THE LOWELL OBSERVER | Summer 2011 1

LOWELL EXPANDING OUR UNIVERSE OBSERVER The quarterly newsletter of Lowell Observatory Issue 91 Summer 2011

Exploring Strange New Worlds by Tom Vitron

The search for extrasolar planets (or exoplanets) is a fascinating area of astronomical research that is producing awe-inspiring results. A recent NASA/ JPL-hosted conference held in Flagstaff entitled “Exploring Strange New Worlds: From Giant Planets to Super Earths” updated many of the world’s leading NASA/FUSE/Lynette Cook exoplanet scientists on the latest research Artist’s conception of the dust and gas disk surrounding the star Beta Pictoris. A giant planet might findings. Dr. Lisa Prato, a Lowell have already formed and terrestrial planets might be forming. astronomer, served on the conference’s scientific organizing committee. “[The of atmospheres, all very different from the Doppler shift of the host star, Mr. committee] worked really hard to get ours.” The conference included several Crockett is searching for evidence a diversity of speakers,” explains Dr. talks about atmospheric circulation of giant planets in very short orbital Prato. “Representing the science is the patterns, which are far different from periods, sometimes whipping around priority, but we also tried to have a the ones we see on Jupiter, according to the star in a week. Among the many diversity of participants, be it geographic Dr. Barman. Though he is not directly obstacles to his research is the fact that diversity, including graduate students involved in the project, Travis also these stars sometimes present huge and postdoctoral fellows, and striking points to the transformative nature of starspots, the equivalent of sunspots. “I a balance between women and men. the Kepler Mission’s early results, which got lots of great feedback on my research All [speakers] were good. Some were were highlighted at the conference and [at the conference],” says Crockett, who outstanding.” include the discovery of a plethora of especially enjoyed learning more about exoplanets in just a small part of our research dealing with the solar-activity Among the Lowell scientists involved Galaxy. “The Kepler results are having side of exoplanet research. “When was astronomer Dr. Travis Barman, the most profound impact on the field,” you hear about planet discoveries, you whose research is directed toward says Dr. Barman. (Lowell is heavily modeling the atmospheres of exoplanets. continued on page 4 involved in NASA’s Kepler Mission, Before today’s research tools were with astronomer and Lowell deputy available, Dr. Barman says the study of director Dr. Edward Dunham serving as exoplanet atmospheres remained mostly science lead for the project.) IN THIS ISSUE theoretical. With more groundbreaking 1 Exploring Strange New Worlds research results being presented, he Also participating in the conference and his global colleagues were able to were Lowell pre-doctoral fellows (PhD 2 Director’s Update candidates) Chris Crockett and Simon talk in more concrete terms about the 3 Dedicating the G-M Lodge implications for exoplanet atmospheres. Porter. Working with Dr. Prato, Mr. 5 Planned Giving Update “The meeting did a good job of Crockett surveys nearby young stars for advertising those impressive results,” evidence of giant planets. His conference 6 New Board Member presentation focused on giant planet says Dr. Barman, whose presentation 6 All in the Family was about the atmospheres of giant companions to T Tauri stars, which is planets. “We are starting to see an array a class of highly variable stars named 7 Lord of the Stars after their prototype, T Tau. Using 2 THE LOWELL OBSERVER | Summer 2011

We were able to gift annuities, now invested of our scientific staff have announce a number of with our Millennium Fund indicated their wish that positive things during the administered by the Arizona their bequests be directed to meeting. With components Community Foundation. the fund. Lowell will never of the DCT’s guider All are helping establish – and indeed should not – designed and in production and develop the long-term eliminate its presence in the and the acquisition and security of the institution. federal grant arena, but we remodel of the astronomer’s It was a pleasure to do need to insulate our staff lodge near the telescope site announce the creation of a better against the vagaries Director’s done, we declared the First fund directed specifically of soft money. That is now Update Light Challenge complete. toward the endowment of underway. The lead gifts from John and scientific research at the Finally, we took a look by Jeffrey Hall Ginger Giovale and Bob and Observatory. Our current at the longer horizon: where Julie Millis, many gifts from $6M operating budget is will Lowell be at the end the board, and many more ach year around the about 55 percent federal of 2015? Our mission is E from our staff and Friends second week of June, the grants and contracts, and our research and we’re sticking to made this capital effort a Lowell Advisory Board research staff does quite well it, so a thriving scientific staff success and our engineers convenes on Mars Hill for in competing for these funds and an operational 4-meter and astronomers will benefit its annual meeting. Formed from agencies such as NASA telescope are inviolable goals. greatly from it. more than two decades ago and the National Science Greatly expanded outreach by trustee Bill Putnam, the We recognized six new Foundation. However, in via our Mars Hill programs board now comprises about members of the Percival coming years, federal funding as well as Discovery should thirty individuals with a Lowell Society, bringing the for basic research might be in place – also an variety of scientific and number of individuals and remain flat or decrease while appropriate goal for a place corporate backgrounds. The couples who have included competition rises steadily. whose founder was one of two-day meeting is always a Lowell Observatory in their The double stress of the the great popularizers of his good time to take stock of estate plans to nearly 40. recession and construction of day. And behind all of these our present situation and to Members of the Percival the DCT have put significant lofty goals is the simple need solicit input and guidance Lowell Society now include pressure on Lowell’s for sustainability. Lowell is a for the year ahead. With the a number of Observatory ability to support research place of intellectual inquiry Discovery Channel Telescope staff, several members of the using its private resources, and a place of inspiration (DCT) expected to be advisory board, and many and we need to remedy for the next generation. obtaining images before the generous members of the that now. At the board It’s also a business, and we next board meeting, this was Friends. Most of these gifts meeting, we announced a have to arrive in five years an especially good time for are bequests, but two have lead gift that will seed this with sustainable operations such discussions. been given as charitable fund; additionally, three and a healthy endowment, providing our employees with a secure place to work. We discussed this big picture at the board meeting and will be developing those five- year targets during the next several months. More on this will appear in future Observers. For now, I thank the Advisory Board, our staff, and our many Friends around the world for your interest, investment, and support of the good things above.

Jim Benbow The Board of Advisors standing in front of the Rotunda Museum in June. THE LOWELL OBSERVER | Summer 2011 3

Dedicating the G-M Lodge photos & story by Tom Vitron

It’s not a mirror, it’s not software, and it’s not high- quality coffee but it is a very important element in the construction of the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT). Named after its primary benefactors, the recently dedicated Giovale-Millis (G-M) Lodge will serve as living quarters for staff and astronomers during upcoming testing and when for providing the capital the telescope is operational. challenge that made the The property – which purchase possible.” was acquired late last year The lodge itself is a four- for a very reasonable price bedroom, two-bathroom using funds from the “First home anchored by a living CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Attendees check out the lodge’s Light Challenge” – is about room that opens up to the layout and accommodations; John and Ginger Giovale unveil the a half mile from the DCT in second story. The 23-acre commemorative plaque and cut the ribbon; DCT senior electrical engineer Alex Venetiou, DCT administrative manager Kim Westcott, a picturesque area known as property includes a wide advisory board members John Giovale and Mike Kitt, and DCT Mule Park. meadow and a large barn commissioning scientist Dr. Stephen Levine in the G-M Lodge’s kitchen. “Having a place near the that will be used for storage. Channel can park on the research institution, so DCT for our engineers and “A fortuitous opportunity property, allowing for the it’s especially gratifying to astronomers to rest will be a presented itself,” says deputy possibility of doing live feeds provide our astronomers real help as we begin optics director for advancement from the telescope.” a comfortable, well- testing during summer and Chuck Wendt. “After some equipped lodge befitting fall of 2011,” says Lowell negotiations, we were able to All in all, the G-M of their reputation as director Jeff Hall. “Acquiring purchase the property at a Lodge is a much-needed and world-class scientists,” says an existing residence was a price significantly less than perfectly suited addition to Kim Westcott, the DCT’s better and quicker solution appraised. The property Lowell’s presence in Happy administrative manager. than building one, and we lends itself to star parties at Jack. owe the Giovales and the or near the telescope. Also, “Lowell Observatory is Millises our sincerest thanks satellite trucks for Discovery renowned as a world class

A new Web site to launch Lowell into the future Our new Web site, co-designed by local firms Julie Sullivan Design and PlateauMediaWorks, is now up and running with exciting features and updates for visitors and scientists. 4 THE LOWELL OBSERVER | Summer 2011

Strange New Worlds GIFT SHOP REDESIGN continued from page 4 After a quick facelift, the gift don’t hear about the star,” he shop in the Steele Visitor Center explains. “You must understand reopened as the “Starry Skies the stars and figure out a way Shop,” northern Arizona’s only to characterize their activity.” science store. Featuring Lowell As he considers the takeaway souvenirs, astronomical and from the conference, Mr. science gifts, the store also Crockett – who plans to defend includes items such as meteorite his doctoral thesis at UCLA jewelry and handmade crafts. in September and has accepted Remember, Friends of Lowell a position at the Flagstaff get an extra 10 percent off all station of the United States purchases! Naval Observatory – is going

back over his research and NASA/JPL pondering things he had not (Left to right) Chris Crockett and Dr. Lisa Prato of Lowell previously considered. “It’s fun speak with Dr. Jeff Valenti of the Space Telescope Science to see the pieces come together Institute during a conference breakfast. from lots of different angles,” adds Crockett. solar system and therefore must have For his part, Mr. Porter studies a significant fraction of their mass as radical orbit transformation, a process iron. “It’s the first time there was a solid once thought of as uniform and, thus, structure about an exoplanet to think largely ignored by scientists until about,” Dr. Prato explains. “I love the recently. He is trying to find out how diversity of planets in our solar system. the orbits of exomoons, or the moons I love comparative planetology in our around exoplanets, evolve over time, solar system. Now, you can make such a process that is thought to be quite comparisons on planets outside the solar chaotic. “My research indicates that system.” you can put an exomoon on any crazy, Overall, the conference also had a eccentric orbit and it has even odds profound effect on Lowell and its staff. of surviving,” explains Simon, who “It was interesting to see [Mr. Crockett adds that his findings could serve as a and Mr. Porter] be able to discuss these nice model for giant-planet evolution. topics with others,” says Dr. Prato. “We He presented a poster entitled “Post- try to instill fearlessness of talking to Capture Evolution of Potentially just about anyone in our grad students. Habitable Exomoons” and says the They got a lot out of it and got to meet a feedback he received was positive, lot of experts in the field.” Dr. Barman though most scientists in attendance feels the impact of the conference, were observers and his research is including the reception at Lowell, went still quite theoretical. For Simon, the even deeper. “For most of the attendees, conference’s most intriguing insights this was their first visit to Lowell include the incredible diversity of Observatory,” he explains. “Many of my discovered exoplanets, that the solar exoplanet colleagues, on both sides of system is not a special case but instead the Atlantic, were extremely impressed a rather typical system, and that some with the level of scientific activity, the planets – including Jupiter-sized giants – balance between research and outreach, might not orbit around stars at all. and the beauty of our observatory. Insights like the latter fascinate Dr. All in all, I think this meeting did a Prato; although she did not present her great job of advertising Lowell to the own research, she did take in as much exoplanet community, from the well- of the proceedings as possible. Most established astronomers to the young, memorable for her was a presentation by up-and-coming ones. This sort of MIT Sagan Fellow Dr. Diana Valencia, exposure will certainly pay dividends in Retail specialist Peggy Landau who discussed a new class of exoplanets the future.” puts the finishing touches on the refurbishment. that are denser than anything in our THE LOWELL OBSERVER | Summer 2011 5

Planned Giving Update photos & story by Antoinette Beiser

Ben and Joan Cowles’ relationship with the Observatory is a long and unique one beginning around 1914 when Joan’s father, the eminent portrait artist Ercole Cartotto, was chosen to paint the only known oil portrait of Percival Lowell. Joan’s mother left AT LEFT: Ben and Joan Cowles. ABOVE: Ercole Cartotto’s charcoal study her the charcoal study for and oil portrait of Percival Lowell in the Rotunda Museum. the oil, as well as the oil itself, after her death. It is wish it to be an expression Please use the enclosed believed that two portraits of of our appreciation for the envelope to request personal friendships with the information about planned Lowell were commissioned: by insects, mold, and glue, an oil with a straight ahead Lowell staff members that giving, visit our website at the charcoal portrait was have so enriched and will www.lowell.edu/friends/ view and a silverpoint of shipped to a conservator the astronomer in profile. continue to enrich Joannie’s pls.php, or call Antoinette in Washington, DC for and my later years.” Beiser at 928-233-3216. Newspaper articles from restoration. A ceremony the time indicate that Mrs. held in the Rotunda Library Lowell loaned the portraits (where the charcoal now for various exhibitions; hangs next to the oil) however, it is not known included the unveiling of a how the artist’s wife came to plaque dedicated to the artist. have them in her possession. During this ceremony, Ben The current location of the invited then-director Bob silverpoint is not known but Millis to give a talk to his the Observatory possesses Rotary club in Scottsdale. photographs of it. Cartotto The Observatory is grateful revived and mastered this for the wonderful new exacting 16th century Friends made at that event. technique of drawing with Ben summed up their a silver wire. Once a line is A crowd enjoys the sounds of Big Willie & The Polka Meisters. decision to name Lowell drawn, no erasure is possible. Observatory as a beneficiary FAMILY PICNIC NIGHTS In 1975, Joan and Ben in their estate plans. “We From June through August, midweek nights at contacted the Observatory, have great respect for offering to donate the oil Lowell are about more than just astronomy and Percival Lowell who came stargazing. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and portrait. They brought it all the way from Boston to Flagstaff themselves and Thursdays, we feature Family Picnic Nights from 6 to start an independent p.m. to 8 p.m. Family-friendly musical performers remember being greeted research institution that is by two elderly gentlemen play on the Rotunda Museum plaza while delicious dedicated to public outreach food is served on the adjacent Pickard Grove in long white coats who and education. We also immediately hung the patio by Frank’s Daily Bread. Food options include have great respect for the Pluto Dogs, Pigs in Space Pulled Pork Sandwiches, oil above the fireplace in staff who dedicate their the Rotunda Library. In Cosmic Cranberry/Turkey/Avocado Wraps, and lives to the Observatory, more. And don’t forget, Mondays are Meet An 2009, Joan rediscovered most spending their entire the charcoal in a storage Astronomer nights, your chance to talk to one of our careers there. We feel our scientists about their work or ask any other burning room in their home. Ben gift will be more meaningful contacted then associate astronomical questions from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to a comparatively small And, of course, enjoy telescope viewing every night director Jeff Hall offering institution the size of Lowell, to donate the charcoal as the weather allows from about 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and be acknowledged by through the end of August. well. Considerably damaged someone we know. We also 6 THE LOWELL OBSERVER | Summer 2011

“There’s some romanticism knowledge, Mary is nearly New Board [in ranching] but finding a speechless when asked about Member way to pay the bills is not her new appointment to romantic!” Lowell’s advisory board. “I’m by Tom Vitron The lessons learned from astounded. I’m honored!,” this reality played a part in exclaims Mary, who has When Mary Lockett her decision to become a known one of Lowell’s escapes from her Phoenix certified financial planner. most historically significant home and scorching Mary says that her financial families – the Sliphers – all temperatures, she comes planning and tax consulting of her life and met Lowell trustee Bill Putnam and north to enjoy her native work is “never boring Mary Lockett ranch land near Mormon and always fascinating.” his wife Kitty through her Lake, AZ. When she played Constantly looking for things brother, William Hamilton, “I want my grandchildren to hookie from Flagstaff to fill out her life, Mary has several years ago. Keenly see something bigger than High School, she and her given time to sit on boards aware of the dynamics of themselves. It centers you to friends would set out upon and committees for more advisory boards, Mary knows know that we are small in the classic northern Arizona than 45 years. Her experience that she faces a learning scope of things. Astronomy curve. “You need to know adventures, like going skiing includes chairing the Arizona gives you an appreciation the history of the board,” or trekking down to Oak State Parks’ Hiking and for people who can think she explains. “The goal is to Creek Canyon. Though she Equestrian Trails Committee about these things and can learn a lot and figure out how studied chemistry at the and the board of the give you perspective. We are this puzzle fits together, how University of Arizona, Mary Mormon Lake Fire District, small and unimportant and does this institution operate.” grew up in ranching and as well as sitting on a variety we have big ideas that are spent 25 years working this of important Arizona-based Though she is excited to grandiose; it is amazing!” It trade. “Ranching is not a ranching, outdoor, and public be profoundly involved with is with equal deference and business, it’s an addiction,” safety related boards. the observatory during this appreciation that we welcome says Mary, who most know Even with this broad time of growth, her pleasure Mary and her family to the by the nickname “Pinkie”. base of experience and derives from a grander desire. Lowell family.

Antoinette Beiser sort, in charge of the library and All in the identify, and organize boxes archives someday.” Family: Mary of old photographs. In As a pair, they can be January 2002, Mary took described as smart, witty, & Lauren on a role that introduced thoughtful, and very by Tom Vitron her to the people and personable. Mary very much internal dynamics of Lowell. appreciates being able to Lauren and Mary in the Lowell “Working part-time as work with Lauren. “I hear amily is at the heart of library. F the receptionist was fun from friends that their kids Lowell. Most obvious is because everybody had she could pay the skilled are all living far away,” Mary the fact that our trustee is to deal with me at some and valuable Lauren, who explains. “What a perk to a descendant of Percival point,” says Mary. Looking credits her volunteer work at have her here, not only in Lowell. Our current trustee, to try something different Lowell with helping her find Flagstaff but in the same William Lowell Putnam III, and never afraid to take on her career path. In 2008, building!” Mary proudly calls is Percival’s grandnephew. A new tasks, Mary moved Lauren officially became Lauren humble, especially mother/daughter connection over to public programs in Lowell’s archives assistant. about her successful ascent currently exists through tour the summer of 2003. Last Last summer, as Antoinette to the most crucial role of and volunteer coordinator November, Mary officially began transitioning to a librarian/archivist. “It’s been Mary DeMuth and librarian became the observatory’s tour full-time development role, really neat to be ringside and archivist Lauren and volunteer coordinator; Lauren took on more duties watching her professional (DeMuth) Amundson. her duties now include the in the library. She soon life develop. Going from Mary was the first to find recruitment and training of completed her Master’s in volunteer to intern to paid employ on Mars Hill. As with docents and volunteers. Library Science from the staff to head of a department many others, Lowell’s local Acquainted with Lowell University of Arizona and is great,” says Mary, whose uber-ambassador, outreach through her mother, Lauren was promoted to librarian at goal is to come full circle manager Kevin Schindler, began volunteering for the beginning of this year. “I at Lowell and someday planted the thought of Antoinette in 2003 while feel very fortunate to be in volunteer for Lauren in the volunteering at Lowell when she attended Northern this position,” says Lauren. “I library. “I’m very serious he met Mary in 1999. In Arizona University. In started volunteering because about that,” exclaims Mary. 2001, she volunteered to 2005, Antoinette began it sounded like fun, and “She’ll be my boss!” help then-librarian (and receiving grant money so look what happened! I never current development officer) imagined that I would be THE LOWELL OBSERVER | Summer 2011 7 The Lord of the Stars by Mike Kitt A comparison of these of a fascinating read. And to Burnham’s labor of love, two works is not without the work is profusely amateur astronomers have One of the great feats merit. Both are replete with illustrated with many classic theirs. Visitors to Mars of literature is the three- poetry and philosophy. astronomical photographs. Hill can now stroll a little volume adventure “The Burnham linked celestial No amateur astronomer way up the Pluto Walk and Lord of the Rings.” Amateur objects to human history as should be without see the Robert Burnham, astronomers have their own Tolkien linked his characters “Burnham’s Celestial Jr. Memorial Plaque, which trilogy, a magnificent tour-de- to an extensive history of Handbook.” was dedicated in August of force called Middle Fantasy fans have their 2009. “Burnham’s Earth. He defining trilogy and thanks Celestial filled his Handbook.” Celestial Robert Handbook Burnham, with Jr., a former historical staff member references, of Lowell sky lore, Observatory mythology, for more than research 20 years, data, literary conceived the idea for this quotes, and much more. work in the 1950s. While Although now becoming assisting Henry Giclas with a bit dated, “Burnham’s the Proper Motion Survey, Celestial Handbook” remains Burnham began assembling an icon for amateur observers a notebook covering because of the exhaustive everything written about compilation of descriptive each celestial object. When notes for double stars, published in 1978, this had variable stars, star clusters, evolved into a 2,138 page, nebulae, and galaxies that three-volume masterpiece underpin its many broader covering the universe. references. One can spend many hours going through the work just for the pleasure

Mike Kitt Fourteen members of the Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches (FL) visited Lowell in early June. The visit included a tour of our facilities (Mars Hill, Anderson Mesa and the DCT), a presentation about exoplanets by Lowell astronomer Dr. Lisa Prato, and nighttime observation with the 24-inch Clark Refractor. The visit – organized by advisory board member Mike Kitt and development manager Rusty Tweed – proved to be a great success. For information on how your astronomy club can organize a visit to Lowell, contact Rusty at tweedr @lowell.edu or 928-233-3267. The Robert Burnham, Jr. Memorial Plaque (with his trilogy in front). Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Flagstaff, AZ Permit No. 170

Summer 2011 Issue 91 Tue, Wed, and Thu evenings Thu and Wed, Tue, EXPANDING OUR UNIVERSE EXPANDING Eco-friendly printing by printing Eco-friendly ELL

For comments about the newsletter, contact comments about the newsletter, For Flagstaff Night: 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Festival of Science Open House: 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Regular Public Hours: Regular M/W/F/Sat 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. T/TH/Sun 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Labor Day Star Fest: 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. School’s Out & Kids are Free: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Flagstaff Night: 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Meteor Shower: Perseid 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Regular Public Hours: Public Regular p.m. Daily 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 The Lowell Observer is published quarterly by The Lowell 2011 PUBLIC PROGRAM PROGRAM 2011 PUBLIC SUMMER SPECIAL EVENTS SUMMER SPECIAL

928.774.3358 • www.lowell.edu • Find us on Facebook us on Facebook • Find 928.774.3358 • www.lowell.edu fsc logo

Lowell Observatory, 1400 W. Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, 1400 W. Observatory, Lowell Contents Copyright 2011 by Lowell Observatory ISSN 1054-0059 Contents Copyright 2011 by Lowell

Chuck Wendt, Deputy Director for Advancement [email protected] Chuck Wendt, OBSERVER

The quarterly newsletter of Lowell Observatory The quarterly newsletter LOW SUN 25 Observatory and the Coconino Astronomical Society Join Lowell for an exciting evening of stargazing through a number of classic 1896 original. Lowell’s telescopes including Percival THIS EVENT IS FREE. WED 7 Flagstaff residents pay only half the regular admission rate after 5:00 p.m. Lowell Observatory will be open for kids’ activities throughout Observatory will be open Lowell including science demonstrations, telescope viewing the day, tours, and of the sun, mini-planetarium programs, grounds multimedia presentations. Children must be accompanied by an adult or responsible guardian. MON 5 SUN 4 and telescopes This special event will feature indoor programs our mini- set up for viewing celestial objects. Experience programs. planetarium and enjoy exciting multimedia after 5:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER Join an indoor program at 7:00 p.m. that will focus on meteor Join an indoor program at 7:00 p.m. that observe will also You showers such as the upcoming Perseids. experience live breathtaking objects through telescopes, and view exciting presentations with our mini-planetarium, multimedia programs. Flagstaff residents pay only half the regular admission rate Flagstaff residents pay FRI 12 See sidebar on page 5. See sidebar on page WED 3 AUGUST Lowell: at Night Picnic Family at 7:00 p.m. Every Monday evening Meet an Astronomer: