October 2019 OBSERVER(150Ppi)

Home , 14 Sagittae, Gamma Virginis, Omicron Ophiuchi, Theta Ophiuchi, Xi Ophiuchi

THE OBSERVER OF THE TWIN CITY AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS

Volume 44, Number 10 October 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

1«Editor’s Choice: Image of the Month – Harvest Moon 2«President’s Note 3«Calendar of Celestial Events – October 2019 3«New & Renewing Members/Dues Blues/E-Mail List 4«This Month’s Phases of the Moon 4«This Month’s Solar Phenomena 4«Minutes of the September 10th BoD Meeting 6«Last Public Viewing Session for 2019 6«TCAA Calendar of Events for 2019 6«CCD Photometry of Variable Stars 8«AstroBits – News from Around the TCAA 10«TCAA October Social Held September 21st 11«TCAA Benefactor Passes Away: Bill Mammen 14«An Adventure with the Solar Spectrum 16«E/PO for August, September, and More in 2019 17«Intro. to Amateur Astronomy – Final Reminder 18«10” Telescope Declared “Unwanted Property” 18«October 2019 with Jeffrey Hunt 22«TCAA Treasurer’s Report as of September 25, 2019 22«TCAA Active on Facebook 23«Renewing Your TCAA Membership

The TCAA is an affiliate of the

Astronomical League as well as its

North Central Region. For more IMAGE OF THE MONTH: EDITOR’S CHOICE – HARVEST MOON information about the TCAA, be certain to visit the TCAA website at The October Image of the Month was taken by Sunil Chebolu tcaa.us/ who tells us about is success photographing the recent full moon. This full moon, the September full moon, was 2019’s Harvest Visit Astroleague.org for additional Moon – the full moon nearest the autumn equinox. information about the League and its Sunil noted, “Here is a picture of last night’s Harvest Moon numerous membership benefits through my telescope. It was a clear night sky for the most part including observing programs. but a few clouds which rolled in intermittently acted like natural moon filters for my imaging.” Editor’s Note: This image was taken with a Celestron Nexstar Also visit the NCRAL website at 130mm SLT using a 13% moon filter and a 9mm eyepiece for ncral.wordpress.com for information eyepiece projection. The actual photograph was taken using a about our North Central Region. Find Pixel 3 camera and is the result of a single shot. Congratulations to out about our next Regional Sunil who is among those TCAAers who are becoming more and convention during May 2020. more successful astrophotographers.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

PRESIDENT’S NOTE The OBSERVER I’d like to take this space in this issue of is the monthly electronic newsletter of Twin The OBSERVER to talk about something City Amateur Astronomers, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit educational that, for me, is a little closer to home than organization of amateur astronomers inter- my usual President’s Note fare. On ested in studying astronomy and sharing September 26, 2019, Diann and I had the their hobby with the public. incredible privilege and thrill of watching

our youngest son, Benjamin, receive his TCAA OFFICERS & CHAIRPERSONS wings with the United States Air Force. He is

President, Director, & Property Manager now, officially, a pilot in the service of our Tim Stone 309-531-2401 country. [email protected] Benjamin’s passion for flying, and the Vice President & Director/Membership Coord. dream of flying for the Air Force, developed President Tim Stone Tom Willmitch 309-846-2423 [email protected] in him at a young age. He and I attended a LOT of airshows, he participated in a flight-oriented club associated with the Prairie Treasurer & Director/Registered Agent Air Museum, and we even visited the Air Force Academy with the thought that he Dave Osenga 309-287-0789 [email protected] might very well attempt to gain an appointment there. (Incidentally, he was a member of the flight club with Teresa, Carl and Carolyn Wenning’s youngest Secretary & Director/Historian/Editor Carl J. Wenning 309-830-4085 daughter!) His teenage years didn’t play out in the direction of flight, but the desire [email protected] never left him.

5th Director/Assistant Property Manager After working unfulfilling jobs for a few years, he married a wonderful woman, Scott Wade 309-310-2464 and began to ask himself what he was going to do to really support his family. It [email protected] was then that the overwhelming desire to fly returned, and together they made the Astronomical League Correspondent commitment to do everything they could to see that dream realized. That was Robert Finnigan 309-846-9533 three years ago. [email protected]

Technology Coordinator Friday his perseverance paid off. He received his wings with his wife and son at Justin Meyer 630-649-0611 his side. So, what does that have to do with astronomy, you might ask? Aside from [email protected] an intensely proud set of parents, one of whom happens to be me, it reminds me

Webmaster that even the hobby we enjoy is evidence of our freedom. There are places in the Lee Green 309-454-7349 world where equipment like ours is not permitted, where nighttime activities like [email protected] ours would be considered highly suspicious, and to do what we love would gain Lighting Educ. & AL Observing Club Coordinator attention we’d rather not have. We can’t take our freedom for granted, and it is Lisa Wentzel unlisted number because of countless people who have served, sacrificed, and given all that we have [email protected] these freedoms. My heart fills with pride to see my son, who in fulfilling his own

dream, is serving to protect mine. The OBSERVER Carl J. Wenning, Editor One last thing before I sign off… Don’t forget the Sugar Grove Nature Center Autumn Festival is coming up Saturday, October 26th. It’s another great opportunity Submission deadline two days before to promote our wonderful hobby. Now is the time to put it on your calendar and the end of each month. plan to come out to help! MEMBERSHIP DUES Tim Stone Individual Adult/Family $40 TCAA President Full-time Student/Senior $25 (Senior status equals ages 60+)

To join, send your name, contact info and dues payment to Dave Osenga, TCAA Treasurer, 1109 N. Linden St., Normal, IL 61761-1471.

A salute to all those who serve a grateful nation.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

CALENDAR OF CELESTIAL EVENTS – OCTOBER 2019 NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

MORNING PLANETS (10/15): Mars and Uranus The following individuals have paid dues for new or renewed memberships as of September 25, 2019. EVENING PLANETS (10/15): Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn (Others who paid after that date will appear in the and Neptune November 2019 issue of The OBSERVER.) The following table gives the date and time (24-hour clock) of Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! important astronomical events for this month. All events are given in Central Daylight Time. (CDT ends November 3, 2019.) New: John Gahm Renewing: Lisa Wentzel, Mark Cabaj (thru ’22), Day Time Event Peter & Sharon Kates, Anthony Cellini

03 15:23 Jupiter 1.9°S of Moon Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! 05 11:47 FIRST QUARTER MOON DUES BLUES 05 13:49 Moon at Descending Node 05 15:48 Saturn 0.3°N of Moon: Occn. If you have received a “your dues are due” 10 13:29 Moon at Apogee: 405902 km statement along with the email that brought you this issue of The OBSERVER, please remit your dues to Mr. 13 16:08 FULL MOON Dave Osenga, TCAA Treasurer, 1109 N. Linden St., 17 16:51 Aldebaran 2.9°S of Moon Normal, IL 61761-1471. Dues are currently $25 for 19 23 Mercury Great Elong: 24.6°E seniors (60 years of age and over) and $40 regular.

20 02:28 Moon at Ascending Node SUBSCRIBING TO THE TCAA EMAIL LIST 21 01:21 Pollux 5.7°N of Moon By subscribing to a group’s mailing list, you will 21 07:39 LAST QUARTER MOON receive email messages from the group though you 21 18 Orionid Meteor Shower won’t have access to the group’s web features (like 21 23:41 Beehive 0.6°S of Moon photos, files, links, polls, calendar, etc.) unless members activate it later. The club has an open email listserv. It is 23 12:11 Regulus 3.5°S of Moon known as the TCAA YahooGroups listserv. It will be used 26 05:41 Moon at Perigee: 361316 km to share announcements and reminders about 27 22:38 NEW MOON astronomical and club events. To join this main listserv, you must do the following: 28 03 Uranus at Opposition 29 08:34 Venus 3.9°S of Moon 1. To subscribe: Send a blank email to TCAA- [email protected] Note: You’ll be sent a 30 23 Mercury 2.5° of Venus confirmation email from the group. Reply to the 31 09:22 Jupiter 1.3°S of Moon confirmation email to activate your subscription. 2. To post a message: [email protected] 3. To unsubscribe: [email protected] http://www.astropixels.com/ephemeris/astrocal/astrocal2019cst.html

EVENING SKY MAP Click on the icon found here to access a current evening sky map along with a more detailed celestial events calendar.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

THIS MONTH’S PHASES OF THE MOON

First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter New Moon Saturday, October 5 Sunday, October 13 Monday, October 21 Sunday, October 27

All moon phase dates are Central Daylight Time. Additional moon phases for the 2019 calendar year can be found by clicking here. Images provided by J. K. Howell of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society & used with permission.

THIS MONTH’S SOLAR PHENOMENA

In the table below, you will find times of sunrise and sunset along with rising and setting azimuths (Az), length of day including change from previous day, start and end times of astronomical twilight, and the time of solar noon along with the elevation (El) of the midday sun. These data come from https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/bloomington

2019 Sunrise/Sunset Day Length Astronomical Twilight Solar Noon Solar Dist.

Oct. Sunrise (Az) Sunset (Az) Length Diff. Start End Time (El) MIL. MILES 1 6:52 AM (93°) 6:38 PM (233°) 11:46:12 -2:39 5:21 AM 8:09 PM 12:45 PM (46.3°) 93.070 11 7:02 AM (99°) 6:22 PM (261°) 11:19:53 -2:36 5:31 AM 7:52 PM 12:42 PM (42.4°) 92.797 21 7:13 AM (103°) 6:07 PM (256°) 10:54:11 -2:31 5:42 AM 7:38 PM 12:40 PM (38.8°) 92.537

MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 10TH BOD MEETING

The TCAA Board of Directors met at the Wenning and historian at the expiration of his current terms. He residence in Normal. In attendance were President and expressed the need for others to take the lead now that he is Property Manager Tim Stone; Vice President Tom Willmitch; getting older and his health on the wane. He will complete Treasurer Dave Osenga; Secretary, Historian, and Newsletter updating of the club’s history for the 60th anniversary by Editor Carl Wenning; ALCor Bob Finnigan; and Observing providing a summary of events over the past 10 years. This Programs Chair Lisa Wentzel. 5th Director Scott Wade, summary will be somewhat limited because the newsletter Technology Coordinator Justin Meyer, and Webmaster Lee documents the history of the club for the past 10 years Green were not in attendance. A quorum was present. extremely well. He will assist others with the transition The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM. The first process and will serve as secretary if appointed. Dave order of business was officer and chair reports. Tim reported provided a CD from Lee that contained all 601 back issues of that the problem with the WO 10” telescope’s camera The OBSERVER. Carl will use this to document the 60 years (fogging) had naturally resolved itself. He pointed out that of TCAA history to date. the hand controller to the CPC 11” at SGO was causing Dave gave the Treasurer’s report noting a checking problems and Carl said that he would attempt fix this – balance of $1,531.10 and a checking balance of $2,017.80 installing a new hand controller socket if necessary. Tim also for a total of $3,548.90. He noted further that several noted that a WO focuser-rotator was going back to the members – including active key holders – have dues in manufacturer for repair. arrears, and that he has not yet produced the promised Tom had nothing to report as far as his role of vice letter that the secretary will send to those whose dues are in president was concerned. Carl reiterated that he would be arrears. Dave did note that he did not renew the stepping down from the Board, his role of newsletter editor,

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

Astronomical League memberships of those individuals Attention was then drawn to New Business as follows: whose dues are in arrears. • Carl called for a formal initial planning meeting for NCRAL Bob had nothing to report as ALCor. Lisa noted that the 2023. It was agreed that this should be done to arrange Astronomical League had approved three new observing the groundwork of addressing the wider topic of the sun programs over the summer: Nova, Spectroscopy, and as a star (in addition to the 2024 total solar eclipse). Carl Multiple Stars. She also reported that she recently will use the club’s email list to solicit volunteers to completed another course with the American Association of participate in this effort. A convenient date, time, and Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). There were no electronic location will then be arranged for this hour-long meeting. reports from any other officers or chairs. Carl is willing to serve as convention Chair should he be Attention was then drawn to Old Business as follows: requested to contribute in this capacity. • Only four (4) individuals have registered to date for the • Lee earlier had communicated to the club that we need an September 21st mini conference, three TCAAers (including official address for the TCAA so that State Farm’s $500 the coordinator) and one CUAS member. No contributed Good Neighbor Grant® Program (following 40 hours of talks have been submitted. Due to the low registration volunteer work by one of its employees) can continue to number, Carl sought and received permission to cancel the assist the TCAA. Dave noted that because he is the legal event by the registration deadline on September 14th if he registered agent of the TCAA, his home address should deemed it appropriate to do so. Tom suggested that we suffice: TCAA, c/o Dave Osenga, 1109 N. Linden St., move the October TCAA social into this time slot as it will Normal, IL 61761. Dave will get together with Lee to remain open, and October at the ISU Planetarium is complete the necessary State Farm forms. proving to have a busier schedule than usual. This • Work must now commence on the 2020 public viewing suggestion was warmly received, and Carl will work with session brochure. Tim will set dates, aiming for Saturdays Tom to make arrangements as necessary. that feature the crescent moon a better part of the time • Carl reported that our Introduction to Amateur Astronomy so that it does not interfere as much with deep sky course is a “go” with about a dozen individuals enrolled observations as it did much of this season. Some dates thus far and with the registration deadline still about a with a larger waxing moon are acceptable but, in the main, month away. Master Observers Carl and Lisa will lead the we need to keep the moon at bay. Carl will assist with course along with Planetarium Director Tom Willmitch. topic selection by canvassing the membership for speakers Carl has revised TCAA Guide #1 which will serve as the and talk ideas. He noted that both Sunil and Sandullah had basis for the course. He will have it printed after both Lisa expressed a desire to give talks next year. Sunil wants to and Tom finish their reviews. The printing will be paid for focus on navigation using the stars, and Sandy has offered using the recent $250 membership recruitment mini grant programs in relation to NASA’s Apollo program and/or the from NCRAL. International Space Station. Tim offered to present • Bob reported on the recent successes with the PSO School something in relation to spectroscopy. Dave suggested of Astrophotography. Bob proudly noted that we recently doing something in relation to How to Buy a Telescope had our third graduate in the person of Tom Willmitch. He that might be most suitable for October next year. Carl joins Scott and Emily Wade as recent graduates. There are indicated that he can give a talk, but that we also need now four club members enrolled in the current series: include a few “observing-oriented topics” such as planets, Sandullah Epsicokhan, Sunil Chebolu, and Bryce and Mark the moons, and selected Messier objects. Heiniger. Carl will prepare a certificate of completion to be • Attention was directed briefly to the need for presented to Tom at the September 21st club social. “standardizing” PowerPoints used at the TCAA’s public • Tim noted that Sandullah had contacted him about viewing sessions so as to meet certain expectations. Of acquiring the unwanted 10” Dobsonian telescope now growing concern is the use of “too many words” on slides, housed at WO. Tim encouraged him to visit WO to often in the form of fields of too-small-to-read text. Lisa examine the telescope and pick it up (in exchange for a pointed out a speaker’s guide available from the AAVSO. suitable donation to the club) if he finds it to his liking. Carl noted that he annually publishes the TCAA’s own (See the article in this issue of The OBSERVER for details.) presenter guidelines in the newsletter but that they • [Brought up later in the meeting but reported here], it was frequently go unread, are ignored, or simply forgotten. agreed that Bob will work with Dave to lubricate the SGO Carl will examine the AAVSO resource and see how the dome. Dave has a ladder and is willing to do the required TCAA’s guidelines can be improved or determine if we climb. Bob suggested that Scott might help. Dave will should supplant our guide with that from the AAVSO. organize this venture. (Please visit the following URL for the AAVSO guidelines:

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

https://www.aavso.org/sites/default/files/AAVSOSpeakers Day, Carl noted that most schools and businesses will Guidev9.pdf.) remain open. An in-town event was “visualized” along • Tim appointed Bob and Lisa to again serve as a with a need for a viewing location with good eastern nominations committee for the 2020 Annual Business exposure. The transit will be in progress at sunrise and will Meeting’s election of Board members. The following last until about noon. A location and permission will be names were suggested and personally accepted: Tim pursued, likely by Carl. Stone, Tom Willmitch, and Dave Osenga. Scott Wade was • The next meeting of the Board of Directors was set for also nominated, but not being present to accept. Carl will Tuesday, November 12th, 6:30 PM, at the Wenning be stepping down from his position on the Board of residence. Directors at the conclusion of his term in office and will Under the topic of announcements, Carl noted that not stand for election. A fifth Board candidate – at the TCAA friend Fr. Timothy Sauppé of Westville, IL, will be very minimum – must be found to stand for election. It coordinating a 2024 visit and talk by well-known Vatical was agreed that Bob and Lisa will pursue additional Observatory Director Brother Guy Consolmagno. With the nominations and noted that their positions on the possible assistance of Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, nominations committee do not preclude them from Kentucky, Fr. Sauppé hopes to put together a bishop/priest, running for the Board. science/faith retreat for the April 8th total solar eclipse. • There was a brief discussion about the November 11, 2019, The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 PM. transit of Mercury across the face of the sun. It was agreed that the TCAA needs to host some sort of public viewing Respectfully submitted, session. Despite the fact that November 11th is Veterans Carl J. Wenning, Secretary

LAST PUBLIC VIEWING SESSION FOR 2019

October 05: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto – Two Planets, or Three? (Mark & Nataya Boulware) 7:00-9:00 PM We spend a lot of time looking at the inner planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Few have ever seen Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. October presents a great opportunity to see all three in one night. We will learn about them, and hopefully have a look at them!

TCAA CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2019

Date Event Coordinator(s) Location Times

October 5 Public Viewing Session Mark & Nataya Boulware SGNC 7:00 – 9:00 PM Oct 12 Intro to Amateur Astronomy Wenning/Willmitch/Wentzel ISU Planetarium 3:30 – 5:30 PM Oct 19 Intro to Amateur Astronomy Wenning/Willmitch/Wentzel ISU Planetarium 3:30 – 5:30 PM Oct 26 Autumn Festival Tim Stone SGNC 10:00 – 5:00 PM Nov 2 Intro to Amateur Astronomy Wenning/Willmitch/Wentzel ISU Planetarium 3:30 – 5:30 PM Dec 4 TCAA Presents to PAS Carl Wenning/Tim Stone Riverfront Museum 7:30 PM Dec ??? Holiday Party TBD TBD TBD

CCD PHOTOMETRY OF VARIABLE STARS ~ by Jamey Jenkins ~

Since the beginning of this year, I've been pursuing a new purpose-filled activity – CCD photometry of variable stars. Any worthwhile activity requires "doing your homework." Therefore, a number of months were dedicated to making contacts with knowledgeable people, learning new software, and practicing and developing new skills. Finally, about halfway through the year, I was at the telescope attempting the initial data collections. The initial observations have gone well, and I am confident in the data collected. The target list for this summer has included three M-type (Miras) and three semi-regular-type (SRA and SRB) variable stars located in the constellation Cygnus. These stars are BG Cyg, R Cyg, RS Cyg, RZ Cyg, V Cyg, and WX Cyg. The only one to

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

elude my camera so far has been V Cyg, a M-type carbon star with a B-V color index of 2.45 – extremely red. It has been too bright for observing with the V photometric filter, and too dim for me in the B photometric filter. But the star has changed in the last few months, and I hope to register measurable data soon. Below are a couple of graphs that I've contributed toward. These are called light curves. They illustrate a star’s changing brightness (magnitude on the vertical axis verses time on the horizontal). Each symbol represents an observation by a variable star observer. Black symbols are purely visual estimates, the red, green, or blue symbols indicate a photometric observation made through special red, green, or blue photometric filters.

I’m also including below two pics showing my CCD photometry gear: a 102mm f/7 William Optics refractor, an 80mm guidescope, and a 50mm f/1.4 video finder cam. Because the mount in my backyard observatory is a vintage manual push- pull with a Losmandy digital drive and not a goto, the video cam finder has been a lifesaver for finding variables in crowded star fields. Cable management will be my next challenge as you can tell from the picture with the laptops.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

If you are looking for a rewarding activity that adds to the science of astronomy, I recommend finding out more about CCD photometry. There is a galaxy of variable stars visible from your backyard every night that seek your attention. And of course, variable star astronomy rocks!!

ASTROBITS – NEWS FROM AROUND THE TCAA

ó Tim Stone provided an interesting tidbit that your editor failed to remember in time for last month’s article about the Mercurial transit just over three years ago. Tim was able to both observe and photograph the May 9, 2016, transit of Mercury. Tim wrote, “I was observing from the dome at SGO, and in spite of almost completely overcast skies, I captured a single image with Mercury eyepiece projected onto a piece of paper. It was not a great image by any means, but it counts! I believe also that there was a TCAA contingent set up somewhere in [town] where people could view the transit.” That reminded the editor that he and several TCAAers (Dave Meyer, Sharon MacDonald, and Tom Weiland), held a public viewing session at which they, too, saw the transit if but for only a few seconds. The May 10th issue of the Pantagraph carried two stories with pictures. See the June 2016 issue of The OBSERVER at http://tcaa.us/Observer.aspx for details and additional images. Thanks to Tim for this timely reminder.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

ó On Labor Day, September 2nd, Bob Finnigan and Scott Wade re-balanced the Astro-Physics 1100 GTO mount for the 14” telescope. An extender and weight had to be added to the declination axis so it should now track better. ó The ISU Astronomy Club met at the ISU Planetarium on Thursday, September 6th. Tom Willmitch, who now works with the club, reported the following day to the editor, “The ISU Astronomy Club members appeared excited when I presented your ideas to them last night. The ideas included attending tomorrow’s TCAA Public Viewing Session, touring (and possibly doing some stargazing at) the TCAA's Funks Grove observatories, having you and possibly Tim as guest speakers, and participating in the [Introduction to Amateur Astronomy] course. All the flyers for the latter were swept up -- me actually running short for a fellow who is deeply interested in the classes.” ó The TCAA 2019 Central Illinois Mini Conference was cancelled on September 13th and registrants notified. Despite repeated promotion of the event in the pages of this newsletter, only three TCAA members had registered (one of whom was the coordinator) along with one member from the CUAS. Working with ISU Planetarium Director Tom Willmitch, Carl Wenning followed the advice of the Board of Directors and moved the regularly scheduled October “social” into the time slot. See the article about the social further on in this issue of the newsletter. ó On Saturday, September 14th, there was a by-invitation-only class about astronomical image processing hosted at SGNC by Bob Finnigan, Scott Wade, and Tim Stone. Tom Willmitch and Bryce and Mark Heiniger were also in attendance. The focus was on the use of Photoshop and PixInsight. Our team of astrophotographers is shown right but for Bob who took the picture. ó NCRAL’s Autumn 2019 issue of Northern Lights newsletter was published and distributed via email on September 23rd. Its availability was announced on the TCAA listserv recently. If you have not yet see it, you may download it from the NCRAL website at the following URL: https://ncral.wordpress.com/newsletter-archive/. Note that TCAA member Carl Wenning is chair of NCRAL and compiles the Region’s newsletter on a quarterly basis. ó The Illinois Digital Archives (http://www.idaillinois.org), working with the McLean County Museum of History, has recently release several thousand Pantagraph images from the 1930s and 1940s. Among the many images are these two taken at IWU’s Behr Observatory in October 1943. (Source: Pantagraph Negatives Collection)

Esther Kang (believed to be an IWU student of Korean origin born in Hawaii), Justin Alkionis (a recent IWU graduate), and Albert Hauser (Bloomington) in front of telescope in Behr Observatory at Illinois Wesleyan University, October 1943.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

ó Several TCAAers have been viewing both evening and morning passages of the International Space Station recently with the encouragement of Sharon MacDonald and Carl Wenning. Jamey Jenkins photographed a passage on September 20th; Mark Boulware was able to make out an irregular outline with the use of 7x50 binoculars; and Lee, his brother Lex, and Dave Osenga were in Decatur for a Girl Scout event and about 30 Scouts stayed long enough to see part of the transit as it emerged from behind partial clouds all during the same evening. The maximum elevation of this passage was 50°. Subscribe to TCAA’s Facebook page if you want to get visual forecasts regularly. ó Starting twenty-five years ago this month, four TCAA members (Sharon MacDonald, Roy & Barb Ostberg, and Carl Wenning) journeyed to Potosí, Bolivia, to view the November 3, 1994 total solar eclipse. They departed for Bolivia on Friday, October 28th. Upon return from that trip, Carl wrote a 19-page memoir of the adventure (not your normal trip!) based on daily notes taken during travel. If interested in reading A Bolivian Adventure or The November 3, 1994 Total Solar Eclipse, contact Carl via email at [email protected] and he will send an electronic copy. ó A 50-year-old time capsule was removed from Mark Evans Observatory at IWU on Monday, September 23rd. The capsule, located behind the corners stone of the then new Mark Evans Observatory, was placed by Apollo 8 astronaut Frank Borman. Contents of the time capsule will be revealed beginning at 10:45 a.m. October 5th in the Memorial Center’s Nell Eckley Lounge. (See the accompanying article with images.) ó Carl Wenning and Marc Tiritilli spent the evening of September 23rd re-centering the corrector plate and doing a collimation of the Mark Evans Observatory CPC 11” telescope on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University. They were then able to take in exceptional views of Saturn, the best both observers had seen in years. The CGEM Pro mount still needs a bit of work to make it fully operational. ó Lee Green, Mark Boulware, Jay Ansher (along with his son Alex), and Sharon MacDonald observed the September 23rd passage of the International Space Station across the evening sky of Central Illinois. Lee and Mark used binoculars in an effort to see if they could observe at least the outline of the satellite. Both indicated in the negative, the big problem being the inability to hold the binoculars sufficiently still. That’s too hard to do when tracking such a fast-moving object. ó Allan Griffith has shared with your editor a link to a new video titled The Fermi Paradox that examines the question about if there is life in the universe, why haven’t we encountered it? Narrated by Isaac Arthur. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDPj5zI66LA ó Motivated by recent events associated with the 50th anniversary of IWU’s Mark Evans Observatory, Bob Finnigan has been doing some sleuthing in relation to the Behr Observatory which it replaced. Behr Observatory was named after Anton Behr was as not only a benefactor of IWU (ultimately giving the university an 18” reflector), but he was also a member of Bloomington’s earliest astronomy club formed in the very early 1900s by Reverend H. O. Hoffman. Behr lived right around the corner from where Rev. Hoffman had set up the town’s first observatory near the intersection of Roosevelt and Lee streets. Details about this relationship will appear in the 60th anniversary edition of History of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers by TCAA Historian Carl Wenning. ó As this issue of The OBSERVER goes to print, 21 people have already enrolled in the Introduction to Amateur Astronomy course with the registration deadline still a couple of weeks away! Lots of new members are coming to the TCAA!

TCAA OCTOBER SOCIAL HELD SEPTEMBER 21ST

With the prior approval of the TCAA Board of Directors, the 2019 Central Illinois Mini Conference slated for Saturday, September 21st, was cancelled. There was inadequate interest in the mini conference to justify all the work of arranging a program, holding a picnic at SGNC, and then conducting tours of both SGO and WO. Following three months of promotion in the pages of The OBSERVER, only 4 people had registered by the deadline – 3 TCAAers and 1 member from the CUAS. Following Tom Willmitch’s suggestion and most generous offer at the September Board of Directors meeting, we moved the regularly scheduled TCAA October social to September 21st. At this social, Tom shared with the TCAA the full-dome planetarium program Europe to the Stars. This program took attendees on an epic journey behind the scenes at the most productive ground-based astronomical observatory in the world, revealing the science, the technology, and the people. He also presented the short program (about 7 minutes) Journey to the Center of the Milky Way which no TCAAer had yet seen despite it having been run regularly before. Both programs were produced by the

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

European Southern Observatory. Lastly, he ran a surprise showing of LIFE: A Cosmic Story which was produced by the California Academy of Sciences Morrison Planetarium and narrated by actress Jodie Foster. The program told the 14-billion-year saga of how we came to be. It was a journey from the microscopic view inside a plant cell to the vastness of our universe populated by billions of galaxies swirling in space. All three programs were quite impressive to the minds of those who attended. The event began at 3:30 PM and the following TCAA members and guests were present: Tom Willmitch, Sharon MacDonald, Mark Boulware, Carl Wenning, Lisa Wentzel, Tim Stone along with two granddaughters Rebekah and Sarai, and Rick Lasher. Among the guests were Marc & Tracy Tiritilli and their daughter Miranda, and a father-son couple invited by Tom. Thanks and a tip ‘o Marc & Tracy Tiritilli the hat to Tom for making this social possible.

TCAA BENEFACTOR PASSES AWAY

It is with considerable regret and a touch of sadness that the editor informs the TCAA membership of the passing of TCAA benefactor Harold “Bill” Mammon. Unfortunately, only a handful of members – perhaps only Bob Finnigan and Carl Wenning – ever met Bill. Despite this fact, his goodness and generosity will be missed. Bill came to the attention of the TCAA in April 2016 when he contacted the club’s leadership about a possible donation of unwanted astronomical items of what turned out to be both great value and interest to the club. Among the many things he donated to the club were the following:

• 12” Meade LX200-ACF SCT optical tube assembly with supplemental Telrad finder and Losmandy mounting plates top and bottom • 10” Meade telescope with “goto” fork mount and Losmandy mounting plate • Meade LXD55 EMC refractor (6”) optical tube assembly and mounting bracket and soft carrying case • Lunt 80mm Hα double stack solar telescope (LS80THα/DSII) • Lunt 60mm Hα single stack solar telescope (LS60THα)

In addition to these telescopes, Bill contributed a wide array of eyepieces, Barlow lenses, ancillary optical devices such as filters and diagonals, photographic equipment, and mount-related accessories. Your editor tried to remain in contact with Bill over the years, primarily inviting him to events and emailing him issues of The OBSERVER. Some time ago the emails began to bounce, and Carl had no idea where Bill had gone to. It wasn’t until Carl read Bill’s obituary that he found out. That obituary appeared in the Pantagraph on Saturday, September 28th.

BLOOMINGTON — Howard W. “Bill” Mammen, 74, of Bloomington, passed away at 1:20 a.m. Sept. 15, 2019, at McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. There will be no visitation or services. Cremation rites have been accorded, and entombment will be at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Holland, Mich. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with cremation arrangements. He was born Feb. 16, 1945, in Melrose Park, son of Howard Ernest and Irene Marjorie Schnellhardt Mammen, who preceded him in death. Surviving are one brother, Rob (Jill) Mammen, Bloomington; two sisters, Britney Mammen, Holland, Mich., and Cathie (Steven) Townsend, Grayslake; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. Bill received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Monmouth College and his master's degree from Kansas State University. He worked as a physicist for companies doing work for the Navy. Bill had a lifelong passion for astronomy; mixing that with photography he produced many beautiful photographs of the heavens, and he had an observatory in his back yard. He was a stamp collector and an avid motorcyclist, touring all over the USA taking photos along the way. He also thoroughly enjoyed participating in the vintage car racing. Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Editor’s note: Condolences have been sent by letter to Bill’s brother on behalf of the TCAA by Secretary Carl Wenning thanks to able assistance by Bob Finnigan.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

TCAAERS ATTEND IWU MARK EVANS OBSERVATORY EVENT

Several TCAAers were present for the removal of the time capsule behind the cornerstone of Mark Evans Observatory on Monday, September 23rd. Several familiar faces were among the crowd that saw the removal of the time capsule placed by Apollo 8 astronaut Frank Borman on March 18, 1969. Here are a couple of images provided by gumshoe Bob Finnigan showing IWU astronomers Mr. Lew Detweiler and Dr. Ray Wilson. Captured in a proud moment was our own Sandullah Epsicokhan. Also seen among the dignitaries in attendance were Marc & Tracy Tiritilli.

Long-time observatory director Dr. Ray Wilson receives time capsule from the hands of the IWU worker who removed it from behind the observatory cornerstone where it had rested for 50 years while Lew Detweiler looks on. The TCAA’s own Sandullah Epsicokhan is shown right holding the time capsule which will be opened and the contents of which will go on display on October 5th. Sandy was present in 1969 when the time capsule was placed.

In in discussion following the event, Bob sleuthed out additional information about both Mark Evans Observatory and the old Behr Observatory upon whose site the current observatory sits. He will be working with TCAA Historian Carl Wenning to provide details for the club’s 60th anniversary edition of the club history.

DID YOU KNOW?

Are you looking for back issues of The Are you looking for information about Are you looking for the TCAA Guides to OBSERVER? Look no further than here: the history of the TCAA? Find out more amateur astronomy? Visit this page: http://tcaa.us/Observer.aspx here: http://tcaa.us/History.aspx http://tcaa.us/TCAAGuides.aspx

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

TCAA IMAGE GALLERY

MOON FROM MY BACK YARD BY SUNIL CHEBOLU – On NGC 7094 BY TIM STONE – On September 4th Tim wrote, “I thought I'd September 3rd Sunil wrote, “These days I am after share this with you all. This is with the 16". [It incorporates] a lunar craters. Here are some which I captured with boatload of subs to bring out the Integrated Flux Nebula behind the my Celestron 130mm SLT from my backyard. Enjoy!” planetary. Processing this so it stands out is a pain. LOL, but it's kinda This image shows the Sea of Crises which is about cool to see.” [Editor: “We hope to see this object imaged with the 345 miles in diameter, has a pretty flat interior and new 24” telescope at Waynesville Observatory.” Bob Finnigan later wrinkled ridges on its circumference. responded, “Yes, this is what it was made for.”

tonight, 9/20/2019, at about 8:35pm local time, looking west. Stars are trailed because this is a 97-second exposure, ISO 800, with a 28mm f/3.5 Nikkor-H lens on a tripod mounted Nikon D3000 camera. The arrowed star on the left is Arcturus and the arrowed star on the right is Alkaid, the end star in the handle of the Big Dipper.” Also… M31 – A simple picture of the mid-region of galaxy M31 in the constellation Andromeda obtained a couple nights back after data collection for my list of autumn variable stars. William Optics 102mm f/7 refractor, Astrodon 'V'

photometric fil ter, Atik ISS TRANSIT BY JAMEY JENKINS – “The International Space 314L+ camera, 180 sec. X Station transit as seen from my back yard, 15 (45-minute integration).

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

MESSIER 42 BY SUNIL CHEBOLU – Sunil writes, “Here is my first deep sky picture taken from my backyard! Yay!! � M 42 – The famous Orion Nebula in the constellation of Orion, the Hunter. At a distance of 1,344 light years, it is the nearest stellar nursery to Earth. The trapezium open cluster is also clearly visible… Clearly there is a lot of room for improvement but what is noteworthy about this picture is that it was a single shot and was taken around 4:00 am today when the moon was still very bright (76% waning gibbous)! � Celestron Nexstar 130mm SLT | 5mm eyepiece | eyepiece projection using Pixel 3 camera | single shot.

AN ADVENTURE WITH THE SOLAR SPECTRUM ~ by Tim Stone ~

When I was a young boy, my parents got me a book about astronomy. It was a wonderful book filled with information that sparked my lifelong passion for things astronomical. Most of the information in the book, though, was way above my head. This only fueled my curiosity, and I’ve only recently been able to explore and learn about them in the attempt to satisfy that curiosity. The book included an image of a solar spectrum being projected onto the floor of a long hallway. Solar researchers were bent over the image, studying it with intent looks on their faces. This was my first exposure to spectrography. I had absolutely no idea what a spectrum was, but if those smart guys were intrigued by one, so was I. I recently had the opportunity to acquire a relatively high-resolution spectrometer. It accepts light via a fiber optic, breaks the light into a spectrum with a reflection grating, and focuses the resulting spectrum on a camera sensor. After a good deal of time spent learning how it works, I was finally able to successfully capture a section of the solar spectrum, centered on the Sodium doublet around 5900 Angstroms. This was a triumph for me! I couldn’t believe I could capture spectral information about the sun that seemed at least a little bit like that picture from my boyhood.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

In this spectral slice (above, left), we see the deep Fraunhofer D1 and D2 absorption lines, so called because they were first noted by Joseph von Fraunhofer, a German physicist in the early 1800s. But in addition, there are dozens of fainter lines, each one caused by the presence of a particular element with electrons in various energy states. Successfully acquiring this spectrum inspired me to try for other Fraunhofer lines, so I found the so-called Magnesium Triplet, Fraunhofer’s d1, d2, and d4 lines. The lower case denotes lesser lines than the capitalized lines. As I scanned the spectrum toward the blue end, I could see hundreds of lines. Then the unmistakable dark bands of the triplet came into view (above right). It was so interesting to see all the details visible in that area of the green region. These lines are very deep and relatively wide, demonstrating the relative abundance of Magnesium in the solar atmosphere. My success with these experiments inspired me to attempt to capture the entire visible spectrum of the sun. Having never done such a thing before, I figured I’d learn as I went along and just jumped in. As the sun shines into my office only in the morning, it took me several days to acquire all the frames needed to stitch together an image of the entire spectrum. It took me several more days to do the stitching and produce the initial color strip shown below.

Identifying the major Fraunhofer lines made the exercise real to me. The number of lines is mind-blowing, and in fact the Fraunhofer lines do not necessarily stand out photographically like they do with a visual apparatus like Fraunhofer used. In this image, the A through L lines are labeled. (Interestingly, there are no I and J lines in Frauhnofer’s catalog of lines). Some of the minor lines are labeled as well. Creating this strip was tremendously satisfying, but in creating a strip like this, an enormous amount of information present in the full resolution spectrum simply disappeared. To remedy this situation, I broke the full resolution spectrum into 10 strips of 400 Angstroms each, and stacked them in such a way that the whole spectrum is visible with only minor information loss. That composite image is shown below.

I learned so much about spectrography and the sun’s spectrum through this project. I understand much more clearly the optics used to create spectra, and discovered along the way some ways my spectrograph needs to be improved. Those improvements are underway, and I’m looking forward to creating Version 2 of this spectrum, at even better resolution and wavelength accuracy. I’ll end this article with a view of a “raw” spectrum, much as it appears straight out of the camera. This is the O2 “B” band, created as sunlight passes through our own atmosphere. To me, this is one of the most attractive sections of all, and because it’s created in our own atmosphere, it’s present in all celestial spectra we capture.

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I don’t pretend to understand all the mechanisms at play in spectra. Much of this happens in the quantum realm. Temperature, pressure, magnetic fields, elemental and molecular abundance, and other factors affect the presence, depth, and width of absorption (and emission) lines. I’m learning as I go, and having a real blast while I’m at it. It’s almost like I’m looking at that book from so long ago, except now I have an inkling of what I’m looking at. Maybe I even have that same studious, puzzled look on my face!

E/PO UPDATES FOR AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, AND MORE DURING 2019

On Thursday, September 5th, Lee Green, Paul Pouliot, While the sky had been partly cloudy earlier in the day, and Dave Osenga provided a program for a group of some attendees were faced with ever-growing clouds. Early 120 homeschooling families in Pontiac. There was a talk by arrivers were treated to views of the waxing gibbous moon, Lee and four telescopes were set up to provide celestial Jupiter, and Saturn. Attending from the TCAA were the views. following: Mark Cabaj, Paul Pouliot, Dave Peters, Dave The September 7th public viewing session at Sugar Grove Osenga, Lee Green, Pat & Sandy Epsicokhan, Lee Green, Carl Nature Center was attended by 37 individuals. TCAA Wenning, Alan Griffith, Tim Stone, and Bob Finnigan (who member Mark Cabaj gave a 40-minute presentation about managed to show how to squeeze out 8 sub frames for an binoculars, and most generously gave away two sets of image of NGC 6888 – the Crescent Nebula) despite the “gently used” binoculars – one 7x50 and the other 15x70 – in miserable sky conditions. Thanks to Mark for his amazing a door prize drawing at the conclusion. He also gave away a generosity and for making the evening so memorable. very sturdy parallelogram binocular mount, all much to the Thanks to all the telescopists who were present to present delight of the audience. views of the night sky to attendees.

Mark Cabaj giving his PVS presentation about binoculars Mark with three somewhat surprised door-prize winners

On September 12th, Lee Green met at SGNC with a group Lex, and Paul Pouliot showed the heavens at the beach using of 20 individuals from the University of Illinois Master their telescopes following Lee’s introductory talk, but not Naturalist program. Lee gave his introduction to astronomy before completing a Solar System Walk conducted by Lee. program and provided views with his 14” telescope and There were about 150 K-5 Girl Scouts and their leaders binoculars afterward. present at this event. Saturn, Jupiter, and the Harvest moon Clear skies also met a group of Girl Scout Space Explorers were highly favored. at Camp Peairs on Lake Bloomington on the evening of On Saturday, September 20th Lee Green was at it again! Saturday, September 14th. There Lee Green, Lee’s brother He, along with Lex Green and TCAAer Dave Osenga, were

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present at Friends Creek Regional Park (located several miles around the world were able to construct it. It explained east of Maroa, IL) where Lee gave an evening presentation why it was empty for so long and the role the space Launch into STEM for Girl Scouts. Three telescopes were shuttle program played during construction. It looked at used to view the sky through openings in the clouds. the history, living conditions and future of the ISS. Approximately 100 Scouts and leaders were present for this • There and Back Again! Apollo and the Moon, Unitarian event. About 30 stayed long enough to see the predicted Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal. 5/23/2019, passage of the International Space Station, much to the attendance: 11. Description: In the early 20th century, delight of all. getting to the moon was a dream for science fiction Your editor only recently learned that Sandullah writers and German schoolchildren. War made it a reality. Epsicokhan was named a NASA Solar System Ambassador We will look at how these factors came together to make last year – joining Lee Green and Dave Osenga in this one of the greatest feats of engineering in history. Some honored role. Carl asked Sandullah to detail his of the tangible everyday items we take for granted today presentations so they would not be overlooked in the TCAA’s are spinoffs from the Apollo program. Understanding who, record of public service. Sandullah submitted the following what, and how this ambitious task was achieved can be descriptions ranging from last to first: examined from many different perspectives. This multimedia presentation is another unique look at this • Apollo and the Moon, Third Presbyterian Church, 8/3/2019, outstanding American milestone. attendance: 24. Description: The trip to the moon was a • What Space is Like, Alwood Middle School, 12/12/2018, great challenge to science and engineering. With years of attendance: 25. Description: This video conference was effort by 400,000 people, the goal of getting there was focused on a general discussion and overview of Cassini, achieved. This presentation for middle school students Earth, Hubble, Mars, New Horizons, Sun, Spitzer, and looks at the accomplishment and some of the great the Voyager. After a discussion of what it is like for humans challenges involved in getting to the moon before 1970. going into and living in space, questions about the solar • The International Space Station, Putnam County Public system and how it is being explored were addressed. Library, 8/1/2019, attendance: 7. Description: The International Space Station’s construction began on November 20, 1998. It has been orbiting and continually occupied since October 31, 2000. This presentation examined the ISS and showed how the various countries

INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR ASTRONOMY COURSE – FINAL REMINDER! The TCAA’s Introduction to Amateur Astronomy course grant will allow us to reduce the cost of the course in the is making a comeback for the first time since 2017. Started in hope of recruiting new members. The course will be September of 2015 as Universe Sampler, the course (later re- promoted at all public viewing sessions this year. named Introduction to Amateur Astronomy) was successively TCAA Guide #1 was written by Carl prior to the start of taught three times, twice by Carl Wenning the course in 2015 and subsequently and twice by Darren Erickson with a one of updated and expanded. The 60-page the courses taught by both. Approximately Guide constitutes a comprehensive 30 individuals passed through the first introduction to amateur astronomy and three courses. should not to be mistaken for an The 2019 course is being supported introductory astronomy text. The Guide by an inaugural $250 mini grant provided addresses the basics that everyone needs by the North Central Region of the to know in order to become a successful Astronomical League (NCRAL) and amateur astronomer. It deals primarily awarded at its Regional convention in with the use of eyes, binoculars, and Moline on May 4, 2019. The purpose of telescopes to successfully view the objects the grant is to help a club to recruit new of the night sky. members and is the first of its type. In this Introduction to Amateur Astronomy instance, the money will be used to pay will be offered for a reduced fee in for as many copies of the course’s comparison to the past (registration fee textbook, TCAA Guide #1, as possible. The will be $15 per household this year rather

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

than $25 – one set of materials per household unless a being updated. If you are a TCAA member and intend to take second registration fee is paid). Each of the course’s three 2- the course, do not print your copy for the course until (1) hour classes will be held at the ISU Planetarium courtesy of you have been admitted and (2) the revisions are complete.) Director Tom Willmitch. Classes will be taught by Carl Those who successfully complete the course Wenning and Lisa Wentzel with Tom’s assistance. (determined on the basis of course attendance and The dates for the three sessions are Saturdays, October successfully passing an optional written test which will be 12, 19, and November 2. (There will be no class on Saturday, new this year) will be eligible for training on the SGO’s 11- October 26 due to a schedule conflict.) Classes will run from inch Celestron “goto” telescope. Keys to the observatory will 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM each Saturday. This will allow for be provided only after an acceptable introductory period, evening viewing sessions at SGNC should the sky be clear. the length of which has yet to be determined by the TCAA The course Guide (not the course) will be provided free Board of Directors. to non-TCAA-member participants (one per household), and To apply for this course, go online to the following case- a one-year introductory membership in the TCAA will be sensitive URL: http://bit.ly/2V8eGxL. To date, more than a included. (TCAA members may attend the course without dozen individuals have registered and paid registration fees. paying the $15 course fee but will have to either use an The number of seats in the course is limited, and priority will electronic version or print their own copy of TCAA Guide #1 be given to non-members should be exceed the cap of 60 for use in the course. Alternatively, the $15 fee can be paid, participants. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t and the Guide will be provided. (N.B. The Guide is currently hesitate to contact Carl now at [email protected].

10” TELESCOPE DECLARED “UNWANTED PROPERTY”

At the July TCAA Board of Directors meeting, a serviceable 10” telescope donated to the TCAA about a year ago by the family of former club member Lenore Trainor (1956-2007) was determined to be unwanted property. This means that the club is willing to take a suitable donation in exchange for the telescope. The Odyssey 1 telescope is a very sturdy, but relatively heavy Newtonian reflector on a Dobsonian mount. The telescope is very low profile (“short”) and most suitable for either a youthful observer or a rather short adult. As a result it has wanted for observers and sat unused at Waynesville Observatory since it was first left there. It needs a thorough cleaning but provides great views. A small variety of eyepieces is available with the telescope. If you are interested in this instrument and are willing to make a donation to the TCAA, please contact Secretary Carl Wenning at [email protected]. Please note that the accompanying image is a “file photo.” It is not a photograph of the actual telescope.

OCTOBER 2019 ~ by Jeffrey L. Hunt ~

At the beginning of the month, the Winter Triangle – lower right. At the end of evening twilight, the meridian cuts Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Procyon – approaches the meridian through the Summer Triangle – Vega, Altair, and Deneb. at the start of morning twilight. Rigel, Orion’s bright blue Vega is west of the meridian. Deneb is 80° up in the eastern supergiant, is a few degrees east of the meridian, nearly sky, while Altair is nearly 60° up in the south. The Milky Way halfway up in the sky. Pegasus descends toward the western spans the sky from the south-southwest, nearly overhead, horizon, with the stars of Andromeda streaming from into the northeast horizon. The moon is beginning its Alpheratz – the star Pegasus shares with Andromeda – evening journey; catch deep sky objects during the next few toward Perseus. On clear, October cool mornings, the evenings or wait until later in the month. Arcturus is only Pleiades catch your eye. The cluster – now past the meridian about 10° up in the west at this hour. The Big Dipper seems about 70° up in the west – is followed by the Hyades and to scrape along the north-northwest horizon with the end of Aldebaran. Farther east, Regulus and Leo are just above the its curved handle pointing at Arcturus. Farther eastward, eastern horizon. During the daytime, the sun is now below Capella is just above the north-northeast horizon with the celestial equator with daytime lasting less than 12 hours. Perseus and Cassiopeia standing above it. The Great Square Jupiter and Saturn shine from the southern skies after of Pegasus is well above the eastern horizon. sunset. Jupiter is about 10 times brighter than Saturn. Jupiter is slowly moving away from Antares, to the planet’s

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

• October 1: Mars (m = 1.8), in western Virgo, is only 10° Jupiter and Saturn are in the southern sky after sunset. west of the sun; it rises about 30 minutes before sunrise. Saturn, 25° up in the south, is 2.1° to the upper right of the As the sky brightens it is low in the east. You’ll need slightly gibbous moon (7.2d, 53%). The planet is west of optical assistance to find it. It moves about 0.6° eastward the meridian. Bright Jupiter, 25° to the lower right of each day. This fairly rapid eastward motion seems to delay Saturn, is nearly 18° up in the south-southwest. its appearance in the sky. By midmonth it only rises 10 • October 6: One hour after sunset, the moon (8.2d, 63%), minutes earlier than this morning. The sun and Mars move 25° up in the south – east of the meridian, is over 14° to about 2 hours eastward in right ascension during the the upper left of Saturn. month, although our star loses nearly 11° in declination • October 7: One hour after sunset, the moon (9.2d, 72%) is while Mars loses 8°. In the evening sky, Venus (m = −3.9), 25° up in the south-southeast. One hour after sunset, 13° east of the sun, and Mercury (m = −0.2), 20° east of Saturn is 25° up in the south. It is 90° east of the sun, the sun, continue to suffer from a poorly inclined ecliptic. setting at about 11:30 p.m. CDT. Venus sets about 30 minutes after the sun, slightly south • October 8: One hour after sunset, the moon (10.2d, 80%) of west, and Mercury sets about 10 minutes later in the is eastern Capricornus, 2° to the lower right of Delta west-southwest. One hour after sunset the crescent moon Capricornus (δ Cap, m = 2.8). Fomalhaut (α PsA, m = 1.2), (3.2 days after the New phase, 15% illuminated), 11° up in 5° up in the southeast, is over 20° to the lower left of the the west-southwest, is east of a line that connects moon. Zubenelgenubi (α Lib, m = 2.8) and Zubeneschamali (β Lib, • October 9: One hour after sunset, the waxing gibbous m = 2.6), 6.5° to the lower left of Zubeneschamali. At the moon (11.2d, 87%) is 14° in altitude in the southeast, same time the moon has nearly the same altitude as among the dim stars of Aquarius. If you can pull the dim Antares (α Sco, m = 1.0), nearly 20° to the left of the lunar stars out of the region with a binocular, the moon is nearly crescent. Bright Jupiter (m = −2.0) is 19° up in the 6° to the upper right of Delta Aquarii (δ Aqr, m =3.2). The southwest, nearly 10° to the upper left of Antares. This moon stands over 16° above Fomalhaut that is about 5° up planet is slowly inching away from Antares. Meanwhile, in the southeast. Saturn (m = 0.5), about 25° to the upper left of Jupiter, is • October 10: The moon reaches apogee at 1:29 p.m. CDT 4° above Nunki (σ Sgr, m = 2.0) – a star in the handle of when it is 252,214 miles away. One hour after sunset, the the Teapot of Sagittarius – is nearly 26° up in the south. moon (12.2d, 93%) is over 7° to the upper left of Delta • October 2: The crescent moon (4.2d, 23%) is about 16° up Aquarii. At this time, Jupiter is 17° up in the southwest. in the southwest, one hour after sunset. Through a The planet slowly moves eastward among the stars of binocular observe that it is 2° to the upper left of Nu Ophiuchus. It is slowly pulling away from Antares. This Scorpii (ν Sco, m =4.0). The binocular reveals the gentle evening Jupiter is nearly 11° to the upper left of the star. glow of Earthshine in the lunar night. At the same time, Jupiter does not pass Antares again until December 2030. the lunar crescent is nearly 12° to the lower right of Dimmer Saturn, over 25° to the upper left of Jupiter is 26° Jupiter and over 7° to the upper right of Antares. up in the south, 10° west of the meridian. The other three • October 3: One hour after sunset, the moon (5.2d, 33%) is bright planets continue to hide in the sun’s glare. Mars 1.9° to the upper left of Jupiter while Jupiter is nearly 10° rises about 65 minutes before sunrise. It is a binocular to the upper left of Antares. The trio is along a diagonal object 30 minutes before sunrise when it is 5° up in the line relative to the horizon. east. Venus, 15° east of the sun, and Mercury, 23° east of • October 4: One hour after sunset, the moon (6.2d, 43%) is the sun, continue to suffer from a poorly inclined ecliptic nearly midway between Jupiter and Saturn; the planets in the west after sunset. Mercury’s visibility is hampered are over 25° apart, although the moon is closer to Saturn. further from its position south of the ecliptic. Both set The moon – Saturn gap, 10.7°; moon – Jupiter, 14.6°. All within a 15-minute time span during bright twilight. three are along the same diagonal line. • October 11: One hour after sunset, the gibbous moon • October 5: Today, the moon reaches its First Quarter (13.2d, 97%) is 14° up in the east-southeast. phase at 11:47 a.m. Three of the bright planets continue • October 12: One hour after sunset, the nearly Full moon to hide in the sun’s glare. Mars, about a month after its (14.2d, 99%) is 10° up in the east-southeast. solar conjunction, is 11° west of the sun, rising about one • October 13: At the beginning of morning twilight, the hour before sunrise. The visibility of Mercury (m = −0.2) moon (14.7d, 100%) is 11° up in the west. It’s in Cetus this and Venus (m = −3.9) continues to suffer from a poorly morning. The moon reaches its Full phase at 4:08 p.m. CDT. inclined ecliptic. Venus, 14° east of the sun, sets 36 One hour after sunset, the moon (15.2d, 100%) is nearly 6° minutes after the sun; Mercury, 21° east of the sun, sets up in the east. The moon is back in Pisces this evening. about 5 minutes after Venus. The two bright outer planets,

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• October 14: At the beginning of morning twilight, the horse’s nose, Enif, is there with the globular cluster M15 moon (15.7d, 100%) is 21° up in the west-southwest. Two about 60° up. Farther eastward, Andromeda and its Great hours after sunset, the moon (16.3d, 98%) is 12° up in the Galaxy follow. M31 is about 50° up at this hour. During the east in Cetus. The Pleiades (M45) are entering the sky at next two weeks watch Jupiter pass dim stars in southern this hour. When the moon moves farther east, they will be Ophiuchus. Use a binocular to note the planet’s movement easier to see. The star cluster is about 7° up in the east- among the stars. northeast. Bright Capella (α Aur, m = 0.1) is nearly 10° in altitude in the north-northeast. As the sky darkens, Jupiter • October 16: In the morning at mid-twilight (about 45 is less than 15° up in the southwest. It sets about 3 hours minutes before sunrise), Mars is 5° up in the east. Use a after sunset. binocular. At about the same time, the moon (17.7d, 94%) • October 15: At the beginning of morning twilight, the is nearly 40° up in the south-southwest, in eastern Aries, moon (16.7d, 98%) is over 30° up in the west southwest. about 12° below the Pleiades. One hour after sunset, look Mars continues its slow climb into the morning sky. In for Jupiter, nearly 17° up in the southwest with a binocular, Virgo, it is 7° in altitude, 30 minutes before sunrise. It is as it passes 1.4° north of Omicron Ophiuchi (ο Oph, m = 15° west of the sun, rising 75 minutes before sunrise. It is 5.1). Two hours later, the moon (18.3d, 90%), nearly 11° a binocular object. Mercury m = −0.8) and Venus continue up in the east, is over 7° below the Pleiades. With the to suffer the misery of a poorly inclined ecliptic after bright moon, use a binocular to pull the star cluster from sunset. Mercury is 24° east of the sun and Venus, 17° east the moonlit sky. As the moon leaves the early evening sky, of the sun. Thirty minutes after sunset, they are in the sky, look for two constellations that have unique appearances, but a challenge to see. Venus is about 3° up in the west- Delphinus and Sagitta. Both are in the vicinity of Altair (α southwest. Mercury is 8° farther south with a similar Aql, m = 0.8). Delphinus the Dolphin consists of 5, 4th altitude. You’ll need a clear horizon, good observing magnitude stars that seem to indicate a fish leaping from conditions, and a binocular to locate them. Jupiter and the water. This pattern is to the upper left of Altair. Sagitta Saturn continue to shine from the southern skies during the Arrow, to the upper right of Altair, consists of 4, 4th early evening. Both are moving eastward among the stars. magnitude stars in a line. Both groups seem to indicate the Jupiter is in southern Ophiuchus and Saturn in eastern figures of their namesakes. The 9th magnitude globular Sagittarius. They are 24° apart. Three hours after sunset, cluster NGC 6934 is 3.8° below Epsilon Delphini (ε Del, m the moon (17.3d, 95%) is 17° up in the east. =4.0). The cluster is remote – 50,000 light years – compared to other globulars. In comparison, M71 is At midmonth, the bright moon shines from the west- seemingly a non-descript globular in Sagitta, only 8,500 southwest at the beginning of morning twilight. The Winter light years away. The cluster is 1.2° to the lower left of Triangle – Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Procyon – is prominently Gamma Sagittae (γ Sge, m = 3.5), the tip of the arrow. In placed in the southern sky. Orion is west of the meridian. If The Messier Album, Mallas reports that M71, about 6’ you’re a fair-weather observer, this is the time to observe across, was mistaken for a condensed open cluster. He the bright Winter stars in the morning. In the east, Leo describes it as “a beautiful sight even in a 10 x 40 regally stands on its tail. Regulus is about 30° up. This means finder…Visually, M71 is an oval with a brighter side that farther north, the Big Dipper is balanced on its handle forming a curving ‘V’” (p. 144). The treasure in the region above the northeast horizon. Mars is starting its morning is likely the “Dumbbell Nebula” (M27, NGC 6853). The appearance. While not bright, watch as it runs through planetary nebula is in Vulpecula the Little Fox, a difficult- Virgo. As the month wanes, the length of daylight and the to-visualize constellation between Sagitta and Cygnus, length of darkness – from the end of evening twilight to the that has 5th magnitude stars. M27 is 3.2° above Gamma beginning of morning twilight – are equal at about 10.5 Sagittae and 0.4° below 14 Vupeculae (14 Vul, m = 5.6). hours with twilight lasting 3 hours, divided into 90-minute The dumbbell portion of the nebula resembles an portions that occur before sunrise and after sunset. While hourglass, 8’ x 4’ in dimension, that is tipping over. Mallas heading toward a reasonable evening elongation, Mercury describes the view. “Glowing quite greenish, M27 is one of remains difficult to see. Expect a conjunction with Venus the few planetaries to show vivid color in a telescope” (pp near month’s end. Jupiter and Saturn are farther west but 74-75). Walter Scott Houston, in his book Deep Sky moving gently eastward against their starry backgrounds. At Wonders, provides advice on viewing the nebula. “It is the end of evening twilight, the moon is low in the eastern hard to assign a ‘best’ telescope for viewing M27. My 5- sky. The Summer Triangle – Vega, Deneb, and Altair – is west inch Apogee telescope with a fixed power of 20x shows it of the meridian. Deneb is about 10° from the zenith. As the as a bright sphere with the dumbbell shape rather mild. Great Square of Pegasus approaches the meridian, the My 10-inch, f/8.6 reflector shows M27 much better at

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

300x by means of a Barlow lens than at the same power • October 24: One hour before sunrise, the moon (25.7d, with a short focus eyepiece” (p. 183). The Dumbbell 18%) is nearly midway between Regulus and Denebola, Nebula joins the Ring Nebula (in Lyra) as two great nearly 11° to the lower left of Regulus. The lunar crescent planetary nebulae in this part of the sky, is below a line that connects the stars. • October 17: One hour before sunrise, the moon (18.7d, • October 25: One hour before sunrise, the waning crescent 88%), nearly 50° up in the south-southwest is over 6° to moon (26.7d, 10%), over 20° up in the east-southeast, is the right of Aldebaran (α Tau, m = 0.3). Today, Spica (α Vir, over 8° to the lower right of Denebola. Mars, only 5° up in m = 1.0) is at its solar conjunction. The star is only 2° south the east, is nearly 19° to the lower left of the moon. On of the ecliptic. It emerges into the morning sky next month. closer inspection, the Red Planet is 3.8° to the lower right • October 18: One hour before sunrise, the moon (19.7d, of Gamma Virginis. Notice that Arcturus, low in the east- 81%), nearly 60° up in the southwest, is nearly midway northeast, and Mars have nearly the same altitude this between Aldebaran and Zeta Tauri (ζ Tau, m = 3.0), morning. The star is over 30° to the left of the planet. As although above a line that connects the two stars. The the sky darkens, after sunset, Venus is nearly 4° up in the gibbous moon is over 7° to the upper left of Aldebaran. west-southwest. Mercury (m = 0.1) is nearly the same Fifteen minutes later, Mars, over 5° up in the east, is over altitude as its brilliant Inner Planet companion, about 5° to 20° to the lower right of Denebola (β Leo, m = 2.1). Use a its left. You’ll need an exceptional horizon and a binocular binocular to see the planet. to see them. A half hour later, Jupiter is 14° up in the • October 19: One hour before sunrise, the moon (20.7d, southwest. Antares, Jupiter’s stellar companion for this 72%), nearly 70° up in the south-southwest is in Orion, apparition, is low in the southwest, only 5° up. It’ll be nearly 15° above Betelgeuse (α Ori, m = 0.4). One hour disappearing from this time interval after sunset in a few after sunset, Jupiter, about 15° up in the southwest, is 1.8° days. Jupiter is 14° to the upper left of Antares. Saturn, south of Xi Ophiuchi (ξ Oph, m = 4.3). About 45 minutes nearly 23° to the upper left of Jupiter, is about 24° up in before sunrise, start looking for Arcturus (α Boo, m = 0.2), the south-southwest. about 3° up in the east-northeast for its first morning • October 26: One hour before sunrise, the moon (27.7d, appearance. A binocular will help find it. Mercury reaches 4%), about 11° up in the east, is 1.9° to the upper left of its greatest evening elongation (24.6°) at 11:02 p.m. CDT. Gamma Virginis and nearly 6° to the upper left of Mars. • October 20: One hour before sunrise, the moon (21.7d, Use a binocular to view this scene. The moon is at perigee 62%), 70° up in the south is about 12° to the lower right of (224,539 miles) at 5:39 a.m. CDT. Pollux (β Gem, m = 1.2). At this time, Mars is farther east, • October 27: Venus (m = −3.8) is 20° east of the sun, setting near the horizon, about 4° up in the east. The planet is 53 minutes after sunset. One hour after sunset, Jupiter, over 20° to the lower right of Denebola. With a binocular, 5.5° up in the southwest, is 1.2° to the upper right of 44 observe that Mars is 1.9° to the lower right of Gamma Ophiuchi (44 Oph, m = 4.2). Uranus (m = 5.7) is at Virginis (γ Vir, m = 3.4). In the evening, one hour after opposition in the morning. At the end of evening twilight, sunset, Jupiter and Saturn appear in the southwestern sky. the planet, in western Aries, is nearly 30° up in the east. It Jupiter, 15° up in the southwest, is 12° to the upper left of is about 8° to the lower left of Gamma Arietis (γ Ari, m = Antares. The star is slowly disappearing into the sun’s 3.9). The starfield is quite dim, so another reference is that glare. Saturn, 24° up in the south-southwest, is about 23° the planet is 3.7° to the upper left of Xi1 Ceti (ξ1 Cet, m = to the upper left of Jupiter. 4.3). Use a high magnification to see the 3.7”-diameter • October 21: One hour before sunrise, the moon (22.7d, disk. 51%) about 70° up in the south-southeast, is nearly 7° to • October 28: Uranus is at opposition at 3:15 a.m. CDT. One the lower left of Pollux. The moon is at its Last Quarter hour after sunset, Saturn, 18° up in the south-southwest, phase at 7:39 a.m. CDT. is 0.7° to the lower left of Omicron Sagittarii (ο Sgr, m = • October 22: One hour before sunrise, the moon (23.7d, 3.4). Use a binocular to see the star as the sky darkens. 39%), 60° up in the southeast, is 3.7° to the lower left of The moon is at its New phase at 10:38 p.m. CDT. the Beehive Cluster (M44, NGC 2632). This is a nice view • October 29: Venus and the crescent moon (1.8 d, 4%) are through a binocular. One hour after sunset, Jupiter, nearly 4.7° apart. Thirty minutes after sunset, the moon appears 15° up in the southwest, passes 2° north of Theta Ophiuchi to the upper left of Venus, only 4° up in the southwest. (θ Oph, m = 3.2). • October 30: An hour before sunrise, Mars is nearly 7° up in • October 23: One hour before sunrise, the crescent moon the east, about 7° below Gamma Virginis. Arcturus is (24.7d, 28%), nearly 50° in altitude in the east-southeast is farther north along the horizon, about 10° up in the east- 5.2° to the upper left of Regulus (α Leo, m = 1.3). northeast. Thirty minutes after sunset, Venus, 4° up in the southwest, appears 2.5° to the upper right of Mercury (m

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

= 0.4). Use a binocular to view the planetary pair. One At month’s end, the Winter Triangle – Sirius, hour after sunset, Jupiter, now setting 2 hours after the Betelgeuse, and Rigel – is west of the meridian, and bright sun, is only 5° up in the southwest. Saturn is about 22° to Capella is high in the western sky at the start of morning the upper left of Jupiter. twilight. Farther east, Regulus with its constellation, Leo, is • October 31: An hour before sunrise, Mars is about 7° up in well up in the east-southeast. The Big Dipper is standing on the east-southeast. Thirty minutes after sunset, Venus is its handle high in the northeast. Closer to the horizon, in the nearly 5° up in the west-southwest, nearly 25° to the east-northeast, Arcturus shines from about 5° up. Mars, lower right of Jupiter. As the sky darkens further, the although not so bright, is making its morning appearance. In moon (3.8d, 18%) is 4.5° to the upper left of Jupiter, about the evening sky, Venus begins to appear as it heads towards 13° up in the southwest. Saturn is 22° to the upper left of a conjunction with Jupiter next month. As the sky darkens Jupiter, nearly 23° up in the south-southwest. further, Jupiter and Saturn appear farther west than earlier in the month. Jupiter sets before the end of evening twilight.

TCAA TREASURER’S REPORT AS OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

Checking Account Information

Memo Category Amount BALANCE 8/27/2019 1,391.17 Lisa Wentzel Dues Received 39.80 Mark Cabaj Dues Received 75.00 John Gahm Dues Received 25.13 Peter Kates Dues Received 40.00 Electrical Service Waynesville Observatory (62.29) Anthony Cellini Dues Received 39.80 BALANCE 9/25/2019 1,548.61

Checking Account Balance – September 25, 2019 $1,548.61 Savings Account Balance – September 25, 2019 $2,017.83 - Includes $0.03 cents interest as of this date

Total TCAA Funds – September 25, 2019 $3,566.44

All transactions are reconciled with the bank statements as of this date.

Respectfully submitted, Dave Osenga

TCAA ACTIVE ON FACEBOOK

Did you know that the TCAA is on Facebook? We encourage users of social media to follow the TCAA to see what the club is doing and to learn about nightly events that only require the observer to step outdoors and view with the unaided eye. You can find us on Facebook by searching either TCAA or Twin City Amateur Astronomers. If you haven’t followed TCAA’s Face- book page, you have missed out on a lot during the past couple of months.

Vol. 44, No. 10 The OBSERVER of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers October 2019

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 observing sessions at SGNC, public outreach events such as the recent May 9, 2016 transit of Mercury and the 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 three 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.