OBSERVATORY NEWS February 2019 Published by the Friends of the Observatory Volume 30 No. 2 513-321-5186 www.cincinnatiobservatory.org Bill Cartwright, editor @ Cincinnati Observatory 2019

Upcoming Events Membership News

By Valerie Niemi, FOTO Chair Like us and visit the website for Where were you the evening of January 20? More importantly, late breaking news were you an “innie” or an “outie”? Wishing you clear skies (or and events Photoshop) and thanks for all I think the Super Blood Moon Eclipse delivered all it promised, you do for the Cincinnati February Calendar including the frigid temperature. Observatory.

Astronomy Friday Feb 1 7p Thus my innie/outie question. I was a bonafide innie with Stonelick Stargazing Feb 2 dusk Astro Topics with Thursday Feb 7 7p occasional forays outside to take Astronomy Friday Feb 8 7p a peek. Dean Regas Stonelick Stargazing Feb 9 dusk My husband was a much History of the Observatory Feb 10 1-4p hardier soul, an outie with FOTO 2nd Monday Meeting Feb 11 7:30p occasional forays inside to warm Topics with Dean Regas Feb 12 7p up. Well, perhaps not the entire *Behind the Scenes Feb 13 7p 3 hours and 17 minutes, but Valentine’s Night Feb 14 5p much of the 1 hour and 2 minutes of totality. Valentine’s Night Feb 14 8p Astronomy Friday Feb 15 7p Here’s one of Craig’s pictures: Cosmic Kids Feb 16 9a Prepare for the SuperMoon A2Z+ Astronomy Class Feb 17 7p Tues. Feb. 12th 7p SuperMoon Feb 19 FOTO Planning Meeting Feb 21 7p Astrology Not Astronomy Astronomy Thursday Feb 21 7p Tues. Mar. 5th 7p Astronomy Friday Feb 22 7p History of the Observatory Feb 24 1-4p These fun and laid-back single *Stargazing 101 Feb 27 7p topic classes for beginners focus Astronomy Thursday Feb 28 7p on a variety of topics and will Astronomy Friday Mar 1 8p surely keep you looking up! Stonelick Stargazing Mar 2 dusk Craig tried to convince me that Topics with Dean Regas Mar 5 7p he saw the meteor hit the moon $15 per person $12 for Tour the Universe Mar 6 7p that night. He even produced members. *UC Communiversity this picture to prove his point, Sign Up Online or call 513-321-

but I suspect that Photoshop was 5186 Complete Calendar & Late- involved. I’ll let you make up Breaking Events is Online your own mind: 1

payload for LEOPARD and Cosmic Kids February FOTO helps with the club’s new member education. For more By Samantha Pepper Meeting information about the CubeCats, visit their web By Tom East site at http://uccubecats.org .

Please join us at 7:30 PM on Monday, February 11, 2019, at Under the Observatory, for an overview of the work of the UC Construction CubeCats. The UC CubeCats is a student

Explore the cosmos during our organization at the new multi-disciplinary University of Cincinnati classes which helps grades K-7th dedicated to the education learn and discover topics in of its members through the astronomy and investigate the development and launch of wonders beyond our world. CubeSats (small, standardized satellites). These classes are open to The presentation will give a members and non-members. broad overview on the work of You may decide to take one class the UC CubeCats, with a focus The Mitchel Observatory ca 1904 or the entire class series. You on Project LEOPARD, the club’s first CubeSat may also decide to stay with your The Mitchel Observatory is child for the class or drop them mission. LEOPARD is a micro- satellite that will study radiation undergoing some extensive off and pick them up after, repair and rehabilitation. The parents will not be charged as in low earth orbit. The project has a secondary goal of 20+ year old flat roof has participants. reached the end of its service life providing education to students and the wider community. and the dome has had its share of Sat. February 16: The Solar annoying leaks for a while. System The presenters include Reeve Lambert, a senior Repairs will also include gutters Sat. March 16: at UC studying Mechanical and some masonry work to make Sat. April 20: Rockets sure the building is weather- Grades K-3 meet from 9-10am Engineering. Reeve has been a member of tight. Grades 4-7 meet from 11am- noon the UC CubeCats from the beginning, and has served in The office and classroom will still be available but our Merz & Member prices: many roles. He currently works on the power and structures team Mahler telescope won’t be $3.00/participant/class OR seeing starlight until mid- $10.00/participant/series for our second CubeSat mission. Reeve has done February. In the meanwhile we’ll Non-member prices: feature the 1904 Clark Telescope $10.00/participant/class OR multiple internships at NASA JSC while in the UC co-op for programs and viewing. $30.00/participant/series program. Alex McGlasson is a senior at UC studying Chemical Our thanks to the University of Space is extremely Cincinnati for all they do to limited. Call 513-321-5186 to Engineering and Material Sciences. Alex is one of UC maintain this National Historic register or Sign Up Online. Landmark and support our CubeCats’ original members and is currently working on the mission.

2 match is an easy process and challenges you to get outside and Romance at the usually consists of simply filling experience the night sky. out and submitting a form. Best Observatory of all - you can double your impact at the Observatory! Astronomy Nights Thursday, Feb. 14th 5-7 pm & 8-10 pm Thursday, Feb. 7, 21, 28 Lifelong Learning Friday, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 All classes 7:00pm-8:30pm Enrich your life with UC Continuing Education's exciting Free for Members! array of noncredit short, yet in- depth, courses and educational opportunities designed for diverse audiences of all ages.

The Heart Nebula Behind the Scenes at the Observatory Sold Out. Wed. Feb. 13th 7-9pm $35 per person

Gifts Double Stargazing 101 Wed. Feb. 27h 7-9pm Your Matching $35 per person While renovation work continues on the Mitchel building Astro Impact Tour of the Universe Evenings will feature the 1904 th Alvan Clark Telescope. Wed. Mar. 6 7-9pm By Anna Hehman $35 per person Are you in awe with the beauty

Please note that our Valentine's of the night sky? Have questions To register call 513-556-6932 or Night event is sold out! This year about the Universe? This is select your course(s) online and we're again doing 2 sessions and where you can get the answers. click Register. they both filled up the first week Astronomy Evenings include in January. This evening is ever-changing short always a favorite, and will be a On Your PBS presentations on a wide variety romantic and enchanting night of topics and plenty of time for for all in attendance! Station & Online. your astro-questions. Tour this Also, if you are an National Historic Landmark. Observatory member, please And if clear, view the Moon, check and see if your company planets and deep space treasures will match your membership through the historic 1904 donation. Several local telescope. (Program is held rain companies will match employee or shine) contributions - and your The topics and the night sky membership qualifies as fully tax change week-to-week/month-to- deductible! (There is a list of Brought to you by Cincinnati month so you can visit often to known Matching Gift companies Public Radio & WVXU hear and see something new. on our website if you click Join Free for Members! Us then 'Make a Donation'.) Gazers is the unique, bite- For the latest schedule visit the Submitting your employee sized astronomy program that web calendar and sign up online.

3 Nicole has a Master's of Arts in Welcome New Environmental Philosophy and Longworth also stated that he teaches as an adjunct professor had made a proposition, or Education Staff! as Thomas More College and inquiry, whether the Society Gateway Community College. would be willing to sell three acres of their land to the City for Natalia recently graduated with a the purpose of a public Bachelor's in Environmental promenade in connection with a Studies and currently works as a new reservoir that was proposed program lead for MetroParks of by the City authorities. Butler County. (Editor: the proposition or We are excited about the inquiry evidently had been teaching experience and science addressed to the society but had background they will both bring not been received by the Society. to the Observatory! The original donation was believed to be for four acres).

History Notes The proposition, or inquiry, had not been made with any wish to Natlai Tooley have it considered as a condition By John Ventre, COC Historian of his donation, not even as an Longworth's Reply to CAS's expression of his wishes as a Request for a Deed donor, but merely as a suggestion by a member of the At the April 22, 1845, Board of Society. Control Meeting the Directors of the Cincinnati Astronomical Longworth further stated that he Society recorded the following was serious in the offer which he report. had made to the Society through the newspapers in relation to the Mr. Perkins, the Board member removal of the Observatory from who was appointed at the last Mt. Adams, and that upon further meeting to meet with Nicholas consideration he thought that if the Society were willing to Longworth, reported that he did Nicole Capelle meet with him to ask him to issue entertain the proposition, he a deed for the Mt. Adams should be disposed to increase The Observatory's education property. the amount of his offer to them. team is excited to welcome two new part time educators, Nicole Longworth previously promised Principal Source: Minutes of the Capella and Natalia Tooley. to issue a deed to the land but had Cincinnati Astronomical Society, not yet done so. Mr. Longworth Board of Control, April 22, Both Nicole and Natalia will be told Perkins that he was now 1845. helping to lead daytime field ready to create a deed. trips, evening scout programs, Longworth indicated that he and outreach programs at never intended to withhold the schools, libraries etc.. deed or to make any conditions to his donation, except such as was expressed in the title bond.

4 David and Catherine • Member’s only classes and New & Renewing Schildknecht programs Richard and Susan Schmidt • Volunteer Training and Members! Peter Schreiber Professional Development Kirk Schrotel • Loaner telescopes Cheryl and Nicholas Ames Valerie Scott • Free admission to Astro Diane Wright and Howard Randy Gudvangen and Brett Thu/Fri/Saturdays Ammons Siereveld • Discounts in the Gift Shop Jeff and Karen Anderson Leslie and Matt Silbernagel • Free admission to the Joseph and Katie Bayer Michael Smith Carol and Jon Beeson historic landmark buildings Walter and Marlene Smothers and permanent collections. Kelly and Chris Berger Carol and Mark Stephenson Malcolm and Glenda Bernstein • Use of the FOTO lending Mary Sullivan and Dr. Library. John and Tricia Bevan Raymond Schultz • One-year subscription to the Joseph Bozzelli Danail and Andrea Todorov monthly e-newsletter Dennis Brewer Susan Tranter • Members-Only Facebook Emily Bursk Douglas Troy Page Susan Cannon Barbara C Vaughan

Angie Carter Joe and Darlene Verkamp For more information, call the Keith Chambers Margaret Wienholts Observatory at 513-321-5186. Gregory Chupka Taylor Wolfe Derrick Cole Gary and Barbara Corbin Thanks to all our terrific Stephen and Judy Fagel members, donors and Save-The-Dates Brett and Elizabeth Ferrell volunteers! We hope you will Richard and Joan Finan visit often in 2019! Jane Garvey and John Lanier Jeff and Kathleen Howe Andrew Jones New Member Ronald Keeling Carolyn Krause Benefits Scott and Debra Lawrence Scott Gainey and Michelle Lierl With your membership, you James and Martha Lowe become a Friend of the Vik Mehta Observatory (FOTO) and join Sean Minion our family of amateur In Your 2019 Ian Mould astronomers, history buffs, Calendar! Tom Navaro donors and volunteers.

Mary and Matt O'Rourke Feb 14 Valentine’s Night Bob and Hayley O'Donnell FOTO meets on the Second Pam Parker and Kurt Eiben Monday of the month at 7:30 Feb 19-20 SuperMoon Jim and Amy Parrott pm at the Observatory. All March 20 Spring Equinox Full Bob & Judy Pearson members and their guests are Moon Brad Peddenpohl welcome to attend. April 14 First Light Night Robert Peddenpohl Terry and Rosemary Powell Your benefits include: June 16 Sunday Sun-day Sundae Kaycie Robertson • Discounted or free Janet and Bob Rosing admission to Friends of the Calendars $10 each; Linda Norwell and V'Ann Observatory (FOTO) 10 or more save 10%. Ryther programs 5 A2Z+ Astronomy Intro to FOTO Committee

Far is Apparently Farther Astronomy with Officers

Sunday, Feb. 17, 7:00 pm Dean Regas Chair-Valerie Niemi Vice Chair-Aaron Eiben By Dave Bosse Secretary-Michelle Gainey Treasurer-Al Scheide Or is it further? No, it’s farther. Member Representatives to the That reminds me of a Groucho COC Board: line, but I digress. Last month’s Dave Bosse weather got the best of the Lunar JoAnne Pedersen Eclipse event (cancelled) and the Terry Endres A2Z+ class (cancelled). However, unlike the Lunar To contact an Officer or Rep Eclipse, the A2Z+ class has been email rescheduled (hard to do with an [email protected] eclipse). The February edition of and I’ll forward your contact the A2Z+ Astronomy class will information on to them. be a second attempt at discussing the various distance measurement techniques used by Stargazing at Astronomers. From measuring Wed. April. 3, 10 & 17. 8-10p the positions of asteroids and Stonelick planets around the Solar System Already Filling Up! Saturdays-February 2 & 9th to distances of Large Quasar Groups clear across the This 3-night (once a week) Universe, we’ll cover all the introductory astronomy course is methods. Some techniques are perfect for beginners who want well known, others are quite to know more about observing esoteric. This first A2Z+ class of the night sky. 2019 will cover how we know how far away objects are. Led by astronomer and co-host Twenty-eight different of PBS’ Star Gazer, Dean Regas, Bring the Family! techniques are currently used this course will show you the and we might get to all of them. . You will learn how to The A2Z+ Astronomy class Need help with your telescope? identify stars, , and meets the third Sunday of each Get expert tips setting it up and month at 7:00 P.M. in the West planets as well as viewing tips exploring the night sky. Wing of the Herget Building for the Moon. Stargazing begins at dusk. Open (February 17th, 7:00 P.M.). to all ages. Stargazes are weather Discussions cover contemporary Each night includes viewing permitting. Astronomical topics as well as through the historic telescopes those historic. No pre-requisite (weather permitting). “Like” Stonelick Stargazers for knowledge of Math or weather and holiday schedule Astronomy necessary. The $50 per person for the series. updates. group meets for about an hour or $40 for Observatory members. so and is free to any member of Space is limited. Sign Up the Observatory. Online or call 513-321-5186 to register.

6 especially the 52 neighborhood ◦ COC Rep: Frank January FOTO star gazes. Huss, Chuck Fairbanks, Al Meeting COC Representative: Dave Scheide are the Bosse: Quarterly meeting will candidates. Highlights be on 2/13/19; the anonymous ▪ Election by paper donation from last year will be ballot: Chuck FOTO Meeting Jan. 14th used to obtain some new Fairbanks is the eyepieces for the Mitchel and By Michelle Lierl Gainey, new COC Rep. Alvan Clark telescopes. FOTO secretary. Speaker: Paul Sutter, “Your The FOTO Meeting was called Library Committee: Several Place in the Universe; to order by Valerie Niemi, Chair, reference books are on the desk Understanding Our Big, Messy at 7:30 PM. in the library; these are for use at Existence”. COC and not to be checked out. Announcements: All the books on the shelves can Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 . be checked out. pm.

• The FOTO Planning Telescope Loaner Committee: Meeting will be held on Dave Bosse: Don Storck will Thursday, Jan 24, 7 PM Craig’s Corner check all the loaner scopes as at COC. they are returned, and service • A to Z class: Sunday Craig Niemi, Executive Director them as needed before they are 1/20/19, 7 PM: Dave re-loaned. Bosse: All of the This winter has been both • Labels are being made distance calculation challenging and rewarding for for the loaner telescopes. techniques. stargazing! • Labels are already on • Stonelick Star Gazes, Castor and Pollux, the 2 • Cosmic Kids: ***, 9 AM While the weather has brought us yard scopes that are – noon. several cloudy, snowy nights, NOT for loan. when it is clear the winter skies • UC Communiversity classes: can be breathtaking. Stonelick Dark Sky Committee: • Topics in Astronomy Aaron Eiben: Stonelick nights Despite the bitter cold with Dean Regas: this month are temperatures, January’s total • “Radio Astronomy”: lunar eclipse was a dramatic Dean and Anna, 2nd and New Business: event for stargazers and 4th Wednesdays, on • The work on the Mitchel photographers. WVXU. Dome is ongoing. The

flat part of the roof will And on top of that spectacle, Business meeting: also be repaired. lucky photographers including

• Elections: Observatory member & Reports: ◦ Chair: Valerie Cincinnati Astronomical Society

Niemi President Bryan Simpson, Minutes from the meeting of caught for the first time ever a 11/12/19 were read by Michelle ◦ Vice Chair: Aaron meteoroid impact during a lunar Lierl Gainey, Secretary. Eiben eclipse! ◦ Secretary: Michelle

COC Director: Craig Niemi: Lierl Gainey announced that many new events ◦ Treasurer: Al will be occurring in 2019, Scheide 7

The Observatory is planning a Radio Astronomy! full slate of public, school and members programs for 2019. We hope you’ll sign up and visit often.

In the meanwhile be sure to keep looking up. Craig \ Brought to you by Cincinnati Public Radio & WVXU Community Rewards Looking Up brings you the latest Number for the astronomical discoveries in a really fun, quick-paced @ Bryan Simpson Observatory conversation. We cover out-of- (with permission) this-world topics about planets, stars, and the universe, science Events such as the lunar eclipse and technology, throw in a little are great for those who just like pop-culture and bring it all down to marvel at the night sky with to Earth. just their eyes. If that’s you, we hope you have seen Star Gazers Looking Up releases new on our local PBS stations or episodes twice a month, on the online, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher.

After a quick and easy sign History Tours of up online, every time you the Observatory swipe your Kroger Plus Card

a donation goes to support 2nd & 4th Sundays the Observatory’s mission. February 10 & 24th No cost to you; no loss of fuel Drop in between 1-4pm points. https://www.kroger.com/a For eight years Observatory ccount/create Outreach Astronomer Dean Regas and James Albury have co-hosted this unique, bite-sized astronomy program that challenges you to get outside and experience the wonders of the night sky. Each week Star Gazers broadcasts a 5-minute 2019 marks our 177th Year! and 1-minute program to show you "What's Up" in the night Stop by for the whole story or sky. just the highlights. It’s all

8 fascinating and connects our past with your today. FOTO Planning Borrow a

$5 per person. Free for Meeting Telescope! members. Group tours by appointment. Thursday, February 21st 7pm. By Dean Regas

Help plan programs and events As a member of the Observatory, Amazon “Smiles” for your fellow members. Open you can borrow a scope though to all. the Telescope Loan Program. On the Observatory For more info please call Dean at 513-321-5186. The Observatory

by Day

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the Observatory Follow Your whenever you shop on Observatory on AmazonSmile. Next time you The Cincinnati Observatory is shop at Amazon start at hosting weekday tours of our Facebook http://smile.amazon.com/ch/ National Historic Landmark.

31-1665954 The tours are held at 1pm, 2pm We are fast approaching 10,000 and 3pm Monday through “likes” and followers on Friday. Facebook. Join them to stay up-

On Your PBS to-date with our fast changing Tours include both of the programs and stargazing news! Observatories and telescopes, Station & Online The Observatory is on Twitter including the Mitchel telescope- and Instagram too! the oldest public telescope still in use in this hemisphere. $5 per person.

Want to schedule a group up to 12? Sign Up Online. Call 513-321-5186 for more

Brought to you by Cincinnati information. Public Radio & WVXU

Star Gazers is the unique, bite- sized astronomy program that challenges you to get outside and experience the night sky.

9 The Observatory Staff:

Craig Niemi, Executive Director [email protected] Connect to Your Dean Regas, Outreach Observatory Astronomer & Volunteer Coordinator The Cincinnati [email protected] Observatory Center Anna Hehman, Development 3489 Observatory Place Director Cincinnati, OH 45208 [email protected] 513-321-5186 cincinnatobservatory.org Kelsey Stryffe, Admin. Assistant & Docent Social Media [email protected]

Samantha Pepper, Education Curriculum Coordinator [email protected] Like us on Facebook Natalia Tooley, PT Outreach Follow us on Twitter Educator [email protected] Enjoy our photos & videos on Instagram. Nicole Capella, PT Outreach Educator [email protected]

John Ventre, Historian [email protected]

10

11