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Newsletter Archive the Skyscraper June 2011 the vol. 38 no. 6 June Skyscraper 2011 Amateur Astronomical Society of Rhode Island 47 Peeptoad Road North Scituate, Rhode Island 02857 www.theSkyscrapers.org how our modern civilization responds to the sky, both with architecture and the dazzling array of new discoveries such as Dark Matter June Meeting with and Dark Energy, and how our modern picture of the universe arose from the work Dr. Bryan E. of astronomers such as Herschel, Hale, Hubble and others. Dr. Bryan Penprase received a B.S. in Penprase Physics and an M.S. in Applied Physics from Stanford University in 1985 and his Friday, June 10, 7:30pm Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics Seagrave Memorial Observatory in 1992 from the University of Chicago. “The Power of Stars” - He served at both universities as both a Research and Teaching Assistant, was a How Civilizations have Predoctoral Research Fellow at the Space Responded to the Sky Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore and an NRC Postdoctoral Researcher at IPAC/ Caltech in Pasadena. Dr. Penprase has been Pomona College Professor and author a professor of Physics and Astronomy and Dr. Bryan Penprase discusses his new book Director of the Brackett Observatory at “The Power of Stars” and describes the Pomona College since 1993. Dr. Penprase variety of constellations, cosmologies and recently was awarded a Downing Exchange calendars from cultures across the world and Award to become a visiting fellow at Caltech, the Carnegie Observatories, and through the centuries. Using a wide variety Downing College, Cambridge, in his work JPL using the Las Campanas Observatory, of sources, Dr. Penprase presents a visual on quasar absorption lines. He also was a the Keck Telescope and Hubble Space tele- feast of astronomy, with constellation maps, visiting scholar at the Harvard Smithsonian scope, among other facilities. He has worked aerial views of aligned celestial structures, Astrophysical Observatory, and an ASEE/ extensively in many areas of astrophysics, and images of the universe as created by a JPL Summer faculty fellow. Dr. Penprase primarily in observational astronomy related wide range of cultures. He will also discuss recently has been conducting research at continued on page 6 In this issue… Phases of the 2 President’s Message Moon The Circumpolar 1 8 15 23 3 Constellations Other notable events: Summer solstice is on the 21st. Pluto is at opposition on the 28th. Midland Mall 4 Remembrance β Scorpii 6 Seagrave Memorial Observatory 7 Milky Way Safari is open to the public 8 May Reports weather permitting Summer hours begin May 7 Skyscrapers Telescope Saturdays: 9:00-11:00 pm 9 and Accessories Sale 2 The Skyscraper June 2011 Our May meeting featured Professor Roy President’s Kilgard of Wesleyan University’s Van Vleck Observatory. He provided an interesting overview of the past, present, and future of Message the Van Vleck Observatory. The presentation Tom Thibault included historical photos of its original fa- cilities and equipment, as well as the current The Skyscraper is published monthly by Skyscrapers, Inc. Meetings are usually held Dear Skyscrapers Members, state of the observatory. Roy outlined the on the first Friday of the month. Public Our weather has been getting warmer, astronomical contributions of the past and observing is usually held every Saturday but the clouds continue to damper our continuing research of the present. The Van night at Seagrave Memorial Observatory, efforts to gaze upon the starry skies. The Vleck Observatory is a beautiful facility with weather permitting. remnants of the powerful storms in the a rich historical background and with its President central and southeast regions have been close proximity to Rhode Island deserves to Tom Thibault [email protected] finding their way to New England. Yet we be on your list of locations to visit. have had a number of Public Viewing Nights Our business meeting followed and 1st Vice President and hopefully the number will continue to included membership appreciation noted John Briggs [email protected] increase. for our exiting 2nd Vice President Steve 2nd Vice President The arrival of the warmer weather Hubbard and Trustee Jim Brenek. Their Kathy Siok [email protected] provides an excellent opportunity for in- terms of service have ended and their contri- terested members to consider volunteering butions to Skyscrapers have been significant. Secretary to assist on our Public Viewing Nights. Steve and Jim, thank you both so much. Al Ed Haskel [email protected] Please consider joining the members of Hall informed us of the upcoming StarConn Treasurer the Observing Committee on Saturday event presented by ASGH., and invited all Jim Crawford [email protected] evenings. The personal satisfaction of to attend. The ASGH annual event is being sharing the night sky with the young, old, held on June 4th at Wesleyan University in Members at Large and families is very gratifying. Middleton, CT. Information on the event Gene Kusmierz [email protected] This also provides a great opportunity for those interested can be found at http:// Jim Hendrickson [email protected] for you to view through our society’s won- www.asgh.org. Bob Forgiel listed a number Trustees derful telescopes. All experience levels are of upcoming Public Outreach Programs. It Tom Barbish [email protected] welcome and what better way to learn than appears Skyscrapers will be busy this year Pat Landers [email protected] through the tutelage and camaraderie of sharing the night sky, so I urge all members Steve Siok [email protected] our membership. Our trustee’s can be con- to consider volunteering to assist in our Star Party Coordinator tacted regarding training on our society’s mission of educating both our membership Bob Forgiel [email protected] telescopes for those interested in joining the and the public to the wonders of astronomy. Observatory Committee. Lastly, it was noted that our first Members Librarian Night Program “Constellations” was a Amber Lesperance [email protected] success, Dave Huestis and Francine Jackson Historian hosted a great session. The group was treated Dave Huestis [email protected] StarConn to Dave’s informative explanations of the Presented by the Astronomical Society of workings of our night sky in conjunction Editor Greater Hartford and with the kind and with Francine’s colorful mythological tales Jim Hendrickson [email protected] generous cooperation of the Astronomy of our featured spring constellations. Our Department of Wesleyan University. Directions second session of the program featuring the Directions to Seagrave Memorial Saturday, June 4 Summer Constellations is being scheduled. Observatory are located on the back page at Wesleyan University I invite all to attend, what’s better than a of this newsletter. night under the stars with friends that is Submissions both informative and just plain fun. Submissions to The Skyscraper are always Unfortunately, the scheduled CCD welcome. Please submit items for the newsletter no later than June 17 to Jim Marathon was postponed due to the Hendrickson, 1 Sunflower Circle, North weather. Bob Horton noted a reschedul- Providence, RI 02911 or e-mail to jim@ ing of this event will be forthcoming. distantgalaxy.com. Astrophotography has become increasingly E-mail subscriptions Executive affordable and now within the reach the To receive The Skyscraper by e-mail, send reach of most everyone. What better way to e-mail with your name and address to jim@ Committee Meeting distantgalaxy.com. Note that you will no members welcome determine if this avenue of astronomy inter- longer receive the newsletter by postal ests you than discussing with those that cur- Monday, June 6, 7:00 pm mail. rently find it so rewarding. It’s also a perfect at Seagrave Observatory opportunity for those currently involved to exchange their knowledge and expose each twitter.com/SkyscrapersInc other to different equipment and formats. www.theSkyscrapers.org The Skyscraper June 2011 3 New programs and updates regarding items donated by Dan and Lois Von Riesen. so at your earliest convenience to continue current activities can be found on our Web We have cataloged all the items and will be your support of Skyscrapers. Dues can be Site, http://www.theskyscrapers.org/. using a number of them here at Seagrave. mailed to Skyscrapers Inc., 47 Peeptoad We have recently received some generous The remaining items will be offered to our Road, North Scituate, RI. 02857, Attn: Jim donations; all those that attended our May membership. Please refer to the posting in Crawford, or feel free to see Jim personally meeting were treated to our new projection this month’s newsletter regarding the items during any of our functions he is in atten- screen donated by our own Jerry Jeffrey. and the process for acquiring those you find dance. Jerry’s donation included a digital projec- of interest. Clear Skies tor as well and will also be put to good use. My final note to all: 2011/2012 member- Tom Thibault Thank you, Jerry, from the entire member- ship dues were payable beginning in April. Skyscrapers ship. We received a number of astronomical If you haven’t remitted your dues please do President their positions do change with time, they at the crook of the handle, Mizar, was the seem to travel in a circle centered at the sky’s eye test for Greek soldiers. Look closely near north pole, and are always visible from our this star - if you can see a dimmer star right northern latitudes. next to it, your eyes are good enough for The Most evident is the Big Bear, Ursa Major. battle. Dimmer Alcor, although it seems to This pattern is so easily seen as a bear that be a close neighbor to Mizar, is in fact much Circumpolar cultures all over the Earth saw this part of farther away, and only in the same direction.
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