Rainwater Observatory E-News 2/21/09
ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you’d like to share, let us know.
The purpose of sending this newsletter out so soon after the last one is to alert you to two really neat things coming up on February 24.
Comet Lulin will be at its closest to Earth. You should be able to see the greenish glow with binoculars even from light polluted towns. See images of the comet, information, and a map to find it at http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/39951532.html The comet is moving west between Spica and Saturn. Jim Coker imaged the comet on Thursday night at 5 minute intervals with the Sangre Telescope and you can watch it move through the star field. Next time you’re here ask to see the images.
A second happening is that since Saturn has its rings turned edge on to the Earth, you can see its moons cross the cloud tops and eveen see the shadows of the moons going across the planet. Four of the moons will do this on the 24th. Get information and even a movie of what to expect at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/19feb_quadrupletransit.htm?list899987 You can find Saturn in Leo just below Denebola.
PLAN TO COME TO “BACKYARD ASTRONOMY” IN MARCH
Backyard Astronomy is an informal series of sessions in astronomy for the public. Each program contains a brief talk followed by planetarium shows or observing sessions. Presenters this spring include David Teske, former Assistant Director of the Davis Planetarium in Jackson, James Hill, Director of the Rainwater Observatory, Tim Rich of Rust College, Tereza Nevasadova of the Davis Planetariuim, and Jim Waltman, adjunct at Millsaps College. They will guide us through our solar system, as well as introductions to the constellations and their lore. Each session will be about an hour long and will feature the stories behind such sky objects as the Moon, the planets, the season’s constellations, and galaxies. Note: Adjustments to the schedule below may occur.
After the talks, weather permitting, an observing session will be held using Rainwater’s collection of telescopes. The planetarium can be used if outdoor observing is clouded out.
Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium is located 1 mile east of the Natchez Trace Parkway on MS Hwy 413 near the village of French Camp in central Mississippi.
March 6: Be Your Own Weather Forecaster: Tim Rich
If you want to star gaze, how do you know if it will be clear or cloudy. After this session you should be able to outperform the local TV station in predicting what the weather will be doing when the Sun goes down. We’ll see how to use the internet to practice some weather basics.
March 13: The Sun Earth Connection, Aurorae: Tereza Nevasadova
The Sun is constantly showering the Earth with electrically charged particles. This is the cause of one of the most beautiful sights, the aurora. It is rare but can be seen in Mississippi.
March 20: Giants in the History of Astronomy, Jim Waltman
In the development of our view of the cosmos certain names stand out. Come to this talk and find out “who’s who” in the history of astronomy and what they discovered that changed our view of the universe.
March 27: Constellations of the Spring Sky, David Teske
The winter constellations, Orion and his hunting dogs are leaving the western sky and the spring galaxy filled groups like Leo and Ursa Major are high overhead. Learn to find them and about their lore.
Go to http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html for information and an online registration form.
COMING GROUPS AND EVENTS The web site calendar shows more events and programs. If you or some group you know needs a program or wants to set up a field trip, contact us.
March 6,13, 20, and 27, 2009: Spring Backyard Astronomy: Fridays in March http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html
April 23: Ackerman girl scouts
March 27-28: Hands-On Astronomy Activities for Educators
March 7: CHARM home schoolers
March 13: Wedding Rehearsal group
March 20: Spring Equinox and Sun-Earth Day
April 22-25, 2009: Mid-South Star Gaze http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/
June 7-12, 2009: Astronomy for Teachers Summer School class through Ole Miss for 3 semester hours credit. http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/summer/teacher_workshop/
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