SDAA San Diego Astronomy Association Promising the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars...and Delivering!

Office (619) 645-8940 News and Notes May 2003 Observatory (619) 766-9118 http://www.sdaa.org A Non-Profit Educational Association Viewing Mars that they are not really there, what were P.O. Box 23215, San Diego, CA 92193-3215 by Bret Akers some of these astronomers looking at? When the information was made Mars is the only planet in the night sky available that Percival Lowell stopped SDAA Business Meeting that allows us a good view of actual down his telescopes aperture from 24 Will be held at: surface features, not just atmospheric inches to 3 inches to eliminate some of SKF Condition Monitoring details. When looking at Mars with the the glare effects, optometrists and 4141 Ruffin Road naked eye, it's distinct for its reddish- ophthalmologists began to realize that he San Diego, CA 92123-1841 orange color that is due to the extensive had unintentionally turned his telescope May 13th at 7:00 pm desert areas that cover about two-thirds of into a type of ophthalmoscope and that the Martian surface. Percival Lowell was actually looking at a In 356 BC, Aristotle made the first reflection of his own eyeball in the Program Meeting eyepiece. The thin dark lines were Gary Peterson significant observation of Mars that was recorded. That year he witnessed Mars actually the blood vessels in his eye's “Mercury, The Forgotten Planet” retina! Mystery solved. So, even though May 21st at 7:00PM pass behind the Moon (an occultation), which led him to the correct conclusion there aren't any canals on Mars, there's that Mars is farther away than the Moon. still plenty to see, and the time to look is Mission Trails Regional Park In 1610, Galileo saw the gibbous phase of approaching since Mars is nearing Visitor & Interpretive Center Mars when he noted that that planet's opposition. 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail disc was not perfectly circular. San Diego, CA 92119 In 1877, two important discoveries were (continued on page 8) Snacks ∗ Prizes ∗ Info ∗ Fun made. Asaph Hall discovered the two Doors open at 6:30 PM satellites of Mars, Phobos See page 7 for details and Deimos, and Giovanni Virginio Schiaparelli announced the existence of thin dark CONTENTS lines on the lighter areas May 2003 Vol. XXXIX Issue 05 of Mars that connected Published Monthly by the the darker areas. He San Diego Astronomy Association named them "Canali" 75¢/$8.00 year which means grooves or Incorporated in California in 1963 channels. This was Viewing Mars ...... 1 translated into English as Astronomy 101 ...... 2 "canals," and the huge Messier Marathon Recaps ...... 3 NASA’s Space Place ...... 4 controversy of the Star Party Report ...... 5 Martian canals began. In Camp with the Stars ...... 6 fact, the astronomer May Program Meeting ...... 7 Percival Lowell spent a Skywatch ...... 7 great deal of his life Astronomy Days at the Fleet ...... 8 Gadget Night Highlights ...... 10 insisting that he saw the canals and that they were Contact Information ...... 10 Mars image courtesy of NASA: Events Calendar ...... 11 authentic. Since we know The Back Page ...... 12 http://mars.tracker.nasa.gov/ San Diego Astronomy Association

Io ("EYE oh") was named after a maiden April Board Meeting who was loved by Zeus, is slightly larger by Melinda Baker than Earth's moon in size, and contains Astronomy 101 active volcanoes. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 by Scott Baker PM. In attendance were Brian Staples, Europa ("yoo ROH puh") was named after Cheryl and Lin Robertson, Scott and a Phoenician princess, abducted to Crete What's that bright star? Melinda Baker, Jennifer Pesquiera, Mike by Zeus, who assumed the form of a white Dietz, Brian MacFarland, Julie Quinn, Jim If you step outside tonight, or maybe bull. Europa became the mother of Minos Traawek, and Sean and Diana Kelly. you've noticed while driving at night, that (fathered by Zeus). Europa is slightly there is a bright "star" straight overhead, smaller then Earth's moon and is thought The minutes from the previous meeting just after sunset. This bright object isn't a to have a liquid ocean under its external were read by Melinda Baker, and they were star but the planet Jupiter! It's visible, ice cap. Its ocean is a candidate for life. accepted as read. even with the sunset glow still in the sky, Ganymede ("GAN uh meed") was named Priority was given to visitors Cheryl and about a fist or two high in the East. It's after a Trojan boy of great beauty whom Lin Robertson. Robertson reports to have the brightest object in our nighttime sky Zeus carried away to be a cupbearer to the found the electrical error for pad sites four- right now, so it should be quite obvious. gods. It is the largest of Jupiter's moons teen through seventeen. Brian MacFarland Jupiter is the fourth brightest object in our with a diameter larger then the planet will look into the matter further, and sky, after the Sun, the Moon and Venus. Mercury, yet it is only half its mass. hopes to have it fixed within the next two Jupiter is our solar system's 5th planet months. from the Sun, and the most massive, being Callisto ("ka LIS toh") was a nymph, twice as massive as any other planet. To beloved of Zeus and hated by Hear. Hear The Treasurer’s Report was read by give you some idea of its size, if Jupiter changed her into a bear and Zeus then Jennifer Pesquiera, and was accepted as were a hollow ball, and you could open it placed her in the sky as the constellation read. up like a jar, you could put over 1300 Ursa Major. Callisto is the second largest The Site Maintenance Report by Sean "Earths" inside! of the Galilean moons, being slightly Kelly. New tiles will be received for the smaller then the planet Mercury and a Jupiter, being one of the brightest objects, water shed roof, and installed shortly. An third its mass. It is also the outermost of was given its name by the Greeks for the email was received from member John Jupiter's moons and is made of 40% ice King of the Gods, Zeus. Zeus was the son Mood regarding brush found on his pad and 60% rock/iron. of Cronus (Saturn). Jupiter has 47 known site, the Board passed a motion to have the moons, but the four largest, Io, Europa, Jupiter will be visible for many, many brush removed. Scott Baker has volun- Ganymede and Callisto, are visible in months, slowly sinking in the west when teered to install an east pedestrian gate, small telescopes. viewed each night at the same time. with all costs paid by Scott Baker. Jupiter is currently in the The Observatory Report by Jim Traawek. Constellation of , The new focuser is in, with hopes to have the twins, heading the mirror serviced within the next few towards the constellation months. Various pest removal methods of Cancer. were discussed, with the decision to install Step outside tonight and rubber weather stripping at the bottom of take a look at this plane- the doors. Legs for the refractor will be tary giant. A pair of shopped for at RTMC. binoculars or a small tele- The Private Pad Report by Brian scope will reveal the four MacFarland. MacFarland is currently veri- bright moons, and if you fying and validating the private pad wait- look at the planet over a ing list, there are currently five pads avail- period of several hours, able. you'll see the moons' movement around the The Star Party Report by Mike Dietz. planet. Nineteen star parties occurred last month, with 72 completed by the end of May. The Clear Skies! Jupiter image courtesy of Marshall image eXchange: http://mix.msfc.nasa.gov/IMAGES/ (continued on page 3)

PAGE 2SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 San Diego Astronomy Association

April Board Meeting TDS Mouse-less Messier Messier Report (continued from page 2) Marathon March 29, 2003 by Jim Traweek Bank of America Star Party is May 2. by Gene Dolphin A lot of people showed up last weekend Several members have volunteered to Awaiting the onset of the Messier despite a very accurate prediction of strong attend. The club’s new refractor may be Marathon, my wife Kathy and I spent winds. Most didn't even set up. Few were taken if the mount is ready. Timothy Ferris considerable time on that Saturday left after 8:00pm. Two were at it till will be speaking, and volunteers are invited cleaning and preparing the warming room daybreak! to attend his talk. for visitors and members. Kathy discovered Although it was horrible for observing Volunteers are wanted for the May 17th a well-established home of uninvited (secondaries were rattling loose in the solar viewing at the Reuben H. Fleet. guests, built up on the top shelf of the wind), it was fine for "finding". I took a bookcases to the left of the moon charts. The Library Report by Diana Kelly. The look in the Cluster and saw 37 Photos of this impressive mouse nest (see movement of the library from the Fleet to galaxies without even touching the scope. below) were taken before disposing it MTRP is in progress. The last two years were very soggy events. outside. On this night, the sky was very clear and The Education Report by Scott Baker. Two Beginning at dusk, only a couple brave there was certainly no dew. winners were chosen at the recent science (foolhardy?) souls (myself and Vince) fair, at which members of the SDAA Gene Dolphin tucked himself behind his remained to face the blustery winds and judged the astronomy entries. The winners motorhome with his 12.5" dob. and some tried their hand at finding each of the will be awarded SDAA memberships, sev- herbal tea (perfectly legal), and knocked gems on the celebrated Messier list. The enty-five dollars, and a magazine subscrip- out 102 objects on his first effort at the sky transparency was quite good tion of their choice. Marathon. throughout the night, but the cool dry The Membership Report by Scott Baker. wind kept anyone from getting too Meanwhile, Vince Bert crouched in the The Yahoo group is growing, with research comfortable. After wrapping up co- bushes on a private pad with his 8" SCT. and project submissions coming in. hosting responsibilities, Ken Hull and a bottle of vodka (not recommended, generously gave of his time to confirm but it was very cold). He missed the first The Newsletter Report by Julie Quinn. A many of my sightings. This afforded a few while eating dinner (idiot!) then membership will be given to a frequent much-needed reprieve to my wife and soared thru the list, even spending a half newsletter contributor. observing companion and was greatly hour looking for 102, the repeat (idiot). The Web Report by Chris Watson, via appreciated. It was fun comparing the He bagged 104 objects. email. Several new designs are being con- images from the eye of my Odyssey I with My hat is off (and my bald spot is structed for the website, with hopes to have the photos and descriptions in the Messier showing) to Gene and Vince. It was a them done, and ready for the Board’s Album. Sometimes I needed to pop in a tough night, but they were "men on a approval in June. 2X Barlow to obtain the magnification mission." needed to match the photo, especially with Old Business. Gardener Tim Cass, a resi- a couple of the galaxies up in Virgo. The On a personal note; I'm sure I could have dent near Tierra Del Sol, recently installed hunt went pretty well. I bagged 102 of nailed all 110 (that's actually 109 a single low-pressure sodium light. As them and before heading to dreamland, VINCE), but I happen to be boycotting thanks, he will be invited to the annual Vince stopped by to say he had done well. the French. barbeque. All in all, I was very happy with the results New Business. Certificates will be awarded of the day and night. The welcoming to the participants of the recent Messier warming room was restored and returned Marathon. The annual Barbeque will be back to members and invited guests and I held on October 25th, with hopes that finally was off the road and able to log my Terry Stewart will run it. This year will be very first marathon. the 40th anniversary of the SDAA, and to celebrate the SDAA will be hosting an Editor’s Note: A huge thank-you goes out to "anniversary bash" at the beach. More the Dolphins for their hard-work in the information on this event will be coming warming room. soon. The SDAA is currently looking into acquiring a club vehicle. M51 courtesy of NASA: The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM. http://nix.nasa.gov/

SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 PAGE 3 San Diego Astronomy Association

So a warm Europan ocean spotted with to finally get a peek behind Europa's icy thermal vents could be a natural incubator veil. And who knows, maybe there will be for life. That's why some scientists hope something peeking back! In Search of Alien Oceans that someday we will send a probe to To learn more about the Galileo mission to Europa that could bore through the ice and by Patrick L. Barry & the Jupiter system, visit explore the ocean below like a submarine. Dr. Tony Phillips http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galileo/ . For chil- To plan for such a mission, scientists would dren, a fun, interactive "Pixel This!" game A robotic submarine plunges into the dark first need to put a camera in orbit around at http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/p_imager/ ocean of a distant world, beaming back Europa. By looking for places where water pixel_this.htm introduces CCDs and how a humanity's first views from an alien ocean. has welled up to fill the spindly cracks that really tough one will be needed for a future The craft's floodlights pierce the silty water, riddle Europa's surface, scientists can esti- mission to Europa. searching for the first, historic sign of extra- mate where the ice is thinnest-and thus eas- terrestrial life. This article was provided by the Jet iest to bore through. Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Such a scenario may not be as fantastic as it That mission scenario presents a problem, Technology, under a contract with the sounds. Many scientists believe that though. Europa orbits Jupiter inside the National Aeronautics and Space Jupiter's moon Europa conceals a vast giant planet's punishing radiation belts. ocean under its icy crust. If so, heat from Administration. Continuous exposure to such high radiation the moon's interior-which would keep the would damage today's scientific cameras, ocean from freezing solid-may also drive making the information they gather less Johns Hopkins subaquatic volcanoes and hydrothermal reliable and perhaps ruining them com- vents. On Earth, such deep-sea vents pro- University/Center for Talented pletely. vide chemical energy for ecosystems that Youth thrive without sunlight, and some scientists That's why NASA is designing a more radi- Job Title: Instructors ($1800 - $2800/ses- even suggest that Earthly life first got start- ation-tolerant CCD that could be used on sion + room/board) or Science Teaching ed around these vents. a mapping mission to Europa. A CCD Assistants (Physics, Flight science, (short for "charge-cou- Astronomy immediate openings!) pled device") is a digital camera's chip-like core, Employer: Johns Hopkins University, which converts light into Center for Talented Youth electric signals. Job Description: The Johns Hopkins "We've seen the effects University/Center for Talented Youth of this radiation during encourages outstanding science teachers to the Galileo mission to apply to teach above grade level courses Jupiter," says JPL's Andy such as Astronomy, Inventions, Chemistry, Collins, principal inves- and Biology, as well as Flight Science and tigator for the Planetary various Engineering courses. CTY offers Imager Project. "Galileo intensive 3-week summer residential aca- has orbited Jupiter for demic programs to gifted and talented stu- many years, dipping dents in 2nd-10th grades. Instructors are inside the radiation belts assigned a Program Assistant, 15-18 excep- only for brief intervals. tional students, and a comfortable supplies Even so," he says, "we've budget. Dates for 2003 sessions are June seen clear signs of dam- 29-July 18, and July 20-August 8. (Sites age to its instruments." also exist in HI, AR, VA, PA, NY, RI, CA) By using the hardier More information: Visit CCD's developed by the www.cty.jhu.edu/summer/employment for Planetary Imager more information and an application or Project, a future probe email [email protected] could remain in Jupiter's Recruitment Opens: January 29, 2003; radiation belts for many Recruitment Closes: When all positions months, gathering the have been filled. maps scientists will need

PAGE 4SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 San Diego Astronomy Association

May Star Parties around 6 p.m. 31st. by Big Dog Don't store your telescopes just yet because On Saturday May 31st there is also a Star May is shaping up as another very busy Friday May 9 we will have our second Stars Party for a Girl Scout Campout at Lake month for Star Parties, and we welcome in the Park Program at Mission Trails Morena scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Please any and all help. Even if you have never Regional Park in the Kumeyaay Lake contact Joe McGerald for more details. Campground day use parking area. We will been to a Star party in the past, consider For those who would like to help the club be setting up around 6:30ish or so. If bringing your scope and having some fun and volunteer for star parties, contact one you're heading east on Mission Gorge Rd: with us. of our Star Party Coordinators: continue past the Visitor Center and over May opens with a special 9:00 p.m. star the hill into Santee. At the first light, near North Region Part Director … party on Friday May 2nd at the Maderas the bottom of the hill, will be Father Bob Nanz Golf Club in Poway. It is located at 17750 Junipero Serra Trail. Turn left at the light. [email protected] Old Coach Road. We would like to have at The campground will be on the right (760) 747-0717 least 10 to 12 scopes for this one so please let Mike Dietz know if you can come. They OnWednesday May 14, there is a 7:30p.m. South Region Party Director ... will be having a reception where we will be star party at Torrey Pines Elementary, 8230 Rich Bentley setting up so we can't set up before 7:30 Cliffridge Avenue, La Jolla, From La Jolla [email protected] p.m. From I-15 heading north, take the Village Dr. east, turn Left onto La Jolla (619) 231-8791 Scenic Way. La Jolla Scenic Way becomes Rancho Bernardo Road exit and head East Region Party Director … La Jolla Scenic Dr N. Turn right onto towards Lake Poway. Merge onto Rancho Joe McGerald Scenic Pl. Turn left onto Cliffridge Ave. Bernado Rd. After about 1½ miles Rancho [email protected] Bernado Rd will become Espola Rd. Turn On Thursday May 15th we will be setting (619) 840-8736 (cell). left onto Old Coach Rd. up telescopes at Balboa Park (same place as They will be thrilled to put you on the list for Stars in the Park program) for the total The very next day we continue a weekend of regular volunteers contacted as some star lunar eclipse. Let's just hope the pacific full of star-gazing at William Heise parties are scheduled or canceled after the marine layer doesn't eclipse this crowd- Campground in Julian for our Camp with newsletter is published, and if they know pleasing event. the Stars program. you are interested, they can keep you Monday May 5th begins a very busy week. What? You can't get enough Astronomy, updated. Also, many of you have email We will start with a 7:30 p.m. Star party at nature and camping? Well, May is your address changes and such. Please let us Hilltop Middle School, Chula Vista. The month because on May 17th we will be know what email address(es) you want to school is located at 44 East J Street, Chula heading to Dos Picos County Park! I use to provide notices of future events. should also mention that during the day Vista. From I-5 heading south, take the If you are interested in scheduling a star the Reubin H. Fleet Science Center is hav- CA-54 East exit. Merge onto I-805 south. party for a school or group you are affiliat- ing a special event on Saturday May 17th Take the H Street exit and head west. ed with, please call any of the above con- in celebration of Astronomy Week. They Merge onto E Street. Turn left onto tacts at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance to are looking for volunteers to participate in Hilltop Ave. Turn left onto J Street. make sure you get the date you want. their walk through the solar system. They On Tuesday May 6th we continue with a are going to have a model of the solar sys- Party On Stargazers! Star Party at Sunset Hills Elementary. The tem set up with the sun at the fountain and Star Party is scheduled to start at 7:45 p.m.. each planet scaled according to its distance From I-15 heading north, take the Rancho from the sun down the Prado from noon to Penasquitos Blvd. ramp, Turn Left onto about 2 p.m. They are looking for volun- Rancho Penasquitos Blvd. After about 1 teers to help stand by a planet and tell the Treasurer's Report mile, Rancho Penasquitos Blvd. becomes public a little bit about it. They are also by Jennifer Pesqueira Carmel Mountain Rd. After 1/3 mile turn looking for a couple of telescopes to be set right onto Black Mountain Rd. Turn right up for solar viewing. If you can help with With the addition of the following mem- onto Oviedo St. The school is located at this please let Mike Dietz know ASAP. bers we now have a total of 540 SDAA 9291 Oviedo Dr., Rancho Penasquitos. members. Please welcome Graham Budd, On Wednesday May 21st is our monthly Denise Feller, Robin Saavedra, Steve Wed May 7th we return to Balboa Park for Program Meeting. Be sure to come on out Toman, Michael and Mary Turner, and the Stars In The Park program. We will be and socialize and have a great time with all from the NASA Space Place Program, outside the Rueben H Fleet Science Center, the other stargazers in San Diego Nancy Leon. Welcome to SDAA and may west of the water fountain towards the you enjoy clear dark skies. Prado. We generally start showing up Before May ends we have two Stars in the Site dates. Saturday May 24th and May

SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 PAGE 5 San Diego Astronomy Association

Camp with the Stars Oct. 18th--Vallecito Stage Station Acknowledgments by Mike Dietz Nov. 22nd--Vallecito Stage Station by Mike, Joe, Rich, & Bob (your Star Party Coordinators) One weekend every month we set up tele- To reach William Heise Campground take scopes at a campground in San Diego Hwy 67 north through Ramona which The club would like to thank Roy Ang, Bill County for the public. There is usually a turns into Hwy 78.Continue east on Hwy Armstrong, Don Beaman, Dean Belcher, slide show presentation on astronomy pre- 78 through Santa Ysabel heading towards Rich Bentley, Carolyn Corless, Peter ceding the public viewing. During the Julian. About a mile before Julian, turn DeBaan, Mike Dietz, Doug Hansen, Jose summer months we are in the mountains right on to Pine Hills Rd. and head South. Magsaysay, Nick Marilao, Doug and during late Fall through early Spring Continue about 2 miles to Frisius Drive McFarland, Joe McGerald, Garry Mose, we are in the desert. Please contact me at and turn left. Head East on Frisius Dr. Bob Nanz, Jean and Duane Naugle, (619)334-9930 if you will be attending so I about 1 1/2 miles to the park entrance. Jennifer Pesqueira, Kent Richardson, can make the necessary arrangements with Gregory Santos, Rich Strobel, George To reach Dos Picos Park take Hwy 67 the rangers and give you any additional Varga, Bob Wetzel, for helping with the north towards Ramona. Turn right on details. school star parties, Camp with the Stars, Mussey Grade road. Then veer right on and Stars in the Parks programs. Your May 3rd--William Heise Campground - Dos Picos Park Road to park entrance efforts are greatly appreciated by the stu- Julian (17953 Dos Picos Park Road). dents, parents, and teachers May17th--Dos Picos County Park - To reach Paso Picacho Campground take Ramona Hwy 67 north through Ramona which June 7th--William Heise Campground - turns into Hwy 78.Continue east on Hwy Julian 78 through Santa Ysabel heading towards Julian. From Julian head South on Hwy 79 June 21st--Paso Picacho Campground - to the campground (on the right). From Hwy 79 South of Julian central and South San Diego take I-8 East July 18th--William Heise Campground - to Hwy 79. Head North on Hwy 79 to the Julian campground (on the left). Aug. 2nd--Paso Picacho Campground - To reach Vallecito Stage Station take I-8 Hwy 79 South of Julian East to the Ocotillo (Hwy S-2) turnoff. Head North on Hwy S-2 about 30 miles. Aug. 30th--William Heise Campground - The campground is about 4 miles north of Julian Agual Caliente Hot Springs on S-2. We set Sept. 27th--William Heise Campground - up at the far West side of the campground. Julian

Show Your SDAA Pride... with high-quality SDAA merchandise! Display your membership in style with SDAA t-shirts, polo shirts, and hats. What better way to keep warm on those cold nights at TDS than with an SDAA hooded sweatshirt? Be the talk of the road with a ‘Look Up!’ license plate frame. And be sure your fellow members know who you are by wearing an official SDAA nametag. For more information, visit the merchandise section of the website at http://www.sdaa.org /SDAAContacts/SDAAContacts.htm or call Diana Kelly at (858) 603-3323.

PAGE 6SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 San Diego Astronomy Association

May Program Meeting SkyWatch for May, 2003 by Scott Baker John Mood The Program Meeting for May will be on [ Times PST ] [ * = Easy ] [ ** = Moderate ] [ *** = Difficult ] Wednesday the 21st. Our guest speaker for that night will be Gary Peterson, Professor Sat., 26 April ---- STAR PARTY @ Tierra del Sol. of Geology at SDSU, who will give a Thurs., 1 May ---- NEW MOON, 5:15 a.m. lecture entitled "Mercury, the Forgotten Wed. 7 May ---- MERCURY TRANSITS the SUN; visible shortly Planet." This is Gary's first presentation of after dawn in NE U. S. of A.; a gorgeous telescopic event this lecture; we're his guinea pigs, which which we had here, Nov., '99. should make it fun and informative. Don't Thurs., 15 May ---- FULL MOON, 8:36 p.m. miss this presentation! Remember that we ---- TOTAL ECLIPSE of the MOON!, 8:14 - 9:06 p.m.; by the time it will still have a raffle. We have $87.00 to gets dark, the Moon will already be totally eclipsed, but still gorgeous; don't miss spend on the prize, and food and it!; partiality ends at 11:15 p.m. refreshments are available for all that show up. Doors open at 6:30 and the meeting Sat., 24 May ---- STAR PARTY @ Tierra del Sol. starts at 7:00 PM. For directions, visit the Fri., 30 May ---- NEW MOON, 9:40 p.m. MTRP web page at http://www.mtrp.org. Sat., 31 May ---- STAR PARTY @ Tierra del Sol.; try to spot 23-hour-old Moon! ---- TOTAL ECLIPSE of the SUN in Europe & Asia. EVENING PLANETS: SATURN [ * ] is moving from the Bull toward Gemini the Twins, & is getting too low for good telescopic viewing as the month progresses. JUPITER [ * ], however, is slowly leaving the vicinity of M-44 (the Beehive cluster) in Cancer the Crab; its 4 moons are edge-on & therefore make close passes, sometimes even eclipsing each other. MORNING PLANETS: MARS [ * ] is crossing Capricornus the Goat & is visibly beginning its spectacular rise in apparent size & brightness so that surface detail can now be seen telescopically. On 13 & 14 May, Mars is within 2º of NEPTUNE [ ** ] & is heading for URANUS [ * 1/2 ], SDAA Editorial Staff both of which are also in Capricornus. VENUS is [ * ] dropping fast through Aquarius the Water Bearer & will soon be gone; that's the bad news; the good news is that it becomes a beautiful thin crescent as seen in a telescope as it does so; some extremely sharp-eyed young people claim to be able to see it naked eye. BEGINNING OBSERVERS: The great /Coma Berenices/Virgo cluster of galaxies is still in perfect position for viewing. Give yourself a stretch & see how many you can spot. There are 22 Messier galaxies in these 3 constellations (if one counts M-91 as NGC-4548). I'd give at least a Editors third of 'em one & a half stars (see above) & the others no more than 2 stars. Incidentally, Bret Akers the Local Group (of galaxies, which includes the , M-31 & M-33) is an Julie Quinn outlying part of this great assemblage of galaxies. [email protected] EXPERIENCED OBSERVERS: Contributing Writers Of course, literally hundreds of additional galaxies are visible to the more experienced Bret Akers with larger scopes. Especially delightful are the numerous places where one can view Melinda Baker several galaxies at once. Take your pick! Scott Baker Patrick L. Barry TIERRA DEL SOL Michael Dietz LAT = 32º 36' 46" N ( ± 0.l" ), LONG = 116º 19' 55" W ( ± 0.1" ), ELEV = 3710' Gene Dolphin ( ± 5' ), at the bathroom, as determined from USGS 7.5 min 1/24000 map. John Mood Send comments & questions to me by phone (619/225-9639), USPS (4538 Long Branch Jennifer Pesqueira Dr. Tony Phillips Av., San Diego, CA 92107) or my e-mail address [email protected]. Jim Traweek ¡HAPPY VIEWING!

SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 PAGE 7 San Diego Astronomy Association

Astronomy Days at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Viewing Mars May 14 - 17, 2003 (continued from page 1) Join us for a fun and informative four days Saturday Star Show Since the orbit of Mars is outside of Earth's of interactive astronomy events! orbit, every now and then (about every 26 This totally unique and exciting way to months) the Sun, Earth, and Mars are in a begin your family's weekend includes: Deep Space Images relatively straight line with the Earth in the § A behind the scenes look at the technical middle. When this happens, Mars is said to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, wizardry of our dome theater. be at opposition. Since the Earth and Mars 12 Noon - 5:00 p.m. do not orbit the Sun with completely § A cleverly crafted 17 minute planetarium See the latest, vivid images sent back from circular, concentric orbits, the distance show depicting earth's movement through space by the Hubble Space Telescope, on between Earth and Mars will vary (a given the cosmos. our projection screen. opposition usually repeats about every 284 § The IMAX film SPACE STATION. years). This year, we're in luck. During this Lecture Hall. Free with paid Science Center opposition, Mars will be very near to its admission. All this for the price of one IMAX film closest point to the Sun. At 2:51a.m. on alone! Aug. 27, Mars will be within 34,646,418 Eyes On The Universe Astronomy lecture Saturday, May 17, 12 Noon - 2:00 p.m. miles of Earth. This will be the closest that (lecture series continues Wednesday Mars has come to our planet in about Planets on the Prado! evenings through May 28.) 73,000 years! At this point, Mars will be Have you ever wanted to take a walk brighter than Jupiter and every star in the Wednesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. through the solar system? Do you want to night sky. Only the Moon and Venus will Shield the Lights for Darker Nights! Lisa see how far it is to the next planet? Now be brighter. Get your telescopes ready! Bruhn, International Dark Sky Association you can, with our models of the planets, So what do you need to view Mars during laid out to scale along the Prado. Wasted light costs millions of dollars each this opposition? A 3-inch refractor will year and is obliterating one of our greatest Free. Wear comfortable walking shoes. reveal some surface details, but you will natural resources: the nighttime sky. Come Tours begin and Noon and 1:00 p.m., each really want at least a 4-inch refractor or a 6- and learn what you can do to help stop led by a Fleet astronomer. Meet at the Fleet inch reflector to see a good amount of light pollution in our community...and Main Entrance. Tours last one hour - or go detail on the Martian surface. Also, longer beyond. on your own self-guided tour. focal length instruments will generally be preferable. Lecture Hall. Free with paid Science Center Saturday, May 17, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30p.m. admission. So when you're looking at Mars, here are As part of the "Weekend Talks" series, the some things to look for: Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse at the following talk in our Lecture Hall is free 1. The white polar caps Fleet! with paid Science Center admission. 2. Any contrast between the dusky maria Thursday, May 15, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Living On Mars and the deserts (Eclipse begins at 7:30 p.m. but it will be Gerry Williams, The Mars Society 3. The dusky bands that surround the low in the sky) In 1999, the Mars Society launched a pro- polar caps (the melt lines) As the sun sets and the Moon rises over San gram that simulates manned missions to 4. Possible dust storms Diego, we'll be treated, weather permitting, Mars, in the Arctic and in the Utah desert, to one of nature's spectacles - a total lunar with rotating crews of scientists and special- 5. Clouds in the upper atmosphere eclipse. Join us in front of the Fleet build- ists conducting field research as they would 6. Color effects on the planet ing, where the San Diego Astronomy on Mars. The San Diego chapter of the Association will have telescopes available to Mars Society has provided Mission Support Focusing Tip: Mars can be difficult to focus help you view this event, and explain why to the MARS Desert Research Station because of the glare of the limb and the the Moon will go dark red or even slowly (MDRS), and has sent a biologist and a fuzzy outlines of the dark areas. Avoid vanish from sight altogether. filmmaker to live and work at the Martian focusing on the terminator, the day-night habitat. Share their adventures and video line on the planet. The polar caps should Free. BYOB - bring your own binoculars footage of this close simulation of life on be helpful as objects on which to focus. (and perhaps a comfy chair)! Mars! * Astronomy Day * For more info about any of these programs, Saturday, May 17, 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. call 619-238-1233 or visit www.rhfleet.org.

SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 PAGE 8 San Diego Astronomy Association

Answers to last month’s Dark Matter trivia questions: and other puzzling topics 1. What is it called when there is a second full moon in a month? This month’s astronomy puzzle is courtesy of NASA/CXC/SAO. Blue moon Email your answers to [email protected] by May 21. 2. Which planet has the largest volcano and the largest valley in the solar system? Mars 3. How long does it take for light to travel from the Sun to Earth? Approximately 8 1/3 minutes 4. What is the name of the largest moon in the solar system? Ganymede 5. After the Sun and Sirius, what is the 3rd brightest star in apparent magnitude as seen from Earth? Canopus

Congratulations to this month’s winners:

Michael Gruszczynski Shawn Kelly Doug McFarland Daryel Stager

Each had all 5 answers correct.

A special mention goes out to Shawn Kelly for finding 141 words in the March word search (only 60 were inten- tionally hidden). The vast majority were accidental combinations of letters, most were not astronomy-related, and he sent his answers in after the deadline, but he deserves some kudos for taking the puz- zle to this level. Way to go, Shawn!

This month’s puzzle is courtesy of NASA/Chandra X-ray Observatory Center/ Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory http://chandra.harvard.edu/

SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 PAGE 9 San Diego Astronomy Association

Gadget Night Highlights by Scott Baker The April Program Meeting was Gadget night, which drew a crowd of about 45 members to the MTRP Visitor Center. We saw some wonderful, home-built gadgets ranging from a simple heat pack to very well-made photographic adapters. I think the most attention was given to a very well- done, tripod-mounted eyepiece box. The grand prize for the evening was a 7mm Televue Nagler eyepiece that went to Mark Lane. The 50-50 prize of $87.00 went to Jose Magasaysay. Other prizes awarded were a desktop calendar and an eyepiece case. If you haven't been attending the meetings, you're missing out on winning some of these great prizes and missing some great This could be you! Last month’s Program Meeting raffle winners entertainment. Jose Magasaysay (l) and Mark Lane (r) show off their prizes. Clip and Save 2003 Board of Directors and Chairpersons President, Brian Staples Observatory Chairperson, Jim Traweek email: [email protected] ...... 858-560-9064 email: [email protected] ...... 619-477-7279

Vice President, New Member Mentor, Scott Baker TDS Site Chairperson, Shawn Kelly email: [email protected] ...... 858-792-5581 email: [email protected] ...... 858-603-3323

Treasurer (Membership), Jennifer Pesqueira Star Party Chairperson, Michael Dietz ...... 619-334-9930 email: [email protected] ...... 619-276-9568 North County Star Party Coordinator, Bob Nanz Recording Secretary, Melinda Baker email: [email protected] ...... 760-751-3992 email: [email protected] ...... 858-792-5581 East County Star Party Coordinator, Michael Dietz Corresponding Secretary, Webmaster, Christopher Watson email: [email protected] ...... 619-334-9930 email: [email protected] ...... 858-538-0442 South County Star Party Coordinators, Rich Bentley SDAA Directors: email: [email protected] ...... 619-231-8791

Shawn Kelly Library & Education Chairperson, T-Shirts, Diana Kelly email: [email protected] ...... 858-603-3323 email: [email protected] ...... 858-603-3323

Brian McFarland Public Pads Chairperson, Brian McFarland email: [email protected] ...... 619-462-4483 email: [email protected] ...... 619-462-4483

Julie Quinn Grants/Funding Chairperson, Martha Baker email: [email protected] ...... 619-443-1836 email: [email protected] ...... 858-792-5581

Dr. Art Young Newsletter Editors, Bret Akers & Julie Quinn email: [email protected] ...... 619-645-8940 email: [email protected] ...... 619-596-4697 SDAA Email Group Moderator, Scott Baker email: [email protected] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sdaa

PAGE 10 SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 San Diego Astronomy Association SDAA Calendar of Events May 2003 SMTWT FS 1 2 3 Star Party at Camp w/the Stars Maderas Golf Wm Heise Cmpgd Club, Poway 9pm

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Star Party at Star Party at Stars in the Park Stars in the Park Hilltop Middle Sunset Hills Balboa Park MTRP School 7:30pm Elem 7:45pm

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 SDAA Board Star Party at Lunar Eclipse Camp w/the Stars Meeting Torrey Pines Balboa Park Dos Picos Cty Pk SKF 7pm Elem 7:30pm 8-9pm Astronomy Day Balboa Park

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Program Meeting Star Party at TDS "Mercury" MTRP 7pm

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Star Party at TDS

Girl Scout Star Party at Lake Morena 7pm

SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NEWS AND NOTES, MAY 2003 PAGE 11 SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION NON–PROFIT ORG. P.O. BOX 23215 U.S. POSTAGE SAN DIEGO, CA 92193-3215 PAID (619) 645-8940 PERMIT NO. 3489 VOL. XXXIX• ISSUE 05 •MAY 2003 SAN DIEGO, CA. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE SAN DIEGO ASTRONOMY ASSOCIATION

SUBSCRIPTION $8.00/YEAR • SINGLE ISSUE 75¢

They return them to us for processing. for us to them return They

$25.46. Make checks payable to S.D. Astronomy Assn. PLEASE DO NOT send renewals directly to Sky Publishing. Sky to directly renewals send NOT DO PLEASE Assn. Astronomy S.D. to payable checks Make $25.46.

annual rates for magazines available at the club discount are: Sky & Telescope $29.95, Astronomy $29, and Odyssey and $29, Astronomy $29.95, Telescope & Sky are: discount club the at available magazines for rates annual

Memberships; $25 for Senior (Basic) Membership; $3 for each Family membership. In addition to the club dues the dues club the to addition In membership. Family each for $3 Membership; (Basic) Senior for $25 Memberships;

newsletter mailing label is the only notice that your membership in SDAA will expire. Dues are $35 for Contributing for $35 are Dues expire. will SDAA in membership your that notice only the is label mailing newsletter

Astronomy, or Odyssey magazine in which you wish to continue your subscription. The expiration date shown on your on shown date expiration The subscription. your continue to wish you which in magazine Odyssey or Astronomy,

Send dues and renewals to P.O. Box 23215, San Diego, CA 92193. Include any renewal cards from Sky & Telescope, & Sky from cards renewal any Include 92193. CA Diego, San 23215, Box P.O. to renewals and dues Send

I M NFORMATION EMBERSHIP

on tripod legs). Looking for $4500.00. $4500.00. for Looking legs). tripod on Nick Marilao 619-427-4152 Marilao Nick

Manuals, etc. No Damage (minor cosmetic (minor Damage No etc. Manuals, Lumicon OIII filter. 1.25" $55 1.25" filter. OIII Lumicon

RS32 Cable. Polar Scope. All Cables, All Scope. Polar Cable. RS32

For Sale For

6120 Case. Counterweight. Power Supply. Power Counterweight. Case. 6120

knobs. Upgraded mounting knobs. Pelican knobs. mounting Upgraded knobs.

2. Std. Pier. Upgraded machined clutch machined Upgraded Pier. Std. 2.

2000 Losmandy G-11. Gemini Goto Level Goto Gemini G-11. Losmandy 2000 [email protected] [email protected]

Mount - Losmandy G-11 w/ Gemini Goto. Gemini w/ G-11 Losmandy - Mount Kathleen Guerrero 858-272-1307 or 858-272-1307 Guerrero Kathleen

version). Original Celestron storage chest. storage Celestron Original version). 19th century dramatic reflecting telescope. reflecting dramatic century 19th

Additional LED spotting scope (celestron scope spotting LED Additional

For Sale For

Has Bob's Knobs, Std Spotting Scope, Spotting Std Knobs, Bob's Has

Tube. Optics and Cosmetics are like new. like are Cosmetics and Optics Tube.

OTA - Celestron C-11 Black Aluminum Black C-11 Celestron - OTA

[email protected]

For Sale For Jim Blubaugh (858)882-1964 or (858)882-1964 Blubaugh Jim The Back Page Back The