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Winter Constellations
Winter Constellations *Orion *Canis Major *Monoceros *Canis Minor *Gemini *Auriga *Taurus *Eradinus *Lepus *Monoceros *Cancer *Lynx *Ursa Major *Ursa Minor *Draco *Camelopardalis *Cassiopeia *Cepheus *Andromeda *Perseus *Lacerta *Pegasus *Triangulum *Aries *Pisces *Cetus *Leo (rising) *Hydra (rising) *Canes Venatici (rising) Orion--Myth: Orion, the great hunter. In one myth, Orion boasted he would kill all the wild animals on the earth. But, the earth goddess Gaia, who was the protector of all animals, produced a gigantic scorpion, whose body was so heavily encased that Orion was unable to pierce through the armour, and was himself stung to death. His companion Artemis was greatly saddened and arranged for Orion to be immortalised among the stars. Scorpius, the scorpion, was placed on the opposite side of the sky so that Orion would never be hurt by it again. To this day, Orion is never seen in the sky at the same time as Scorpius. DSO’s ● ***M42 “Orion Nebula” (Neb) with Trapezium A stellar nursery where new stars are being born, perhaps a thousand stars. These are immense clouds of interstellar gas and dust collapse inward to form stars, mainly of ionized hydrogen which gives off the red glow so dominant, and also ionized greenish oxygen gas. The youngest stars may be less than 300,000 years old, even as young as 10,000 years old (compared to the Sun, 4.6 billion years old). 1300 ly. 1 ● *M43--(Neb) “De Marin’s Nebula” The star-forming “comma-shaped” region connected to the Orion Nebula. ● *M78--(Neb) Hard to see. A star-forming region connected to the Orion Nebula. -
Central Coast Astronomy Virtual Star Party January 16Th 7Pm Pacific
Central Coast Astronomy Virtual Star Party January 16th 7pm Pacific Welcome to our Virtual Star Gazing session! We’ll be focusing on objects you can see with binoculars or a small telescope, so after our session, you can simply walk outside, look up, and understand what you’re looking at. CCAS President Aurora Lipper and astronomer Kent Wallace will bring you a virtual “tour of the night sky” where you can discover, learn, and ask questions as we go along! All you need is an internet connection. You can use an iPad, laptop, computer or cell phone. When 7pm on Saturday night rolls around, click the link on our website to join our class. CentralCoastAstronomy.org/stargaze Before our session starts: Step 1: Download your free map of the night sky: SkyMaps.com They have it available for Northern and Southern hemispheres. Step 2: Print out this document and use it to take notes during our time on Saturday. This document highlights the objects we will focus on in our session together. Celestial Objects: Moon: The moon is 3 days past new, which is really good for star gazing. Be sure to look at the moon tonight with your naked eyes and/or binoculars! Mercury is rising into the western sky and may be a good target near the end of the month. Mars is up high but is shrinking in size as the weeks progress. *Image credit: all astrophotography images are courtesy of NASA unless otherwise noted. All planetarium images are courtesy of Stellarium. Central Coast Astronomy CentralCoastAstronomy.org Page 1 Main Focus for the Session: 1. -
A Basic Requirement for Studying the Heavens Is Determining Where In
Abasic requirement for studying the heavens is determining where in the sky things are. To specify sky positions, astronomers have developed several coordinate systems. Each uses a coordinate grid projected on to the celestial sphere, in analogy to the geographic coordinate system used on the surface of the Earth. The coordinate systems differ only in their choice of the fundamental plane, which divides the sky into two equal hemispheres along a great circle (the fundamental plane of the geographic system is the Earth's equator) . Each coordinate system is named for its choice of fundamental plane. The equatorial coordinate system is probably the most widely used celestial coordinate system. It is also the one most closely related to the geographic coordinate system, because they use the same fun damental plane and the same poles. The projection of the Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere is called the celestial equator. Similarly, projecting the geographic poles on to the celest ial sphere defines the north and south celestial poles. However, there is an important difference between the equatorial and geographic coordinate systems: the geographic system is fixed to the Earth; it rotates as the Earth does . The equatorial system is fixed to the stars, so it appears to rotate across the sky with the stars, but of course it's really the Earth rotating under the fixed sky. The latitudinal (latitude-like) angle of the equatorial system is called declination (Dec for short) . It measures the angle of an object above or below the celestial equator. The longitud inal angle is called the right ascension (RA for short). -
Stars and Their Spectra: an Introduction to the Spectral Sequence Second Edition James B
Cambridge University Press 978-0-521-89954-3 - Stars and Their Spectra: An Introduction to the Spectral Sequence Second Edition James B. Kaler Index More information Star index Stars are arranged by the Latin genitive of their constellation of residence, with other star names interspersed alphabetically. Within a constellation, Bayer Greek letters are given first, followed by Roman letters, Flamsteed numbers, variable stars arranged in traditional order (see Section 1.11), and then other names that take on genitive form. Stellar spectra are indicated by an asterisk. The best-known proper names have priority over their Greek-letter names. Spectra of the Sun and of nebulae are included as well. Abell 21 nucleus, see a Aurigae, see Capella Abell 78 nucleus, 327* ε Aurigae, 178, 186 Achernar, 9, 243, 264, 274 z Aurigae, 177, 186 Acrux, see Alpha Crucis Z Aurigae, 186, 269* Adhara, see Epsilon Canis Majoris AB Aurigae, 255 Albireo, 26 Alcor, 26, 177, 241, 243, 272* Barnard’s Star, 129–130, 131 Aldebaran, 9, 27, 80*, 163, 165 Betelgeuse, 2, 9, 16, 18, 20, 73, 74*, 79, Algol, 20, 26, 176–177, 271*, 333, 366 80*, 88, 104–105, 106*, 110*, 113, Altair, 9, 236, 241, 250 115, 118, 122, 187, 216, 264 a Andromedae, 273, 273* image of, 114 b Andromedae, 164 BDþ284211, 285* g Andromedae, 26 Bl 253* u Andromedae A, 218* a Boo¨tis, see Arcturus u Andromedae B, 109* g Boo¨tis, 243 Z Andromedae, 337 Z Boo¨tis, 185 Antares, 10, 73, 104–105, 113, 115, 118, l Boo¨tis, 254, 280, 314 122, 174* s Boo¨tis, 218* 53 Aquarii A, 195 53 Aquarii B, 195 T Camelopardalis, -
Open Clusters
Open Clusters Open clusters (also known as galactic clusters) are of tremendous importance to the science of astronomy, if not to astrophysics and cosmology generally. Star clusters serve as the "laboratories" of astronomy, with stars now all at nearly the same distance and all created at essentially the same time. Each cluster thus is a running experiment, where we can observe the effects of composition, age, and environment. We are hobbled by seeing only a snapshot in time of each cluster, but taken collectively we can understand their evolution, and that of their included stars. These clusters are also important tracers of the Milky Way and other parent galaxies. They help us to understand their current structure and derive theories of the creation and evolution of galaxies. Just as importantly, starting from just the Hyades and the Pleiades, and then going to more distance clusters, open clusters serve to define the distance scale of the Milky Way, and from there all other galaxies and the entire universe. However, there is far more to the study of star clusters than that. Anyone who has looked at a cluster through a telescope or binoculars has realized that these are objects of immense beauty and symmetry. Whether a cluster like the Pleiades seen with delicate beauty with the unaided eye or in a small telescope or binoculars, or a cluster like NGC 7789 whose thousands of stars are seen with overpowering wonder in a large telescope, open clusters can only bring awe and amazement to the viewer. These sights are available to all. -
Atlas Menor Was Objects to Slowly Change Over Time
C h a r t Atlas Charts s O b by j Objects e c t Constellation s Objects by Number 64 Objects by Type 71 Objects by Name 76 Messier Objects 78 Caldwell Objects 81 Orion & Stars by Name 84 Lepus, circa , Brightest Stars 86 1720 , Closest Stars 87 Mythology 88 Bimonthly Sky Charts 92 Meteor Showers 105 Sun, Moon and Planets 106 Observing Considerations 113 Expanded Glossary 115 Th e 88 Constellations, plus 126 Chart Reference BACK PAGE Introduction he night sky was charted by western civilization a few thou - N 1,370 deep sky objects and 360 double stars (two stars—one sands years ago to bring order to the random splatter of stars, often orbits the other) plotted with observing information for T and in the hopes, as a piece of the puzzle, to help “understand” every object. the forces of nature. The stars and their constellations were imbued with N Inclusion of many “famous” celestial objects, even though the beliefs of those times, which have become mythology. they are beyond the reach of a 6 to 8-inch diameter telescope. The oldest known celestial atlas is in the book, Almagest , by N Expanded glossary to define and/or explain terms and Claudius Ptolemy, a Greco-Egyptian with Roman citizenship who lived concepts. in Alexandria from 90 to 160 AD. The Almagest is the earliest surviving astronomical treatise—a 600-page tome. The star charts are in tabular N Black stars on a white background, a preferred format for star form, by constellation, and the locations of the stars are described by charts. -
December, 2019
Penobscot Valley Star Gazers An Astronomical Society of Central Maine Cold blows the wind, the frozen rain and fleecy snow descend; http://www.gazers.org For, freezing winter’s come again, and so the year does end. December 2019 PVSG to Party at Kosta's The December 2019 meeting of the PVSG will be held at Kosta's restaurant in Brewer on Monday the 9th at 6:30 pm. Dwight has promised to provide an interesting video plus other things (see below). Thanks for last month’s program go to Mother Nature. No Meeting, No Minutes Hanover, Germany the son of Isaac and Anna. On the Schedule Isaac was a bandsman (Items Subject to Change) The November 11, 2019 in the Hanoverian meeting of the PVSG was Guard thus all his chil- PROGRAMS canceled due to a snowstorm. dren had a musical up- bringing although Anna December 9: Kostas thought more of Caro- line as a household STAR PARTIES servant than a daugh- ter. William was taught the violin as a young ? Tentative; (rs) rain or shine; (co) child using a small vio- clear only; (rd) rain date lin made especially for him. At 14 he joined Observe The Sky This Month his father’s regiment as an oboist and learned musical Some Selected Objects theory. As a guardsman he was briefly sent to England as King George II was a Hanoverian and needed pro- December 2019 tection from a French invasion which never happened. While there he was able to practice his English. Soon General sky comments – The winter solstice is on his regiment was recalled to Germany where he was Saturday December the 21st at 11:19 pm EST. -
January 2015 BRAS Newsletter
January, 2015 Next Meeting: January 12th at 7PM at HRPO Artist concept of New Horizons. For more info on it and its mission to Pluto, click on the image. What's In This Issue? President's Message Astro Short: Wild Weather on WASP -43b Secretary's Summary Message From HRPO IYL and 20/20 Vision Campaign Recent BRAS Forum Entries Observing Notes by John Nagle President's Message Welcome to a new year. I can see lots to be excited about this year. First up are the Rockafeller retreat and Hodges Gardens Star Party. Go to our website for details: www.brastro.org Almost like a Christmas present from heaven, Comet Lovejoy C/2014 Q2 underwent a sudden brightening right before Christmas. Initially it was expected to be about magnitude 8 at its brightest but right after Christmas it became visible to the naked eye. At the time of this writing, it may become as bright as magnitude 4.5 or 4. As January progresses, the comet will move farther north, and higher in the sky for us. Now all we need is for these clouds to move out…. If any of you received (or bought yourself) any astronomical related goodies for Christmas and would like to show them off, bring them to the next meeting. Interesting geeky goodies qualify also, like that new drone or 3D printer. BRAS members are invited to a star party hosted by a group called the Lake Charles Free Thinkers. It will be January 24, 2015 from 3:00 PM on, at 5335 Hwy. -
Taurus a Monthly Beginners Guide to the Night Sky by Tom Trusock
Small Wonders: Taurus A Monthly Beginners Guide to the Night Sky by Tom Trusock A printable version can be found here. Wide field Chart Target Name Type Size Mag RA DEC List alpha Tauri Star 0.9 04h 36m 12.8s +16° 31' 17" zeta Tauri Star 3.0 05h 37m 56.9s +21° 08' 51" M 45 Open Cluster 100.0' 1.2 03h 47m 18.1s +24° 08' 02" Mel 25 Open Cluster 330.0' 0.5 04h 27m 17.4s +16° 00' 48" NGC 1647 Open Cluster 40.0' 6.4 04h 45m 59.8s +19° 07' 40" M 1 Supernova Remnant 6.0'x4.0' 8.4 05h 34m 50.1s +22° 01' 11" Challenge Name Type Size Mag RA DEC Object NGC 1514 Planetary Nebula 2.2' 10.9 04h 09m 36.2s +30° 47' 29" A SkyMap Pro Target List for these objects is available. For the last several thousand years, mankind has been a little bull-headed when it comes to Taurus. It has the distinction of being one of the oldest recognized constellations in the night sky. According to some records, it's been in this form for 4000 years or longer. In ancient times, the appearance of the sun in the celestial bull - a plow animal - marked the vernal equinox, and the beginning of spring planting. Our constellation for the month is located on the edge of the winter Milky Way, and our targets include; three open clusters, one of the brightest supernova remnants in the night sky and a lesser known planetary nebula. -
The Desert Sky Observer
Desert Sky Observer Volume 35 Antelope Valley Astronomy Club Newsletter February 2015 Up-Coming Events February 7: Prime Desert Moon Walk February 13: Club Meeting* February 21: Dark Sky Star Party @ TBA * Monthly meetings are held at the S.A.G.E. Planetarium on the Cactus School campus in Palmdale, the second Friday of each month. The meeting location is at the northeast corner of Avenue R and 20th Street East. Meetings start at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Please note that food and drink are not allowed in the planetarium President Frank Moore Headline January 26, 2015. Giant asteroid makes close pass of earth. Visible to amateur astronomers with modest sized telescopes. Clouds move in to cover the view in Southern California….of course. President of Antelope Valley Astronomy Club fields questions from people asking if the asteroid is causing the “historic blizzard” on the East Coast. President says, in a word, “NO!!” though many callers are still skeptical. There you have it fellow AVAC members, today’s current events in a nutshell. In other recent news of astronomical interest, on January 23 we had three moons of Jupiter transit across the face of the giant planet. Weather permitting, this should have been visible to amateur astronomers with mid-sized telescopes. I set up our C-11 in the afternoon and got ready for what, we expected, would be a great night of observing not just Jupiter, but also other celestial wonders. Once it got dark enough I did a polar alignment, a three star alignment, and threw in a few calibration stars to boot. -
Characterising Open Clusters in the Solar Neighbourhood with the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution? T
A&A 615, A49 (2018) Astronomy https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201731251 & © ESO 2018 Astrophysics Characterising open clusters in the solar neighbourhood with the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution? T. Cantat-Gaudin1, A. Vallenari1, R. Sordo1, F. Pensabene1,2, A. Krone-Martins3, A. Moitinho3, C. Jordi4, L. Casamiquela4, L. Balaguer-Núnez4, C. Soubiran5, and N. Brouillet5 1 INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova, vicolo Osservatorio 5, 35122 Padova, Italy e-mail: [email protected] 2 Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Padova, vicolo Osservatorio 3, 35122 Padova, Italy 3 SIM, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Ed. C8, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal 4 Institut de Ciències del Cosmos, Universitat de Barcelona (IEEC-UB), Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain 5 Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Bordeaux, Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5804, 33615 Pessac, France Received 26 May 2017 / Accepted 29 January 2018 ABSTRACT Context. The Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) subset of the first Gaia catalogue contains an unprecedented sample of proper motions and parallaxes for two million stars brighter than G 12 mag. Aims. We take advantage of the full astrometric solution available∼ for those stars to identify the members of known open clusters and compute mean cluster parameters using either TGAS or the fourth U.S. Naval Observatory CCD Astrograph Catalog (UCAC4) proper motions, and TGAS parallaxes. Methods. We apply an unsupervised membership assignment procedure to select high probability cluster members, we use a Bayesian/Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique to fit stellar isochrones to the observed 2MASS JHKS magnitudes of the member stars and derive cluster parameters (age, metallicity, extinction, distance modulus), and we combine TGAS data with spectroscopic radial velocities to compute full Galactic orbits. -
Making a Sky Atlas
Appendix A Making a Sky Atlas Although a number of very advanced sky atlases are now available in print, none is likely to be ideal for any given task. Published atlases will probably have too few or too many guide stars, too few or too many deep-sky objects plotted in them, wrong- size charts, etc. I found that with MegaStar I could design and make, specifically for my survey, a “just right” personalized atlas. My atlas consists of 108 charts, each about twenty square degrees in size, with guide stars down to magnitude 8.9. I used only the northernmost 78 charts, since I observed the sky only down to –35°. On the charts I plotted only the objects I wanted to observe. In addition I made enlargements of small, overcrowded areas (“quad charts”) as well as separate large-scale charts for the Virgo Galaxy Cluster, the latter with guide stars down to magnitude 11.4. I put the charts in plastic sheet protectors in a three-ring binder, taking them out and plac- ing them on my telescope mount’s clipboard as needed. To find an object I would use the 35 mm finder (except in the Virgo Cluster, where I used the 60 mm as the finder) to point the ensemble of telescopes at the indicated spot among the guide stars. If the object was not seen in the 35 mm, as it usually was not, I would then look in the larger telescopes. If the object was not immediately visible even in the primary telescope – a not uncommon occur- rence due to inexact initial pointing – I would then scan around for it.