies!

Winter Star Party Table Mountain Star Party February 17 – 23 July 21 – 25 https://www.scas.org/winter-star-party/ http://www.tmspa.com/

Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF) Stellafane April 4 – 5 August 13 – 16 http://www.rocklandastronomy.com/neaf.html http://stellafane.org/

Michiana Star Party Almost Heaven Star Party April 24 – 26 August 14 – 18 http://www.michiana-astro.org/ http://www.ahsp.org/

Texas Star Party Saskatchewan Summer Star Party May 17 – 24 August 19 – 24 http://www.texasstarparty.org/ https://sssp.saskatoon.rasc.ca/

Bootleg Spring Star Party Starfest June 11 – 14 August 20 – 23 http://www.bootlegastronomy.com/ http://www.nyaa.ca/

Grand Canyon Star Party Okie-Tex Star Party June 13 – 20 September 11 – 19 http://tucsonastronomy.org/ http://www.okie-tex.com/

Rocky Mountain Star Stare Great Lakes Star Gaze June 17 – 21 September 17 – 20 http://www.rmss.org/ http://www.greatlakesstargaze.com/

Cherry Springs Star Party Illinois Dark Skies Star Party June 18 – 22 September 17 – 19 http://www.cherrysprings.org/ http://sas-sky.org/

Golden State Star Party Black Forest Star Party June 20 – 24 September 18 – 20 http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org/ http://www.bfsp.org/

Stargazing Manitoulin Connecticut Star Party July 17 – 19 September 18 –20 https://www.gordonspark.com/ http://asnh.org/

Nebraska Star Party Peach State Star Gaze July 19 – 24 October 11 – 18 http://www.nebraskastarparty.org/ http://atlantaastronomy.org/pssg/

Oregon Star Party Eldorado Star Party July 21 – 26 October 12 – 17 http://www.oregonstarparty.org/ http://www.eldoradostarparty.org/

Prime Focus Page 7 February 2020 — February Night Sky —

This star map is property of the This map represents the sky at the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society. NORTH following local standard mes: However, you may make as many • Late January 10 pm copies as you wish free-of- • Early February 9 pm charge, so long as it is for non- profit educaonal purposes and • Late February 8 pm full credit is given to the KAS. • Early March 7 pm www.kasonline.org EAST WEST

SOUTH

ercury reaches greatest eastern blazes away about 24° to Mercury’s After covering the Red Planet, the Moon M elongation (18°) from the Sun on upper left. moves to within 4° of Jupiter on February February 10th. Look for the elusive 19th and 2.5° to the lower right of Saturn innermost planet starting about 30 A waning crescent Moon (three days past on February 20th. minutes after sunset when it will be last quarter) occults Mars at 6:11 am EST nearly 11° above the west-southwestern on February 18th (about 23 minutes The Moon, now a waxing crescent in the horizon. Mercury shines at -0.45 before sunrise). The occultation will be a evening sky, moves 6.5° left of Venus on magnitude, but you may need binoculars stunning sight with the unaided eye, February 27th. The two will just fit in the to spot it in the evening twilight. Venus binoculars or a telescope. field-of-view of 7×50 binoculars. February 2020 Page 9 PRESIDENT Richard S. Bell

VICE PRESIDENT Jack Price Winter nights can be ideal for observing. When it's actually TREASURER clear during a winter night in Michigan, the sky can be unbelievably transparent. So why don't amateur Don Slwell astronomers turn out in droves to winter observing sessions? It's because it gets REALLY, REALLY COLD on a SECRETARY/ALCOR clear winter night! Now comes the time of year when the hardcore members of the KAS brave the frigid Roger Williams temperatures to enjoy the deep sky delights that most people probably miss because of the frigid conditions. PUBLICITY MANAGER Friday, February 21 @ 7:00 pm Joe Comiskey Kalamazoo Nature Center MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Jean De Mo Share the Sky! Volunteers Needed For... Dave Garten

Sco Macfarlane Club Connecon Day Saturday, February 8th @ 12:00 - 4:30 pm Kalamazoo Nature Center Aaron Roman Family Science Night E-MAIL a BOARD MEMBER Wednesday, February 19th @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm Hasngs Public Library Astronomy Night Thursday, March 5th @ 6:00 - 8:00 pm North Shore Elementary (South Haven)

Please contact us for more informaon and/or to volunteer. We need you! REMOTE VIEWING SESSION

Enjoy the wonders of the universe as seen through the “eyes” of the KAS Remote Telescope, located under the dark skies of southeastern Arizona. Parcipants will enjoy views of constellaons and deep-sky objects captured with the system’s CCD cameras in Arizona, transmied to Kalamazoo via the internet and projected on the lecture hall screen. Live streaming video will also show the telescope in operaon.

Saturday, February 15th (22nd) @ 9 - 11 pm WMU Rood Hall • 2101 Wilbur Ave. • Free Parking in Lot 61 General Meeting Preview

Each fall and spring, many species of birds migrate thousands of miles - but how do they know where to go? This talk will describe bird migration and how birds use the stars to orient throughout their journeys.

About the Speaker: Dr. Owen is an associate professor at Michigan State University and director of the Michigan State Bird Observatory. She leads an interdisciplinary research program that addresses issues at the interface of wild bird, human, and environmental health. Dr. Owen and her students are currently studying how variation in habitat quality and access to adequate food affects a bird’s ability to meet the demands of the migratory period. Additionally, Owen investigates the role of birds in the spread and maintenance of zoonotic pathogens.

Friday, February 7 @ 7:00 pm Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center 600 West Vine, Suite 400 • Use Dutton St. Entrance

─ Dutton Entrance Locked by 7:10 pm ─

Kalamazoo Astronomical Society c/o KAMSC STAMP 600 West Vine, Suite 400 Kalamazoo, MI 49008

© February 2020, Stargazer Productions