IN THIS ISSUE:

 Event Calendar, IYA, News Note FEBRUARY 2009

 Minutes of the January 2009 Meeting

 MVAS Reminders: Do. Dues is due.

 MVAS Activities: Events calendar

 Observer’s Notes: The Celestial Bear

 Letter to the Editor: The Brashear letter

 MVAS Story: A Day to Remember: 1946-51

 MVAS Homework: M-41, Sirius Homework Charts: W CMa, asteroid (1) Ceres

 Constellation of the Month: Canis Major

 March 2009 Sky Almanac

 Gallery: Lulin Lookin’ & stuff

Meteorite Editor: Phil Plante 1982 Mathews Rd. #2 Youngstown OH 44514

FEBRUARY 2009

Welcome to IYA! Newsletter of the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society, Inc. This year, humanity will take part in the International Year of MVAS CALENDAR Astronomy. This global program has been endorsed by the United FEB 28 MVAS meeting at YSU. 8:00 PM. Nations and the International MAR 21 Messier Marathon at MVCO. 7:30 PM EDT Astronomical Union (IAU). It will commemorate the 400th MAR 27 Messier Marathon at MVCO. (Back-up night) anniversary of Galileo’s use of a

MAR 28 MVAS meeting at YSU. 8:00 PM. telescope to study the skies, and Kepler’s publication of APR 3-4 IYA 100 Hours of Observing at YSU 7:00 PM Astronomia Nova. The year 2009 is also the anniversary of other historic events in science, such NATIONAL & REGIONAL EVENTS as Huygen’s 1659 publication of FEB 21 - 28 Winter Star Party, Big Pines, FL Systema Saturnium. This year is http://www.scas.org/ the quadricentennial of modern astronomy. This year of global MAR 7 6th Annual Astronomy Expo & Swap astronomy events serves as the Livonia, MI --- contact: Tom Blaszak at international celebration called [email protected] IYA2009.

MAR 28 2009 All Arizona Messier Marathon. AZ. Events are still being planned http://www.saguaroastro.org/content/messier2009.htm worldwide. As a member of the MVAS you are invited to help celebrate this anniversary locally. Please participate in the IYA YSU WARD BEECHER PLANETARIUM events that are planned for this year. This should be a year long celebration to celebrate and relive Galileo’s first telescopic FEB 27/28 Skywatch. observations 400 years ago. As Galileo found out: the Universe

MAR 8, 14 Black Holes: The other Side of Infinity. is yours to discover. Our mission is to bring the Universe to the public like never before. In 1609, Galileo’s views of the moon MAR 21 Albert Einstein Part 1 (Dr. Pat Durrell, Sat. 8pm) and the Milky Way through his hand fashioned telescope launched humanity along a new road toward understanding the MAR 25 Albert Einstein Part 2 (Dr. Don Howard, Wed. 8pm) cosmos. No other scientific instrument has had such a profound MAR 27/28 Telescopes- A View to the Universe impact on our view of the universe. The telescope’s influence continues to dominate our attempts to perceive the cosmos, as

astronomers work on mysteries like dark energy and matter and MVAS BOARD OF TRUSTEES an accelerating universe. So get your modern scopes out and

President Sam DiRocco get ready to talk shop with the “civilians” out there! Each month Vice President Harry Harker we’ll have a special IYA theme in this space. Treasurer Steve Bartos Secretary Phil Plante COMING MVAS IYA2009 EVENTS Trustee (Appointed) Greg Higgins Trustee (Appointed) Mike Boyer April 3 & 4 100 Hours of Astronomy at YSU Trustee (Membership) Bill Pearce May 1 Discover The Moon, Boardman, Austintown Parks

OBSERVATORY STAFF May 23 OTAA Scenic Vista Stargaze, Public Night June 26 Discover The Moon, Boardman, Austintown Parks Observatory Director Greg Higgins July 11 Scenic Vista Public Stargaze Librarian Rosemary Chomos August 28 Discover The Moon, Boardman, Austintown Parks PUBLICATIONS STAFF Sept. 12 Scenic Vista Public Stargaze

Meteorite Editor Phil Plante Sept. 25 Discover The Moon, Boardman, Austintown Parks Assistant Editor Steve Bartos Oct. 10 Scenic Vista Public Stargaze (rain date for Sep. ) MVAS Webmaster Harry Harker

MVAS REPRESENTATIVES NEWS NOTE

OTAA Representative Harry Harker The visibility of Comet Lulin will improve in February as the

MVAS, P.O. Box 564, NEWTON FALLS, OH 44444 Earth-comet distance shrinks. At closest approach (0.41 AU) on MVAS Homepage- http://mvobservatory.com February 24th, the comet should brighten to about 5th magnitude, dimly visible to the unaided eye and an easy target for binoculars. On Feb. 16 it will be 3º north of Spica, traveling th MVAS 70 Anniversary - 2009 straight towards Regulus where it will be 1º south of it on the 27th. Lulin passes 2º south of Saturn on the 24th.

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 1

The first MVAS meeting of 2009 began with a showing of the OLD BUSINESS: Sam DiRocco reported on the Jan. 23 YSU video production “A Briefer History of Time”. Based on the Trustee meeting. As president he was to appoint the new O.D., book of the same title, it was a humorous take on cosmology Librarian, and Editor. Currently held by Greg Higgins (OD), and the evolution of the Universe. Many students performed in Rosemary Chomos (Librarian), Phil Plante (Editor); all agreed to simple and short segments to explain concepts ranging from the stay on as listed. The Trustees also selected Greg Higgins as Big Bang to the beginning of civilization. Sharon then gave a the next Appointed Trustee. This term coincides with the new quick sky tour linking some currently visible stars to the stellar administration; next two years. Also discussed and confirmed evolution concepts presented in the program. Bill Pearce sold were the MVAS IYA dates for Boardman Park on May 1, June 50/50 raffle tickets as members settled-in for the meeting. 26, Aug. 28, and Sep. 25. Having simultaneous events in Austintown Park are still pending. All on Friday nights- which will MINUTES OF THE JANUARY MEETING free-up Saturdays for other things. Our three regular Scenic JANUARY 31, 2009 At YSU Vista nights will also be IYA events. IYA events will feature At 9:40 PM the meeting was called to order by President Sam handouts and other possible demonstrations (currently in DiRocco. Twenty-one members answered Roll Call. Visitors development) in addition to the normal telescopic views. totaled seven with the usual members of the Bartos and Boyer It was decided to have the MVAS 70th anniversary family. Past member Larry Plante also attended. A call for the celebration event on the actual anniversary date of October 17. reading of the minutes was made. A motion to suspend the We will have our regular meeting that night as well (this is early reading was made by Bill White, seconded by Bob Danko. By as usual). Festivities (so far) include a steak fry. MVAS will voice vote, the majority accepted the minutes. There was one supply the steaks but we will need people to sign-up, so that we nay vote (Higgins). know how many steaks we’ll need to get. Harry Harker is working on a bulk order, with a discount. It was also decided to TREASURER’S REPORT: The Report was read by Steve go with December 12 rather than the 5th, for the ‘09 Christmas Bartos. On a motion by Bill White and a second by Bob Danko, party. Having it closer to Chrismas worked well in 2008. the report was accepted as read. New work projects for the MVCO were also defined by the

General Fund 12/1 thru 12/31 2008 trustees. Main projects include expansion of the deck and fixing the out house roof. Minor repair to the 12” roof (leaks). Bob

OPENING BALANCE: $ 5,802.37 Danko made a note that he has the 12” scope stowed in a CLOSING BALANCE: $ 7,001.18 position so that the leak doesn’t drip onto the tube (a NE-SW AVAILABLE FUNDS: $ 6,761.18 direction). Please stow the 12” like this until the repair is made.

INCOME: The last item was the Elected Trustee. Only Bill Pearce placed his name with the Trustees for candidacy. The RAFFLE TICKETS $ 2,585.00 CHRISTMAS DINNER 390.00 membership present was asked for anyone else so interested. DUES 270.00 No takers. On a motion of unanimous consent with a second by RASC HANDBOOKS 108.00 Bill White, Bill Pearce was elected by the general membership BAKE SALE 58.15 ASTRONOMY CALENDARS 30.00 to fill this position. Closing out Old Business: Steve Bartos had a SKY & TELESCOPE SUBSCRIPTIONS 32.95 few RASC Handbooks left and at least two members expressed DONATION (DR. WARREN YOUNG) 200.00 interest. Phil Plante noted that our MVAS apparel supplier has INTEREST 1.30 been found. They had just moved across the street into a bigger TOTAL INCOME $ 3,677.40 building. The Trustees will decide which items we will need to EXPENSES: replenish based on the upcoming season. Phil says to check the

CK# 2677 HANDOUTS FOR GIRL SCOUTS $ 9.59 MVAS 2009 schedule in the Feb. Meteorite. It’s a busy year. 2678 1ST PLACE RAFFLE (TONY MEHLE) 1,000.00 2679 3RD PLACE RAFFLE (GREG HIGGINS) 250.00 NEW BUSINESS: Bob Danko was tired of replacing our mailbox 2680 VOIDED 0.00 every winter. He went to the Newton Falls post office and 2681 WRANGLER’S RESTAURANT (XMAS DINNER) 469.00 obtained a P.O. Box. The cost was $44 per year and he was 2682 2ND. PLACE RAFFLE (JIM O’NEILL) 500.00 2683 TOP TICKET SELLER (TONY MEHLE) 250.00 already spending nearly $20 for new mail box brackets. TOTAL EXPENSES $ 2,478.59 Everyone agreed this seemed a good way to go. Phil notes the MVAS had a P.P. Box in the early 90’s in Youngtown, but this Reserved Funds never worked out. Bob had two keys and gave one to the O.D.

KEY DEPOSITS $ 240.00 who lives in Newton Falls. Between the two of them we will have regular checks on our mail. Bob offered to pay for the first half CORRESPONDENCE: None received. of the year, but Sam said that the MVAS could well pay for the

COMMITTEE/OFFICER REPORTS: OAD FUND: Tony Mehle whole expense. The new mailing address is now MVAS, P.O. reported that the Wells Fargo Money Market Fund closed on BOX 564, Newton Falls, OH 44444-9998. This change will be Jan. 30 with a balance of $3,907.74. This is up $4.37 since the reflected in the Meteorite posting. It was advised that we also last report. Current seven day yield stood at 0.46%. need to post our street address on the road sign, for emergency responders (fire/ambulance). Greg then told of his twice seeing OBSERVATORY DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Greg Higgins the “lady across the street” digging into our mail box as he drove reported that the MVCO was snowbound. Bob Danko added by. This may account for the drop in mail the last year or so. He that he wouldn’t even walk down to check the buildings, even never reported this, giving her the benefit of doubt. The new though Mike Sprague had recently plowed some of the drive. P.O. Box should eliminate junk mail and potential mail theft. Several went to investigate a reported collapsed roof of the 16” Dan Schneider hoped that this year we would decide what to building on New Year’s Eve. Turned out it was an illusion made do with the 50” blank. Build it or sell it? Apparently Allen by the snow on the roof. Mail Box Down! Thank you snow plow. Heasley is investigating options. Making it into a cash cow

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 2

seemed to be the emphasis of some members. Anywhere from MVAS ACTIVITIES: Busy in ‘09! $12,000 to $35,000 selling price was mentioned as potential income. Bill White asked permission to construct a private Feb 28 Sat meeting YSU observatory on MVCO property, with like-wise permission from Mar 21 Sat Messier marathon MVCO (1st try) the landlord and personal insurance coverage. This request was Mar 27 Fri Messier marathon MVCO (new moon night) made some years before by Bill and was denied at that time. Mar 28 Sat meeting YSU There are several issues involved, such as sub-leasing in our April 3/4 Fri/Sat IYA 100 hrs. Observing at YSU lease and insurance stipulations. A precedent would be set in April 18 Sat Chili cook off MVCO that others may want to do the same thing. As Greg noted, there April 25 Sat meeting / GalaxyQ MVCO is an issue of available space for new structures. Discussion May 1 Fri IYA Discover the Moon, Park programs ensued on possible locations. Greg asked that Bill submit a May 23 Sat IYA OTAA Scenic Vista Stargaze design proposal. Phil Plante firmly opposes any such private May 30 Sat meeting MVCO facility on MVCO grounds. He suggested that Bill negotiate for Jun 26 Fri IYA Discover the Moon, Park programs a separate parcel with the landlord, apart from the MVAS parcel. Jun 27 Sat meeting MVCO Or, Bill was welcome to have his own private telescope pier Jul ?? Festival of Arts at YSU installed somewhere on the property, but not a building. But Bill Jul 11 Sat IYA Public Night Scenic Vista was not in favor of this. This topic will be under review by the Jul 25 Sat meeting MVCO trustees. Aug 15 Sat OTAA workday MVCO Discussion of the deck extension followed. It would extend Aug 22 Sat MVAS-OTAA MVCO out over the bank to the lower level. It was asked how the 25” Aug 28 Fri IYADiscover the Moon, Park programs would fit into this plan. Still, it is suggested to store it under the Aug 29 Sat meeting MVCO 12” roof tracks and roll it out onto the deck. Bill White said it Sep 12 Sat IYA Public Night Scenic Vista should be in a permanent spot. Greg said there may be safety Sep 19 Sat Black River Strawberry Mt. (tentative) issues being on top of a ladder while the 25” is even higher off Sep 25 Fri IYA Discover the Moon, Park programs the ground, while it’s sitting on the deck. All seemed to agree Sep 26 Sat meeting MVCO however that the 25” needs more access to the sky. As it is Oct 10 Sat IYA back-up night for Sep. Scenic Vista now, only objects near the zenith can be viewed from the 8” Oct 17 Sat MVAS 70th anniv. Meeting & Celebration building. Former member Larry Plante asked to be re-instated. Oct 31 Sat Halloween Party MVCO Phil Plante nominated him, Bill White seconded. All were in Nov15-18 Sun-Wed Open Leonid watch at the MVCO? favor. Welcome back Larry. Nov 21 Sat meeting YSU Dec 12 Sat Christmas Dinner/ annual meeting GOOD OF THE SOCIETY: Bob Danko praised Mike Sprague for being a great landlord. Mike will be cutting down some of the Observer‘s Notes..… trees to the south- a welcome event. He will also be increasing our internet speed which is already screaming fast. George The Celestial Bear, A Micmac Indian Myth Thomas had a new DVD set of “The Universe- Season One”. Retold by Audrey Salvatore, Rockland Astronomy Club MVAS has purchased this for $30 and will soon be added to the Terry Biltz Library. We need a digital TV converter box. The Micmac Indians are from the North East coastline and Members were asked for any extra coupons. Don Durbin may this myth is a metaphor of the habits of the bear. The four stars also have a digital tuner come available soon. Sharon Shanks is in the cup of the dipper are the Celestial Bear. The three stars in looking for any unused small telescopes to put on display in the the handle are the hunters. The first is called Robin, the Planetarium show case. These will be returned of course. marksman, the second is Chickadee, the cook, and the third Several offers were made. Contact Sharon if you want to help. who lags a little behind is Blue Jay. Look north in early spring, you will see the Bear climbing out of her den, the Corona VISUAL REPORTS: Phil struggled to get 5 vsos in January and Borealis. She was very hungry after her long winter nap, so she did some MVAS homework. Bob was out to the MVCO a few started to climb high in the sky in search of food. Chickadee times, once with Dan. Don tested the Burgess Optics CED spotted her but he was too small to hunt her alone so he called diagonals (version 1 and 2) using the 8” refractor. He gave a Robin to help. quick explanation of how these diagonals increase contrast. But first he had to make sure he had his cooking pot right ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment came at 10:40 PM. We thank next to him. Blue Jay lags behind gathering wood for the fire to our hosts Steve and Virginia for the sausage and pepper cook the bear. All three chased the Bear all summer long as it sandwiches and Phil for the “starberry” cheesecake and peach got fatter and fatter in the sky. By the time autumn came the pie. The 50/50 winner was Bill White. The next meeting will be Bear saw the Indians following her, she turned and reared up to at YSU on February 28, 2009. Meeting begins at 8:00 PM after fight the three. Taking careful aim, Robin shot an arrow and the show. Scheduled host is Sharon Shanks. Mother Bear fell over on her back. By this time, Robin had PASSWORD: name a Comet. -minutes by Phil Plante waited long enough to eat some bear fat. In his eagerness, he jumped on the Bear and became covered with blood. MVAS REMINDERS Robin jumped up quickly and tried to shake the blood off. Although he shook most of the blood off there was one spot on All are reminded that membership dues are payable in January his chest that would not come off. Chickadee shouted, "You will of any year. If you have not done so please take care of this as have a red chest as long as your name is Robin." And so it is to soon as you can. Thank you! Your support is important and this day. The blood that Robin scattered fell all over the maple better still, we like having you as a member! trees and that is why the maple leaves turn red in the autumn.

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 3

Chickadee started to cook the Bear and as he stirred it, some of helped to demonstrate that women could be successful in the yellow fat spilled over, and that is why some leaves turn traditional male-dominated activities. During these early years of yellow in the fall. Blue Jay was very tired so he stayed a little bit the MVAS, it was usual for both husband and wife to join the away, and was happy to get the scraps of the Bear. That is why MVAS membership. It was also common for the positions of the you will see the Blue Jay today following the hunters and eating MVAS Secretary/Treasurer and Curator to be held almost what they leave. All winter the Mother Bear’s skeleton lies on exclusively by one of the wives. her back while her spirit enters a sleeping bear in the cave, to These first ladies of the MVAS had a hand in keeping the emerge again in the spring to start the hunt. And the story meeting minutes and watching the Treasury. In more continues….. (Compliments of Barlow Bob) “traditional” roles, they served the lunches for the social hour

after the meetings. They were assigned the task of planning the Letter to the Editor Christmas Parties and preparing 3 or 4 family picnics every summer. Perhaps this mirrored the “war effort” of women in

Allen sent this email about the letter referred to in the first general, or perhaps it was just simply a matter of keeping things installment of the MVAS Story and hoped it could be published. in the family. For whatever reason, the women of the MVAS did more than just “visit” while the men talked astronomy. These “That letter you referred to, the one the club used as a part of ladies essentially kept many facets of MVAS business running their program, from John Brashear. Would you believe that I smoothly. Those early contributions of the MVAS women are have that letter! Jack Draper gave it to me personally. I suspect regrettably, not so well acknowledged these days. On January he saw me as a young person who would be a good caretaker 9th 1946, the MVAS held its meeting at the home of Mr. and for it. The letter and envelope are in near perfect condition. It is Mrs. Jack Draper. The meeting was opened by the new MVAS a handwritten letter from Brashear to a Professor T.C. President, Helen Prather. Mrs. Prather was the first women Mendenhall whose address was The Meteorological President of the MVAS. Department, Washington, D.C. It is post marked June 9, 1885. During this era, officer terms were for one year. Membership In it, Brashear informs Mendenhall that the grating he made for dues were only $1.00 per year. The roster had grown as high as him is done and asks where to ship it. This letter is 122 years 46 members by the early ‘50s. The use of a “pass word” to old. Jack gave it to me sometime around the early 1960's best I answer roll call began at the January meeting of 1946. (At least can recollect. The envelope is 4" x 7" in size and has a first the regular use of a pass word.) At this meeting, members had class 2 cent stamp on it. The upper left corner where the return to give the name of a celestial object. Also at this meeting, a address is located has an advertisement stating all the things circulating library was started for club members. Members were Brashear had to offer for sale. I have no idea how Draper came to give the MVAS Curator a list of books that were in their into possession of this letter. Another mystery! personal libraries, which could be made available for loan to It appears from the front of the envelope that it was not another member. The stipulation being that the book be deliverable to the address listed, as it is noted "not at the returned. Norman Ulam was also thanked for the beautiful observatory" in handwritten form. Is all this of interest to the walnut gavel he had made and donated to the club. Meetings club? What are suggestions as to what I could do with the began to assume a regular format- the President read a letter? As another thing, I have never seen Shallenberger's passage from a book or read a poem. Business was followed by name referred to as Charles as it was in the history article. In a program usually consisting of talks. Members would be print and in verbal it was always Jack. I wonder if this was a assigned different astronomy topics or specific constellations on mistake. The prominent Charles person was Charlie Prather. which they were to give a talk on. How well would this fly today!? Lastly, probably a typo (?) but the mention of Juinby Park, it is In January of 1947, Carl Cauffield was appointed to the new Quinby Park. Thanks again for the fine articles. -A. Heasley ” position of Club Chaplain. Meetings would then begin with an invocation by Mr. Cauffield. Meetings were not the only activity. [ This Brashear letter certainly poses an interesting question as The first real “Public Night” star party was held at Packard Park there are historians and Brashear collectors that would love to on Sunday, July 7, 1946. . . MVAS members continued giving own this. But it may also be considered part of the MVAS astronomy lessons to Girls Scouts and Warren High School history. What to do? After looking at the old minutes, science classes. Even a group of steel workers were given Shallenberger was indeed went by the name Jack, but he classes in astronomy. The MVAS had won a 1st prize award for mostly signed off as our first secretary as “C. J. a display they had at the Salem Hobby Show in October of Shallenberger”… there in may be the source of this error. The 1946. There were of course, several field trips to Bulh Quinby Park error was a typo. - the Editor ] Planetarium, Valley View Observatory (in PA), Hiram Observatory and even visits to meetings of the Astronomy Club The MVAS Story of Youngstown.

1947 was a remarkable year in club history. In February the A Day to Remember: 1946 - 1951 very first issue of the Meteorite was published. It was intended Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to be a bulletin from the MVAS Secretary, but it contained more. August 6th and 9th of 1945. This led to Japan’s surrender to the The first issue had a bit about the last meeting when Jack Allied Forces on August 14, thus ending World War II. The Draper needed a hammer & chisel to cut his ice cream during Atomic Age had arrived. An estimated 35 million people had lost the social hour- it was frozen solid! It also reported that Charlie their lives during the War. It was now a time for peace and for Prather had been invited to write an article about his 16” healing. It was also a time of changes. During the war years, reflector for Scientific American. It was noted that John Hoynos women had taken on a greater role in the U.S. work force, filling had just received the lens blanks for an 8” refractor. The big the openings that were left as the men went to serve in the questions at the time: where was John going to build the armed forces. This pause from their “homemaker only” image, observatory for it? On his newly purchased farm? Is that why he

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 4

bought the farm? These questions about the Hoynos farm would Especially in the size of mirrors. In June of 1948, Allen Heasley be answered at the November meeting. . . In this first issue was elected into MVAS membership. By 1950, Allen was there were directions to the home a prominent Youngstown elected to Vice President of the MVAS and his wife Bette was Club member named Leo Grandmontange. His home was in made a member of the club. Allen would go on to serve the club Youngstown, and the MVAS planned to have the next meeting in many ways, for many years to come. In October 1949, there. A poem and some MVAS History notes rounded things several members went to visit a group of advanced amateur out. Presumably John’s brother Steve Hoynos was the astronomers in Loraine, OH to lend advice on forming an Meteorite Editor as he was also Secretary at the time. There astronomy club. Within weeks the Loraine group had banded were several contributors to the Meteorite. By August, the club together to form the Black River Astronomical Society. There decided to purchase a duplicating machine for use in publishing was an article about Norman Ulam’s telescope in the January the newlsletter. 1950 issue of Scientific American. In the article, Norman In April of ‘47, the MVAS voted to join ranks with the mentioned that he belonged to the MVAS and members were Astronomical League. Application forms were received, thankful of the world-wide attention we received. completed and sent in. A major development came to pass at There was also an article on Jack Draper’s pitch laps that he the November 1947 meeting. Charles Prather and Jack Draper used to polish telescope mirrors. In February of 1951, Charles had offered their 16 1/4” cassegrain to the MVAS for use as a Prather and Jack Draper were appointed as managers of the club telescope. And if that weren’t enough, John Hoynos offered 16” telescope for the coming year. The first observatory a site for the 16” on his farm in Braceville. The proposed site directors, if you will. When this chapter opened, the Great War had a clear, 360º view of the sky down to the horizon. It was had ended with an atomic blast. As this chapter closes, a new free from smoke and “city glare”. The membership accepted war ragged in Korea. Vietnam was newly recognized by the US both offers, giving many thanks. It was also hoped that John government and had begun sending military trainers. The Hoynos would soon complete his 8” refractor so that it would be development and testing of the hydrogen bomb had begun. The housed adjacent to the 16”. A club observatory was quickly 200” telescope on Mt. Palomar had just opened for business in becoming a very real possibility. There were visions of two 1948. Little did they know then, that the MVAS would, by some domes along Phalanx-Mill Road. accounts, have a tie to the 200” project. It was a new era on In April of 1948, a committee called “Operation Cass” was many international fronts. Certainly, the MVAS was also moving established with Charles Prather as chairman. The purpose was into a new era involving an observatory. This momentous span to develop a pedestal for the 16” telescope. It was already from ‘46 to ’51 leaves the MVAS with many great days to hoped to have the scope under a revolving dome, sometime remember …and many of them to be continued. P. Plante later. On May 11, 1948, several members went to the Hoynos farm and drove in a stake to indicate the spot for the exact center of the pedestal that would support the 16”. Coffee and MVAS Homework: M41 & Sirius. Ceres? doughnuts were enjoyed afterwards. In May the tube was rust- proofed with aluminum paint. A load of wood was delivered so A Sirius Challenge. The brightest star in the sky is Sirius that construction of a foundation form could begin; later filled (The Dog Star). At 8.6 light years away, the bright primary Sirius with concrete. “Telescope Hill” was adopted as a name for the A, has a dim 8th magnitude white dwarf companion star (Sirius site. Work on the mount continued over winter. In April of 1949, B). Sirius B was the first white dwarf ever seen. Alvin G. Clark a template for the pedestal base was made. Summer saw the first saw it on January 31,1862 while testing a new 18.5 inch installation of the telescope reach the final stages. The refractor lens in Cambridgeport, MA. The lens had been made telescope was mounted in the open air, exposed to the by his father’s company. Sirius has been a challenge to split the elements. In September a short dedication ceremony was held. last 25 years or so; the separation had been close and “B” was Photos were taken, one ended up in the newspapers. The overwhelmed by “A“. But since 2000 the separation has been President introduced the main benefactors to this project: widening and “B” is now positioned far enough away to be a Cauffield, Draper, and Hoynos. reasonable target. Use the orbital plot on the cover of this issue The October 1949 Meteorite reported- “September 11th, to guide you. Keep trying and note the date you first split it. 1949 will be a day for us to remember for it was on that day that Lying 4º directly south of Sirius is the open cluster M-41. A we dedicated our 16” Cass on Telescope Hill.” In the first month nice, easy catch for binoculars or a finder scope. Pump up the of operation, many members made use of the telescope. It was power and resolution with a scope. You’ll see up to 100 stars reported that new member Allen Heasley was the record holder (most are faint) in a loose cluster that’s about 2,300 light years for viewing through the scope. In February of 1950 it was away. It spans about 25 light years across. There are a few decided to place an entrance sign along the road to mark the red/orange giants in the cluster. A notable red giant is near the site of the telescope. In March, a plan was formed to install a center shining at 6.9 magnitude. A few others noted this cluster concrete floor around the pedestal. By May, a tarpaulin was as early as 1654 (Hodierna) and Flamsteed in 1702. Messier acquired to completely cover the scope when not in use. In added it to his famous list on January 16, 1765. March of 1951, Jack Draper dismantled the 16” to rebuild parts A Ceres Challenge? Ceres is the first asteroid discovered; of the mounting and to resilver the mirror. on January 1, 1801. On February 25 it will be at its closest to There were some other noteworthy developments that Earth since 1857 and won’t be this close again for 2000 years. occurred during this time frame. At the Christmas Parties, a gift Your challenge- can you make out the disk of Ceres? It will exchange was held. Gifts were limited to a $1.00 value. Names hover around 7th magnitude from mid-Feb to mid-March. It’ll be of the giver were placed inside the gift. The first Astronomical 99% illuminated (phase). It will have a maximum diameter of League Regional Convention was held at Buhl Planetarium in 0.80” on the 25th. Several 7th mag. stars are within 1.7° of Pittsburgh on May 14 to 16, 1948. Eleven MVAS members Ceres. Use an 8” or larger scope at ~ 500x so you can see the attended. At this meeting, comparisons to what other clubs had diffraction rings around the stars. Use the airy disks/rings of the in the way of equipment placed the MVAS right at the forefront. stars as comparisons to confirm the solid disk of Ceres.

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 5

MVAS OBSERVER CHARTS MVAS HOMEWORK - DUE MARCH 2009

Variable star of the month: W Canis Majoris (abbrev: W CMa). OBSERVER______

Located northeast of Sirius, a pair of high power binoculars Featured object: M-41. Please use the circle below for the could work. W sometime has a distinct pinkish tint to help you eyepiece field of view. Make dots corresponding to the M-41 pick it out. Numbers on the chart below are comparison star stars you see in the eyepiece. Bigger dots for brighter stars, magnitudes. Record your estimate, date and time. accordingly. Just like on a star chart….yes, dots are a sketch!

Please turn in your homework to the O.D.

M-41 Observation:

Date:______Time(EDT)______Scope______

W CMa magnitude estimates:

Date: Time: estimate: Instrument:

______

Asteroid of the month: (1) Ceres. As noted in the Homework ______Section, Ceres presents a fine challenge in spotting the disk of an asteroid. On the track, 2 stars to the top right of, and almost touching the “M2”, would serve as good comp stars for (1) Ceres Observations: diffraction rings. Having steady seeing is a must! The galaxy Date: Time: Instrument: magnification: NGC3486 is at 10.5 mag. while NGC 3344 is brighter at 9.9 magnitude. Can you see NGC3344 in a 4 inch or bigger RFT ______with Ceres in the same field? You’ll need dark skies. Let us know if you spot the disk or galaxy/Ceres combo. ______

Other Objects in Canis Major to observe

Object Date Scope Object Date Scope Split?

N- 2345 ______α CM ______Y / N

N- 2354______HJ 3938 ______Y / N

N- 2383 ______HJ 3945 ______Y / N

Lunar Occultations (see Sky Almanac):

Date (UT): Time(UT): Scope/magx Phenom (circle)

______x R D

______x R D

______x R D

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 6

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 7 2009 MARCH SKY ALMANAC

Solar and Lunar (EDT). PLANET WATCH March 2009 Venus Saturn Jupiter SM TW T FS Date Sunset Moonrise Moonset Sets Transits Rises 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 d 1 6:14 — : — 11 : 42p 9:14p 1:10a 5:49a 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6:19 — : — 3:07a 9:02p 12:53a 5:36a EDT { 9 7:24 EDT — : — EDT 6:48a EDT 9:46p 1:36a 6:22a 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 7 : 28 10 : 48p — : — 9:27p 1:20a 6:09a e 17 7:33 2:00a — : — 9:04p 1:03a 5:56a 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 21 7:37 4:54a — : — 8:38p 12:46a 5:42a z 25 7:41 6:33a — : — 8:09p 12:29a 5:29a 29 30 31 29 7:46 — : — 11 : 44p 7:40p 12:12a 5:15a

Asteroid for March 2009 (1) Ceres Date UT hr Celestial Highlights RA Dec. Date Transits hr. min deg. Alt. Azm Magnitude 3 8 Moon 0.8º N. of Pleiades topocentric 4 7 FIRST QUARTER MOON 1 12 : 46 am 10 : 59.0 + 24.7 71º 146º 6.9 8 6 Daylight Saving Time 7 12 : 17 am 10 : 53.7 + 25.2 74 166 7.0 8 2 Moon 1.5º S. of Beehive 13 12 : 49 pm EDT 10 : 48.6 + 25.8 71 143 7.1 8 20 Saturn at opposition 19 12 : 20 pm 10 : 43.9 + 25.8 74 163 7.2 10 00 R Vir at max. 6.9 mag. 25 11 : 48 pm 10 : 39.8 + 25.9 75 186 7.3 11 2 FULL MOON 31 11 : 22 pm 10 : 36.6 + 25.7 73 207 7.4 18 17 LAST QUARTER MOON (at midnight) (at midnight) 21 2 Algol at minimum 26 00 V Boo at max. 7.0 mag. Variable Star of the Month: W CMa 6.2 - 8.5mag irregular period 26 16 NEW MOON

LUNAR OCCULTATIONS FOR: MARCH 2009 Civil (24hr) UT Moon Moon Moon Star Star event dbl./ date hr min sec date hr min sec Ph % illum. alt azimuth name Mag. PA sep. 1 20 : 18 : 43 2 01 : 18 : 43 D 25+ 35º 267º ZC 370 6.1 114º .100" 2 22 : 08 : 53 3 03 : 08 : 53 D 36+ 27 279 SAO 75990 7.5 090º .100" 4 23 : 03 : 03 5 04 : 03 : 03 D 59+ 41 272 ZC 849 6.5 067º .100" 5 23 : 31 : 22 6 04 : 31 : 22 D 70+ 46 265 ε Gem 3.1 091º 111" 6 0 : 31 : 54 6 05 : 31 : 54 R 71+ 35 275 ε Gem 3.1 306º 111" 6 21 : 57 : 30 7 02 : 57 : 30 D 80+ 68 213 ZC 1167 6.3 087º 8 19 : 47 : 50 9 00 : 47 : 50 D 95+ 41 112 ZC 1413 6.8 156º 19 5 : 50 : 37 19 09 : 50 : 37 EDT R 43- 16 149 ZC 2669 6.4 313º .900" 19 6 : 16 : 40 19 10 : 16 : 40 R 43- 18 155 ZC 2673 6.3 278º .300" 19 6 : 32 : 17 19 10 : 32 : 17 R 43- 19 158 ZC 2676 6.7 325º 42." 29 23 : 02 : 06 30 03 : 02 : 06 D 14+ 6 295 SAO 75845 7.6 068º

at MVCO D= disappearance. Good occultation event. d= disappearance, the star’s magnitude approaches the observing limits of 200mm objective R= reappearance. Good occultation event r= reappearance, the star’s magnitude approaches the observing limits of 200mm objective All disappearances (D) occur on the eastern limb (left side in the sky). Reappearances (R) alw ays occur on the w estern limb. Position Angle (PA): tells w ere along the w est limb to w atch for a reappearance. PA is referenced to celestial north: North=0º East=90º South=180º West=270º

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 8

GALLERY…..

COMET LULIN C/2007 N3

This newest bright comet will soon come into view. Visibility will improve in February as the Earth to comet distance shrinks. At closest approach (0.41 AU) on February 24th, the comet should brighten to about 5th magnitude- -dimly visible to the unaided eye and an easy target for binoculars. Lulin has a hyperbolic orbit which suggests this could be the comet's first visit to the inner solar system. How it will react to increasing solar warmth as it gets closer to the Sun is anyone's guess. The photo below was taken on February 1, 2009 by famed astrophotography Jack Newton using a 14” Hyperstar scope working at F/2. Lulin has had a tail and an anti-tail since early on. On Feb. 4, Lulin lost part of its tail. From dark sky locations, the comet had a distinct greenish tint. As of this writing, it is still expected to just reach naked eye visibility as February ends. Get those binoculars out!

The Chart: Around Feb. 10, there will be a full moon near Regulus but this will be ready to set as Lulin is getting higher in the eastern sky for good viewing. A waning moon approaches Spica by the 14th and will hinder views of Lulin, also near Spica. After that, the Moon should be out of the way. It’s a New Moon on the 25th, during Lulin’s closest approach to Earth and at its brightest. On March 5th, Lulin passes south of the Beehive (M-44). A good photo-op, but a first quarter moon may cause problems. Good luck!

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 9

“Latest” views…… SIRIUS….

CERES….

The brightest star in the sky beckons our attention these colds nights. On a night when its twinkle is slow and dim, turn a scope on it. You should have steady seeing which presents an opportunity to see the white dwarf companion. As with Ceres disk searches, you’ll need some high magnifications. The Our featured Homework asteroid is (1) Ceres. It is image above was made with Hubble in December 2005. The approximately 580 miles across and is the largest known dim companion is to the lower left, near the diffraction spike. It’s asteroid. It resides in the main asteroid belt between Mars and the tiny dot. This year it will be a bit farther away, out of the Jupiter. Besides being the largest asteroid, Ceres also was the glow. You’ll probably need the 8” MVCO refractor or a bigger first to be discovered, on January 1, 1801. Astronomers scope to split this. The separation will be increasing over the enhanced the contrast in Hubble Telescope images to bring out next few years so start trying for it now. If anything, it’s a good important features on its surface. The observations were made practice run for that night when you finally spot the white dwarf in visible and in ultraviolet light. Hubble took snapshots between companion. It’s not often you get to see something the size of December 2003 and January 2004. The one below was taken Earth- that is 8 light years away. on December 30, 2003 at 15:46hr. UT. Ceres' spherical shape suggests that its interior is layered like those of terrestrial planets- such as Earth. Ceres may have a rocky inner core, an icy mantle, and a thin, dusty outer crust inferred from its density Lulin…. and rotation rate. It rotates once in about 9 hours. The bright spot that appears in this image is a mystery. It is brighter than its surroundings but it is still very dark. As a whole Ceres only reflects about 10% of the incident sunlight falling on it. If you notice the very slight phase effect on the right limb, this will be close to the 99% phase we’ll see this month. The thing to remember is that Ceres will be as tiny as a star in an eyepiece. Pump up the power to 500x or more if the seeing allows. You might just see the tiny disk of Ceres. You won’t likely see the bright spot, though. Currently on the way, NASA’s Dawn Spacecraft will go into orbit around Vesta in 2011, after spending a few years examining there, it will pack up and move on to Ceres. It will arrive at Ceres in 2015. Going into orbit, it will begin observations of Ceres. By then we’ll know what the bright As this is written, the McCullough’s emailed to the MVAS area is. email group, this photo they took on February 6, 2009. It’s Comet Lulin, as it passed near the alpha star in Libra --- Zubenelgenubi. They and others reported that it was hard to find without a telescope. It was very dim. Earlier, internet reports had an ion tail disconnect occur on the 4th. This was thought to What’s this? be the result of a magnetic disturbance (solar wind) impacting the tail. Jodi McCullough reported that she could barely see the Getting a little edgy, tail on the cold morning of the photo. All photos on the internet don’t-cha think? have Lulin looking green. So far there have been no color estimates by MVAS visual observers. Stay tuned to this comet over the next month. Comets are unpredictable and this one could go crazy. Or it could just as easily fade away.

FEBRUARY 2009 THE METEORITE pg. 10