Highlights of the August Sky

- - - 2 - - - New 4:44 pm EDT

- - - 3rd - - - DUSK: Mercury is 16º to the lower right of Jupiter, while Venus 8º to the lower    right of Mercury.

- - - 4th - - - DUSK: The Moon is 1° to the lower right of Mercury. KAS Venus is 9.5° to their lower right, while Jupiter 14° to their upper left. Perseid Potluck Picnic: Saturday, August 6 @ 6:00 pm - - - 5th - - - Kalamazoo Nature Center - See Page 4 for Details DUSK: Jupiter is about 1.5° above a waxing crescent Moon. Observing Session: Saturday, August 6 @ 9:00 pm Pleasant Planetary Nebulae - Kalamazoo Nature Center - - - 7th - - - DUSK: The crescent Moon is between and Observing Session: Saturday, August 13 @ 9:00 pm Porrima (Gamma Virginis). The Moon, Mars & Saturn - Kalamazoo Nature Center - - - 10th - - - First Quarter Moon 2:21 pm EDT Field Trip: Thursday, August 25 – Monday, August 29 Cherry Springs State Park in PA - See Page 3 for Details - - - 12th - - - AM: The Perseid meteor shower peaks, will be best after Moonset at 1:37 am EDT. Expect at least 60 meteors per hour. Inside the Newsletter. . . - - - 18th - - - Full Moon 5:26 pm EDT July Meeting Minutes...... p. 2

- - - 23rd 24 - - - Observations...... p. 3 PM: Mars forms a vertical line about 6° long with NASA Space Place...... p. 3 Antares below and Saturn above. Perseid Potluck Picnic...... p. 4

- - - 24th - - - Double Star Observing...... p. 5 Last Quarter Moon 11:41 pm EDT August Night Sky...... p. 6

- - - 27th - - - KAS Board & Announcements...... p. 7 DUSK: Venus and Jupiter will be separated by only Robotic Telescope Project...... p. 8 6.4 arc-minutes (0.11°), with Mercury 5° to their lower left.   July Meeting Minutes

The general meeting of the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society was brought to order by President Richard Bell on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 7:14 pm. Only 12 members were in attendance at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Instead of meeting in the amphitheater (as we’ve done in recent ), the handful of members in attendance gathered at two adjoining picnic tables. The temperature at meeting time was a pleasant 82° F with a nice breeze. Skies were clear and there were absolutely no mosquitoes!

The theme of the July meeting, as it has been for the past several years, was Gadget Night. Gadget Night is one of the longest running traditions for the KAS; dating back to at least 1954. Because 2016 marks the 80th anniversary of the KAS, we asked members to share great gadgets from the past in addition to new gadgets. In all, five members brought items to share. Matthew DePriest (with his son Daniel) shared a clever Don Stilwell started things off by sharing the Funnel he set of rotating tube rings for his equatorially mounted originally built for the 2012 Venus transit. He got the idea Newtonian reflector. from an article written by Richard Bell in the May 2012 issue of Prime Focus (who in turn got the idea from Chuck material that looks like silver bubble wrap. He sewed black Bueter and Gene Zajac). Don has since used his Sun Funnel felt material on the inside along with Velcro strips. It can be to share views of sunspots at outreach events and the recent rolled up when not in use and is thus very portable and Mercury transit. Don also shared a pair of homemade solar durable. Richard then showed his battery box, which he said filters for his binoculars. These were made at the Solar Filter is his most-used gadget. He got the idea from the article Workshop held on May 11, 2012 (another workshop will Power To Go, which appeared in the January 1996 issue of likely be held before the Great American Eclipse on August Astronomy magazine. (Richard republished the article in the 21, 2017). Don’s last gadget was a pair of 10×42 Vanguard April 1997 issue of Prime Focus.) The box has three binoculars (the company’s main headquarters is in China, but cigarette lighter ports that draw power from a 12V, 33AH the American dealer is based out of Whitmore Lake, MI). deep cycle battery. The Counterweight Caddy that Richard built and shared last was shown next. He then brought Jack Price shared his barn-door tracker he originally built for out his Sun Funnel and passed around a picture of his the 1986 apparition of Halley’s Comet. Barn-door trackers craziest gadget, the Sun Gun! The idea for the Sun Gun allow for up to ~15 minute exposures at focal lengths of came from a June 1999 issue of Sky & Telescope. It worked about 24 - 50 mm without the need for an electric motor. great on pavement, but was unstable on grassy surfaces. He Several different designs can be found online. stopped using it after it nearly fell on a child that stepped up on the platform. It was a big attraction, but a Sun Funnel is Richard Bell brought four great gadgets from the past. The much more practical! first was a dew cap for his old Meade 10-inch LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain. It is made of Reflectix, an insulating Our last two gadgets were all new! Matthew DePriest, who just joined the KAS in mid-June, discovered how difficult it can be to view through the eyepiece of a Newtonian on a German equatorial mount. Matthew found a way to convert his existing tube rings into rotating rings using garden hoses and hose clamps. Joe Comiskey finds it difficult to observe near the zenith with binoculars. To overcome this discomfort he built a downward looking binocular mount. These are commercially available for about $230, but Joe’s only cost about $40. Joe would like to upgrade the mirror to a first surface mirror for better image quality.

Richard and Jean DeMott then unboxed the latest gadget for the Robotic Telescope Project: a Takahashi FSQ-106EDX III quadruplet apochromatic refracting telescope. We’ll have it on display at the special meeting on September 9th.

One bit of astronomical news mentioned after the snack break was Juno’s successful insertion around Jupiter on Joe Comiskey demonstrates his homemade downward July 4th. The meeting concluded at 8:47 pm. Thanks to the looking binocular mount during Gadget Night. dozen members that attended!

Prime Focus Page 2 August 2016

Venus and Jupiter Observations Prepare for their by Close-up this Month Richard S. Bell by Dr. Ethan Siegel

August is the month where I’m free as a bird! It’s when I As Earth speeds along in its annual journey around the Sun, have an extended break between the summer and fall it consistently overtakes the slower-orbiting outer , semesters at KVCC. If money were no object, I could hit the while the inner worlds catch up to and pass Earth road and explore this great nation of ours! I am hoping to periodically. Sometime after an outer world — particularly a travel a bit this month, but not for as long or as far as I would slow-moving gas giant — gets passed by Earth, it appears to like. There is plenty to do closer to home. migrate closer and closer to the Sun, eventually appearing to slip behind it from our perspective. If you've been watching The twenty-second annual Perseid Potluck Picnic will again Jupiter this year, it's been doing exactly that, moving be held at the Kalamazoo Nature Center on August 6th. What consistently from east to west and closer to the Sun ever will this year’s picnic be like? Will we have the record since May 9th. setting attendance of 70 plus like we did last year? Will Chuck Overberger bring some more mouth-watering sweet On the other hand, the inner worlds pass by Earth. They corn? Will we actually get to observe the Sun this year? speed away from us, then slip behind the Sun from west to The only way you’ll know the answers to these questions is east, re-emerging in Earth's evening skies to the east of the to attend. One thing is for sure, we’ll have enough food and Sun. Of all the planets visible from Earth, the two brightest fun for everyone! are Venus and Jupiter, which experience a conjunction from our perspective only about once per year. Normally, Venus A Public Observing Session will immediately follow the and Jupiter will appear separated by approximately 0.5º to 3º picnic (assuming skies are clear). We’ll then have another at closest approach. This is due to the fact that the Solar public session on August 13th. That’s right, back-to-back System's planets don't all orbit in the same perfect, two- sessions! That’ll leave the rest of August free for vacations. dimensional plane. I’m hoping to travel to Cherry Springs State Park in north- central Pennsylvania from about August 25th - 29th. My But this summer, as Venus emerges from behind the Sun and attempts to travel to Cherry Springs the last couple of years begins catching up to Earth, Jupiter falls back toward the have been thwarted by bad weather. I wrote about Cherry Sun, from Earth's perspective, at the same time. On August Springs last August, but here are the highlights: 27th, all three planets — Earth, Venus and Jupiter — will make nearly a perfectly straight line. In 2000, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) declared Cherry Springs the As a result, Venus and Jupiter, at 9:48 PM Universal time, state’s first Dark Sky Park. It has become a very popular will appear separated by only 4 arc-minutes, the closest destination for amateur astronomers over the past 16 years. I conjunction of naked eye planets since the Venus/Saturn can attest to this. My first and only trip to Cherry Springs conjunction in 2006. Seen right next to one another, it's thus far was for the 2005 Black Forest Star Party. We startling how much brighter Venus appears than Jupiter; at enjoyed pristine conditions that year. This year’s star party magnitude -3.80, Venus appears some eight times brighter actually takes place the following weekend (September 2nd - than Jupiter, which is at magnitude -1.53. 4th). That’s a bit too close to the start of the fall semester at KVCC, plus I’m hoping the park won’t be as crowded the Look to the western skies immediately after sunset on weekend before the star party. August 27th, and the two brightest planets of all — brighter than all the stars — will make a dazzling duo in the twilight The DCNR allow amateurs to camp on the observing field sky. As soon as the Sun is below the horizon, the pair will be and offer concrete pads and electricity. The camping fee is about two fists (at arm’s length) to the left of the sun’s only $15 per night per vehicle (for up to 5 people). disappearance and about one fist above a flat horizon. You However, you can also purchase a “ Pass” for $65. may need binoculars to find them initially and to separate That allows you to have access to the observing area for the them. Through a telescope, a large, gibbous Venus will rest of the year rather than paying the per night set-up fee. appear no more distant from Jupiter than Callisto, its farthest The passes can be purchased in person at the Lyman Run Galilean satellite. State Park office or ordered by credit card over the phone. As a bonus, Mercury is nearby as well. At just 5º below and Anybody interested in coming along? I have this listed as a left of the Venus/Jupiter pair, Mercury achieved a distant field trip on the front page, but it’s really an unofficial one. conjunction with Venus less than 24 hours prior. In 2065, The exact dates can vary. Some can arrive earlier, arrive Venus will actually occult Jupiter, passing in front of the later, stay longer, or leave earlier. It’s up to you and 's disk. Until then, the only comparably close whatever Nature decides to throw our way! I’m just anxious conjunctions between these two worlds occur in 2039 and to get back under some dark, transparent skies and enjoy 2056, meaning this one is worth some special effort — some observing and imaging. It would be nice if some including traveling to get clear skies and a good horizon — fellow KAS members could join me. to see!

Prime Focus Page 3 August 2016 Mark your calendar. Hope for good weather. It's time for the big social event of the summer for the KAS. So get ready to party! Here are the details:

The KAS will provide the hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers (by order). You will be required to bring your own beverages, table service, lawn chairs, bug spray, and a dish to pass. Condiments will be provided by the KAS.

While dinner is cooking we will have solar observing available through KAS member telescopes (weather permitting). Feel free to bring any type of outdoor games or toys to pass the time while we wait for dinner.

After dinner, we’ll hold a Public Observing Session - gates open at 9:00 pm. Stargazers should be prepared to observe the deep sky delights of the summer Milky Way, and perhaps some early meteors from the Perseids.

This gathering will take place rain or shine, so be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way!

WHEN: WHERE: Saturday, August 6, 2016 Kalamazoo Nature Center Arrive at 6pm • Dinner starts at 7pm 7000 North Westnedge Ave. Double Star Observing by Joe DalSanto

Double stars are an excellent class of object to observe for magnitude and a separation wider than, say, 5ʺ - 10ʺ . There both new-comers as well as experienced observers. You’ll are hundreds of such pairs awaiting you and these can find them a fascinating diversion from other deep-sky literally keep you occupied for many years. Finally, some objects. There are also several practical reasons why you’ll may choose to test themselves and their telescopes by trying enjoy observing doubles. to split the closest pairs under 5ʺ. It’s entirely up to you.

First, with ever increasing light pollution, many observers The famous observer William Herschel was the first serious are disappointed with their views of faint deep sky objects double star observer. He prepared a catalog of hundreds of from home and therefore limit themselves to observing only doubles in the 1780s and soon noticed that some appeared to when they can get under dark skies. Double stars, on the be slowly revolving around each other. He had discovered other hand, are plenty bright enough to shine through most orbital motion of the stars, the first evidence of gravity suburban light pollution (and some moonlight), thus giving beyond the solar system. In the 1820s and 1830s, Wilhelm you a whole class of objects to observe from home. Many are Struve systematically surveyed the heavens and compiled a easily visible to the naked eye, while many others are only a catalog (still used today) of over 3,100 new pairs. By 1840, short hop from a naked eye star, making them very easy to F.W. Bessel determined the first accurate distance to a star (a find even through light pollution. double, 61 Cygni) using parallax, a tiny apparent shift in the star’s position as Earth moved in its orbit around the Sun. Second, double stars do not require a large telescope to see Being a double star with a known distance, the relative well. Thus, beginners with small telescopes or experienced masses of the stars could be determined and this observers who just want a quick look with their “other,” breakthrough led to further understanding of stellar sizes, small scope will find doubles particularly attractive to temperatures and other parameters. Thus, double star observe. Small scopes are quick and easy to setup and take observing led to fundamental understanding of the stars, down. Therefore you’ll find yourself more willing to do upon which almost all of modern day astronomy is based. some weeknight observing of doubles from home instead of only being able to observe on weekends when you have time With the exception of a few very bright deep-sky objects and to setup a big scope. the planets, double stars are the only objects that display color in the eyepiece. And the colors not only appear real, Third, doubles present an endless variety of magnitudes, they are real. A star’s color is a direct indication of its separations, and even colors. You may choose to begin with temperature and its spectral class (you may wish to learn the brightest, easiest objects to start with (even binoculars more about stellar spectral classes and how they are will show you pairs brighter than sixth magnitude and a categorized on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram). The separation wider than about 40 arc-seconds (ʺ). There are hottest stars (class O, over 25,000 ) appear blue, enough such easy objects to keep a small scope at low power slightly less hot stars (classes B and A, 10,000 – 25,000 busy for some time. After a while, you may move on to Kelvin) blue-white, somewhat cooler stars (classes F and A, closer and fainter pairs, such as those down to eighth 6,000 – 10,000 Kelvin) look white to yellow-white, cooler yet (classes G an K, 4,000 – 6,000 Kelvin) appear yellow to orange, and the very coolest (class M, under 4,000 Kelvin) look red. When stars of different classes are found together, the contrasting colors are simply a delight. A few well-know examples of these include Beta Cygni (Albireo) with vivid blue and yellow hues, Eta Cassiopeiae with yellow and orange colors, 61 Cygni, both with an orange color, 95 Herculis with red and blue-green stars, and Iota Cancri with orange and blue stars. Of course, there are many, many more such beautiful, colored sights awaiting your visit. Why not give doubles a try the next clear night?

Some Online Double Star Resources:  20 Fun Naked-Eye Double Stars  Astronomical League’s Double Star Club  Eagle Creek Observatory: Double Stars One of the most popular double stars can be viewed right now. Beta Cygni (Albireo) is 430 light-years away and  Journal of Double Star Observations represents the head of the swan. It two components are often described as “golden yellow” and “sapphire blue.”  Sky & Telescope’s Double Star Page

Prime Focus Page 5 August 2016 August Night Sky......

This star map is property of the This map represents the sky at the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society. NORTH following local standard times: However you may make as many  Late July 11 pm copies as you wish free-of-charge, so long as it is for non-profit  Early August 10 pm educational purposes and full  Late August Dusk credit is given to the KAS.

www.kasonline.org EAST WEST

SOUTH

ll the planets visible to the unaided The Perseid meteor shower peaks during An extremely close conjunction of the A eye will be in the evening sky this the early morning hours of August 12th. two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, month. A thin crescent Moon pairs with They’ll be best observable once the occurs on August 27th. Look low in the Mercury on August 4th. They’ll be 15° gibbous Moon sets at 1:37 am EDT. western sky about 15 minutes after below and right of Jupiter. Venus, Expect at least 60 meteors per hour. sunset. The two worlds will only be 0.1° returning as the evening star, is 9° to the apart! That’s close enough to fit in the lower right. Mars and Saturn are hanging See if you can spot Aldebaran just above same field-of-view of a high power out over in Scorpius. Jupiter shines 1.5° the northern tip of the crescent Moon at eyepiece. A conjunction this close won’t above a crescent Moon on August 5th. 2:00 pm EDT on August 25th. occur again until 2039! August 2016 Page 7 PRESIDENT

Richard S. Bell 373-8942 Volunteers Needed!

VICE PRESIDENT The KAS has been invited to setup

Jack Price telescopes and share views of the 343-3193 Moon, stars, and planets during Yankee Springs’ “Meteors & S'mores” event. TREASURER Aendees are welcome to stay late into

Rich Mather the night and enjoy the near peak of the 629-5312 Perseid meteor shower. Please contact us ASAP if you’d like to volunteer your SECRETARY/ALCOR me and telescope. Roger Williams 375-4867 Friday, August 12th @ 9:00 pm

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Yankee Springs Recreation Area

Joe Comiskey 2401 Briggs Rd, Middleville, MI 49333 329-4251

Mike Cook 345-4998

Scott Macfarlane The Miller Planisphere is made with heavy duty 679-2865 plasc and includes a durable plasc case. All Don Stilwell planispheres sold by the KAS are 10.5” in 963-5856 diameter and set at 40° latude. Just dial the date and me and you'll see what's in the sky for that E-MAIL a BOARD MEMBER moment. Available for purchase at most meengs and observing sessions. Also available online at:

skyshop.kasonline.org

Only $13.00

Public Observing Sessions Saturday, August 6th

Saturday, August 13th

Kalamazoo Nature Center ─ 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. ─

The Project is almost complete! Thanks to the generosity of KAS members, friends, and the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation over $111,000 has been raised thus far. Our 20” PlaneWave CDK telescope has been installed, and our a Takahashi FSQ- 106EDXIII refractor will soon follow. We need to raise an additional $9,000 to conclude the fund raising campaign.

Donations can be made in one of two ways:  Via PayPal (send money to [email protected])  Check or Money Order (made payable to the KAS - use return address shown below)

Please remember that the KAS is a non-profit organization. All contributions are federally recognized as tax deductible per section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

Kalamazoo Astronomical Society c/o KAMSC STAMP 600 West Vine, Suite 400 Kalamazoo, MI 49008

© August 2016, Stargazer Productions