NEWSLETTER OF THE VANCOUVER CENTRE RASC

VOLUME 2005 ISSUE 2 MARCH/APRIL 2005

Stars in Hawaii 1 Stars in Hawaii by Ron Jerome Observing Committee... 2 In mid-December my wife, Vikings—a thorough knowledge President’s Message 3 Anne, greeted me with the of the stars. The pilot of our Observing Sites 4 announcement, “I need some aircraft employed compass, radio Upcoming Events 6 warm weather and sunshine so I’ve and GPS to ensure our safe travel. booked a trip to Hawaii. I also What prompted me to pursue this Messier Marathon 6 need some one to carry the bags, matter further was that the word From the Librarian 8 so you are invited.” How do you “Hokule’a” means “zenith star.” beat an offer like that? Included Records show the Polynesians Looking Ahead in my bags was my 80mm refractor had developed a very sophisticated Remember, you are always and attachments, along with my star compass and this knowledge welcome to attend meetings of Council, held on the first Tues- camera tripod. was combined with an day of every month at 7:30pm Disembarking in the Kahului, understanding of wind and wave in the G.S.O. Maui airport, we walked through patterns over the seasons to enable Mar. 8: Dr. Douglas Scott of an open air corridor leading to the them to make their long and UBC’s & baggage claim area. Along the way perilous voyages. Typically, a Dept.: “What’s the Universe we passed an innocuous looking priestly astrologer would be called Made Of?” glass case that held a replica of a in for advice before the more Apr. 12: Larry Reeves, Space Mission Analyst, MDA: “Cana- two-masted Polynesian important of these trips were dian Mars Missions Feasibility ‘catamaran’—the Hokule’a. With undertaken. The sky, both day and Study Summary.” a vessel like this the Tahitians night, was scanned for signs and May 10: Ian McLennan, Van- traveled 2400 miles north into the the winds and the action of the sea couver Centre member: “New unknown, encountering the were monitored. A pig was baked Planetariums in the World: Im- Hawaiian Islands some 1300 years and prayers offered. If all the plications and Prospects for Vancouver” ago. Our trip from Vancouver portents were good, the voyage covered 50 percent more distance went ahead. Except for leis given Next Issue Deadline but we accomplished in six hours to Anne and me at the airport Material for the May Nova what would have taken those early check-in, our arrival and departure should submitted by Monday, adventurers a minimum of three from the islands was pretty May. 2, 2005. Please send weeks under the best of conditions. mundane. submissions to: The Polynesians would have used Among the stories of the Gordon Farrell ([email protected]) the same navigational tools as the discovery are those of Chief Minoans, the Phoenicians and the continued on page 7 Observing Committee Report by Craig Breckenridge speed: Lee Johnson used to pick a new to observing or else new to Recently the Vancouver couple of constellations each your equipment. We have a wide Centre Executive decided we are month that he would highlight and experience range on the lacking in one very important describe some of the objects Committee and are familiar with aspect at our Centre: we didn’t located within them. With this in most types of telescope setups. have an Observing Committee! mind, I will be presenting In One of us will be able to help you This is a terrible thing to have Transit with a bit of a new format. out. when one of the primary objectives I will present a couple of The third major thing we will of the RASC is to promote constellations with maps and be doing is to re-form the M Club. observation of the night sky. images. I will then highlight some This was an observing group who Accordingly, a committee was of the objects contained within were all working to obtain their struck with myself as Chair and them and give some idea of how Messier Certificates. For those of with Council Members Pomponia they can be located. After the you who don’t know, the RASC Martinez, Bob Parry, Bruce meeting is over, we will go over currently awards three observing MacDonald, Doug Montgomery to the GMSO where we will set our Certificates; The Explore the and Jason Rickerby making up the scopes up and show you these Universe Certificate, The Messier rest of the panel. We held our first objects (weather permitting) and Certificate and the Finest NGC Committee meeting on February how we found them. Certificate. There will soon be a 19th and came up with some It is in the spirit of the setting certificate for Lunar Observing as activities right away. We want to the scopes up after meetings that well. The Explore the Universe make our mandate anything to do we would like to invite members program is designed as a with getting our members out and to bring their scopes. If you are beginning program that will help looking up. unsure how to set your scope up you to learn the night sky and The first thing we discussed properly or are not exactly sure of bright objects within it. The was the re-instatement of ‘In the best way to use it, this is the Messier Certificate is awarded for Transit’ which had been missing ideal time for you to bring it down the successful observation of all from our monthly meetings for for a quick lesson with our 110 Messier objects. Similarly, the several years. For those who are experienced observers. We want to Finest NGC Certificate is awarded new to the Centre or have forgotten make some time each clear night for successful observation of the what this was, I’ll bring you up to to help out those of you who are continued on page 6

TeleVue, Celestron, Orion, Sky-Watcher, Antares, 1000 Oaks, ScopeTronix… [email protected] • www.heavensandearth.com • Toll Free: 1-866-537-6532 N3/05 2 President’s 2005 Vancouver About RASC Message Centre Officers The Vancouver Centre, RASC One of the opportunities this meets at 7:30 PM in the auditorium President of the H.R. MacMillan Space Cen- column presents for me is to bring Ron Jerome 604-298-3292 tre at 1100 Chestnut St., Vancou- matters of interest to the attention [email protected] ver, on the second Tuesday of every of members. February is budget Vice-President month. Guests are always wel- month and National Council is Pomponia Martinez 604-215-8844 come. In addition, the Centre has currently considering a program [email protected] an observing site where star par- which, without modification, Secretary ties are regularly scheduled. Brian Morse 604-267-6717 Membership is currently $55.00 would result in a deficit of some Treasurer per year ($31.25 for persons under $52,000. This would be the third Marc Verschueren 604-986-1485 21 years of age) and can be ob- successive shortfall and nearly [email protected] tained by writing to the Treasurer twice that estimated for 2004. The at the address below. Annual Librarian membership includes the invalu- Vancouver Council has put William Fearon 604-939-1895 able Observer’s Handbook, six is- forward a number of [email protected] sues of the RASC Journal, and, of recommendations to rein in this Membership course, access to all of the club spending. Among them are Dan Collier 604-732-6046 events and projects. For more information regarding changes to the way membership is CARO Committee Chair Bob Parry 604-215-8844 the Centre and its activities, please priced. While they are based on the [email protected] contact our P.R. Director. NOVA, the newsletter of the membership survey National Director of Telescopes Vancouver Centre, RASC, is pub- conducted last year, they are Phil Morris 604-734-8708 lished on odd numbered months. controversial. Public Relations Opinions expressed herein are not Our members stated clearly Bruce MacDonald 604-882-3820 necessarily those of the Vancouver that the Observer’s Handbook was [email protected] Centre. their first choice among Speakers Material on any aspect of as- Barry Shanko 604-271-0615 tronomy should be e-mailed to the publications. SkyNews was [email protected] editor or mailed to the address on second. Our suggestion is to Nat’l Rep./Merchandising page 5. include only the Handbook as the Doug Montgomery 604-596-7058 basic publication received with [email protected] Advertising membership. SkyNews would then Nova Editor Nova encourages free use of its be paid for directly by those Gordon Farrell 604-734-0326 classified ads for members with [email protected] items for sale or swap. Notify the members who want to receive it. editor if you wish your ad to run in The Journal ranked further down Nat’l Rep./Webmaster Jason Rickerby 604-502-8158 more than one issue. the list. This publication could be [email protected] Commerical delivered on-line from a good web LPA Committee Chair host, and we have recommended Chris Dolman 604-707-0089 Rates [email protected] National find one and do this. The 1/4 Page: $15.00 per issue Annual Report could also be Education Cmte. Chair 1/2 Page: $25.00 per issue delivered on-line, a step currently Craig Breckenridge 604-437-3103 Full Page: $40.00 per issue [email protected] being taken by many of Canada’s Rates are for camera-ready, or Trustees electronic files. Payment, by largest public companies. Printing Sally Baker 604-324-3309 cheque, must accompany ad ma- and mailing costs for the RASC Karl Miller [email protected] terial. Make cheque payable to: publications are large and growing RASC Vancouver Centre. continued on page 11 3 Observing Sites

Dale McNabb Observatory in Aldergrove Lake Park (RASC Van- couver Centre's regular viewing site) Contact Mike Penndelton (604- 888-1505) or Howard Morgan (604-856-9186)

Site of the annual star party organ- ized by the RASC Vancouver Cen- tre

Site of the annual Mt. Kobau Star Party organized by the Mount Kobau Astronomical Society

Site of the regular Saturday night star party. On the dike at the foot of 72nd St.

4 FOR SALE ASTROCOMPUTING MEMBERSHIP The Vancouver Centre is sell- SpaceBase™ (604-473-9358,59). HAS ITS ing some of our loaner scopes to Affiliated since 1992 with RASC PRIVILEGES! make room for new scopes enter- Vancouver, our link to RASC Net, New members, did you know? ing the programme. Please see Phil RASC Members only chat area. Future data distribution hub for The Vancouver Centre has 8 tel- Morris in the GMSO after the CARO Project. Features include escopes available for loan free of meeting if you are interested in pur- latest HST images, current world charge! We have telescopes rang- chasing one of these scopes. space news and astronomy pro- ing from 60mm to 10" diameter. For more information see Phil Mor- grams. ris, Director of Telescopes in the meeting room of the GSO after the LIBRARY members meeting. All telescopes The centre has a large library of are to be picked up and returned at books, magazines and old Nova’s the GSO. The loaner period is for for your enjoyment at the GSO. one month, to be returned after the Please take advantage of this club next meeting. Telescopes are not service and visit often to check out allowed to circulate outside of these the new purchases. Suggestions meetings. You can now reserve 2 for future library acquisitions are different telescopes per year and appreciated. use what is left at the end of the meeting anytime. Phil can be RASC-VC on the Internet reached at 604-734-8708. http://www.pcis.com/rascvan/ or Your greatest opportunity as a http://www.rasc.ca/vancouver member of the R.A.S.C. is to take advantage of the company of other H.R. MACMILLAN 4.5" Tasco reflector with a manual enthusiasts to increase your knowl- SPACE CENTRE edge, enjoyment and skill in as- German equatorial mount & tripod. tronomy. Red and Black. $125.00 The Pacific Space Centre Society The best thing you can do to is a non-profit organization which gain the most from your member- operates the H.R. MacMillan Space ship is to get active! Take in the Centre and Gordon M. Southam club meetings; engage other mem- Observatory. Annual Membership bers with questions; come out to ob- ($30 Individual, $80 Family) in- serving sessions (also known as cludes a newsletter, Discounts on “star parties”), and, by all means, Space Camps, special programs volunteer to take part in our many and lectures, Vancouver Museum public events. Discounts, and free admission to Observing takes place at the Space Centre. Admission to the Boundary Bay on the dike at the Space Centre includes: Astronomy south end of 72nd St. in Delta (see shows, Motion Simulator rides, map on p. 4). We are there most multimedia shows in GroundStation clear Thursday/Friday nights. Con- Canada, and access to the Cosmic tact Jason Rickerby at 604-502- Courtyard Exhibit Gallery. For Mem- 8158. bership information, call Mahi Jordao at 604-738-7827, local 237 RASC for information. You can also reach 1100 Chestnut Street 60mm f/15 refractor with a Ger- them on the Internet at http:// Vancouver, B.C. man equatorial wood tripod mount. www.hrmacmillanspacecentre.com/ V6J 3J9 $100.00 604-738-2855

5 Upcoming Events March 29 – Merritt Star Quest August 12 – Messier Marathon I at 7 – Mt. Kobau Star Party ends Boundary Boy May 11 – Perseid Meteor Shower at 13 or 14 – Sidewalk Astronomy Aldergrove Lake April 20-23 – GA2005 in Kelowna 9 – Messier Marathon II at October Boundary Bay July 8 or 9 – Sidewalk Astronomy 11-17 – International Astronomy 30 – Mt. Kobau Start Party begins Week December 16 – Astronomy Day 13 – AGM continuted from page 2 or even just go out and observe observing forum on our web site. 110 Finest NGC objects as listed without working on a program. If you are interested in joining us, by Alan Dyer in the Observer’s In order to accomplish the please do not hesitate to contact Handbook. Requirements for the successful observation of the one of the Committee members. certificates are given in the objects required for these This is another chance for those Handbook and are also given on Certificates, we will start holding of you who are new to the hobby line at the National web site under regular observing sessions on clear or equipment to bring it out and Observing (www.rasc.ca). I will Saturday nights at the Boundary learn from one of us the proper make copies of the requirements Bay site (map located elsewhere way to set it up and use it. available in hard copy form and in all issues of NOVA and on the Please do come out and join have them with Committee web site). We will start these us, we are a friendly bunch that members at meetings. The M Club sessions at 8:30PM. If we decide always have a good time when we will help any member who wants to use one of the other sites, we get together. ! to work on any of the Certificates will place an announcement on the

Messier Marathon by Craig Breckenridge for those who wish to attempt the performed in Arizona, I think our There is an opportunity marathon, and will gladly help any location precludes us completing coming up on March 12th to others who just wish to look at the whole list. perform the annual Messier some of the Messier 110 without If you are interested in joining Marathon. In the past, the club has trying for them all. us, please do not hesitate to contact managed to locate and observe This Marathon will be one of the members of the about a third of the Messier objects repeated on April 9th with the same Observing Committee (see report in one night. This year we would format; meet at dusk at the elsewhere in this issue). Drop ins like to raise that bar a bit higher Boundary Bay site and observe as are welcome so do join us for a and find even more. We will be many of the objects as we can. Star night of fun under the stars. ! setting up at the Boundary Bay site charts and planetarium programs at dusk on the 12th to perform the will be on hand to aid in finding Craig Breckenridge run through the night sky. Any the 110 Messier objects. I would Observing Committee Chair members who are interested in a point out that the only successful [email protected] night of guerilla observing are complete Marathons that I am 604-437-3103 invited out. We will provide lists aware of in the Society were 6 continuted from page 1 sides of the island would have limitations. It is difficult to find Hawai’i Loa, after whom the yielded more open skies, but and hold views of small objects. I islands are named. On his considerably more light pollution, had a hard time with Saturn, extended fishing and exploration as that is where most of the big although I did get a few moments voyages, Hawai’i Loa’s skilled resort towns are located. through a new lens that yielded the navigator would use Iao, the To be honest, after a full day best close-up encounter I have Eastern Star, the red star Hokuke’a of hiking or sight seeing, topped ever had, not quite Cassini, but still (Aldebaran) and “those big stars off by a great meal, I found it easy very satisfying. The best treat was which resemble a bird” to retire early. Still, I inevitably my old friend, the Orion Nebula. (Cassiopeia) As I gazed at to guide the that glowing boat and crew cloud of gas, on their dust and hot journeys to stars, for the the north and first time I east, could clearly ultimately see the outline encountering of what I the islands. always Returning considered to home, they be the figure followed the of a bird—the stars of Ke small head Ali-i-o-Kona- with its i-k a-Lewa (Canopus) and those of stuck my head out the door of our hooked beak and its outstretched Hoku-kea o ka Mole Honua (“star- accommodation to see if the skies wings, poised to swoop down on cross of the bottom of the earth”, would host my scope. On our last the stars of the Trapezium. or Southern Cross). The , moon evening, conditions looked Coloured photographs remind me and several of the also promising. Finding a dark site in of paintings by Chagall or served as navigational aids. the dark resulted in a bit of Kandinsky, but until that evening Our accommodation was in frustrated searching, but the road the clear outline of the figure had Makawao, near the base of the toward Haleakala offered a few not been evident. It was western slope of the dormant possibilities. By the time I had wonderful! volcano Haleakala (“the house of selected a suitable site the clouds The clouds finally called my the sun”). Rising to 3000 meters, had begun to roll in, so the best viewing to a halt. As I repacked it is the focal point for the variable views I could get were through a the lenses, the star diagonal and weather patterns on the island. patchwork sky. Nonetheless, I had finder scope in my trusty shoebox, Clear skies in the morning were one of my most rewarding viewing wrapped the foamy around the frequently followed by clouds, experiences. Under this really dark scope and slipped it into its lawn which completely obscured the top sky it was possible to pick out, chair carry bag for the trip home, from view. By late evening, unaided, some of Anne’s “fuzz I knew that clear dark skies would however, the night sky would balls,” the faint star clusters and beckon again soon. ! begin to appear, revealing a host nebulas within our visual grasp. of telescope treats. In retrospect, Using a basic camera tripod staying on the southern or western to hold my scope has its 7 From the Librarian by William C. Fearon what defines a constellation are Moon to see craters and other Librarian – Vancouver introduced. terrain features that can even be Centre Chapter Five contains the seen in binoculars. A few simple This will be the first in series Seasonal All-Sky charts and Lunar maps are included. of articles on what the library has information on how to use them, Chapter Ten describes Solar for new . Each issue as well as information on Light and Lunar Eclipses. What are they, will contain a brief report on a Pollution, Urban stargazing and how often and where can one go book or other resource that is in the Ecliptic and the Zodiac. to see these events. A list is for the library. In this issue, I will Chapter Six covers stargazing Solar and Lunar events up to 2010 report on the favorite of many: equipment. This chapter talks AD (5th edition). NightWatch by Terence Dickinson. about what type of observing gear Chapter Eleven covers NightWatch was originally is used and how to decide what you Comets, Meteors and Auroras. introduced in 1998 and is currently might want to use to start. It will This chapter describes what each in its 5th printing as of 2001. It also help you avoid the dreaded of these items is and how to go quickly became a favorite of trash scopes that can still be found about viewing them. amateur astronomers (both in mass-market stores from time Chapter Twelve is about beginners and advanced) for its to time. Astrophotography. Both film and simple to use star charts and fold- Chapter Seven talks about CCDs are discussed, but this is over ring binding, allowing its use what is up in the night sky besides mostly for those who are ready to in the field. Stars and Planets. Things such as step into recording what they see. Chapter One covers Nebulae, Galaxies and Clusters are The book ends with a short discovering the Cosmos. It worth looking at and this chapter chapter on other resources of basically discusses what amateur describes these things and others astronomical information for the astronomy is and what an amateur as well. This chapter contains reader such as other books, can do to explore the universe. Deep-Sky charts to find 22 of the magazines and on-line sites. Chapter Two covers the brightest and easiest of these I would recommend that all basics of the Universe in 11 steps, objects. beginners should read this book. I from just the Earth to the edge of Chapter Eight covers the added this book to my personal the Universe. Planets. How to view them, what collection in 2003. I consider Chapter Three covers how to you will see and when and where myself to be an advanced get around the sky through the to see them up to 2010 AD (5th intermediate . I basics of astronomy, such as the Edition). purchased my copy from The Real daily motion of the sky and the Chapter Nine concentrates on Canadian Superstore for $19.95 annual motion of the earth around the Moon and Sun. How to view plus taxes. It probably could be the sun in a year. Additionally, the sun safely and what you are found elsewhere as well. ! information on magnitudes and likely to see. How to look at the

8 From the Librarian: The Top 12 for Beginners 1) NightWatch by Terence 7) The Stars Belong To Sinnott Dickinson Everyone: How To Enjoy 12) Atlas of the Moon by Anton 2) The Backyard Astronomers Astronomy by Helen Sawyer Rukl and T.W. Rackham Guide by Alan Dyer and Hogg Terence Dickinson 8) A Field Guide To The Stars These items are usually 3) The Beginner’s Observing And Planets by available for lending to members Guide by The RASC and Donald A. Menzel in good standing for a one month 4) The Sky: A User’s Guide by 9) Exploring the Night Sky by period. They can be picked up at David Levy Terence Dickinson our monthly meeting’s coffee and 5) The Starry Room by Fred 10) Starry Night Deluxe version cookie session after the main Schaff 2.1 by Sienna Software Inc. meeting in the Gordon MacMillan 6) Starlight Nights: The 11) Sky Atlas 2000.0 (1st, 2nd and Southam Observatory. These are Adventures of a Star Gazer by Laminated Field editions) by popular books and they may not Leslie Peltier Wil Tirion and Roger W. be available every month. !

Your 2005 Vancouver Centre Council. Back row (l-r): Jason Rickerby, Gordon Farrell, Phil Morris, Marc Verschueren, Craig Breckenridge, Bob Parry, Bruce MacDonald, Doug Montgomery. Front row (l-r): Chris Dolman, Bill Ronald, Ron Jerome, Pomponia Martinez, William Fearon, Dan Collier.

9 Members’ Gallery

Comet Machholz Brian Morse

Saturn Brian Morse

3 December, 2004

10 continuted from page 3 with the higher fees. Members financial results each year since and changing the delivery format will, in effect, continue paying for 2000 (that is as far back as my would be of significant benefit. all the publications indirectly. We records go). As our Treasurer At the General Assembly will advise you of further noted at the December Annual (GA) last year, members voted to developments but you should General Meeting, the Centre is in increase annual membership fees begin thinking very hard about the a good financial position and it is at the National level by $6.00, services you value and what you your Council’s objective to keep raising the basic membership cost are willing to pay for them. This it that way. As we are able, benefits to $50.00. Vancouver agreed to the year’s GA will be held in Kelowna, will be returned to the members. increase with the proviso that May 20-23. Members can attend The Observing Committee National undertake serious cost in person and have a chance to will attempt a Messier Marathon cutting measures. Based on their vote on any proposed changes to on March 12th or April 9th at our preliminary budget, there is no pricing or services. Members can Boundary Bay observing site, evidence this occurred. Vancouver also vote by proxy and your depending upon the weather. Centre had typically added a $7.00 National Representatives will Astronomy Day will be held April surcharge to the National deliver your votes. Be sure you let 16th at the Space Centre. Members membership cost to fund our us know. are encouraged to come out and programs, but chose to cut that to As for your Centre’s budget support these events. $5.00, as we felt that membership for 2005, Council has approved a I invite questions or was becoming expensive. deficit of up to $2000, based on comments on these or any other Even if National were to take the possibility of providing a matters. Council meets the first a sharp knife to expenses, it is special event for members during Tuesday every month at the highly likely that another free the year. With the exception of GMSO at 7:30pm and you are increase will be on the agenda for 2003, when Vancouver hosted the invited to attend. Who knows, you the GA in May. There would be 2003 G.A., the Centre has enjoyed might wind up as a member. ! no increase in benefits associated breakeven or a surplus in its

11 RASC MERCHANDISE Available for purchase after meetings: Calendars $14.00 Telescopes - Binoculars Golf Shirts $30.00 Microscopes & Accessories Sweat Shirts $30.00 Weather Instruments Centenary Mugs $ 7.00 Beginners’ Guides $15.00 Observers’ Guides $20.00 DEALER FOR Cloth Crests $11.00 ZEISS • PENTAX • CELESTRON • Lapel Pins $ 6.00 BUSHNELL/BAUSCH & LOMB • SKYWATCHER • L.E.D. Flashlights $22.00 OLYMPUS • STEINER

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Assorted eyepieces, barlows, star diagonals 0.96” - 2” Now in stock: Pentax XL Eyepieces New and second hand Visit our Web site at www.vancouvertelescope.com e-mail: [email protected]