July 2017 OBSERVER(Med)

THE OBSERVER OF THE TWIN CITY AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS

Volume 42, Number 7 July 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

1«Editor’s Choice: Image of the Month – Messier 109 2«President’s Log 3«Calendar of Celestial Events – June 2017 3«New & Renewing Members/Dues Blues/List/Forum 3«Subscribing to Our E-Mail List & Forum 4«Planets and Bright Stars in Evening Mid-Twilight 5«This Month’s Phases of the Moon 5«Local Sunrise and Sunset Times for June 5«AstroBits – News from Around the TCAA 8«Profiles in Amateur Astronomy: Tim Stone 10«TCAA Photo Gallery 12«AstroBits (continued) 12«Education and Public Outreach for June 2017 13«Introduction to Amateur Astronomy 13«First Sidewalk Astronomy Viewing Session 14«July 25th Fifth PVS of 2017 EDITOR’S CHOICE: IMAGE OF THE MONTH – MESSIER 109 14«Remaining PVS for 2017 15«Camp Ondessonk Reminder July’s Image of the Month is by Jim Gibbs. Jim writes, “It is hard 15«TCAA on Facebook and Twitter to let clear skies pass by without thinking about being outside 15«HowTimeFlies observing or imaging. This is exactly what I did on May 12th when I 16«Treasurer’s Report for June 2017 captured Messier 109 at the SGNC. I also capture C/2015 V2 aka 17«Renewing Your TCAA Membership Comet Johnson. I haven’t processed Comet Johnson yet as it will

require a bit more processing time since it moves very quickly and then makes things much different from stacking regular objects. Imaging Messier 109 had its own challenges, the nearby star Phecda, which is one of the stars that define the bowl of the Big Dipper is pretty bright. Also, the Moon rose at about 11:30 but wasn’t too much of an impediment. Messier 109 (also known as NGC 3992) is a barred spiral galaxy exhibiting a weak inner ring structure around the central bar approximately 83.5 ± 24 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. M109 can be seen southeast of the star Phecda (γ UMa). Messier 109 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781. In 1783 Charles Messier catalogued NGC 3992 as his 109th object. Between the 1920s through the 1950s, it was considered that Messier objects over 103 were not official, but in later years the additions became more widely accepted. David H. Levy mentions the The TCAA is an affiliate of the Astronomical League. For modern 110 object catalog while Sir Patrick Moore gave the original more information about the TCAA, be certain to visit our to 104 but has M105-M109 listed as an addendum. By the late club website. 1970s, as all 110 objects are commonly used among astronomers as they still are today.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

In March 1956, supernova 1956A was observed in M109. SN 1956A was a type Ia supernova in the southeast part of the galaxy, glowing at magnitude 12.8 to 12.3 at its The OBSERVER maximum. SN 1956A has been the only supernova observed in M109 since its discovery. is the monthly electronic newsletter of Twin It is also by far the most distant object in the Messier Catalog, followed by M91. M109 City Amateur Astronomers, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit educational has three satellite galaxies (UGC 6923, UGC 6940 and UGC 6969) and possibly might organization of amateur astronomers have more. interested in studying astronomy and Detailed hydrogen line observations have been obtained from M109 and its sharing their hobby with the public. satellites. M109's HI distribution is regular with a low level radial extension outside the TCAA OFFICERS & CHAIRPERSONS stellar disc, while at exactly the region of the bar, there is a central HI hole in the gas distribution. Possibly the gas has been transported inward by the bar, and because of President & Director/Property Manager Tim Stone 309-531-2401 the emptiness of the hole no large accretion events can have happened in the recent [email protected] past.

Vice President & Director/Publicist Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messier_109 Darren Erickson 309-336-0103 [email protected]

Treasurer & Director/Registered Agent Dave Osenga 309-287-0789 PRESIDENT’S LOG

[email protected] When Earth passes through the point in its orbit Secretary & Director/Historian/Editor where its equatorial plane bisects the oblate spheroid Carl J. Wenning 309-830-4085 of the sun, we call that a Solstice. When that happens [email protected] in June, we northern hemisphere dwellers call that the Director & Observing Programs Coord. Summer Solstice. Of course, our southern hemisphere Jim Gibbs 847-809-2232 neighbors see this in quite the opposite light. It's [email protected] winter down there. With the heat we had earlier in Astronomical League Correspondent June, we probably wish it was winter up here, too! Robert Finnigan 309-846-9533 [email protected] The Summer Solstice marks the official beginning of Summer, when we do much of our outdoor work Webmaster and outdoor play. Summer is the least optimal time for astronomy, with its relatively Lee Green 309-454-7349 [email protected] short nights, and hot air playing seeing games with our telescopes. This summer finds us at TCAA working to secure the necessary permits from DeWitt Lighting Education Coordinator County to construct our new observatory facilities east of Waynesville. We attended the Lisa Wentzel unlisted number th [email protected] first of three hearings on June 20 , a hearing held by the DeWitt County Regional Planning Commission. We presented our proposal, and I'm happy to report the Membership Coordinator Tom Willmitch 309-846-2423 commission approved our plan unanimously and enthusiastically. The commission asked [email protected] lots of questions, many of which were less about our proposal and more just out of

Technology Coordinator curiosity about what we do and why we do it. We were happy to answer their questions, Justin Meyer 630-649-0611 and they voted to approve, with smiles and obvious excitement. It was great to see. [email protected] So, why do we desire to build in DeWitt County? Bloomington's expanding light

The OBSERVER dome is one of the primary reasons. The site we are negotiating for is one shade darker on the light pollution map on ClearDarkSky.com. It is rated a 4 on the Bortle Scale, Carl J. Wenning, Editor in Chief Paul Pouliot, Assistant Editor rather than the 4.5 rating the Sugar Grove Nature Center is given. ClearDarkSky.com adds commentary about what to expect from a sky with a 4 rating: " Zodiacal light seen Submission deadline end of each month. on best nights. Milky Way shows much dark lane structure with beginnings of faint bulge MEMBERSHIP DUES into Ophiuchus. M33 difficult even when above 50 degrees. Limiting magnitude about

Individual Adult/Family $40 6.2 to 6.5." Full-time Student/Senior $25 So, stay tuned. There will be a steady stream of information in my President's Log in (Senior status equals ages 60+) The OBSERVER for quite a few months to come!

To join, send your name, contact info and dues payment to Dave Osenga, TCAA Clear and dark skies! Treasurer, 1109 N. Linden St., Normal, IL Tim Stone, President 61761-1471.

CALENDAR OF CELESTIAL EVENTS – JULY 2017 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

MORNING PLANETS (7/15): Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn The following individuals have paid dues for new or renewed memberships as of June 23rd, 2017. (Others who EVENING PLANETS (7/15): Mars, Venus, Uranus, and Neptune paid after that date will appear in the August 2017 issue of The OBSERVER.) 03 Earth at Aphelion – The Earth is farther from the sun today than at any other time of year. Its distance is 1.01668 astronomical units, or 1.668% greater than its average Matthew Will, Roy Lawry, and Tim Stone distance. This bit of information alone should dissuade people from the mistaken belief that the seasons are caused by the changing Earth-Sun distance. If that were the UES LUES case, we would be experiencing winter at the moment! D B

08 Full Moon – The Moon will rise at sunset and set at sunrise. If you have received a “your dues are due” statement This full moon was known by early Native American tribes along with the email that brought you this issue of The as the Full Buck Moon because the male buck deer would OBSERVER, please remit your dues to Mr. Dave Osenga, begin to grow their new antlers at this time of year. This TCAA Treasurer, 1109 N. Linden St., Normal, IL 61761- moon has also been known as the Full Thunder Moon and 1471. Dues are currently $25 for seniors (60 years of age the Full Hay Moon. and over) and $40 regular.

16 Last Quarter Moon – The waning, half-lit moon rises SUBSCRIBING TO OUR E-MAIL LIST & FORUM around midnight and sets around midday. By subscribing to a group’s mailing list, you will receive 23 New Moon – Sets at sunset and rises at sunrise; not visible. email messages from the group so you won’t have access to the group’s web features (like photos, files, links, polls, 29 Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower – The Delta Aquarids is an calendar, etc.) unless members activate it later. The club average shower that can produce up to 20 meteors per has an open email listserv. It is known as the TCAA hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by Yahoogroups listserv. It will be used to share comets Marsden and Kracht. The shower runs annually announcements and reminders about astronomical and from July 12 to August 23. It peaks this year on the night of club events. To join this main listserv, you must do the July 29 and morning of July 30. The crescent moon will set following: by midnight, leaving dark skies for what should be a good early morning show. Best viewing will be from a dark 1. Subscribe: Send a blank email to TCAA- location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the [email protected] Note: You’ll be sent a constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the confirmation email from the group. Reply to the sky. confirmation email to activate your subscription. 2. Unsubscribe: [email protected] 30 First Quarter Moon – The waxing, half-lit moon rises 3. To post a message: [email protected] around midday and sets around midnight. A new forum has been established that replaces the former yahoogroups.com imaging group. This new space VENING KY AP E S M will give TCAAers more room to grow the forum as well as the ability to customize the look and feel of the site. For Click on the icon found here to access now, Tony Cellini will be paying for the hosting service but, a current evening sky map along with if somewhere down the line he should decide that he a more detailed celestial events doesn’t want to take on that burden, the host he chose calendar. offers free hosting for 503(c) organizations. So, join the discussion at the new home of the TCAA forums: https://tcaa.clubforums.net. Please note that guests may view all the forums, but registration is required to post. It’s easy and secure.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

PLANETS AND BRIGHT STARS IN EVENING MID-TWILIGHT FOR JULY 2017

This sky chart by Robert D. MillerPlanets and is drawn for 40 Bright Stars° north latitude but may be used throughout the continental U.S. and in Evening Mid-Twilight southern Canada. It shows the positions of objects in the sky when the SunFor July, 2017 ’s center is 9° below the western horizon. This corresponds from 49 to 53 minutes after sunset this month. The summer stars are approaching the meridian, and the stars of spring dominate the western sky. ThisJupiter sky is chart now is prominently drawn for latitude shinning 40 in degrees the south north,western sky, and Saturn is shining prominently in the south-southeast. but Mercury is making its appearance low in the westmay be used in continental U.S. and southern Ca-northwestern sky after sunset. nada.

Capella

Pollux

8 Deneb

15 Mercury 22

Vega 29

E W Altair Regulus

Arcturus

Jupiter 29 15 22 1 8

Spica

Saturn 1 8 15 22 29

Antares

S Evening mid-twilight occurs Stereographic Projection when Sun is 9O below horizon. Map by Robert D. Miller July 1: 53 minutes after sunset. 15: 52 " " " 31: 49 " " "

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

THIS MONTH’S PHASES OF THE MOON

Full Moon Last Quarter New Moon First Quarter Saturday, July 8 Sunday, July 16 Sunday, July 23 Sunday, July 30

All moon phase dates are Central Time. Additional moon phases for the 2017 calendar year can be found by clicking here. Images provided by J. K. Howell of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society & used with permission.

LOCAL SUNRISE AND SUNSET TIMES FOR JULY

From the December solstice to the June solstice, the duration of daylight increases. This occurs in general because sunrises occur earlier and sunsets occur later. The opposite is true from the June solstice to the December solstice. The table below gives times for the Bloomington-Normal area, and will help you plan observations. The times of dawn and dusk in the table below are the beginning and end of astronomical twilight when the sun’s center is 18° below the horizon and it is not contributing light to the night sky.

Event July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 Dawn 3:25 AM 3:31 AM 3:40 AM 3:49 AM 3:59 AM Sunrise 5:29 AM 5:33 AM 5:38 AM 5:44 AM 5:51 AM Sunset 8:30 PM 8:28 PM 8:25 PM 8:20 PM 8:14 PM Dusk 10:34 PM 10:30 PM 10:23 PM 10:15 PM 10:05 PM

ASTROBITS – NEWS FROM AROUND THE TCAA

ó Bob Finnigan and Tim Stone visited the proposed site for the new observatory on June 2nd to make measurements and put out makers. If approved by the DeWitt Zoning Commission and the land owner, we will be leasing just under ½ acre on the southeast corner of the “Ernest F. Finnigan Subdivision, DeWitt, Illinois.” ó To reduce the backlog of unwanted TCAA library books housed at SGO (making way for the new storage locker), Tony Cellini picked out about 10 books that were still useful “regardless of the publication date” and added them to the free library box outside the nature center building. Only about half of the club’s books and magazines remain. It was agreed at the last public viewing session that we would wait until after the next PVS to dispense with the library. Members are hereby reminded that books are free for the taking. Remaining books will likely be given away to a book drive after that. ó Despite full sunlight and temperatures hovering around 90oF, the painting of the SGO dome was completed on June 5th at a cost of $295. The application was not actually paint, but an elastomeric compound that looks like paint but leaves a thin rubberized skin rather than a veneer that is prone to pealing and flaking. Thanks to Bob Finnigan for getting our painter set up for the job. ó Registration is now open for the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party which is slated to run from September 21-23 at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Park northwest of Springfield. For details, visit http://sas-sky.org/2017-idssp/

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

ó The Board’s ad hoc committee for the new observatory lease met at the home of Carl Wenning on Tuesday, June 6th. In attendance were Tim Stone, Bob Finnigan, and Lisa Wentzel. Joining us later was Dave Osengo who happened by the drop off a reimbursement check. A draft lease agreement was reviewed, discussed, and agreed to. Tim signed the lease on behalf of the club. The following day Bob visited with Ernest & Patricia Finnigan to get their signatures. A day later he turned over a copy of the signed contract to the DeWitt Zoning Commission as required. ó Dave Meyer visited with Carl Wenning on the night of June 6th to clean and align Dave’s “new” CPC 11” telescope. After the operations were completed, they viewed the Ring Nebula (M57) and Jupiter from Carl’s front yard. Dave, an acute observer, noted that the Great Red Spot was in view on the ball of the planet. Carl confirmed the observation both visually and with the use of his SkySafari app. ó On June 8th, SGNC announced via Facebook that they had installed new outdoor lighting on the nature center building. They installed “LED bulbs and safety lights at the front of [the] building for night time!” The lights shine out into the parking lot as shown in the image below provided by Tony Cellini. This will provide helpful lighting for night workers, but intrude upon observers in the parking lot if left on. SGNC Director Angela Funk assured Tim Stone about their use during a short discussion on June 13th. Tim noted the next morning, “She just wanted to be sure we knew about the new lights, and that they are to remain off. They are there for the security of herself and others who might be working out there after dark. They can turn the lights on to make sure the parking lot is clear before they go out to their cars. They are to turn them off as soon as they are satisfied that it's ok to exit the building.” This assurance from Angela is greatly appreciated.

ó Carl Wenning recently had to replace the RJ12 connector at the end of his hand controller cable whose connector had lost its locking tab. To do so, he purchased a connector repair kit. He now has extra RJ45, RJ12, and RJ11 connectors and a hand crimper. Just for the record (should someone else need to repair this type of cable), Carl will gladly loan his repair kit to TCAA members in need. ó Bob Finnigan reports that the 50-year lease agreement for the new observatory was signed on June 7th and turned in – as required – to the DeWitt County Zoning Commission the following day. He also reported that the new STX 16803 camera, filters, guiders and so forth for the new observatory arrived at SGNC on June 9th. We continue to make progress. ó Here are two drawings from Dave Tandy showing what our new 24” AG Optical CDK telescope will look like when mated to its Paramount yoke mount and pier. The units in the drawings are inches. Bob noted on June 12th that the yoke mount will soon arrive at Dave Tandy’s AG Optical workshop in Atlanta, GA, in preparation for mating the optical tube assembly with the mount. The mirrors for the telescope are currently being worked on in California. ó On June 13th Bob Finnigan, Tim Stone, and Carl Wenning met with a contractor Dave Lowery of Lowery Construction in Waynesville to discuss building plans for the new observatory. Following a fruitful discussion in Waynesville, the group visited Prairie Sky Observatory to help Dave get a better understanding of what it is we are trying to accomplish and to make some measurements. Dave will get back with us soon with some basic drawings that can be used at the June 20th meeting with the DeWitt County Zoning Commission. Dave appears to be willing to serve as general contractor even though his expertise is concrete. He will eventually pull in carpenters and electricians to assist with the project if approved.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

ó The Vatican Observatory Foundation will be holding its annual seminar which is free and open to the public on Saturday, October 14, 2017. The event will be held at the University of Michigan’s Palmer Commons – Forum Hall, in Ann Arbor. The program runs from 9AM to noon. David Levy will deliver a talk titled A Nightwatchman’s Journey, Dan Davis and Brother Guy Consolmagno will give a talk titled Turn Left at Orion, and Richard D’Souza, SJ, will deliver the talk Galaxies. For more information, visit the group’s website at www.vofoundation.org. ó Make plans now to attend the TCAA’s summer picnic at the home of Carl & Carolyn Wenning on Saturday, September 9th. At the very least, pencil the date into your schedule book to avoid potential conflicts. Right now, we are looking at an Octoberfest-like event including several German entrees. Tony Cellini has offered to bring smoked pulled pork, and Carl has promised to prepare some of his German specialties. ó Tim Stone and Bob Finnigan attending the DeWitt County Zoning Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 20th. They described the TCAA proposal for an observatory site, and the 7-member Commission responded with lots of interest and enthusiasm for the project. They approved the proposal on a 7-0 basis. The proposal now must pass through three other “trials” before it is formally approved. ó At the above Zoning Commission meeting, Bob Finnigan indicated that the new TCAA dark sky site will formally be known as Waynesville Observatory. ó Jim Gibbs (Editor in Chief) and Carl Wenning (Assistant Editor) have just released the Summer 2017 issue of Northern Lights. This newsletter is a publication of NCRAL to which the TCAA belongs by virtue of its affiliation with the Astronomical League. This season’s issue is 21 pages long and contains lots of information about events in our Region. If you have not reviewed this document yet, you can find it on the NCRAL website at https://ncral.wordpress.com/. Please note that this website has been extensively updated during the past few weeks. Check it out. You’ll see TCAA “finger prints” all over it. ó The TCAA Board is currently discussing a reformulation of the Waynesville Observatory layout. The plan under discussion is shown in the drawing below prepared by Tim Stone. This plan was formally approved by the Board on June 22nd.

The four structures of the Waynesville Observatory – a 10'x28' roll off observatory housing two telescopes, a control room with storage space attached, and two 12'-diameter clamshell domes. One clamshell will be installed initially, and a second later as needed. Copyright © 2017 TCAA 7 All rights reserved.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

ó In addition to reformulating the overall layout of the Waynesville Observatory, there will be another change noted by Tim Stone, “Let me add a detail to the record. I took some time off today because we received the physical specs for the telescope from AG Optical Systems in the last couple of days, and I wanted to do the calculations needed to be sure it would fit in our enclosure, locate the pier, etc. Interestingly, it probably won't fit in the roll-off roof enclosure. It is five feet from the declination axis pivot point to the front of the telescope, and the ROR [roll-off-roof] interior will be slightly less than 10 feet. Operationally, there's danger of a slew potentially colliding with the interior wall or the top of the wall. I'd be quite uncomfortable putting it in that space. It will fit snugly but without danger of collision inside the proposed dome structure. If cost hadn't forced the issue, the physical size of the telescope would probably have done so.”

(AstroBits continues on page 12.)

PROFILES IN AMATEUR ASTRONOMY: TIM STONE

Editor’s note: From time the telescope and keep it steady as I used it. In the summer, to time I like to shine the I would do some observing after dark, throw a sleeping bag spotlight on members onto the ground, sleep until early in the morning, and get up who bring with them to do some more observing of objects I couldn’t see right considerable observing after dark. I literally wore that telescope out. skills, imaging skills, or I didn’t have another telescope until the early 2000’s. I other interesting ordered a Meade 8” Schmidt/Newtonian, which is a very backgrounds. This month I nice scope. I still have it. The focuser and the mount, focus on Tim Stone, our however, was a different story. It was very poor quality, and president. Tim responded limited the usefulness of the telescope. Next I purchased a to a set of questions I sent 5” achromatic refractor from Meade. Again, a decent him recently, and we are now sharing his answers with the telescope, limited by the quality of the focuser and the membership. mount. I acquired my first reasonably high-quality system just a couple of years ago. It’s an 80mm SkyWatcher ED 1) How long have you been an amateur astronomer, and achromat, with an iOptron ZEQ 25 mount. I’ve assembled a who or what stimulated your interest? decent collection of eyepieces, and it gives me a lovely wide- I became interested in amateur astronomy as a grade- field view. I have a 55mm Plössl eyepiece that offers a four- schooler. I remember going outside one fall evening, looking degree field with this scope. It’s quick to set up and take in the western sky, and seeing a clump of stars I’d never down, very portable, and a pleasure to use. noticed before. I wondered what it was, and remembered a I recently added a vintage 6” Dynascope to my sky map in a book I had. I dug that book out and studied the collection. It was like going home after having not been sky and that map trying for the life of me to figure out what there for 50 years! It needs some work, but hopefully I’ll that clump of stars was. I concluded, somewhat tentatively, soon find the time to make repairs and do some restoration. that it was probably the Pleiades. My parents had gotten me I’ll definitely use it, if for no other reason than to relive those a cheap department-store refractor telescope for Christmas nights in my back yard with my dad, looking through that 6” one year, and I got it out to try to look at that clump of stars. at M13 and marveling at its beauty through my very own Of course, I couldn’t see a thing with that telescope, but the telescope. whole experience brought a deep inner curiosity to life that Lastly, I have a vintage 3" Unitron refractor given to me evening. I was hooked, and my curiosity became insatiable recently by TCAA member John Mori. after that! 3) How long have you been a member of various astronomy 2) What sort of telescopes do you and have you owned? clubs?

My first telescope was a Criterion Dynascope RV6. I I joined the TCAA as an eighth grader, and was active in saved my summer job money to buy it when I was a the club through high school. When I went to college, the freshman in high school. My dad pitched in to cover my time I could devote to astronomy relegated me to “armchair shortfall, and I can never forget the thrill of placing that astronomer” status. I graduated from college, got a job, got order. It seemed like years before it arrived. My dad and I married, had children, and raised them to adulthood. The assembled it, took it outside, and pointed it at Jupiter. I’d armchair astronomer would occasionally long for a telescope never seen such a glorious sight. My grandpa and dad helped on a clear dark night, but my time and money resource me pour a concrete pad in the back yard where I could set priorities were elsewhere.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

In 2012, I happened to run into Carl Wenning and his 7) What are your fondest memories as an amateur wife at a restaurant. I hadn’t seen him for many, many years, astronomer? and he enthusiastically invited me to drop in at Sugar Grove I have many fond memories as an amateur astronomer. Nature Center to see the equipment TCAA housed there. A I remember Weldon Schuette, John and Bertha Kieviet, Carl few months later I did just that, and one look at that 17” Wenning, Bob Finnigan, people who encouraged me as an PlaneWave in the dome of the SGO was all it took for me to impetuous child to stay interested in astronomy, to learn be re-hooked. I’d messed around with astrophotography more, and to never think I knew everything. (That was a real with my Nikon D200 DSLR on my little scopes, but with no exercise for me…) guiding capability and poor-quality mounts, it was almost I remember growing up a few miles south of futile. I had dreamed of being able to do real Bloomington, looking up at dusk and watching the stars astrophotography for over a decade at that point in my life, come out, one by one, and feeling like the old song says: and now it was within grasp. I rejoined the club, and have “How I wonder what you are.” been a member ever since. I remember my first successful astrophoto taken with 4) Have you earned any awards or honors in the field of the 17” under Bob Finnigan’s tutelage. The “You took amateur astronomy? THAT?” remarks from my friends and family were so unexpected and refreshing to me. One honor I can say I’ve earned is my astrophotography Those are just a few of my fondest memories. I could go exhibition at McLean County Arts Center in the summer of on for pages and pages. 2016. Nine of my astrophotos were displayed in that exhibition, and the experience was one I’ll remember all my 8) What are your goals today as an amateur astronomer? life. My primary goal for myself as an amateur astronomer I also have been honored by the TCAA with induction to are to continually improve my photography. Some call them the G. Weldon Schuette Society of Outstanding Amateur “pretty pictures.” There’s not much scientific value in the Astronomers in 2017, the John & Bertha Kieviet Founders images. But I find them to be the centerpiece of how I Award in 2016, and also the Night Sky Network outreach pin manage my mental state. They provide me with a context for also in 2016. I earned the Honorary Messier Award from the my life, my problems, my triumphs, and my sorrows. All Astronomical League in 1979. those things, all of my life, all of me, my past, and my future, 5) With which observing programs are you currently are not everything there is. This perspective, and its involved? maintenance, is what motivates me to pursue astrophotography so passionately. I need it. So underneath it I am currently devoted exclusively to deep sky all, my goal as an amateur astronomer is to use it as my astrophotography. I work very hard to improve my anchor to remain healthy. processing techniques, and to keep the TCAA equipment running in as good condition as I know how to keep it. I’m a 9) What are your thoughts about professional and amateur work in progress, for sure, and I count myself moderately astronomy today? accomplished in the field of aesthetic astrophotography. The capabilities amateur astronomers have acquired 6) What is your greatest satisfaction in the realm of over the last 15 years have greatly blurred the distinction. amateur astronomy? Amateur astronomers regularly contribute valuable data to professional efforts, and professionals recognize that I’d say my moments of greatest satisfaction have come amateurs often have capabilities they simply don’t have. A from people looking through a telescope for the first time. professional might get a couple of nights a year at a major Perhaps they’re looking at a planet, or the moon… their observatory. Amateurs have far more access to high quality reaction is almost always extremely gratifying. systems, with the flexibility to use them to observe whatever In astrophotography, it’s quite difficult for me to feel they chose. This is extremely valuable for professionals. We satisfaction at all. I’m my own worst critic, and I can always will see these lines continue to blur, as more and more find something I could have done better if only I knew how, amateurs contribute directly to specific research in or had gotten more or better data, or whatever. I’m so picky partnership with professional astronomers. about the technical aspects of astronomical image processing, that I often must remind myself to stop and take 10) Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know? in the intense beauty of what I’ve photographed. In those I’m just a guy who has a passion for astrophotography. I moments, I can feel enormous gratification, which is then can stay up till 3am, night after night, and going to work that chased away by the distraction of that persistent little defect morning, because I love what I’m doing. It energizes me. I just can’t seem to get right.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

TCAA PHOTO GALLERY

THIRTEEN IMAGES TAKEN BY TIM STONE – According to Tim, “these are not particularly grand and eye-popping images, but it's stuff I've spent time on and there are interesting features.” Clockwise from the upper left we have CR 69, NGC 5907, M 65-M 66, M 87, M 108, NGC 3718, PGC 36805, NGC 5907, NGC 5229, NGC 4635, NGC 1909, and M 105. Centered are NGC 405 and NGC 410. Copyright © 2017 TCAA 10 All rights reserved.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

SUN WATCHING 2017 JUNE 06 BY JAMEY JENKINS – Took a look-see this morning for any solar activity and noted Active Region 2661 approaching the solar meridian, also glimpsed a variety of prominences about the limb. Here's a couple brief "series" captures from the few minutes I could dedicate to the Sun today. The prom field was rounding the1 west limb, there was a nice little loop structure disappearing when I first caught a view.

SUN TODAY 2017 JUNE 08 BY JAMEY JENKINS – Here's a couple pics from this morning showing different aspects of the spotless AR2661. No spots but plenty of magnetism still happening. Close-up is with the 100mm f/14 and Daystar Quark Chromosphere. The whole disc is a 4-frame composite, same setup + a .5X focal reducer.

BACKYARD OBSERVATORY – Here's an image of the telescope in Jamey “NEW” OLD TELESCOPE – A couple of months ago Tim Stone found a Jenkin’s backyard. The shed has a roll off roof and the mount is a 1960's era 6" Criterion Dynascope for sale. It's virtually identical to vintage (1976-77) Cave Optical retrofitted with a Losmandy Digital the scope he had when he was a kid. He references a similar Drive system. telescope is this month’s Profile article.

Vol. 42, No. 7 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers July 2017

th FIREFLIES AND MILKY WAY BY TIM STONE: Tim remarked, “Captured this one Sunday night (June 18 ) at SGNC. The fireflies are crazy thick out there this year. It's magical.”

ASTROBITS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8)

ó Don’t forget when using the [email protected] listserv to include your signature at the bottom of your post. This is a common courtesy (or should be) and will prevent others from having to figure out who sent the message by scrolling down to the bottom of what sometimes can be a rather long page. ó Illinois Policy Institute has noted on June 23rd, “Despite failing to advance budget negotiations for the second straight day, lawmakers in the Illinois House of Representatives voted June 22 to declare Southern Illinois the ‘Eclipse Crossroads of America’ and Aug. 21 as ‘Great American Eclipse Day 2017.’ House Resolution 267 gave Southern Illinois this designation because, according to the resolution, during a total solar eclipse that will occur Aug. 21, ‘the point of greatest duration for the eclipse … will occur along the line of totality stretching northwest to southeast across Southern Illinois’ …” ó Daniel & Peter Kates and Carl Wenning got together for 2 hours of Messier observing program training on the evening of Saturday, June 24th. They observed from the town cemetery at Minier, IL. Following an orientation to SkySafari software and its use in relation to the Telrad finder, Daniel used the club’s 8” telescope to find eight Messier objects: 57, 29, 4, 80, 9, 107, 13, and 11. Daniel has made a good start. Toward the end of the observing session was finding objects lickety- split. Congratulations Daniel!

EDUCATION & PUBLIC OUTREACH FOR JUNE 2017

Mike Starasta and Lee Green visited the Mt. Hope Library in McLean, IL, on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 13th to talk about the upcoming total solar eclipse with 50 youngsters and 5 adults. Our presenters demonstrated how to safely view the Sun, and used the Sunspotter solar telescope and eclipse glasses to view the sun. Some 50 solar viewers received from the

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Night Sky Network were donated to the group. Viewing through the eclipse glasses was the most exciting part of the program for the kids. Carl Wenning hosted a solar observing session for summer workshop attendees at Heartland Community College’s Challenger Learning Center on Thursday, June 15th. The sky was clear, and three sunspot groups were visible. One spot was large enough to exhibit both umbra and penumbra. Ten students were present along with CLC Lead Flight Director Stacey Shrewsbury. Tom Willmitch at the ISU Planetarium invited members, their families, and their friends to experience the presentation From Earth to the Universe on Saturday, June 24th at 2 PM. In attendance for the hour-long showing were four TCAAers: Dave Peters, Dave Osenga, Carl Wenning, and Sharon MacDonald. All were impressed by the quality and accuracy of the presentation. The June public viewing session was held under clear skies on the evening of the 24th, and what an exceptional turnout it was! Mark Cabaj’s topic of Saturn drew out some 115 individuals – the largest group in recent years. The event had been promoted successfully through the ISU Planetarium, the Pantagraph, and social media. Several observers noted that they saw some of the best views of nebulas and galaxies in years – despite the fact that the sky was not exceptionally dark. In addition to Mark Cabaj, the following TCAA members were present: Carol Cabaj, Trevor McGuire, Lisa Wentzel, Bob Finnigan, Carl Wenning, Tom Willmitch, Tom & Carolyn Weiland, Brian Barling, Kevin Brown, Paul Pouliot, Dave Osenga, Dave Peters, Dave Meyer, Lee Green, Mark & Bryce Heiniger, and Pete & Daniel Kates. In addition, there were 11 telescopes set up for viewing.

INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR ASTRONOMY ~ by Darren Erickson ~

The next Introduction to Amateur Astronomy (IAA) course will be held August 5th, 12th, and 19th at 7 PM in the classroom at Sugar Grove Nature Center. The IAA course is a general introduction to the world of astronomy. It covers Solar System / Galactic / Universe motion dynamics, practical telescope purchasing considerations, observing equipment, accessories, resources, and techniques, discussion about how and why we observe as amateurs, an orientation to SGO and our 12" catadioptric telescope, dome, and mount, and an explanation of the word "catadioptric!" It's a relatively fast-paced course exploring the world of astronomy at 2 hours per night plus orientation/observation time. The class costs $15 per family plus the cost of the course manual. It is mainly oriented to adults; however, mature youth are welcome with instructor permission. (We've had parents take the class in order to later share the material with their kids, too.) Adult club members successfully completing the course and orientation may receive a key to use the SGO observatory on a first-come, first-served basis in exchange for an additional key holder fee of $10. If you're interested in registering for the class or for more information, please send an email to the instructor, Darren Erickson, at [email protected]. (You will receive a reply from Darren from a different email address.) Special request to IAA Graduates: Darren would love to have a graduate sit in (one grad per class) to help lend perspective. The next session is going to be publicized to the wider B/N community. Please let him know if you're available for any one of the three sessions!

ST FIRST SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY VIEWING SESSION SATURDAY, JULY 1

Two “test” Sidewalk Astronomy events have been arranged with Bloomington Parks & Recreation this summer following approval of the TCAA Board of Directors at their May meeting. The dates and location of the events are as follows: Saturdays July 1st and August 5th. The times for these events are 9:15 to 10:15 PM on July 1st and 8:45 to 9:45 PM on August 5th. We will be setting up telescopes on or near the sidewalk adjacent to the parking lot at Tipton Park (north unit) in Bloomington. Though close to the parking lot, car lights shouldn’t prove much of a problem. We will be viewing primarily the first quarter moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. The following TCAA members have indicated both their willingness and ability be present at these events as follows:

July 1st August 5th ó David Meyer ó David Meyer ó Tom Willmitch ó Tim Stone ó Tim Stone ó Carl Wenning ó Jim Gibbs (?) ó Jim Gibbs (?)

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If you are one of the above, please put these dates and times in your schedule book. No one in particular is in charge of these events so, observers, just show up and begin your viewing sessions. There are no formal events; just viewing. The editor hopes that someone will promote the first event through public media, as he will not be available to do so for the July 1st session. The events will be cancelled in the event of an overcast sky. These events will give the TCAA an opportunity to promote their PVS events at SGNC during the remainder of the year.

TH JULY 29 FIFTH PVS OF 2017

The fifth public viewing session for 2017 will take place on Saturday, July 29th. The presentation is titled The Total Solar Eclipse of August 21st, and will be presented by Carl Wenning. The event will run from 9:00 to 11:00 PM. The program has been described as follows, “A solar eclipse occurs when the moon crosses over the face of the sun and the moon’s shadow strikes Earth’s surface. This summer’s total solar eclipse will cause one of the most majestic natural wonders that most people will see during their lifetimes, and Illinois is the place to see it.”

Each public observing session includes the following:

• Lecture about the featured object or topic. This 20- to 30-minute presentation, held in the Sugar Grove Nature Center picnic shelter, includes images of and details about the featured sky object or topic as well as information about other interesting objects that might be viewed that evening. • Sky tour using a laser pointer. We step out under the stars to point out the major constellations and planets, and to designate the location of the featured celestial object for the evening if appropriate. • Telescope observing session. We use a wide variety of telescopes at ground level to observe the wonders of the heavens. The Sugar Grove Observatory has an “open house”. Visit to see what’s happening there.

Here is a list of other things to know about our public observing programs:

• Programs will be held even in the event of an overcast sky; active rain, however, will cause a cancellation of the event. On cloudy evenings, the presentation will be given and tours of the Sugar Grove and/or Prairie Sky observatories will be available. Additionally, various images taken by TCAA astrophotographers will be shared via computer display in one of the observatories. • Please dress warmly during cooler months. These are outdoor events; none of the buildings we use are heated. • Please be very careful when driving into and out of the Sugar Grove Nature Center parking lot. At all times there are people, including small children, walking from place to place in the dark. Please park so that your headlights are aimed away from the picnic shelter and telescopes. • You may bring along a flashlight if you wish, but be certain to cover the lens with a red filter so that observers’ dark adaptation isn’t adversely affected. Please aim your flashlight at the ground only. • Please leave pets at home.

You may download an official version of the schedule of 2017 PVS events at www.carlwenning.net/POS_2017.pdf

REMAINING PUBLIC VIEWING SESSIONS FOR 2017

Aug 26 Moon and Sun (Tom Weiland) 8:00-10:00 PM Our moon, the brightest object in the sky after the Sun, is the sole natural satellite of the Earth. Learn about the moon’s relationship to, and impact on, the Earth, including a review of the recent total solar eclipse. Some of the

interesting features on our nearest celestial neighbor will be presented also.

Sep 23 Emission Nebulae of the Milky Way (Tim Stone) 7:30-9:30 PM An emission nebula is a nebula formed of ionized gases that emit light of various colors. The most common source of this ionization is high-energy photons emitted from a nearby hot star.

Oct 14 The Andromeda Galaxy (Nataya & Mark Boulware) 7:00-9:00 PM The Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light years from Earth. It is the nearest major

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Camp Ondessonk Reminder

Here is where the schedule of events stands right now. Carl Wenning, who is coordinating this event for the TCAA, will be in contact with club members soon to work out details of our presentations and observing sessions.

Titles or Topics Day/Time Location

SATURDAY

Meet-and-Greet – CUAS and TCAA volunteers will be 4:30 PM St. Noel Basement available to meet those with the “plus” package. Supper 6:00 PM Dining Hall The Total Solar Eclipse of August 21, 2017 – 60-minute 7:00 PM Dining Hall talk by Carl using PowerPoint (time includes 15 minutes for Q&A) Sky lecture and telescope viewing session – 15-minute 8:15 PM start for “plus” package and Club Viewing Field sky lecture plus 1.75-hour telescope session 9:15 PM start for others running until near Dining Hall or 10:15 PM approximately. St. Noel

SUNDAY

Moon’s motion and phases – 40-minute workshop by 9:15 AM, 10:15 AM, and 11:15 AM St. Noel Basement Dave Leake and CUAS (time includes a 30-minute presentation and 10 minutes for Q&A) Lunch 12:30 PM Dining Hall Illumination, Shadows, and Eclipses – 40-minute 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM St. Noel Basement workshop present by Carl Wenning and TCAA (time includes a 30-minute presentation and 10 minutes for Q&A) How to Observe the Eclipse Safely – 60-minute talk 4:30 PM Dining Hall organized by Carl and presented by Carl & Dave (time includes 15 minute for Q&A) Supper 6:00 PM Dining Hall Catholic Mass 7:30 PM Chapel Sky lecture and telescope viewing sessions – 15-minute 8:15 PM start for “plus” package and Club Viewing Field sky lecture plus 1.75-hour telescope session 9:15 PM start for others running until near Dining Hall or 10:15 PM approximately. St. Noel

TCAA ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Did you know that the TCAA is on both Facebook and Twitter? We encourage users of both social networks to follow the TCAA to see what the club is doing. If you have not yet joined us on Facebook, you are missing important reminders about astronomical events posted several times weekly. You can find us on Facebook by searching either TCAA or Twin City Amateur Astronomers. We can be found on Twitter at @TC_Astro.

HOWTIMEFLIES

The Twin City Amateur Astronomers was founded in 1960 through the efforts of John & Bertha Kieviet. Over the years, newsletter editors David B. Williams, G. Weldon Schuette, Garry Skinner, Jim Moncher, Mike Rogers & Jean Memken, Rebecca Wenning, and Erin Estabrook (as well as other contributors) documented the efforts of the club. Now, TCAA Editor and Historian Carl Wenning continues that effort and provides monthly updates about the history of the club going back in intervals of 40, 25, and 10 years. Details about all mentioned events will be found in either the publication Twin City Amateur Astronomers: 1960-2010 or in The OBSERVER archive found on the TCAA website.

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40 Years Ago: July 1977 – Rollin Van Zandt, President of the Peoria Astronomical Society as well as the Astronomical League, came to the ISU Planetarium to give a talk to the TCAA membership about the Astronomical League. He handed about provisional Messier Awards to Weldon Schuette and Gary Rosenbaum. Club members removed the Fissel farm observatory on July 24th. This was done because of encroachment of city and highway lights that make the observing site undesirable.

25 Years Ago: July 1992 – Sharon MacDonald presented the first of her articles for the club’s newsletter. From the Pages of History… dealt with topics of astronomical interest. She pointed out how a quote has been found from ancient Mesopotamia (c. 600 BC) complaining about clouds ruining an astronomer’s observation of a predicted lunar eclipse.

10 Years Ago: July 2007 – Dissatisfied with the performance of the recently repaired Meade LX200 mount, it was agreed to return the unit to the manufacture for another attempt to correct the “China syndrome” where the telescope would sporadically relocate itself pointing downward. At the July club meeting, Lee Green took the membership through a draft 5-year plan with four goals: (1) improving membership services, (2) improving club identity and presence, (3) expanding our web site with additional features, and (4) improving fund raising.

TCAA TREASURER’S REPORT FOR JUNE 2017

Checking Account Information

Description Memo Category Amount

BALANCE 05/30/2017 18,554.05 Mike and Mindy Prescott Keyholder Fee 10.00 POS 2017 Eclipse Booklets 40.00 Arch Designs for new observatory PSO Improvements (2,000.00) Ed Burleson to Paint Dome Reimbursement (295.00) Matthew Will Dues Received 40.00 Roy Lawry Dues Received 25.13 Tim Stone Dues Received 40.00 Anonymous Donation 60,000.00 Mount and Pier PSO Improvements (15,000.00) Clamshell Dome Observatory At Waynesville (8,000.00) BALANCE 06/23/2017 53,414.18

TOTAL INFLOWS 60,155.13

TOTAL OUTFLOWS (25,295.00)

MONTHLY NET TOTAL 34,860.13

Checking Account Balance – June 23, 2017 $53,414.18 Savings Account Balance – June 23, 2017 $10,016.20 - Includes $0.17 interest

Total TCAA Funds – June 23, 2017 $63,430.38

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RENEWING YOUR TCAA MEMBERSHIP

The TCAA works to promote in every way among its members and the public an interest in and knowledge of astronomy and its allied sciences, to advance amateur astronomy and observational techniques, to render assistance to other individuals or organizations working in the same or related fields, and to do everything necessary and proper to further such on a formal or informal basis. The TCAA is a Federally recognized non-profit entity organized exclusively for education and scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. The TCAA currently supports family friendly public viewing sessions at SGNC, public outreach events such as the recent May 9, 2016 transit of Mercury and the upcoming August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse field trip, hosting of NCRAL meetings (2010 and 2016), September mini conferences, and education courses for our membership and the public. The TCAA maintains two observatories including payment of insurance, and publishes an award-winning club newsletter. We support Sugar Grove Nature Center through their membership program, maintain a loaner telescope program, and provide many other benefits as outlined in TCAA Guide #2 – Membership and Benefits. Your TCAA membership supports education and public outreach in Central Illinois and regions beyond. Membership dues and the generosity of its members are the club’s primary means of financial support. We receive no grants or public funds. We have unmet needs. By renewing your membership when it comes due, you can help to ensure our continuing efforts.