Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

2010-06-24T20:27:15Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 6/24/10

NOTE: DUE TO JIM BEING IN UTAH DOING ASTRONOMY WITH THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DURING JULY, THERE WONT BE ANY E-NEWSLETTERS DURING JULY. CALL EDWIN FAUGHN IF YOU NEED INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A PROGRAM. edwinfaughn@gmail.com . JIM WILL BE CHECKING HIS E-MAILS IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT HIM jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org Hell be suffering with the 80 degree temperatures and 10% humidity.

MSU RADIO CLUB FIELD DAY JUNE 26-27
Mississippi Sate Universitys radio club will hold a field day at Rainwater from 1:00 mp Saturday June 26 until 1:00 pm June 27. This event is meant to acquaint the public with ham radio and how radio amateurs serve the public. Come Saturday afternoon and see how radio amateurs keep in contact with others around the world during emergencies. You can even try your hand at contacting people. Solar telescopes will be set up to view the Sun during the day. Saturday night you can see the radio activities as well as look through some of the observatorys telescopes to view Saturn, Venus, and the Moon.

If you plan to bring a group, please contact the MSU radio club at msu.w5yd@gmail.com

UPDATED REFLECTIONS OF THE UNIVERSE FEATURED AT JULY 9 PROGRAM
Artist Edwin Faughn will present a newly updated version of his Reflections of the Universe program for our Friday July 9 program meeting. This program will feature beautiful images from the worlds great telescopes along with his own astronomical art. He wants people to appreciate that these views are not just pretty images, but real places. The program begins at 7:00 pm.

As always, weather permitting, we will go to the telescopes after the talk to view Venus, Saturn, and other objects.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Contact us to schedule a program or field trip
July 6: New Haven Baptist Church
July 7-10: Bryce Canyon National Park Astro-Fest (Jim will welcome you if you get to south Utah)
July 9: Reflections of the Universe Rainwater program meeting.
July 14: Mississippi Valley Presbytery Youth Camp. Help needed for this large group.
July 19: Starkville Cub Pack 14.
July 28: First United Methodist Church Grenada Mens Group
July 31-Aug 2: Asteroids Hunters Group
August 7: at Noxubee Refuge Come join us for this program and observing session.

ASTRONOMY EDUCATION CEU WORKSHOPS FOR THE COMING YEAR
We have been included in the Mississippi NASA Space Grant budget for the coming year and are planning on hosting two weekend teacher workshops at Rainwater and several away one day science workshops at sites around the state. We are currently scheduling the away workshops which will be focused on hands-on astronomy activities for elementary and middle school science standards. The weekend workshops will be:

November 5-6, 2010, Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy, Dr. Chris Sirola of USM.
January 28-29, 2011, Implementing and Enhancing High School Astronomy Classes, Dr. Larry Krumenaker, founder of To Teach the Stars.

Contact us if youd like a one day workshop in your area or school district.

FALL BACKYARD ASTRONOMY
Were having the programs on Saturdays this October to avoid conflict with football. Talks will be on fall constellations, Jupiter, Death from the Skies, and the life and death of stars. If you have other suggestions, like black holes or cosmology, wed like to try to schedule them for the spring 2011 series. The online registration is on the web site.

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR WITH A DONATION
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. (Just $10.00 for the rest of the year.) This allows a discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine if you wish. Send a separate check for $32.95 made out to Sky & Telescope if you want to have this. Be sure to take advantage of our facility. Let us know if we can be of service.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share please email it to us.

Amazing aurora seen from space. http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/amazing-aurora-seen-from-space-100621.html

Cosmologists find the best measure of the neutrino. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/23/cosmologists-measure-mass-of-elusive-neutrino/

Here are the top 10 images from the first year of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/23/one-year-of-the-lunar-reconnaissance-orbiter-top-ten-finds/

Hubble captures a beautiful image of baby stars http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/22/hubble-captures-beautiful-baby-stars/

Heres an image of the gulf oil spill on day 62. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/21/gulf-oil-leak-day-62-update/

The New Horizons spacecraft is now halfway to Pluto. http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/18jun_newhorizons/

Here are two podcasts in the Universe Today series about developments in twentieth century astronomy and the future of astronomy.
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/17/podcast-history-of-astronomy-part-5-the-20th-century/
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/17/podcast-the-future-of-astronomy/

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Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

2010-06-17T14:33:36Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 6/17/10

MSU RADIO CLUB FIELD DAY JUNE 26-27
Mississippi Sate Universitys radio club will hold a field day at Rainwater from 1:00 mp Saturday June 26 until 1:00 pm June 27. This event is meant to acquaint the public with ham radio and how radio amateurs serve the public. Come Saturday afternoon and see how radio amateurs keep in contact with others around the world during emergencies. You can even try your hand at contacting people. Solar telescopes will be set up to view the Sun during the day. Saturday night you can see the radio activities as well as look through some of the observatorys telescopes to view Saturn, Venus, and the Moon.

If you plan to bring a group, please contact the msu radio club at msu.w5yd@gmail.com

UPDATED REFLECTIONS OF THE UNIVERSE FEATURED AT JULY 9 PROGRAM
Artist Edwin Faughn will present a newly updated version of his Reflections of the Universe program for our Friday July 9 program meeting. This program will feature beautiful images from the worlds great telescopes along with his own astronomical art. He wants people to appreciate that these views are not just pretty images, but real places. The program begins at 7:00 pm.

As always, weather permitting, we will go to the telescopes after the talk to view Venus, Saturn, and other objects.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Contact us to schedule a program or field trip
June 18: St. Paul Presbyterian Church, Jackson
June 18: Greenwood family group
June 19: Royal Rangers, Columbus
June 20-26: Astronomy Camp
June 24: at Caledonia Library, 1:00 pm
July 6: New Haven Baptist Church
July 7-10: Bryce Canyon National Park Astro-Fest (Jim will welcome you if you get to south Utah)
July 9: Reflections of the Universe Rainwater program meeting.

ASTRONOMY EDUCATION CEU WORKSHOPS FOR THE COMING YEAR
We have been included in the Mississippi NASA Space Grant budget for the coming year and are planning on hosting two weekend teacher workshops at Rainwater and several away one day science workshops at sites around the state. We are currently scheduling the away workshops which will be focused on hands-on astronomy activities for elementary and middle school science standards. The weekend workshops will be:

November 5-6, 2010, Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy, Dr. Chris Sirola of USM.
January 28-29, 2011, Implementing and Enhancing High School Astronomy Classes, Dr. Larry Krumenaker, founder of To Teach the Stars.

Contact us if youd like a one day workshop in your area or school district.

FALL BACKYARD ASTRONOMY
Were having the programs on Saturdays this October to avoid conflict with football. Talks will be on fall constellations, Jupiter, Death from the Skies, and the life and death of stars. If you have other suggestions, like black holes or cosmology, wed like to try to schedule them for the spring 2011 series. The online registration is on the web site.

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR WITH A DONATION
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. (Just $10.00 for the rest of the year.) This allows a discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine if you wish. Send a separate check for $32.95 made out to Sky & Telescope if you want to have this. Be sure to take advantage of our facility. Let us know if we can be of service.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
A wheel broke on the dome of the 6 D&Gmail.com refractor, so it is out of operation until we can fix it and roll the slit open. The 6 AstroPhysics has a new occupant. A bluebird has taken up residence and laid 4 eggs. She isnt happy about our using the scope, but were trying to be careful and good neighbors.

A reminder that Mr. Hill will be out working with the National Park Service at Bryce Canyon during July, but he will still be taking care of business by email. jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org Edwin Faughn will be in charge in his absence. Contact him at 901-674-2609 or edwinfaughn@gmail.com

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share please email it to us.

The Suns strange lack of activity has scientists asking questions. http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/solar-cycle-results-aas216-100614.html

Two mysteries about Jupiter are investigated by Hubble. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/16/hubble-delves-in-to-solve-two-recent-jupiter-mysteries/

Kuiper Belt objects measured by occulting stars. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10333601.stm

More news on extrasolar planets from Kepler and Corot. http://www.nasa.gov/kepler and http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/14/weird-collection-of-worlds-in-the-latest-cache-of-corot-expoplanets/

See the oil spill in the gulf at http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/14/latest-satellite-views-of-oil-leak-plus-dramatic-video-of-where-the-oil-may-end-up/

Did Mars have giant oceans in the past? http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/14/vast-oceans-likely-covered-one-third-of-mars/

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Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377

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Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

2010-06-09T19:11:43Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 6/9/10

JUNE 11 PROGRAM FEATURES A PICNIC, SOLAR VIEWING, & TALK BY DAVE TESKE
Well start the picnic and solar viewing around 6:00 pm. If you cant get there by 6:00, come on when you can. Please let us know how many are coming to eat. If you would be able to bring food, please let us know what. (Condiments, potato salad, baked beans, French bread, desert, etc. Weve been given funds by a member that cant come to provide hamburgers for everyone!

Around 7:00 pm David Teske will give a talk about the Sun and the features we can see through the telescopes. Check out this article about the Sun getting back on its stride after a year of being inactive. http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/04jun_swef/

As always, weather permitting, we will go to the telescopes after the talk to view Venus, Saturn, and other objects.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Contact us to schedule a program or field trip
June 10: Moore Memorial Methodist Church, Winona
June 11: Okolona Elementary School
June 11: Lena Baptist Church
June 11: Rainwater Picnic
June 11: Girls Scout Troop 5320
June 12: MS Tourism meeting
June 13-18: Astronomy fro Teachers Class
June 19: Royal Rangers Columbus
June 20-26: Astronomy Camp
June 24: at Caledonia Library, 1:00 pm

ASTRONOMY EDUCATION CEU WORKSHOPS FOR THE COMING YEAR
We have been included in the Mississippi NASA Space Grant budget for the coming year and are planning on hosting two weekend teacher workshops at Rainwater and several away one day workshops at sites around the state. We are currently scheduling the away workshops which will be focused on hands-on astronomy activities for elementary and middle school science standards. The weekend workshops will be:

November 5-6, 2010, Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy, Dr. Chris Sirola of USM.
January 28-29, 2011, Implementing and Enhancing High School Astronomy Classes, Dr. Larry Krumenaker, founder of To Teach the Stars.

FALL BACKYARD ASTRONOMY
Plan ahead for the fall Backyard Astronomy series. Were having the programs on Saturdays in October to avoid conflict with football. Talks will be on fall constellations, Jupiter, Death from the Skies, and the life and death of stars. If you have other suggestions, like black holes or cosmology, wed like to try to schedule them for the spring 2011 series

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR WITH A DONATION
Just a reminder!! Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. (Just $10.00 for the rest of the year.) This allows a discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine if you wish. Send a separate check for $32.95 made out to Sky & Telescope if you want to have this. Be sure to take advantage of our facility. Let us know if we can be of service.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
For the next two weeks we will be having a class for Ole Miss at the observatory followed by an Astronomy Camp for 13-16 year olds. Jim Hill will be leaving after that to spend the month of July at Bryce Canyon and nearby parks doing astronomy programs and star parties for the National Park Service. If you need to contact the observatory, Edwin Faughn will be available to answer your questions and give tours and programs.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share please email it to us.

The Earth and Moon system may have formed later than earlier thought. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/08/the-earth-and-moon-formed-later-than-previously-thought/

A new Comet McNaught is visible in the pre-dawn sky. Check http://spaceweather.com and www.skyandtelescope.com for more information, images, and star charts.

Teachers! You can get a free DVD titled Journey to the Stars. Go to the web site below to request a copy. It comes with lesson guides as well.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/07jun_journeytothestars/

This weeks this Week in Space has a really interesting interview with the head of SpaceX about their recent rocket launch. Highly recommended.
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/07/this-week-in-space-for-june-6-2010/
A video of the launch is at http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/04/spacex-falcon-9-successfully-launches-reaches-orbit/

New discovery hints that life may have been possible on early Mars. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/04/new-discovery-supports-possibility-of-microbial-life-on-mars/ Another story that goes with the previous one. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/03/spirit-rover-still-providing-new-evidence-for-past-water-on-mars/

A problem of how the Earth has kept a fairly constant climate for eons even though the Sun has been getting warmer may have a solution. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/06/03/early-faint-sun-paradox-explained/

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Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377

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Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

2010-05-28T10:11:25Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 5/28/10

JUNE 11 PROGRAM FEATURES A PICNIC, SOLAR VIEWING, & TALK BY DAVE TESKE
Please note: our June program will be a bit different. We plan to have a picnic. Club members especially invited, but anyone is welcome. This will be a great time to meet other folks who are interested in astronomy and learn of the plans we have for the coming year.

Well start the picnic and solar viewing around 6:00 pm. If you cant get there by 6:00, come on when you can. Please let us know how many are coming to eat. If you would be able to bring food, please let us know what. (Condiments, potato salad, baked beans, French bread, desert, etc. Weve been given funds by a member that cant come to provide hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone!

Around 7:00 pm David Teske will give a talk about the Sun and the features we can see through the telescopes.

As always, we will go to the telescopes after the talk to view Venus, Saturn, and other objects.

LAST CALL FOR ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com cost is $484.00 for the week. If youd like to help fund a camper let us know.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Contact us to schedule a program or field trip
May 29: Pack 12 Cub Scouts form Clinton camping visit
May 31: CRS Summer Staff observing and orientation
June 1: at Artesia Library
June 1: XYZ Group from 1st Baptist, Oxford
June 4: Atlanta Boy Scouts cyclers group.
June 10: Moore Memorial Methodist Church, Winona
June 11: Lena Baptist Church
June 11: Rainwater Picnic
June 12: MS Tourism meeting
June 19: Royal Rangers, Columbus

ASTRONOMY EDUCATION CEU WORKSHOPS FOR THE COMING YEAR
We have been included in the Mississippi NASA Space Grant budget for the coming year and are planning on hosting two weekend teacher workshops at Rainwater and several away one day workshops at sites around the state. We are currently scheduling the away workshops which will be focused on hands-on astronomy activities for elementary and middle school science standards. The weekend workshops will be:

November 5-6, 2010, Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy, Dr. Chris Sirola of USM.
January 28-29, 2011, Implementing and Enhancing High School Astronomy Classes, Dr. Larry Krumenaker, founder of To Teach the Stars.

FALL BACKYARD ASTRONOMY
Plan ahead for the fall Backyard Astronomy series. Were having the programs on Saturdays in October to avoid conflict with football. Talks will be on fall constellations, Jupiter, Death from the Skies, and the life and death of stars. If you have other suggestions, like black holes or cosmology, wed like to try to schedule them for the spring 2011 series

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR WITH A DONATION
Just a reminder!! Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. (Just $10.00 for the rest of the year.) This allows a discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine if you wish. Send a separate check for $32.95 made out to Sky & Telescope if you want to have this. Be sure to take advantage of our facility. Let us know if we can be of service.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
We are now posting images of the Rainwater facility and Rainwater happenings on PhotoBucket. Here are the first images. One is a pan of the hill looking east and the other is of the Sangre RC scope. Also posted are images of the Sangre facility with rainbows as well as an image showing some of the buildings. http://s986.photobucket.com/albums/ae347/rainwaterobservatory_photo/ Well add more later so keep checking our album.

On May 24 we traveled to Alabama where we dismantled a 10 foot fiberglass dome that was donated to the observatory by Mark Lancaster. Our trailer had no lights so we just made it back before dark. Weve begun reconstructing the dome and the plan is to use the dome for the 90mm Coronado H-alpha scope. Weve also had an adapter machined so we can attach the scope to the pier in the current building. Well keep using the roll-off roof until the dome base is reconstructed. The dome has been modified, so it may take a while to get it all fixed.

Finally, we have reworked our 50 foot galaxy model to conform to the new map. New display labels and signage have been produced.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share please email it to us.

Here is a great source for short space news tidbits from JPL. If youre into sky lore, check out the YouTube for May by Jane Houston Jones. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JPLnews#g/u

A time lapse video of the oil slick in the gulf is posted on YouTube here http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/27/time-lapse-satellite-view-of-growing-oil-spill/

Asimov wrote an SF novel titled The Stars Like Dust. Here is an image by the ESA Herschel Infra Red space telescopes that shows galaxies like dust. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/26/galaxies-like-grains-of-sand-in-new-herschel-image/

Theres lots of new information about galactic black holes. Try these links. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/26/galaxy-mergers-make-black-holes-light-up/ or http://www.nasa.gov/swift
The Andromeda galaxy has a variable black hole http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/27/andromedas-unstable-black-hole/ M-87 has a double black hole. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/27/black-hole-in-m87-wanders-using-jetpack/

Attempts to contact the Phoenix Mars polar mission have given up. Images from orbit show its solar panels broken. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/24/new-image-shows-phoenix-landers-solar-panel-is-missing/ Mars polar caps reveal a mystery solved. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/26/mars-polar-cap-mystery-solved/ A neat tribute video to Phoenix can be found here http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/25/phoenix-mission-tribute-video/

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The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription:
You are subscribed to the following list: Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter
Using the following email: example@example.com

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Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

2010-05-16T15:03:58Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 5/16/10

JUNE 11 PROGRAM FEATURES A PICNIC, SOLAR VIEWING, & TALK BY DAVE TESKE
Please note: our June program will be a bit different. We plan to have a picnic. Dues paying club members especially invited, but anyone is welcome. This will be a great time to meet other folks who are interested in astronomy and learn of the plans we have for the coming year.

Well have the grill going and start the picnic and solar viewing at 6:00 pm. To plan we ask that you RSVP with how many are coming to eat. If you would be able to bring food, please let us know what. (Hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, potato salad, baked beans, French bread, desert, etc.

Around 7:00 pm David Teske will give a talk about the Sun and the features we can see through the telescopes.

As always, we will go to the telescopes after the talk to view Venus, Saturn, and other objects.

CHECK OUT GREAT ISS/SHUTTLE PASSES OVER THE CENTRAL US TONIGHT AND TUESDAY NIGHT
It will be -3 magnitude. Check http://www.heavens-above.com for where it will be seen from your site shortly after 8:00 pm CDT.

ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com cost is $484.00 for the week. If youd like to help fund a camper let us know.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Contact us to schedule a program or field trip
May 17: at Grenada, 1st Methodist Mens Supper
May 18: Carthage United Methodist Church group
May 21: at Millry Alabama Elementary School
May 24: trip to retrieve 10 foot dome for the solar observatory.
May 29: Pack 12 Cub Scouts form Clinton camping visit
May 31: CRS Summer Staff observing and orientation
June 1: at Artesia Library
June 4: Atlanta Boy Scouts cyclers group.

ASTRONOMY EDUCATION CEU WORKSHOPS FOR THE COMING YEAR
We have been included in the Mississippi NASA Space Grant budget for the coming year and are planning on hosting two weekend teacher workshops at Rainwater and several away one day workshops at sites around the state. We are currently scheduling the away workshops which will be focused on hands-on astronomy activities for elementary and middle school science standards. The weekend workshops will be:

November 5-6, 2010, Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy, Dr. Chris Sirola of USM.
January 28-29, 2011, Implementing and Enhancing High School Astronomy Classes, Dr. Larry Krumenaker, founder of To Teach the Stars.

ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS SUMMER CLASS DEADLINE LOOMS
The Astronomy for Teachers class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR WITH A DONATION
Just a reminder!! Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. (Just $10.00 for the rest of the year.) This allows a discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine if you wish. Send a separate check for $32.95 made out to Sky & Telescope if you want to have this. Be sure to take advantage of our facility. Let us know if we can be of service.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
Things are being extra busy at the end of the school year with multiple programs almost every day (or evening). We are definitely going to get the 10 foot fiberglass dome from Mark Lancaster in Alabama on Monday May 24. The plan is to remove the roll off roof from the 10 foot square building housing the 10  Cave and putting the dome there. Well install the new 90mm Coronado H-alpha scope in that facility on the Atlas mount. We are getting an adapter to attach the mount made. Its worth an extra trip to Rainwater to view the Sun with this scope. Prominences and surface features are much better than anything weve ever had.

4-County Co-Op had a power outage in the middle of the night and messed with the Sangre scopes computer again. We will be contacting them to see about getting some sort of surge protection for this as well as a UPS for the control box.

We received some special screws from Las Cumbres and the CCD camera is reattached onto the scope. A failed power supply for a USB extender has been replaced so everything should be in working order.

One of the items we have just received to use with the Astronomy for Teachers class and the Astronomy Camp is an Orion StarShoot Planetary Camera. It will be a good tool if you want to get images of the Moon, Sun, or bright planets. You just connect it to your laptop and download the images. Its made to be simple. (Well, sort of.)

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share please email it to us.

Learn about neutron stars at the link below.
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/15/astronomy-without-a-telescope-making-sense-of-the-neutron-zoo/ The spectacular gravity of neutron stars offers great opportunities for thought experiments. For example, if you dropped an object from a height of 1 meter above a neutron stars surface, it would hit the surface within a millionth of a second having been accelerated to over 7 million kilometers an hour.

Normal baryonic matter only makes up about 4% of the stuff of the universe, but much of that hasnt been detected until now (possibly) http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/11/x-ray-observations-find-evidence-for-missing-matter-in-the-universe/

Deposits of volcanic ash seen on Mars http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/14/new-views-of-meridiani-planum-show-deposits-of-volcanic-ash/

Jupiters south equatorial belt has disappeared http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/13/jupiter-it-is-a-changing/

You can keep track of Icelands unpronounceable volcano at http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/13/volcano-cam-now-available/ or http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/12/latest-satellite-images-of-eyjafjallajokull-the-volcano-that-keeps-on-giving/

Cassini has snapped a neat image of the Herschel crater on Mimas. http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100511.html

Finally, if youre into astronomical history, try downloading these two episodes of AstroCast. These are in our library http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/12/podcasts-history-of-astronomy-parts-1-2/

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2010-05-07T10:25:48Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 5/7/10

MAY 14 PUBLIC PROGRAM FEATURES VENUS
Our evening star is rising high in the west this month. The talk will look at how the second planet from the Sun was seen by ancient cultures and then examine what weve learned in the last few decades about a planet that was thought to be the Earths twin, but is now seen as very different. Check out what to expect at http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/06may_mothersday/

As always, we will go to the telescopes to view Venus, Saturn, and other objects. If you come early we can view the Sun with the Coronado scope.

ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com cost is $484.00 for the week. We are grateful for the three scholarships have been donated for campers, but we have several more applicants that have been recommended by their teachers but dont have funds. If youd like to help fund a camper let us know.

CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Contact us to schedule a program or field trip
May 8: Pioneer Day at French Camp, Observatory open house
May 8: Girl Scout Troop 20653, Starkville
May 8: Reflections of the Universe program 7 pm
May 14: Calhoun Academy, 9:30 am
May 14: RAA Public Program 7 pm, Venus: The Evening Star Rises High
May 15: Delta Academy, West Point, morning
May 15: Carthage Cub Scouts, afternoon and evening
May 17: at Grenada, 1st Methodist Mens Supper
May 21: at Millry Alabama Elementary School

ASTRONOMY EDUCATION PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR
We have been included in the Mississippi NASA Space Grant budget for the coming year and are planning on hosting two weekend teacher workshop and several away one day workshops at sites around the state. We are still scheduling the away workshops which will be focused on hands-on astronomy activities for elementary and middle school science standards.

The weekend workshops will be 10 contact hours for 1 CEU
November 5-6, 2010, Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy, Dr. Chris Sirola of USM.
January 28-29, 2011, Implementing and Enhancing High School Astronomy Classes, Dr. Larry Krumenaker, founder of To Teach the Stars.

ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS SUMMER COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The Astronomy for Teachers class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR WITH A DONATION
Hint, we have 30 current members, but about 15 have let you membership lapse. Just a reminder!! Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. (Just $10.00 for the rest of the year.) This allows a discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine if you wish. Send a separate check for $32.95 made out to Sky & Telescope if you want to have this. Be sure to take advantage of our facility. Let us know if we can be of service.

Rainwater Observatory is seeking to increase its endowment to insure operations for the future. We have one person that has included Rainwater and its programs in his will. We can arrange for an estate planner to look over your plans if this sounds like something youd like to pursue. There are also several people who send in regular checks toward current projects. These donations are tax deductible. We are also seeking corporate support. If your business would be interested in this type of outreach, we have several ways to recognize their support of our educational programs.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
The biggie addition is the delivery of a double stacked Coronado 90mm H-alpha solar telescope. This scope gives views of the solar prominences that are spectacular. We have also been offered a 10 foot fiberglass dome if we can get to Alabama to pick it up. We are tentatively planning on making the trip the last week in May. Here is the catch. We have to build or adapt a base for the facility. We may be asking for some carpentry help for this. Stay tuned.

Our e-newsletter is just reached a circulation of 950, can 1,000 be far behind. We have plans to put links to images of the observatory and its events. If you have suggestions for improving the format, wed be glad to hear them.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share, let us know.

The site for the worlds largest telescope has been chosen http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=9808

Potentially hazardous asteroid measured to be twice as large as thought. http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=9813

Clues to the birth of the solar system found in Antarctic ice http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/06/antarctic-micrometeorites-provide-clues-to-solar-system-formation/

Here is a satellite image of the oil slick in the gulf
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/05/latest-satellite-images-of-oil-spill/

Opportunity is within sight of its new goal http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/05/opportunitys-long-and-winding-road-to-endeavour-crater/

A new deep image reveals thousands of galaxies in Abel 315 http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/05/new-image-reveals-thousands-of-galaxies-in-abell-315/

Finally, for you Star Trek fans.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/04may_dawn/

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2010-04-26T15:45:03Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 4/26/10

NASA-TV ALERT
This is a bit late, but I just found out about a 1 hour program on NASA TV called Hubble: 20 Years of Discovery. It will be shown on the NASA Channel at 7:00pm CDT and repeated at 9:00 pm. If you miss it, we have recorded it on DVD for the library.

ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com The cost is $484.00 for the week.

FLASH: A scholarship has been offered for the Astronomy Camp June 20-26! If you know a 13-16 year old who would like to come to the camp and have expenses paid, please pass this news to them. To apply, send an essay on why you are interested in astronomy along with a recommendation from the students science teacher to
Astronomy Camp Scholarship, Rainwater Observatory, 1 Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745
The deadline for receiving applications is May 25, 2010.

OTHER TV
The Discovery Channel has been having several programs about the Big Bang that have been highly recommended. Check out the schedule.

SUMMER RAINWATER SCHEDULE
Jim Hill will be leaving at the end of June to do astronomy programs for the National Park Service in Utah for a month. If you plan to be out west, come by Bryce Canyon for a visit.

Edwin Faughn will be at Rainwater so well still be in operation here. Contact him for details and to schedule programs or field trips during July.

ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS SUMMER COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The Astronomy for Teachers class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. Thanks for your support.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
Thanks for all the emails of concern about the tornado on April 24. The Crossroads Community just down the road toward Weir was devastated with 5 killed. Some of you may have gone to Sullivans grocery for supplies. It was demolished. The observatory only had a few limbs down and no damage. We were very fortunate.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share, let us know.

The Solar Dynamics Observatory published its first light images and they are spectacular. We taped the press conference last week and here is a link to some of the images. (Some are quite large to download.) http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/21apr_firstlight/

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2010-04-25T15:22:53Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 4/25/10

NEXT RAINWATER PUBLIC PROGRAM MEETING MAY 14 AT 7:00 PM FEATURES VENUS
The planet Venus is bright in the western sky after dark as it comes around from behind the Sun. Well talk about what the ancients thought about the planet as well as what weve learned in the age of space probes. Come join us. The program is free to the public and weather permitting well look at Venus and Saturn with some of the telescopes after the talk.

MID-SOUTH STAR GAZE & ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE REPORT
We had good observing nights for the whole event! 125 people participated from 14 states and Canada. Some folks came in four days early and some stayed almost a week extra. Thanks to the folks who helped out in many ways. Several people were first time observers and telescope owners and they remarked how much they appreciated the help and advice from experienced folk. Thats what helps make this an enjoyable event. Here are some images of the event.
http://www.n5pa.com/astronomy/midsouthstargaze2010.html

The Sangre telescope was still working out some problems and the 32 scope Servo-CAT still needs some work, but the extra gravel put down was a good addition and the lane down the middle of the observing field helped. The Friends of Rainwater met and put in some great suggestions for useful additions and changes. They also made almost $2,000 of donations to implement upgrade projects. You can see what other have to say about the event at MidSouthStargaze@yahoogroups.com There are several images posted as well. If you arent a member of this Yahoo Group, its easy to sign up.

The 2011 Star-Gaze dates are April 27-30, 2011. Send in your suggestions for speakers, programs, and ways to make things even more enjoyable. Thanks.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
My apologies for the length of time since the last newsletter. Just as we were getting out from the paper work from the Star Gaze, we were narrowly missed by a tornado. Houses a mile south of the observatory were destroyed and six people were killed three miles east of us. The Trace was closed and the devastation was great in a ¾ mile swath. We were without power for more than a day. The astronomy class from Long Beach High School left about an hour before the storm hit. We appreciate the concern of those who called to check on us. The observatory suffered no damage and only a few limbs had to be removed from the entrance road. We feel very fortunate.

COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU
If youd like a program in your community or want to set up a field trip to Rainwater, let us know.
April 30: First Baptist Kosciusko, kindergarten
April 30: Thaxton Baptist Church
April 30: Second Baptist Church, Kosciusko
April 30: Troop 210 Girl Scouts, Memphis
May 1: Alumni Day at French Camp, Observatory Open House
May 1: Cub Pack 25, Carthage
May 8: Pioneer Day Open House on the Trace and at Rainwater
May 8: Girl Scout Troop 20653, Starkville

ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS SUMMER COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The Astronomy for Teachers class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158

ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com The cost is $484.00 for the week.

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. Thanks for your support.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share, let us know.

The Hubble Space Telescope will be 20 years old and the Universe Today has put up a series of 10 articles on Hubbles greatest discoveries. Each article has images and what was seen each two years. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/04/23/hubble-renewed-reinvigorated-raring-to-go/ To access the other 10 articles and images look at the bottom of this story for a complete set of links to the others.

You can get to more images of Hubble at http://www.nasa.gov/hubble

And an amazing view from Hubble to finish up with. HH objects in exquisite detail. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/04/23/hubbles-birthday-gift-to-us-mystic-mountian/

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2010-04-03T13:39:53Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 4/3/10

NEXT RAINWATER PUBLIC PROGRAM MEETING APRIL 9 AT 7:00 PM
We have one more public talk/program before the mid-south Star Gaze begins. In last 15 years about 450 planets have been discovered around other stars. The next Rainwater public program will look at the history of this quest, what weve learned so far, and what the future might bring. Now that the weather is getting nicer, you might plan to come early and bring a picnic or get supper at the Council House Café on the Trace.

MID-SOUTH STAR GAZE & ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE ALMOST HERE
The official dates are April 14-17, but we will be having folks start arriving on April 10. If you plan to come, please register ASAP. Last minute arrivals are OPK, but its easier on us if you pre-register. The Bunk Room is filled, but there is still plenty of cabin space and a few Lodge rooms. Meals must be ordered now to ensure we have enough food. Below is the schedule as of today. A few changes and additions are still planned. There are about 90 pre-registered so far.

Wednesday April 14:
6:15 pm: Talk: Visions of Orion, Edwin Faughn

Thursday April 15:
8:00 am: Sweet rolls and OJ in the classroom
1:30 pm: Talk: Planetary Imaging (Part I, Basics), Dan Llewellyn
4:00 pm: Talk: Earth, The First 2 Billion Years, Richard Jakiel
5:15 pm: Supper at the Lodge
6:15: Talk: Colliding Galaxies, Dr. Bill Keel
Sunset Until: Observing

Friday April 16:
8:00 am: Sweet rolls and OJ in the classroom
12:15 pm: Lunch at the Lodge
Afternoon: Solar Observing, and Hanging out
1:30 pm: Talk: Planetary Imaging (Part II, Techniques), Dan Llewellyn
4:00 pm: Talk: TBD
5:15 Supper at the Lodge
6:15 pm: Talk: What If?, Dr. Chris Sirola
8:00 pm: Sky Lore, Part I, David Teske at the Amphitheater
Sunset Until, Observing

Saturday April 17
:
8:00am: Breakfast at the Lodge
9 am-Noon: Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop, John Frassinelli
12:15 Lunch at the Lodge
Afternoon: Solar Observing, Hiking, Relaxing
1:30 pm: Meeting, Friends of Rainwater:
4:00 pm: Talk: The Women of Harvard College Observatory, Dr. Joan Schmelz

5:15 pm: Supper at the Lodge
6:15 pm: Talk: Galactic Neutral Hydrogen and the CBR, Dr. Gerrit Verschuur
8:00 pm: Sky Lore, Part II, Jim Hill at the Amphitheater
Sunset Until, Observing

Every afternoon or evening there will be a Plan B in the event of rain or clouds.

NOVA ALERT
Tuesday April 6 and 13 AT 7:00 PM NOVA program Hunting the Edge of Space.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
Jim Coker came and with the help of Dave from LCO we got the focus mechanism on the Sangre sort of working, but to use the MallinCam we had to move the camera back 3/8 inch and tape it on. LCO is sending a replacement SBIG CCD camera and well send our current one back to get fixed. There is still work to be done to get everything working. We found out the hand controller in the dome is inoperative for some as yet unknown reason.

The good news is that Edwin has attached the elevation motor and encoder on the 32 scope so all thats let to do is connect the wiring, test that the system works, and learn how to use the Argo Navis go-to system.

With the help of our student workers we have cleared out some of the barbed wire and fence line on the west side of the meeting building and done some painting to spruce things up for the star gaze. We may have trouble mowing as one of the youngsters who was here must have been playing race driver on the stored mower and broke the throttle. Just one more thing to fix, sigh.

COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU
If youd like a program in your community or want to set up a field trip to Rainwater, let us know.
April 9: WinonaFirst Baptist Mens Brotherhood breakfast, 6:30 am
April 9: Rainwater Astronomical Association public meeting. Extrasolar Planets.
April 10: Starkville, at Camp Seminole Cub Scout Camporee, (HELP APPRECIATED)
April 13: Ackerman, Choctaw county economic Development banquet presentation.
April 14-17, 2010 Mid-South Star Gaze Regional Astronomy Conference and Star Party. Flyers to previous participants will go out this week. Information and online registration can be found at http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/
April 16-17, 2010 Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. Call for more information

ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS SUMMER COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The Astronomy for Teachers class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158

ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com The cost is $484.00 for the week.

THIS WEEK IN SPACE
If you have a fast connection and 30 minutes to spare, this is a great round up of space news.
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/28/this-week-in-space-episode-12/

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. Thanks for your support.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share, let us know.

Dont miss the opportunity to see Mercury. It will be close to Venus in the west just after sunset. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2010/31mar_sunsetplanets.htm?list899987

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Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

2010-03-31T13:14:41Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 3/31/10

NEXT RAINWATER PUBLIC PROGRAM MEETING APRIL 9 AT 7:00 PM
We have one more public talk/program before the mid-south Star Gaze begins. In last 15 years about 450 planets have been discovered around other stars. The next Rainwater public program will look at the history of this quest, what weve learned so far, and what the future might bring. Now that the weather is getting nicer, you might plan to come early and bring a picnic or get supper at the Council House Café on the Trace.

MID-SOUTH STAR GAZE & ASTRONOMY CONFERENCE ALMOST HERE
The official dates are April 14-17, but we will be having folks start arriving on April 10. Registrations are up to 80, so if you plan to come, please register ASAP. Last minute arrivals are OPK, but its easier on us if you pre-register. The Bunk Room is filled, but there is still plenty of cabin space and a few Lodge rooms.. Meals must be ordered before Easter to ensure we have enough food.

GREENWOOD PROGRAM FOR THURSDAY APRIL 1 POSTPONED
The Cottonlandia Museum program we had scheduled for April 1 has been postponed until fall. Come to our program here at Rainwater on April 9.

NOVA ALERT
Tuesday April 6 and 13 AT 7:00 PM NOVA will broadcast a program titled Hunting the Edge of Space.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
Its Alive! Well almost. Thanks to John Martinez of Las Cumbres, Jim Coker, and Jarrod Marsh the Sangre telescope is back from its coma. The drive now works and the 6 refractor is aligned with the main scope. The recoated mirror is in and is finely collimated. But, we are swapping the CCD camera for another one and the secondary focusing crashes the program when we try to use it so the MallinCam cant be used until the focus works. At some point we will need to redo the T-Point since the pointing is now a few arc minutes off. Instructions are coming from Santa Barbara shortly that we expect will fix the problems.

In the last week weve done away programs for over 200 school students. Coming home at midnight is starting to wear, but its exciting to hear kids say Wow! when looking at Saturn or the Moon.

COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU
If youd like a program in your community or want to set up a field trip to Rainwater, let us know.
April 9: Rainwater Astronomical Association public meeting. Extrasolar Planets.
April 10: at Camp Seminole Cub Scout Camporee, (HELP APPRECIATED FOR THIS EVENT)
April 14-17, 2010 Mid-South Star Gaze Regional Astronomy Conference and Star Party. Flyers to previous participants will go out this week. Information and online registration can be found at http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/
April 16-17, 2010 Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. Call for more information

EDUCATIONAL PLANS FOR THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
The Mississippi NASA Space Grant consortium has included Rainwater in its budget for the 2010-2011 school year to help promote space science education in Mississippi. We plan to hold one weekend workshop after Christmas with Dr. Larry Krumenaker on how to set up and enhance high school astronomy classes. Please contact us if you or someone you know would like to be a part of this event. We will also be setting up other one day workshops focusing on hands-on astronomy activities around the state for CEU credit. If your school or district would like us to come present such a workshop in your area, please contact us so we can start planning.

ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS SUMMER COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The Astronomy for Teachers class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158

ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com The cost is $484.00 for the week.

THIS WEEK IN SPACE
If you have a fast connection and 30 minutes to spare, this is a great round up of space news.
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/28/this-week-in-space-episode-12/

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. Thanks for your support.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share, let us know.

Heres a trailer for the new Webb Space Telescope. Stay tuned for a new vision of the universe. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/24/sexy-new-james-webb-space-telescope-trailer/

Astronomers find that 90% of the galaxies in the early universe may have been missed in surveys up to now. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/24/astronomers-find-90-more-universe/

New HiRise images of Mars show details as small as 10 inches per pixel. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/24/mro-sees-opportunity-on-the-edge-of-concepcion-crater-and-more/

Heres an astronauts view on why we should return to the Moon. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/30/astronaut-explains-why-we-should-return-to-the-moon/

Squires hasnt given up on freeing Spirit. The plucky robot is hunkered down to survive the Martian winter. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/28/spirit-freezing-we-will-move-her-if-we-can/

Cassini takes the death stars temperature. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/29/pacman-eats-the-death-star/

Finally, a look at the volcanic eruption in Iceland with nice music. A view of a lifetime. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8CHSThR-Mo

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Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

2010-03-24T19:57:29Z

Rainwater Observatory E-News 3/24/10

SATURN SHEDS ITS LIGHT WRAPS UP THE SPRING BYA SERIES
Edwin Faughn will be sharing a new program about Saturn at Friday nights last Backyard Astronomy program for this spring. The program stars at 7:00 pm, but if you want to picnic, feel free to come early. Now that Saturn is well up in the eastern sky in the early evening we will be able to view it through the telescopes after the program. Edwin will talk about some of the mythology of the planet as well as show some spectacular images of the rings and moons.

Please let us know in advance if youre bringing a group. (662-547-6377)

GREENWOOD PROGRAM ON THURSDAY APRIL 1 AT 7:00 PM
Well be doing a public program at Cottonlandia Museum on highway 82 west in Greenwood on April first. Come join us. Edwin will be doing his Saturn program followed by observing with some of our telescopes.

NOVA ALERT
Tuesday April 6 and 13 AT 7:00 PM NOVA will broadcast a program titled Hunting the Edge of Space.

NEWS FROM THE HILL
The big news is that Jim Coker and Jarrod Marsh have been helping with getting the Sangre scope back in operation. John Martinez came from Santa Barbara to shepherd the process and will be back from New Orleans next Monday to finish up. The mirrors are in, but we are waiting on a collimation tool from California to be able to finish the job. We plan on having it finished and on the sky next Monday. The progress has been slow on the 32 scope retrofit, but the azimuth motor is installed and were working on getting the altitude drive put in. It should be back in operation by Easter.

The Mid-south Star Gaze & Astronomy Conference is up to 70 registrations. If you plan to have meals or housing, the deadline is April 1. Its a lot easier on us if you pre-register asap.

COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU
If you would like a program in your community or want to set up a field trip to Rainwater, let us know.
March 25: at Philadelphia Middle School (HELP APPRECIATED FOR THIS LARGE EVENT)
March 25: Winona Rotary Club, noon
March 26: Backyard Astronomy 7pm
March 27: Ponchatoula Boy Scouts camping out
March 30: at Houlka Attendance Center 7:30 (HELP APPRECIATED HERE TOO)
April 1: at Cottonlandia Museum in Greenwood 7pm
April 9: Rainwater Astronomical Association public meeting
April 10: at Camp Seminole Cub Scout Camporee, (HELP APPRECIATED FOR THIS EVENT)
April 14-17, 2010 Mid-South Star Gaze Regional Astronomy Conference and Star Party. Flyers to previous participants will go out this week. Information and online registration can be found at http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/
April 16-17, 2010 Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. Call for more information
June 13-18: Astronomy for Teachers course at Rainwater (see below for details)
June 20-26: Astronomy Camp (see below for details)

SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER
Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. Well be instituting some special programs for members as the weather gets better. Thanks for your support.

ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The Astronomy for Teachers class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158

ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com The cost will be $484.00 for the week.

ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links youd like to share, let us know.

For you fans of the Sun. Here is a nice image courtesy of Edwin Faughn http://www.spaceweather.com/swpod2010/22mar10/Rogerio-Marcon1.jpg?
PHPSESSID=pbf7k4gf7ov9gifgt7co2mtds1

Heres an interesting thought. Black holes may eat normal matter, but not dark matter? http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/22/astronomers-find-black-holes-do-not-absorb-dark-matter/

If you were worries about our close encounter with the Andromeda galaxy in a few billion years, there may be a closer problem. Check this out. http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/newsblog/88198587.html

Galaxies in the early universe appear to have had a growth spurt. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/21/galaxies-in-early-universe-experienced-growth-spurt/

And finally, a normal exoplanet. http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/18/finally-a-normal-exoplanet/

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