1 Volume MMXI No. 5
May 2011
President: Mark Folkerts (425) 486-9733 folkerts at seanet dot com The Stargazer Programs: Ron Mosher mosheriffic69 at comcast dot net P.O. Box 12746 Librarian: Chris Dennis chrisandlinda at frontier dot net Everett, WA 98206 Treasurer: Jerry Galt jerryg at genwest dot com ‘Planetarium’ column John Goerger wolfstar1701 at comcast dot net Web assistance: Cody Gibson cgibson41 at austin dot rr dot com Vice President:
OBSERVER’S INFORMATION…
LUNAR FACTS
May 17 Full Moon May 24 Last Quarter Moon Jun 01 New Moon Jun 09 First Quarter Moon Jun 15 Full Moon Jun 23 Last Quarter Moon EAS Club Telescope Borrowing – (Ken Ward 10” club telescope shown) Jul 01 New Moon Being an EAS member also allows you the use of the club's telescopes, including Jul 08 First Quarter Moon an award winning 10 inch Dobsonian mount reflector, a second 10” dob, or and Jul 15 Full Moon 8” Dobsonian. Contact Ron Tam, (360) 568-5152 to borrow a telescope. Jul 23 Last Quarter Moon SCOPE LOAN STATUS Jul 30 New Moon NEW 8-INCH SKYQUEST DOB (PICTURE BELOW) AVAILABLE FOR LOAN Aug 06 First Quarter Moon 8-INCH DOBSONIAN CURRENTLY ON LOAN 10-INCH KEN WARD DOBSONIAN AVAILABLE FOR LOAN 10-INCH SONOTUBE DOBSONIAN AVAILABLE 13-INCH THIN-MIRROR DOB FINISHING REHAB 5 EAS Library - Membership will give you access to all the material in the lending library. The library, consists of VCR tapes, DVDs, many books, magazines, and software titles. The EAS has a library of books, videotapes, and software for members to borrow,\. We always value any items you would like to donate to this library. You can contact club librarian to borrow or donate any materials. See library items list here: http://everettastro.org/eas_library.htm Joining or Renewing with the EAS - EAS dues are $25 / year per family. If it has been a year since you paid your dues, please re-subscribe to keep the club financially solvent, and to continue to receive membership benefits. http://everettastro.org/application.htm >> Members – please check to see when your membership dues are payable. If you are more than three months past due, the club will officially assume that you no longer wish to be a member, and remove you from the distribution of newsletters and rolls for club elections. We recently sent reminder e-mail for those whose dues were 6 months past due. << Send your annual dues renewals to the This is new 8” Orion dob club scope, which was recently donated. Everett Astronomical Society A 25-inch mirror has been donated to the club, and investigation is under way to P.O. Box 12746, Everett, WA 98206. determine what would be required to turn it into a large club telescope. If you Those who have subscriptions to Sky and Telescope can now pay their own have interest or skills in mirror testing or telescope making, please let us know. subscription as long as they are EAS members in good standing. Members will EAS members: contact Ron Tam, to borrow a scope for up to 60 days. now be able to renew directly via mail or phone and still obtain the club discount. The subscribers may mail in the renewal notices with their payment, $$ - FINANCIAL HEALTH - $$ or renew via phone at (800) 253-0245. Payment at the time of renewal is required. Once a year, Sky and Telescope will check with the EAS club treasurer The club currently maintains a $550+ balance. We try to keep to see that the subscribers are still members in good standing to qualify for the approximately a $500 balance level to allow for contingencies. discount. New members will continue to subscribe through the club treasurer. Funds obtained from membership dues allows the EAS to publish the Stargazer newsletter, pay Astronomical League dues, pay insurance, host a web site, and Digital Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon maintain our library. The Lunar and Planetary Institute has created a digital version of Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon, and Consolidated Lunar Atlas available at: UW Astronomy Speakers Colloquium Schedule http://www.lpi.usra.edu/research/cla/menu.html Astronomy Department weekly colloquium meets Thursdays at 4:00 http://www.lpi.usra.edu/research/lunar_orbiter pm in PAB A102 - the classroom part of the Physics/Astronomy Building Observing Jupiter’s Moons – Java tool complex. http://www.astro.washington.edu/pages/colloquium.html http://skytonight.com/observing/objects/javascript/jupiter
‘IT’S OVER YOUR HEAD’ – ASTRONOMY PODCASTS Transit times for Jupiter’s Great Red Spot in 2011 http://skytonight.com/observing/objects/planets/3304091.html Web page with lots of archives and other info is available at http://www.celestialnorth.org/radio/index.php and podcasts at NOAA SUN CALCULATOR http://www.celestialnorth.org/radio/index.php Need to know exactly what time the sun will set on Sept. 26, 2065? KPLU 88.5 FM National Public Radio has daily broadcasts of "Star Date" by the Or when it rose in 565 BC? How about the length of daylight a week from McDonald Observatory of the University of Texas at Austin, Mon - Fri 6:30PM; Tuesday in Albuquerque, N.M.? Just go to NOAA's solar calculator, now Sat - Sun 6:00PM. The short 2 minute radio show deals with current topics of available on the Web. http://www.srrb.noaa.gov/highlights/sunrise/gen.html interest in astronomy. The University of Washington TV broadcasts programs from NASA at 12:00 AM Monday through Friday, 12:30 AM Saturday, and 1:30 HOW YOU CAN HELP THE EAS AM Sunday on the Channel 27 cable station. Vice president: Run monthly meetings if President is absent, and store/loan club telescopes. EAS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & INFORMATION Sidewalk astronomy committee: Plan and conduct urban/suburban sidewalk astronomy events to allow passers-by to experience EAS Benefits - Membership in the Everett Astronomical Society (EAS) includes astronomy. Needs 2-3 people for each event, and to schedule events. invitations to all of the club meetings and star parties, and entitles members to We are looking for volunteers who could do a series of Sidewalk the monthly newsletter, The Stargazer. Only members may vote in EAS Astronomy sessions this spring and summer, at a local park or public elections, or be eligible for EAS drawings. venue. For safety, moral support, and effectiveness, this should be Magazine Discounts – In addition you will be able subscribe to Sky and done in teams of at least two people with telescopes. Special events Telescope for $7 off the normal subscription rate, contact the treasurer (Jerry like eclipse or comets especially draw the interest of the public. Galt) for more information. http://everettastro.org/application.htm (When renewing your subscription to Sky & Telescope you should send your S&T Other volunteers? Find a way to help and contribute. Come up with a renewal form along with a check made out to Everett Astronomical Society to new idea to promote the EAS and astronomy in your community. the EAS address. The EAS treasurer Jerry Galt will renew your Sky and Telescope subscription for you. Astronomy magazine offers a similar opportunity to club INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION – VISIBLE SEATTLE PASSES members.) Membership in the Astronomical League - EAS is a member of the ISS Visibility – Heavens Above: Astronomical League and you will receive the Astronomical League's quarterly http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.asp?lat=47.979&lng=- newsletter magazine, The Reflector. 122.201&alt=0&loc=Everett&TZ=PST&satid=25544 6 ASTRONOMICAL NOTES -- ON & OFF THE WEB... more precisely have proven unsuccessful so far. Since Sep 2010, Chandra routinely has monitored the nebula in an effort to identify X- ray emission associated with the outbursts. When Fermi scientists FERMI SPOTS 'SUPERFLARES' IN THE CRAB NEBULA alerted astronomers Martin Weisskopf and Allyn Tennant to the onset The famous Crab Nebula supernova remnant has erupted in an of a new flare, they triggered a set of pre-planned observations using enormous flare five times more powerful than any flare previously Chandra. "Thanks to the Fermi alert, we were fortunate that our seen from the object. On Apr 12, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope planned observations actually occurred when the flares were brightest first detected the outburst, which lasted six days. The nebula is the in gamma rays," Weisskopf said. "Despite Chandra's excellent wreckage of an exploded star that emitted light which reached Earth in resolution, we detected no obvious changes in the X-ray structures in the year 1054. It is located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation the nebula and surrounding the pulsar that could be clearly associated Taurus. At the heart of an expanding gas cloud lies what is left of the with the flare." original star's core, a superdense neutron star that spins 30 times a Scientists think the flares occur as the intense magnetic field near the second. With each rotation, the star swings intense beams of radiation pulsar undergoes sudden restructuring. Such changes can accelerate toward Earth, creating the pulsed emission characteristic of spinning particles like electrons to velocities near the speed of light. As these neutron stars (also known as pulsars). Apart from these pulses, high-speed electrons interact with the magnetic field, they emit gamma astrophysicists believed the Crab Nebula was a virtually constant rays. To account for the observed emission, scientists say the source of high-energy radiation. But in January, scientists associated electrons must have energies 100 times greater than can be achieved in with several orbiting observatories, including Fermi, Swift and Rossi X- any particle accelerator on Earth. This makes them the highest-energy ray Timing Explorer, reported long-term brightness changes at X-ray electrons known to be associated with any galactic source. Based on energies. "The Crab Nebula hosts high-energy variability that we're the rise and fall of gamma rays during the April outbursts, scientists only now fully appreciating," said Rolf Buehler, a member of the Fermi estimate that the size of the emitting region must be comparable in Large Area Telescope (LAT) team. size to the solar system. http://chandra.harvard.edu and Since 2009, Fermi and the Italian Space Agency's AGILE satellite have http://chandra.nasa.gov detected several short-lived gamma-ray flares at energies greater than A new movie from Chandra shows a sequence of Chandra images of the 100 million electron volts (eV) -- hundreds of times higher than the Crab Nebula, taken over an interval of seven months (the photos at nebula's observed X-ray variations. For comparison, visible light has left). Dramatic variations are seen, including the expansion of a ring of energies between 2 and 3 eV. On Apr 12, Fermi's LAT, and later X-ray emission around the pulsar (white dot near center) and changes AGILE, detected a flare that grew about 30 times more energetic than in the knots within this ring. LINK TO MOVIE(S) - the nebula's normal gamma-ray output and about five times more http://www.chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2011/crab/animations.html powerful than previous outbursts. On Apr 16, an even brighter flare erupted, but within a couple of days, the unusual activity completely However, arguably the most striking result of these observations is the faded out. variations that were NOT observed, or in analogy with a famous Sherlock Holmes story, this could be a case where the fact that the dog that did NOT bark helps to solve a mystery. The pulsar at the center of the Crab Nebula is a neutron star that spins around about 30 times a second. It was created from a supernova explosion in our galaxy that was observed by astronomers in China and other countries in the year 1054. As the young pulsar slows down, large amounts of energy are injected into its surroundings. In particular, a high-speed wind of matter and anti-matter particles plows into the surrounding nebula, creating a shock wave that forms the expanding ring seen in the movie. Jets from the poles of the pulsar spew X-ray emitting matter and antimatter particles in a direction perpendicular to the ring. The goal of these latest Chandra observations was to pinpoint the location of remarkable gamma-ray flares observed by Fermi Gamma Ray Observatory and Italy's AGILE Satellite. A strong gamma-ray flare was observed from the Crab in September 2010, followed by an even stronger series of "superflares" in Apr 2011. The gamma-ray observatories were not able to locate the source of the flares within Images of Crab Nebula Sep 2010 to Apr 28 2011 - the nebula, but it was hoped that Chandra, with its high-resolution Credit: NASA/CXC/MSFC/M.Weisskopf et al. images, would. Chandra began observing the Crab on monthly intervals beginning six days after the discovery of the gamma-ray flare in Sep "These superflares are the most intense outbursts we've seen to date, 2010. This established a baseline of seven images of the nebula before and they are all extremely puzzling events," said Alice Harding. "We the superflare was seen just last month. When Fermi scientists saw think they are caused by sudden rearrangements of the magnetic field that more flaring activity was beginning in Apr 2011, a pre-planned set not far from the neutron star, but exactly where that's happening of five Chandra observations was initiated. Two of these observations remains a mystery." The Crab's high-energy emissions are thought to were made when strong gamma-ray flares occurred, but no clear be the result of physical processes that tap into the neutron star's rapid evidence was seen for correlated flares in the Chandra images. The spin. Theorists generally agree the flares must arise within about one- movie shows the April observations in "slow motion" to focus on the third of a light-year from the neutron star, but efforts to locate them time when the gamma-ray superflares occurred. The movie shows 7 three loops through the sequence of images, along with a timeline near the Galileo's magnetic field data," said Krishan Khurana, lead author of the bottom. the study and former co-investigator on Galileo's magnetometer team. "It turns out Io was continually giving off a 'sounding signal' in Jupiter's Despite the lack of a "barking dog" in the X-ray data, these rotating magnetic field that matched what would be expected from observations, as in the Sherlock Holmes, will help scientists to home in molten or partially molten rocks deep beneath the surface." on an explanation of the gamma-ray flares. The Chandra data provide strong constraints on the behavior, at relatively low energies, of the Io produces about 100 times more lava each year than all the volcanoes particles that have been accelerated to produce the gamma-ray flares. on Earth. While Earth's volcanoes occur in localized hotspots like the Another possible explanation follows if the gamma-ray flaring occurred "Ring of Fire" around the Pacific Ocean, Io's volcanoes are distributed in regions very close to the pulsar. Then they would have been missed all over its surface. A global magma ocean about 20 to 30 miles (30 to by Chandra, because the Crab pulsar is so bright that the detectors are 50 km) beneath Io's crust helps explain the moon's activity. "It has in essence "overexposed" so variations from that region cannot be been suggested that both the Earth and its moon may have had similar observed. Note that in the movie an artificial source of constant magma oceans billions of years ago at the time of their formation, but brightness is included to show the position of the pulsar. they have long since cooled," said Torrence Johnson, a former Galileo project scientist. (He was not directly involved in the study.) "Io's GALAXY NGC 4214: A STAR-FORMATION LABORATORY volcanism informs us how volcanoes work and provides a window in The dwarf galaxy NGC 4214 is ablaze with young stars and gas clouds. time to styles of volcanic activity that may have occurred on the Earth Located around 10 million light-years away in the constellation of Canes and moon during their earliest history." Venatici (The Hunting Dogs), the galaxy's close proximity, combined with the wide variety of evolutionary stages among the stars, make it The Voyager spacecraft discovered Io's volcanoes in 1979, making that an ideal laboratory to research the triggers of star formation and moon the only body in the solar system other than Earth known to evolution. This color image was taken using the Hubble Wide Field have active magma volcanoes. The energy for the volcanic activity Camera 3 (WF3) in Dec 2009. comes from the squeezing and stretching of the moon by Jupiter's gravity as Io orbits the largest planet in the solar system. Galileo was launched in 1989 and began orbiting Jupiter in 1995. Unexplained signatures appeared in magnetic field data from Galileo flybys of Io in Oct 1999 and Feb 2000. After completing a successful mission, the spacecraft intentionally was sent into Jupiter's atmosphere in 2003. "During the final phase of the Galileo mission, (in 2003) models of the interaction between Io and Jupiter's immense magnetic field, which bathes the moon in charged particles, were not yet sophisticated enough for us to understand what was going on in Io's interior," said Xianzhe Jia, a co-author of the study. Recent work in mineral physics showed that a group of rocks known as "ultramafic" rocks become capable of carrying substantial electrical current when melted. Ultramafic rocks are igneous in origin, or form through the cooling of magma. On Earth, they are believed to originate from the mantle. The finding led Khurana and colleagues to test the hypothesis that the strange signature was produced by current flowing in a molten or partially molten layer of this kind of rock. Tests showed that the signatures detected by Galileo were consistent with a Hubble Close-up of NCG 4214 - Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage rock such as lherzolite, an igneous rock rich in silicates of magnesium (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration Acknowledgment: R. O'Connell (Univ. of and iron found in Spitzbergen, Sweden. The magma ocean layer on Io Virginia) and the WFC3 Scientific Oversight Committee appears to be more than 30 miles (50 kilometers) thick, making up at Intricate patterns of glowing hydrogen formed during the star-birthing least 10 percent of the moon's mantle by volume. The blistering process, cavities blown clear of gas by stellar winds, and bright stellar temperature of the magma ocean probably exceeds 2,200 degrees F clusters of NGC 4214 can be seen in this optical and near-infrared (1,200 degrees C). http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/galileo image. Observations of this dwarf galaxy have also revealed clusters of ST "ROSE" OF GALAXIES FOR HUBBLE’S 21 ANNIVERSARY much older red supergiant stars. Additional older stars can be seen dotted all across the galaxy. The variety of stars at different stages in To celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope's their evolution indicates that the recent and ongoing starburst periods deployment into space, astronomers at the Space Telescope Science are not the first, and the galaxy's abundant supply of hydrogen means Institute pointed Hubble's eye at an especially photogenic pair of that star formation will continue into the future. interacting galaxies with a ‘rose-like’ appearance, called Arp 273. The new image is available at: http://www.nasa.gov/hubble and is shown GALILEO SHOWS MAGMA OCEAN UNDER JUPITER’S MOON IO below. "For 21 years, Hubble has profoundly changed our view of the New data analysis from Galileo spacecraft reveals a subsurface ocean universe, allowing us to see deep into the past while opening our eyes of molten or partially molten magma beneath the surface of Jupiter's to the majesty and wonders around us," NASA Administrator Charles volcanic moon Io. The finding heralds the first direct confirmation of Bolden said. "I was privileged to pilot space shuttle Discovery as it this kind of magma layer at Io, and explains why the moon is the most deployed Hubble. After all this time, new Hubble images still inspire awe volcanic object known in the solar system. "Scientists are excited we and are a testament to the extraordinary work of the many people finally understand where Io's magma is coming from and have an behind the world's most famous observatory." Hubble was launched explanation for some of the mysterious signatures we saw in some of Apr 24, 1990, aboard Discovery's STS-31 mission. Hubble discoveries 8 revolutionized nearly all areas of current astronomical research from galaxies have consumed less of the gas present in their nuclei, from planetary science to cosmology. "Hubble is America's gift to the which new stars are born. world," Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland said. "Its jaw-dropping The interaction was imaged on Dec. 17, 2010, with Hubble's Wide Field images have rewritten the textbooks and inspired generations of Camera 3 (WFC3). The picture is a composite of data taken with three schoolchildren to study math and science. It has been documenting the separate filters on WFC3 that allow a broad range of wavelengths history of our universe for 21 years. Thanks to the daring of our brave covering the ultraviolet, blue, and red portions of the spectrum. For astronauts, a successful servicing mission in 2009 gave Hubble new life. image files and more information about Arp 273 and Hubble, visit: I look forward to Hubble's amazing images and inspiring discoveries for http://www.nasa.gov/hubble and http://hubblesite.org/news/2011/11 years to come." http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/multimedia/index.html http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2011/11/video/a/
SWIFT AND HUBBLE PROBE ASTEROID COLLISION DEBRIS Late last year, astronomers noticed an asteroid named Scheila had unexpectedly brightened, and it was sporting short-lived plumes. Data from the Swift satellite and Hubble showed these changes likely occurred after Scheila was struck by a much smaller asteroid. "Collisions between asteroids create rock fragments, from fine dust to huge boulders, that impact planets and their moons," said Dennis Bodewits, an astronomer who is lead author of the Swift study. "Yet this is the first time we've been able to catch one just weeks after the smash-up, long before the evidence fades away." Asteroids are rocky fragments thought to be debris from the formation and evolution of the solar system approximately 4.6 billion years ago. Millions of them orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter in the main asteroid belt. Scheila is approximately 70 miles across and orbits the Sun every five years. "The Hubble data are most simply explained by the impact, at 11,000 mph, of a previously unknown asteroid about 100 feet in diameter," said Hubble team leader David Jewitt. Hubble did not see any discrete collision fragments, unlike its 2009 observations of P/2010 A2, the first identified asteroid collision. Astronomers have known for decades that comets contain icy material that erupts when warmed by the Sun. They regarded asteroids as inactive rocks whose densities, surfaces, shapes, and sizes were determined by mutual impacts. However, this simple picture has Galaxies UGC 1810 (above) & 1813 (below) Credit: NASA, ESA, and Z. Levay (STScI) grown more complex over the past few years. During certain parts of their orbits, some objects, once categorized as asteroids, clearly The newly released Hubble image shows a large spiral galaxy, known as develop comet-like features that can last for many months. Others UGC 1810, with a disk that is distorted into a rose-like shape by the display much shorter outbursts. Icy materials may be occasionally gravitational tidal pull of the companion galaxy below it, known as UGC exposed, either by internal geological processes or by an external one, 1813. A swath of blue jewel-like points across the top is the combined such as an impact. On Dec. 11, 2010, images from the Catalina Sky light from clusters of intensely bright and hot young blue stars. These Survey, a project of NASA's Near Earth Object Observations Program, massive stars glow fiercely in ultraviolet light. The smaller, nearly revealed Scheila to be twice as bright as expected and immersed in a edge-on companion shows distinct signs of intense star formation at its faint comet-like glow. Looking through the survey's archived images, nucleus, perhaps triggered by the encounter with the companion astronomers inferred the outburst began between Nov. 11 and Dec. 3. galaxy. Three days after the outburst was announced, Swift's Arp 273 lies in the constellation Andromeda and is roughly 300 million Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT) captured multiple images and a light-years away from Earth. The image shows a tenuous tidal bridge spectrum of the asteroid. Ultraviolet sunlight breaks up the gas of material between the two galaxies that are separated from each molecules surrounding comets; water, for example, is transformed into other by tens of thousands of light-years. A series of uncommon spiral hydroxyl and hydrogen. But none of the emissions most commonly patterns in the large galaxy is a tell-tale sign of interaction. The large, identified in comets, such as hydroxyl or cyanogen, show up in the outer arm appears partially as a ring, a feature seen when interacting UVOT spectrum. The absence of gas around Scheila led the Swift team galaxies actually pass through one another. This suggests the smaller to reject scenarios where exposed ice accounted for the activity. companion dived deep, but off-center, through UGC 1810. The inner Images show the asteroid was flanked in the north by a bright dust set of spiral arms is highly warped out of the plane, with one of the plume and in the south by a fainter one. The dual plumes formed as arms going behind the bulge and coming back out the other side. small dust particles excavated by the impact were pushed away from How these two spiral patterns connect is not precisely known. The the asteroid by sunlight. Hubble observed the asteroid's fading dust larger galaxy in the UGC 1810 - UGC 1813 pair has a mass about five cloud on Dec. 27, 2010, and Jan. 4, 2011. times that of the smaller galaxy. In unequal pairs such as this, the relatively rapid passage of a companion galaxy produces the lopsided The two teams found the observations were best explained by a or asymmetric structure in the main spiral. Also in such encounters, collision with a small asteroid impacting Scheila's surface at an angle of the starburst activity typically begins in the minor galaxies earlier than less than 30 degrees, leaving a crater 1,000 feet across. Laboratory in the major galaxies. These effects could be because the smaller 9 experiments show a more direct strike probably wouldn't have and after another long cruise phase, Dawn will arrive in 2015 at its produced two distinct dust plumes. second destination, Ceres, an even more massive body in the asteroid belt, and go into orbit for a second time, something not yet done by any other spacecraft. Gathering information about these two icons of the asteroid belt will help scientists unlock the secrets of our solar system's early history. The mission will compare and contrast the two giant bodies shaped by different forces. Dawn's science instruments will measure surface composition, topography and texture. Dawn will also measure the tug of gravity from Vesta and Ceres to learn more about their internal structures. The spacecraft's full odyssey will take it on a 3-billion-mile (5-billion-km) journey, which began with its launch in Sep 2007. http://www.nasa.gov/dawn
Hubble image of asteroid Scheila - Illustration Credit: NASA, ESA, and Z. Levay (STScI) Science Credit: NASA, ESA, and D. Jewett (UCLA) The researchers estimated the crash ejected more than 660,000 tons of dust — equivalent to nearly twice the mass of the Empire State Building. "The dust cloud around Scheila could be 10,000 times as massive as the one ejected from comet 9P/Tempel 1 during the Deep Impact mission," said co-author Michael Kelley. "Collisions allow us to peek inside comets and asteroids. Ejecta kicked up by Deep Impact contained lots of ice, and the absence of ice in Scheila's interior shows that it's entirely unlike comets."
DAWN CAPTURES FIRST IMAGE OF NEARING ASTEROID VESTA The Dawn spacecraft has obtained its first image of the giant asteroid Vesta, which will help fine-tune navigation during its approach. Dawn is expected to achieve orbit around Vesta on Jul 16, when the asteroid is about 117 million miles (188 million km) from Earth. The image from Dawn's framing cameras was taken on May 3 when the spacecraft began its approach and was approximately 752,000 miles Dawn's First Glimpse of Vesta – This image, processed to show the true size of (1.21 million km) from Vesta. The asteroid appears as a small, bright the giant asteroid Vesta, shows Vesta in front of a spectacular background of pearl against a background of stars. Vesta is also known as a stars. It was obtained by the framing camera aboard the spacecraft on May 3, protoplanet, because it is a large body that almost formed into a from a distance of about 750,000 miles (1.2 million km). Since Vesta is so bright planet. "After plying the seas of space for more than a billion miles, that it outshines its starry background, Dawn team members commanded a long the Dawn team finally spotted its target," said Carol Raymond, Dawn's exposure time to make the stars visible. They corrected the resulting deputy principal investigator. "This first image hints of detailed exaggerated size of Vesta by superimposing a short exposure image of the target portraits to come from Dawn's upcoming visit." asteroid, showing its true size. Vesta is the small, bright pearl in the middle of the image. Vesta is 330 miles (530 km) in diameter and the second most Vesta is 530 kilometers (330 miles) in diameter and the second most massive object in the asteroid belt. But, as the inset shows, Vesta is massive object in the asteroid belt. Ground- and space-based approximately five pixels across in size in Dawn's early approach images. This telescopes obtained images of the bright orb for about two centuries, and other images will help Dawn fine tune navigation during its approach to Vesta, with arrival expected on Jul 16, 2011. but with little surface detail. Mission managers expect Vesta's gravity to capture Dawn in orbit on July 16. To enter orbit, Dawn must match GALACTIC STORMS CAUGHT SWEEPING AWAY THE GAS the asteroid's path around the sun, which requires very precise The Herschel Space Observatory has detected massive amounts of knowledge of the body's location and speed. By analyzing where molecular gas gusting at high velocities - in some cases in excess of Vesta appears relative to stars in framing camera images, navigators 1000 km per sec - from the centers of a set of merging galaxies. will pin down its location and enable engineers to refine the Driven by star formation and central black holes, these powerful spacecraft's trajectory. Dawn will start collecting science data in early storms are strong enough to sweep away billions of solar masses of August at an altitude of approximately 1,700 miles (2,700 km) above molecular gas and to interfere with global galactic processes. These the asteroid's surface. As the spacecraft gets closer, it will snap multi- observations indicate that, in the galaxies hosting the brightest Active angle images, allowing scientists to produce topographic maps. Dawn Galactic Nuclei (AGNs), outflows can clear the entire supply for creating will later orbit at approximately 120 miles (200 km) to perform other stars and feeding the black hole. This finding provides long-sought- measurements and obtain closer shots of parts of the surface. Dawn after evidence of highly energetic feedback processes taking place in will remain in orbit around Vesta for one year. Then it will leave orbit, galaxies as they evolve. 10 Massive outflows of gas from galactic centers are tell-tale signs that them: black holes that are relatively more massive appear to reside in powerful, storm-like processes affecting the global galactic balance of galaxies with spheroids that contain more stars. This empirical mass and energy are underway. Within a galaxy, these storms can be relation suggests that black hole growth and star formation are generated in the regions of active star formation, stirred by stellar intertwined, both initially drawing from the gas reservoir, and creating winds and shock waves from supernova explosions. They can also be feedback mechanisms such as outflows that eventually suppress them. triggered close to the central black hole, where radiation pressure from "Herschel's sensitivity enabled us to detect these gigantic galactic the accretion disc drives the surrounding gas away. When powerful storms, and to demonstrate, for the first time, that they may be strong enough, outflows can sweep away the galaxy’s entire reservoir of gas, enough to shut down stellar production entirely," says co-author depleting it of the raw material that creates stars and feeds the central Albrecht Poglitsch, and also the Principal Investigator for the PACS black hole. This inhibits further star formation episodes and additional instrument. The outflows were traced via spectral lines of the hydroxyl black hole growth. Thus, galactic outflows cause negative feedback, molecule (OH). The excellent spectral resolution of PACS allowed halting the same mechanisms that produced them in the first place. astronomers to clearly identify the characteristic blue- and red-shifted profile caused by the system geometry. "With velocities of 1000 km per second and higher, the outflows we detected are 10,000 times faster than any terrestrial hurricane and are able to strip galaxies of gas amounting to several hundred solar masses every year," he adds.
Artist's impression of an Ultra-Luminous InfraRed Galaxy (ULIRG) with outflows of molecular gas. Credit: ESA/AOES Medialab "Outflows are key features in models of galactic formation and evolution, but prior to our work no decisive evidence of their active role Illustration explaining how outflows of molecular gas can be detected in the in such processes had been gathered," explains Eckhard Sturm, who led spectra of galaxies with Herschel. Credits: ESA/AOES Medialab a study that revealed massive outflows of molecular gas in a set of infrared-luminous galaxies observed with Herschel. While there have The data set suggests that slower outflows may be initiated by star been other detections of galactic outflows, almost all previous formation regions, whereas those with higher velocity appear to be observations dealt only with neutral and ionized gas. "By detecting related to the activity of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) powered by outflows in the cold molecular gas from which stars are born, we can central black holes: brighter AGN seem to sweep gas away faster than finally witness their direct impact on star formation," he adds. their less luminous counterparts. However, it will be necessary to analyze a larger sample of galaxies in order to verify this claim that the The team observed a number of ‘Ultra-Luminous Infra-Red Galaxies’ measured velocity can be used as an indicator of the main mechanism (ULIRGs): galaxies enshrouded in gas and dust that shine brightly in driving the outflow. "Although it is early to draw general conclusions, the infrared. They were observed with the spectrometer of Herschel's it appears that the galaxies hosting the most luminous AGN are PACS instrument, as part of the ‘Survey with Herschel of the ISM in releasing gas at a much higher pace than their star formation rates. Nearby Infra-red Galaxies’ (SHINING) observing program. We expect that they will exhaust their reservoir of cold molecular gas Elliptical galaxies are thought to arise from the merger of gas-rich spiral rather quickly," notes team member Jacqueline Fischer, from the USA. galaxies, a process in which ULIRGs represent an intermediate stage. In the next few million years to a few hundred million years, both star Gas outflows develop naturally within this scenario, and they are formation and black hole growth will cease in these objects. This will crucial to explaining some observed characteristics of elliptical galaxies. produce galaxies with characteristics that match those observed in Elliptical galaxies contain old stellar populations, relatively small ellipticals: poor in cold gas, populated by old stars and harboring black amounts of gas and almost no sign of ongoing star formation. This is in holes with masses strongly correlated with the galaxy’s stellar mass. contrast with spiral galaxies, which are dominated by young stars and "By catching molecular outflows 'in the act', Herschel has finally yielded are rich in gas necessary for intense star formation. For elliptical long-sought-after evidence that powerful processes with negative galaxies to derive from spiral galaxies, something must drain the cold feedback do take place in galaxies and dramatically affect their gas and halt the production of stars, and outflows such as those evolution," adds Göran Pilbratt, ESA's Herschel Project Scientist. observed by Herschel appear as ideal candidates for the job. COMET ELENIN: PREVIEW OF A COMING ATTRACTION ? Another property that finds a natural explanation in galactic outflows is You may have heard the news: Comet Elenin is coming to the inner- the strong correlation observed between the mass of black holes and solar system this fall. Comet Elenin (also known by its astronomical the stellar mass of the spheroidal component of the galaxies hosting name C/2010 X1), was first detected on Dec 10, 2010 by Leonid 11 Elenin, an observer in Lyubertsy, Russia, who made the discovery Elenin for thousands of years. That's pretty cool." NASA detects, tracks "remotely" using the ISON-NM observatory near Mayhill, New and characterizes asteroids and comets passing relatively close to Earth Mexico, from Russia. At the time of the discovery, the comet was using both ground-based and space-based telescopes. The ‘Near-Earth about 401 million miles (647 million km) from Earth. Over the past Object Observations Program’, commonly called ‘Spaceguard’, four-and-a-half months, the comet has – as comets do – closed the discovers these objects, characterizes a subset of them, and predicts distance to Earth's vicinity as it makes its way closer to perihelion - its their paths to determine if any could be potentially hazardous to our closest point to the sun. As of May 4, Elenin's distance is about 170 planet. http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2011- million miles (274 million km). "That is what happens with these 135&cid=release_2011-135 long-period comets that come in from way outside our planetary SPACECRAFT EARTH TO DO CLOSE 'FLYBY' THIS FALL system," said Don Yeomans of the Near-Earth Object Program Office. "They make these long, majestic, speedy arcs through our solar Since the dawn of the space age, humanity has sent 16 robotic system, and sometimes they put on a great show. But not Elenin. emissaries to fly by some of the solar system's most intriguing and Right now that comet looks kind of wimpy." nomadic occupants -- comets and asteroids. The data and imagery collected on these deep-space missions of exploration have helped How does a NASA scientist define cometary wimpiness? - "We're redefine our understanding of how Earth and our part of the galaxy talking about how a comet looks as it safely flies past us," said came to be. But this fall, Mother Nature is giving scientists around the Yeomans. "Some cometary visitors arriving from beyond the planetary world a close-up view of one of her good-sized space rocks -- no rocket region – like Hale-Bopp in 1997 -- have really lit up the night sky where required. "On Nov 8, asteroid 2005 YU55 will fly past Earth and at its you can see them easily with the naked eye as they safely transit the closest approach point will be about 201,700 miles (325,000 km) inner-solar system. But Elenin is trending toward the other end of the away," said Don Yeomans, manager of NASA's Near-Earth Object spectrum. You'll probably need a good pair of binoculars, clear skies, Program Office. "This asteroid is about 400 meters [1,300 feet] wide – and a dark, secluded location to see it even on its brightest night." the largest space rock we have identified that will come this close until 2028." Despite the relative proximity and size, Yeomans said, "YU55 poses no threat of an Earth collision over, at the very least, the next 100 years. During its closest approach, its gravitational effect on the Earth will be so miniscule as to be immeasurable. It will not affect the tides or anything else." Then why all the hubbub for a space rock a little bit wider than an aircraft carrier? After all, scientists estimate that asteroids the size of YU55 come this close about every 25 years. "While near-Earth objects of this size have flown within a lunar distance in the past, we did not have the foreknowledge and technology to take advantage of the opportunity," said Barbara Wilson, a scientist at JPL. "When it flies past, it should be a great opportunity for science instruments on the ground to get a good look." 2005 YU55 was discovered in Dec 2005 by Robert McMillan, head of the Spacewatch Program. The space rock has been Trajectory of comet Elenin. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech in astronomers' crosshairs before. In Apr 2010, Mike Nolan and Comet Elenin should be at its brightest shortly before the time of its colleagues at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico generated some closest approach to Earth on Oct. 16 of this year. At its closest point, it ghostly images of 2005 YU55 when the asteroid was about 1.5 million will be 22 million miles (35 million km) from us. Can this icy interloper miles (2.3 million km) from Earth. (See related story: influence us from where it is, or where it will be in the future? What http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010-144 ) about this celestial object inspiring some shifting of the tides or even "The best resolution of the radar images was 25 feet (7.5 meters) per tectonic plates here on Earth? There have been some incorrect pixel," said radar astronomer Lance Benner. "When 2005 YU55 returns Internet speculations that external forces could cause comet Elenin to this fall, we intend to image it at 4-meter resolution with our recently come closer. "Comet Elenin will not encounter any dark bodies that upgraded equipment at the Deep Space Network at Goldstone, could perturb its orbit, nor will it influence us in any way here on Earth," California. Plus, the asteroid will be seven times closer. We're said Yeomans. "It will get no closer to Earth than 22 million miles (35 expecting some very detailed radar images." Radar astronomy million km). " [about 1000 times farther than Earth-Moon distance] employs the world's most massive dish-shaped antennas. The "Comet Elenin will not only be far away, it is also on the small side for antennas beam directed microwave signals at their celestial targets -- comets," said Yeomans. "And comets are not the most densely-packed which can be as close as our moon and as far away as the moons of objects out there. They usually have the density of something akin to Saturn. These signals bounce off the target, and the resulting "echo" is loosely packed icy dirt. So you've got a modest-sized icy dirtball that is collected and precisely collated to create radar images, which can be getting no closer than 35 million km," said Yeomans. "It will have an used to reconstruct detailed three-dimensional models of the object. immeasurably miniscule influence on our planet. By comparison, my This defines its rotation precisely and gives scientists a good idea of the subcompact automobile exerts a greater influence on the ocean's tides object's surface roughness. They can even make out surface features. than comet Elenin ever will." Yeomans did have one final thought on "Using the Goldstone radar operating with the software and hardware comet Elenin. "This comet may not put on a great show. Just as upgrades, the resulting images of YU55 could come in with resolution certainly, it will not cause any disruptions here on Earth. But there is a as fine as 4 meters per pixel," said Benner. "We're talking about cause to marvel," said Yeomans. "This intrepid little traveler will offer getting down to the kind of surface detail you dream of when you have astronomers a chance to study a relatively young comet that came here a spacecraft fly by one of these targets." At that resolution, from well beyond our solar system's planetary region. After a short astronomers can see boulders and craters on the surfaces of some while, it will be headed back out again, and we will not see or hear from asteroids, and establish if an asteroid has a moon or two of its own. 12 (Note: the 2010 Arecibo imaging of YU55 did not show any moons). But beyond the visually intriguing surface, the data collected from Goldstone, Arecibo, and ground-based optical and infrared telescopes are expected to detail the mineral composition of the asteroid. "This is a C-type asteroid, and those are thought to be representative of the primordial materials from which our solar system was formed," said Wilson. "This flyby will be an excellent opportunity to test how we study, document and quantify which asteroids would be most appropriate for a future human mission."
This long-distance low-resolution radar image of asteroid 2005 YU55 was generated from data taken in Apr 2010 with Arecibo Radar Telescope in Puerto Rico. The upcoming pass will allow much higher resolution. Image credit: NASA/Cornell/Arecibo Yeomans reiterated Wilson's view that the upcoming pass of asteroid 2005 YU55 will be a positive event, which he describes as an "opportunity for scientific discovery." Yeomans adds, "So stay tuned. This is going to be fun." The 70-meter (230-foot) Goldstone antenna in the Mojave Desert, part of the Deep Space Network, is one of only two facilities capable of imaging asteroids with radar. The other is the National Science Foundation's 1,000-foot-diameter (305 meter) Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. The capabilities of the two instruments are Close-up Hubble view of the Meathook Galaxy (NGC 2442). complementary. The Arecibo radar is about 20 times more sensitive, and can detect asteroids about twice as far away, but because the main dish is stationary, it can only see about one-third of the sky. Goldstone is fully steerable, and can see about 80 percent of the accessible sky, so it can track objects several times longer per day, and can image asteroids at finer spatial resolution. To date, Goldstone and Arecibo have observed 272 near-Earth asteroids, and 14 comets with radar. More about asteroids and NEOs: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroidwatch More about asteroid radar research: http://echo.jpl.nasa.gov/ More about Deep Space Network: http://deepspace.jpl.nasa.gov/dsn .
TWO VIEWS OF LOPSIDED GALAXY – NGC 2442 ‘MEATHOOK’ The ‘Meathook’ Galaxy, or NGC 2442, has a dramatically lopsided shape. One spiral arm is tightly folded in on itself and host to a recent supernova, while the other, dotted with recent star formation, extends far out from the nucleus. The Hubble and the MPG/ESO 2.2-meter telescope have captured two contrasting views of this asymmetric spiral galaxy. NGC 2442 in the southern constellation of Volans (The Flying Fish), is easily recognized for its asymmetric spiral arms. The galaxy's lopsided appearance is thought to be due to gravitational interactions with another galaxy at some point in its history - though astronomers have not so far been able to positively identify the culprit. Broad view of NGC 2442, taken by the ground-based Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-meter telescope at La Silla Chile A close-up image from Hubble focuses on the galaxy's nucleus and the more compact of its two spiral arms. In 1999, a massive star at the end A much broader view, taken by the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO of its life exploded in this arm in a supernova. By comparing older 2.2-meter telescope at La Silla Chile, very clearly shows the double ground-based observations, previous Hubble images made in 2001, and hook shape that gives the galaxy its nickname. This image also these shots taken in late 2006, astronomers have been able to study in captures several other galaxies close to NGC 2442, as well as many detail what happened to the star in its dying moments. By the time of more remote galaxies that form a rich backdrop. Although the Wide this image the supernova itself had faded and is not visible. Field Imager on the ground, cannot approach the sharpness of images 13 from Hubble in space, it can cover a much bigger section of sky in a master's degree candidates at universities across the United States. single exposure. The two tools often provide complementary More than 350 undergraduates, and more than four dozen high school information to astronomers. ESO's wide-field observations also students also worked on the project with leading scientists and highlight the other end of the life cycle of stars from Hubble. Dotted aerospace engineers from industry and government. One across much of the galaxy, and particularly in the longer of the two undergraduate student who worked on GP-B became the first female spiral arms, are patches of pink and red. This color comes from astronaut in space, Sally Ride. Another was Eric Cornell who won the hydrogen gas in star-forming regions: as the powerful radiation of new- Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001. "GP-B adds to the knowledge base on born stars excites the gas in the clouds they formed from, it glows a relativity in important ways and its positive impact will be felt in the bright shade of red. The interaction with another galaxy that gave the careers of students whose educations were enriched by the project," Meathook Galaxy its unusual asymmetric shape is also likely to have said Ed Weiler, assoc. administrator for Science Mission Directorate. been the trigger of this recent episode of star formation. The same http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/gpb/ http://einstein.stanford.edu/ tidal forces that deformed the galaxy disrupted clouds of gas and [The EAS welcomes newsletter article, photos, observing reports, and news triggered their gravitational collapse. contributions and submissions of all types from its members.] GRAVITY PROBE B CONFIRMS TWO SPACE-TIME THEORIES In EAS StarGazer - “The Planetarium” - By John W Goerger Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission has confirmed two key predictions mid-May to mid-June 2011 derived from Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, which the [email protected] or [email protected] spacecraft was designed to test. The experiment, launched in 2004, used four ultra-precise gyroscopes to measure the hypothesized Last month, in the last section of ‘The Planetarium’, I wrote I would geodetic effect, the warping of space and time around a gravitational mention a few cleaning activities, as well as safely storing and caring for body, and frame-dragging, the amount a spinning object pulls space your astronomical equipment. If it has been a while since you have and time with it as it rotates. GP-B determined both effects with used your telescope and related accessories a good idea is to look over unprecedented precision by pointing at a single star, IM Pegasi, while in the manuals for all of your items you use when you are operating your a polar orbit around Earth. If gravity did not affect space and time, GP- telescope. Do not leave nothing to ‘chance’ even those items you tell B's gyroscopes would point in the same direction forever while in orbit. everyone; “can operate them in my sleep”. This includes the But in confirmation of Einstein's theories, the gyroscopes experienced instruction booklet to your telescope and other items you are measurable, minute changes in the direction of their spin, while Earth's convinced you could handle and use them “blindfolded”. gravity pulled at them. "Imagine the Earth as if it were immersed in Have plenty of time to go over the materials and equipment, carefully honey. As the planet rotates, the honey around it would swirl, and it's taking it out of their containers (you did put all the stuff back into their the same with space and time," said Francis Everitt, GP-B principal protective containers, last year didn’t you; after all, we are discussing investigator. "GP-B confirmed two of the most profound predictions of items you may not have used for several months) and inspecting them Einstein's universe, having far-reaching implications across astrophysics as you remove them, being careful to use both hands with your feet research. Likewise, the decades of technological innovation behind the planted solidly on the deck (ground). mission will have a lasting legacy on Earth and in space." Wearing disposable gloves is another idea you should consider. Our GP-B is one of the longest running projects in NASA history, with hands are ‘greasy’ even if you washed them beforehand (another good agency involvement starting in the fall of 1963 with initial funding to idea) as with the gloves on, you are not leaving your fingerprints all develop a relativity gyroscope experiment. Subsequent decades of over your equipment. development led to groundbreaking technologies to control If you have to lay a piece on the floor have a large old blanket (folded environmental disturbances on spacecraft, such as aerodynamic drag, over to be a cushion), old comforter or a moving blanket (moving magnetic fields and thermal variations. The mission's star tracker and blankets only cost around $11-13.00 at Costco). Spread it out onto gyroscopes were the most precise ever designed and produced. GP-B the floor and not stepping on it, as you gently put the article on your completed its data collection operations and was decommissioned in ground-cover. Those moving blankets are a great thing to have with Dec 2010. "The mission results will have a long-term impact on the you when you go out to set-up your astronomy equipment. If you work of theoretical physicists," said Bill Danchi, senior astrophysicist have a pick-up truck, like I do, I place the moving blankets (about 3---I and program scientist. "Every future challenge to Einstein's theories of have several) on the bottom of the bed of the pickup, they act kind of general relativity will have to seek more precise measurements than the like a ’shock absorber’. As I am driving down the road and if the case- remarkable work GP-B accomplished." container holding the telescope, might make a small ’bounce’, it is Innovations enabled by GP-B have been used in GPS technologies that landing on several layers of ’padding’ of the moving blankets, absorbing allow airplanes to land unaided. Additional GP-B technologies were any shock from a possible ‘bounce’. As stated above, it is a good idea applied to Cosmic Background Explorer mission, which accurately when using an old blanket to fold it over but also if you can, use more determined the universe's background radiation. That measurement is than one blanket, one on-top of the each other so in case the object the underpinning of the big-bang theory, and led to the Nobel Prize for you are holding drops out of your hands, earlier than you had planned - NASA physicist John Mather. The drag-free satellite concept - it won’t break -- ending your astronomy outings for at least a few days pioneered by GP-B made a number of Earth-observing satellites (as well as your pocket book/bank account). This is one of the reasons possible, including ‘Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment’ and the I like using the moving blankets; they are relatively inexpensive, you ESA’s ‘Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer’. can use them out in the field and if they get some dirt on them, so These satellites provide the most precise measurements of the shape what! of the Earth, critical for precise navigation on land and sea, and However, the most important benefit of using them over a number of understanding the relationship between ocean circulation and climate your ‘families blankets’ is not having to explain to your better-half patterns. GP-B also advanced the frontiers of knowledge and (husband/wife) why the “heirloom” that had been handed down from provided a practical training ground for 100 doctoral students and 15 their side of the family (or yours) for the last 50 to 200 years, now has 14 ground-in dirt and grease spots embedded in it! Or, one of your protecting the container from dirt, scratches, grass and other items just children might have a special fondness for said ‘blanket’ that you never waiting to do untold “things” to your expensive containers. knew about, until upon laying it on the floor you hear that child shriek Additionally, the blanket protects the contents as well as the interior of in terror and scream “You are killing my blankie”! Using a moving the container from such things are grass, bugs, dirt and sand. Those blanket prevents a ‘whole lot of problems’, and is useful in so many moving blankets are nice to lay on, especially if you plan to “campout ways! overnight”, they make a good soft cover if you put your sleeping bag on Another function I use the moving blankets I have is also to drape top of them. them over your equipment you have in your vehicle. For myself, I * * * use anywhere from 2-3 moving blankets to lay over the telescope Almost all telescopes come with a cover over the front of your optical containers and related materials, which I also try to drape around instrument. If, for some reason yours does not, check with your local them. If your materials can be seen through your vehicle’s window, astronomy club and or camera shop as they will either have extra or but covered by the moving blankets, all the ’wandering eye’ of an can tell you where to find a cover/cap. For those that have a unknown person would see are the moving blankets. They are also Newtonian ’open-tube’ telescopes, a “shower cap” some folks use good for protecting your containers from dust, scratches and other while taking a shower, might just be the ‘ticket’ to cover the front and unforeseen problems. If you need to lay something on top of the the back of your scope (many of these type of ‘scopes have a spacing equipment containers, you are again protecting those costly containers around the back of the telescope, which is open). Also, check with a (when I purchased my 11-inch Celestron Ultima, they came with a hard- medical supply company, as those surgical caps worn by medical folks shell carrying case; today some companies, in trying to keep the cost of and patients would also be ideal for keeping the dust out of your telescopes “down” have eliminated the case, which means if you telescope. To secure these “caps” around the tube, use 3-4 large decide to purchase a case, and you should do it; are not cheap). strong rubber bands. A “myth” that is heard or written fairly Also, do not forget a dedicated tool box with tape (electrical, masking frequently claims that if you have a Newtonian-style telescope, the and scotch tape) tools, batteries, a mini flashlight and other items you mirror should be cleaned often. This requires removing the ‘primary might need. mirror’ from the interior of the telescope tube, cleaning it with the proper liquids, cleaning the ‘secondary mirror’, (usually not removed) You have your vehicle parked with the sun beating down on it and and re-installing the primary mirror, and then realigning both mirrors. without those containers covered, they get HOT! With the moving This is assuming you have the patience of a Great Philosopher, and you blankets covering them, not only do your containers stay cooler, so have lots to time to waste, and like to brag to your fellow stargazer as does the equipment inside them. If you have a pick-up with a camper to how much time and effort you put into all this work; otherwise this shell as I do, the moving blankets offer another line-of-protection--- is not a ‘mission’ you need to undertake. Even assuming you use your rain, water and as mentioned, ‘other unknowns’. As you are driving to telescope every night for the last unknown number of years, your your observing site, you forgot to check on weather conditions in the mirror is fine. According to most professional astronomers (these are area you are heading for and discover it is raining! If you, like me, the folks who get paid to teach and research astronomy and its related have your materials inside the bed of the pick-up, water will get inside fields); maybe once every 10 years if even that, you might have to do the bed; between the tailgate and the sides of the pick-up; water will the above work! Keep both ends of the tube covered, and if you do find a way of getting into that area. With several layers of moving not live in Death Valley, or the American Southwest, and are not blankets laying down on the floor of the bed and covering your items, exposing your telescope to sand storms, even at those locations, your the blankets will absorb whatever moisture thus preventing the water telescope’s interior will be fine; this also includes those ‘scopes that from getting and possibly damaging or destroying your astronomy and are not open-tube types’. However, all telescopes can get problems related items. inside them if not protected. While working in the late 70’s at Within above paragraph was mentioned “weather”, and it is a very Tessmann Planetarium, located on the campus of Santa Ana College, important item to check a few days before your planned ‘astronomy the Director & Head of the Astronomy department classes asked me to expedition’. Do not reply on the quick weather/news update you do a survey of the telescopes and related materials. A few days before might hear while you are engrossed watching your favorite sports I was asked to survey the equipment, a part-time instructor who only program. Check out the Weather Channel; go to your internet and taught “observing classes”, had taken a class out into the high desert look at your weather sites on the internet for a more detailed over the weekend along with the department’s telescopes and understanding of what the weather might have in store for you and materials. When I opened one of the ‘footlockers’ (back then, many your observation plans. There are also downloads you can get for of the Cassegrain-telescope companies enclosed those kind of free, concerning meteorological/astronomical conditions on the day telescopes inside a foam-packed cushioned footlocker cases), there and night of your planned celestial watching! was sand laying on the bottom next to the telescope, and a plastic For many SUVs and pick-ups, there are hooks and related attachments cover that came with the telescope which was to be inserted in the within your vehicle which you need to secure your loads to. I use back of the telescope to close/protect the interior of the ‘scope, was bungee cords to surround the equipment and containers and then just lying in the sand as well. Later, I found a pair of binoculars broken securing those cords to the attachments within the vehicle; it lessens right in half! I listed everything and give the list the Director. To say the movement of the cargo inside the vehicle; ropes can be used so the least, he was not a ‘happy camper’ and discussed the situation with long as the proper securing knots are used to tie the rope(s) down. the Dean of Science & Technology! Always protect the equipment, Once at your observing site, unloading can be assisted, I have even if it is not yours -- and especially if it is not yours! discovered, by slightly pulling on the blanket the large container * * * holding your telescope, is laying on. The containers slides easily but If you want or need to clean the front of your telescope optics take your time as you would be surprised at how fast it will slide. (refractors, closed Newtonian-styled and Cassegrains), use only those These moving blankets are useful at the site as if you intend to take the products designed specifically for telescopes! DO NOT USE ANY case out of your vehicle; take one or two of the blankets, spread it out COMMERICAL WINDOW CLEANERS, such as those with ammonia! on the ground, than place the container on the blanket; thereby Using them will destroy the multi-coatings that come with your 15 telescope. Most of the time, just use a hand-held-hand-pumped air and related supplies, assuming you have a portable electric source blower if you want to remove any dust or contaminants you might or (many types available and reasonable in price) which allow you to run a think you see. I have owned my telescope since the summer of 1991 ‘house-hold device’, putting the hand-held dryer on the lowest setting and have maybe used a liquid cleaner approximately 5 times, if even for heat and out-flow of air, gently swept back and forth over the area that! There are more and more telescope mounts where the legs are with the area ‘in question’ and before long the water droplets will be metal, and most of them are steel and or an alloy. If you notice the gone; just take your time, don’t rush. appearance of ‘rust’, I recommend use of the following; “Break Free”, * * * usually sold at gun stores, (no, the product has nothing to do with the “A place for everything and everything in its place” -- A great saying brakes of a vehicle) and is used by the Orange County Sheriff’s and even true; when you are getting close to ending your viewing Department for the general day-to-day cleaning and lubing of the session, start re-packing your stuff, in the packing and containers they weapons used by the deputies. Take a “00” grade steel wool, and came out of. Think through the order you took items out of the spray a very, very, light amount of Break Free on the steel wool, very containers they were in, and how they and the containers that now lightly rubbing the rust marks, until the rust disappears. Using the “00” hold them need to go back into your vehicle. Have a clean cloth to should not leave any marks as have done this in the past and on other wipe items off as you pack them, and if you have re-usable gloves, use tripod steel/alloy legs, then use a clean cloth to wipe off any possible them. residue. How many times have you been with others who have their astronomy Dusting or cleaning the outside tube of your telescope is easy and one stuff set up and some of their stuff looks over 100 years old! Dirt built of the simplest ways is using a ‘duster’, but make sure the diameter of up on their mounts, eyepieces slightly clouded and even some of the your telescope is covered as well as the place you insert the eyepiece is barrels bent or scratched -- some of the telescope tubes having dents covered. and other blemishes on them? It is said to “never leave your telescope I have used, to give the outside of my telescope a nice ‘sheen’ a very and stuff unattended” and that is correct, however if ‘nature calls’ and light covering of car polish, remembering to keep the front and back of you have no choice, you are going to need to have someone watch over the telescope covered from any possible dust. Once the polish has your stuff while you take care of what you need to do; So who are you dried I then remove the residue using a duster after I have wiped it going to trust with your expensive astronomy supplies - the person clean (cheese cloth works great). There are many rubber and ‘leather who’s telescope and stuff look like they ’found it’ at a Goodwill store cleaners’ on the market for your car and items in your home, but earlier that day, or someone who has respect for their stuff? Another before you use any of them, read the label -- those labels are there not thing, is when you are going out to a site, it is always a good idea to go to keep a writer employed, but actually convey valid information with others, and say it is just you and a fellow stargazer, and both of concerning the use of the product. Some of those products, once you you are going together in the same vehicle. Will your fellow ‘star use them, you have to keep using them or the item you are using them explorer’ be the person who takes care of their equipment, or do you on can dry out! For the metal parts of my mount I do use ‘Armor-All’ want the person who clearly does not take care of their gear? but for those ‘rubberized’ areas I use an item called “Der Stuff”. There are several articles over the years that have been published in Do not apply any liquids directly on your equipment, but rather on Astronomy and Sky&Telescope magazine concerning the ‘ proper care either cheesecloth or some other absorbent material, a very small of astronomical devices’ -- maybe in the future, The Stargazer could amount and spread it over a large are -- letting it dry, than wiping off every so often come out with some other ideas on this subject – Or with a clean cloth. maybe an idea or so from you? (we value member submissions) * * * Doing such work will keep your astronomy related items looking good, th and in turn, makes you feel good about yourself and people will respect The Space Shuttle Endeavor was launched May 16 2011 to the ISS on your equipment more than someone who’s equipment appears to have its LAST MISSION to the International Space Station. Commander Mark spent the last winter inside a chicken coop! Earlier, I mentioned the Kelly is overall in charge of Endeavor, and has four previous Space use of bungee cords -- I use a small one to keep the legs of my tripod Shuttle Missions under his belt. His wife, Representative Gabrielle secure to each other; there are no doubt other ideas you can come up Giffords was present at the launch, was previously the target of an with for their use with your equipment. attempted assassination, where she was shot by a 9mm round which entered the front left side of her brain and exited through the top of If you live in an area where there is high humidity, or just lots of water, th her head, on Jan 8 2011, where six people were murdered and 12 there is always the possibility of mold and mildew -- try and keep all injured in Tucson, AZ. Other family members of the Endeavor crew your items dry and clean. Avoid sudden temperature extremes, as this were present to watch the liftoff as well. Within the Space Shuttle is a can cause condensation on your items, which if not corrected, can lead personal, handwritten note by Rep. Giffords to her husband. to mold and mildew developing on them. Always adjust for According to one of her staff aids, Gabrielle said, “Good stuff, good temperature from where you keep your astronomy equipment stored stuff” as the space shuttle lifted off and soared into the clouds. Cmdr. to where you are going to use it. If the storage area is cold compared Kelly, who has an identical twin brother named Scott, gave red tulips to to where you will be “setting up” then move the items to an area her, and a red rose to each of his brother’s daughters. On previous where they can adjust to a slightly warmer temperature and gradually shuttle flights Cmdr. Kelly had taken his wife’s wedding ring with him get the items to the temperature they will be exposed to. This also and on this flight, Gabrielle has his wedding ring on a sliver chain, goes in the reverse as well; have plenty of time, don’t rush and another around her neck, which also includes a heart and a map of Arizona. item you might want to consider having is an old hair dryer. Almost all The location for the shuttle crew families to view the launch of families have and old hair dryer around somewhere. Now I suppose Endeavor, were on-top of NASA’s launch control center. According to you can go out and purchase one from an astronomy publication, by the Chief of Staff for Rep. Giffords, Pia Carusone; “Relief was her why? All dryers do what they are built to do -- dry stuff. However, a biggest feeling, she was very proud; she’s always proud of Mark”. hair dryer does have different settings and you do not want to set it on Carusone also stated; “There were hugs around, it was very celebratory ‘super hot’ if your equipment has some moisture on it. If, out in the among the families”. Endeavor will be in space for some 16-days, field and you notice some water droplets forming on your telescope and during this time, Mark Kelly’s wife will ‘transmit’ two wake-up 16 songs dedicated to her husband and will talk with him during a video manned mission to the lunar frontier (1972); the days of adventure conference from Houston during this space mission. Endeavor’s and excitement for humanity instead was more like a meeting of primary cargo for the ISS is the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer particle accountants. In some aspects, the space adventure had been taken detector and will be attached to the exterior of the ISS. It has a over by accountants, and people whom we would call “wimps”. We planned ‘lifetime’ of ten years and will be sifting through approximately send unmanned probes to ‘test the waters’ into our ‘lake’ we call the 25,000 ‘cosmic ray hits’ per second during that period. It’s designed Solar System; but that in of itself does not make for an invigorating, to search the cosmic rays for the ‘fingerprints’ of dark matter, astonishing, fun-filled and rewarding, both mentally and physically, antimatter and other phenomena which cannot be detected by ground- space program -- only human beings going; eventually to locations based instruments. The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer is a product where research, mining bases, and settlements where the settlers are built in 16 countries by 60 research agencies, at a cost of $2 billion. giving birth to humans on the outposts of lunar and O’Neill-style space According to press reports, an estimated 500,000 spectators along settlements does that fire up the human imagination! Florida’s central Atlantic coast watched it soar into the clouds. * * * Additional cargo is a pallet of ‘spares’ for the ISS, as this is the second- When the automated ’buggies’ whose destination was Mars were to-the-last mission to the ISS by the Space Shuttles, as well as the launched from Earth, were there hundreds of thousands of spectators second-to-the-last mission for all of NASA’s space shuttles. The cheering, applauding, jumping up and down, smiling and crying ‘cause Endeavor’s first space-launch was in 1992, and it was built as a they were so thrilled and excited for those ’cute robotic rovers’ replacement for the Challenger space shuttle which was lost in 1986. th (automated buggies)? -- Nope. Maybe at JPL, (Jet Propulsion This flight is the 25 for NASA’s newest space shuttle, and when she Laboratory) a few hundred engineers and supporters cheered, and a returns planetside on the first of June, she eventually will be taken for few tears flowed, but nothing at the magnitude when a space vehicle permanent display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. carrying human cargo is launched! With human beings onboard, there * * * are those hundreds of thousands (a million plus?) of cheering humans Each Space Shuttle was designed and constructed for a minimum of at at the launch site and watching the launch on TV, and listening to it on least 100 spaceflight missions. About one-and-a-half, to two years ago radio -- not for the non-human cargo but the crews of the vehicle! As my wife and I went to the Museum of Flight, located in Seattle WA, to stated previously, the ‘Space Shuttle Program’ was given a budget of hear Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, who at the time was the Director of the MoF, (plus the estimated ‘projected overrun costs’---$1.5 billion) of $7.5 give a talk of her experiences when she flew many missions on NASA’s billion. Of that amount [$7.5 billion], $5.22 billion was allocated for space shuttles. According to her, “…the space shuttles are a viable the design, construction, and operation of five space shuttles; The and a very robust system…”, and in her view, the space shuttle fleet remaining (~$2.28 billion), for all the related support services, (runway should not be retired. When Congress, and the then President of the landing sites around the planet, among other systems) and developing United States of America, Richard Nixon, authorized the development the launch support, and all those related systems. During the time of of what was called the ‘Space Transportation System’, (or as it has been deciding by Congress and the White House (Richard Nixon) if the US known to the general public as the ‘Space Shuttles’) there were to be a government should even fund a “Space Shuttle System”, Senator total of five space shuttles. The cost, in 1972 dollars, was $7.5 billion, Mondale was doing his best to stop all funding for such a program as with an agreed 20% ‘cost overrun’ (approximately an additional $1.5 well. There were scientists who opposed the Shuttle concept who did billion) for a total estimated cost of $9 billion. This estimated ‘cost what they could, in their own close-minded-self-interest, to either stop overrun’ was ‘typical’ for many in the field of spaceflight and aviation- the Shuttle Project or try to limit the budget for it; so that it would die style vehicles; however it was thought by many experts in the field as before it would even be built. way to be ‘conservative in estimation’. During the development of the NASA had plans to have a space shuttle which would take off from an Saturn V, a loss of three astronauts (Roger Chaffee, Virgil “Gus” existing International-style runway; go to orbit, complete the mission Grissom and Edward H. White) happened during a “dress rehearsal” then land back on existing International runways -- the first design had when a fire broke out and consumed the Apollo 1 capsule. There was a vehicle about the size of a 737. Later, Rockwell (was originally North no launch; just a ground test with the astronauts strapped in their American Aviation, but was purchased by Rockwell in the late 1960’s) vehicle. developed, in-house, a much larger winged craft called STAR-RAKER During the investigation as to what caused such a tragic event, politics (STARRAKER), which would have been one-and-a-half times bigger than reared its ugly head. At the time (1967) Senator Mondale (D-MN) the prevailing 747 of the period (early 1970s). In the early 1980’s I had served on the ‘Aeronautical and Space Sciences Committee’, and was the good fortune to meet the creator and designer of this vehicle, when involved in the hearings concerning the loss. Mondale used his he and his wife came to a planetarium presentation I was giving at position to not just ‘investigate’ this terrible event, but to attack NASA, Tessmann Planetarium. Closed-minded Congress and a backwards- and the whole manned space mission. Mondale opposed any manned thinking President (Nixon) told NASA, ‘NO!’ NASA then looked into the missions, and in fact wanted and tried to cancel the Apollo project idea of a re-useable ‘mothership’ with a space shuttle, again close to totally! If he had had his way, no American would have ever stepped the size of a 737, attached with the entire structure being launched in onto the lunar surface! Of course, smarter and cooler heads prevailed, the ‘vertical configuration’, with the mothership returning to a landing and we as Americans, and the rest of Humanity, celebrated as Neil site while the shuttle continued into space -- that was also killed. Armstrong along with “Buzz” Aldrin walked upon the lunar surface on th A scaled-down version we are familiar with, but with the space shuttles July 20 1969! However, at the time of launch of Apollo 11, President having ‘air-breathing-engines’ when re-entering the atmosphere, and Richard Nixon had pink slips being handed out to those involved with an ejection system for the entire crew, similar to what had been the Apollo program; this just not being NASA government employees developed for the cancelled XB-70 supersonic bomber -- again killed. but the private contractors were also ordered to fire/layoff those * * * employees working on Apollo, and related long-term goals of What NASA was left with is the system that has been operating for permanent human bases on the moon. At the point of success for the last 30-plus years. However, going back to the original budget NASA and the American public, Richard Nixon and the likes of Mondale Congress and the White House had allocated to NASA, was $7.5 billion-- seemed to be getting their way! As we all know, Apollo 17 was the last -“1972 dollars” (then add to that: 20% cost overrun, or about $1.5 17 billion---“1972 dollars”), well during the mid to late 1970’s inflation cut want to be ‘wrong about this’). This ‘lake’ we gaze out at with our all our buying power by half (basically a ‘1972’ dollar, by the mid to late eyes and telescopes has wealth for everyone -- just a single two-mile- 1970s was now worth around $0.50 cents). Other government wide Near Earth Asteroid object (NEO) contains over $45 trillion of agencies and bureaus got their budgets raised to make up for the ‘rare-earth elements’; the moon has huge deposits of these rare-earth inflation, but not NASA! A program Congress and the White House elements, Helium-3, and water as well. The choice is yours - the decided would spend no more than $7.5 billion now had a ‘buying generations alive today, in America, have to make the decisions to power’ of half that amount -- now a total budget of $3.75 billion, and demand America continue on her journey of discovery and open up this the $1.5 billion -- 20% became $0.75 billion (or $750 million) instead. endless frontier---American and Americans need space to grow! Now add $3.75 billion, plus $750 million, and this equals $4.5 billion; There was a need to have a ‘shorter’ newsletter this ‘month’ so check any wonder why NASA cut one of the space shuttles, and related out the issues of Astronomy and Sky&Telescope magazines - May & aeronautical tests were not done, newer technologies stifled, and not June 2011 for a good discussion as to where the planets are, and other brought to ‘life’? Any wonder why we lost 18 astronauts, and 2 space ‘neat stuff’ to spy at with your telescopes! shuttles (Apollo 1 fire)? Their death and loss lay on the doorstep of Ad Astra, but always look down, once in a while where you’re walking; those politicians, scientists, and so-called social ‘activists’, who tried to Ya don’t want to trip over your feet or the tripod or electrical cords kill or to ‘nickel-and-dime’ NASA and the manned operations to death. going to your telescope! NUFF SAID -- Well…..Bye! * * * Look at the past, and ongoing, unjust criticism by some American - John W Goerger scientists, politicians, and social activists, concerning the International Space Station. It should be noted that Mondale became the Vice-President under Jimmy Carter in 1977. It isn’t any wonder that during the Carter/Mondale era NASA never got the added funding to make up for the loss of inflation, is it? People like Mondale, social activists and others -- their way of making it sound like they are ‘concerned for the welfare of the American public’, and the supposed ‘downtrodden’ -- is to claim the monies spent by NASA and manned space operations could have gone instead to feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, destitute, -- and get this -- rebuilding the sewers of New York City, -- Oh Really! -- Unbelievable! The following are ‘raw dollars’, in the sense that I am comparing the total yearly sums of monies allocated by the United States Government to NASA, and at the time-period covered here, to Health Education & Welfare. It needs to be noted that ‘Education’ later got its own separate ‘Cabinet’ post (and separate budget as well) within the White House a few years later, and as such, when discussing Federal Funding today, a person should include the Education Department with what is now called Health & Human Services -- think Health, Education & Welfare. From 1969 to 1979, NASA’s total amount, adding up those ten years of funding is ~$50 billion, which is ‘not chump change’; however compare that amount with HEW during the same ten-year time period; 1969-1979---$1,500 billion or $1.5 trillion, or 30 times the amount allocated to NASA over a ten-year-period! During the Carter/Mondale era, the head of then HEW, along with his Inspector General were investigating the loss of approximately $6 billion a year, and had been going on for a while -- if you were to check FOR SALE: Meade DS-2130AT Telescope. Needs 8 AA out the actual budgets per year between NASA and HEW of this time, batteries (not included). You get: the telescope, with finder scope, you will see that the amount of loss by HEW, because of -- and these rack & pinion focuser, 3 eyepieces, & a Barlow lens; Tripod; Owner's are the words/conclusions of the Director of HEW and his IG; “…was manual & CD; and the computer driven mount with handheld pendant because of fraud, graft and corruption within HEW and the system control. Once set up, you can punch some buttons on the control overall…”; NASA’s budget, by the way, in 1977, was around $4.5 pendant & the telescope points at what you want to see, by itself! billion, with HEW at a $186 billion and HEW was losing at least $6 Gently used, original boxes. The photo show the telescope set up. billion, around $1.5 billion more than NASA’s total budget for 1977! $150 OBO - I'm in Stanwood/Camano Area - Bruce [email protected] For his dedication in trying to ‘weed out the fraud and corruption’ within HEW at the time, the head of that organization was fired by President Carter in the Fall of 1977. * * * FROM THE EDITOR'S TERMINAL Without American manned space missions and planned research, The Stargazer is your newsletter and therefore it is best when it is a mining and human settlements on the moon, and a reliable means of cooperative project. Any content you have, such as ads, ASTRO- getting Americans there -- a beachhead if you so choose, the ‘America’ PHOTOs, observing reports, announcements, suggestions, or literary we knew about will not be the same ‘America’ your children’s children works, etc., should be e-mailed to the editor for inclusion into the will read about in a history text; written from a very strange political Stargazer. If you wish to contribute an article or suggestions to The view, and America may very well not exist as we have known her, and I 18 Stargazer please contact Mark Folkerts by e-mail (folkerts at seanet dot com) or by telephone (425) 486-9733. 19 The Star Gazer P.O. Box 12746 Everett, WA 98206
In May’s StarGazer: **** ASTRO CALENDAR - UPCOMING ASTRONOMY EVENTS **** WESTERN STAR PARTY SCHEDULE FOR 2011 **** OBSERVER'S INFORMATION - SUN, MOON, AND PLANET VISIBILITY **** ‘UP IN THE SKY’ - THE PLANETS (AND OBJECT 134340 PLUTO…) **** UW COLLOQUIA SCHEDULE **** EAS MEMBER NEWS **** FERMI SPOTS 'SUPERFLARES' IN THE CRAB NEBULA **** GALAXY NGC 4214: A STAR-FORMATION LABORATORY **** GALILEO SHOWS MAGMA OCEAN UNDER JUPITER’S MOON IO **** "ROSE" OF GALAXIES FOR HUBBLE’S 21ST ANNIVERSARY **** SWIFT AND HUBBLE PROBE ASTEROID COLLISION DEBRIS **** DAWN CAPTURES FIRST IMAGE OF NEARING ASTEROID VESTA **** GALACTIC STORMS CAUGHT SWEEPING AWAY THE GAS **** COMET ELENIN: PREVIEW OF A COMING ATTRACTION ? **** SPACECRAFT EARTH TO DO CLOSE 'ASTEROID FLYBY' THIS FALL **** TWO VIEWS OF LOPSIDED GALAXY – NGC 2442 ‘MEATHOOK’ **** GRAVITY PROBE B CONFIRMS TWO SPACE-TIME THEORIES **** ‘THE PLANETARIUM’ - COLUMN BY JOHN GOERGER
The next EAS Meeting is 3:00 pm, Saturday May 21st at the Evergreen Branch Everett Public Library, in south Everett.