Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:26:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 3/3/10 SPRING BACKYARD ASTRONOMY BEGINS FRIDAY MARCH 5 AT 7:00 PM &#147;Stories of the Moon&#148; is the subject for this week&#146;s free public program. We&#146;ll hear some of the tales of what the ancients thought of the Moon as well as what we&#146;ve learned from telescopes and missions to the Moon in recent history. After the talk we&#146;ll go out to the hill for some time observing with some of the observatory&#146;s telescopes, weather permitting. We can use the planetarium if the sky is cloudy. Please let us know in advance if you&#146;re bringing a group. (662-547-6377) THE NEXT FREE PUBLIC &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY&#148; PROGRAMS March 12: Leo the Lion and Other Constellations of Spring March 19: Welcome the Spring, Here Comes the Equinox March 26: Saturn Sheds Its Light To register go to <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> NEWS FROM THE HILL The roads at the observatory have been upgraded. We purchased two loads of gravel and a volunteer spread it for us. We needed more gravel, but that was all we could afford. It&#146;s a lot better and we plan to finish the job with a few more loads next year. The project to refit the 32&#148; Tectron with go-to capability is going slower than we had hoped, but with some fits and starts we are making progress. The Sangre rebuilding project has been delayed to make things easier for the folks at Las Cumbres to schedule coming to help us. John Martinez will be arriving Wednesday March 17 to do prep work and Wayne Rosing will arrive on March 22 to replace the mirror, collimate the scope, and calibrate the software and drive. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. March 4: Houston cosmopolitan Club 7:00pm March 5: Springdale Baptist, 12:30pm March 5-7: Jackson Scouts and Cub Pack 30 (HELP NEEDED FOR THIS LARGE GROUP) March 16: Project WET CEU Workshop: contact Rebecca Jones at the MMNS at 601-352-7303 ext.107 or email <a href="mailto:rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us">rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us</a> March 23: Vaiden Baptist Church program at Vaiden, 10:30am 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. Call for more information COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF NASA EDUCATIONAL PUBLICATIONS each with downloadable pdf files: <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/A-Z_Pubs.html">http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/A-Z_Pubs.html</a> A full set of NASA educational resources including Web sites, video clips and other types of products are available through the Find Teaching Materials search tool: www.nasa.gov/education/materials SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. We&#146;ll be instituting some special programs for members as the weather gets better. Thanks for your support. ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; 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 <a href="mailto:jwfitch@olemiss.edu">jwfitch@olemiss.edu</a> 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 <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has measured ice ad mid-latitudes <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/02/mro-radar-maps-extensive-subsurface-martian-ice/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/02/mro-radar-maps-extensive-subsurface-martian-ice/</a> An Indian lunar probe has found more evidence of water on the Moon <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/01/water-ice-found-on-moons-north-pole/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/01/water-ice-found-on-moons-north-pole/</a> The data from the LCROSS impactor on the Moon will be released this week also. A new way of analyzing gravitational lenses has led to better determinations of the age of the universe and its constituent parts. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/02/using-gravitational-lensing-to-measure-age-and-size-of-universe/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/03/02/using-gravitational-lensing-to-measure-age-and-size-of-universe/</a> This Week in Space continues to be a great source. This 25 minute video cast of the week&#146;s space news is a great way to keep up. Highly recommended. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/27/this-week-in-space-8-with-miles-obrien/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/27/this-week-in-space-8-with-miles-obrien/</a> Finally, the thing that makes science exciting is that you never know when long established concepts will have to be revisited due to new evidence. The Stardust mission from a few years ago is showing that the formation of the solar system was different than previously thought. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/26/new-results-from-stardust-mission-paint-chaotic-picture-of-early-solar-system/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/26/new-results-from-stardust-mission-paint-chaotic-picture-of-early-solar-system/</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:31:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 2/15/10 HELP!!! NEEDED IN NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI We have a some requests to do events at schools in northeast Mississippi for about 1,000 students coming up. We can handle presentations in classes and for assemblies during the day, but we are planning observing with telescopes for after supper. That&#146;s where we need help. Edwin and I can bring 3 or 4 telescopes, but we need more scopes and help manning them. The sites are Houlka School on Thursday February 18 and Lawndale Elementary in Tupelo on Friday February 26. Contact us if you could volunteer for either of these events. 662-547-6377 or <a href="mailto:jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org">jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org</a>. Thanks for considering. We have over 100 cub and boy scouts coming the weekend of March 5-6 for camping and activities. We could use help with this group on Saturday afternoon and observing that night. THE NEXT PUBLIC &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY&#148; SERIES WILL BE FRIDAYS IN MARCH March 5: Stories of the Moon March 12: Leo the Lion and Other Constellations of Spring March 19: Welcome the Spring, Here Comes the Equinox March 26: Saturn Sheds Its Light To register go to <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> THIS WEEK IN SPACE Here is an excellent review of what&#146;s going on in space news and space science. Highly recommended. It&#146;s episode 6 of a 25 minute space science magazine. It includes interviews with NASA and space industry officials as well as astronomy news. Teachers might find it a great discussion starter. Especially telling is an interview with the head of the company that prepares the shuttle for launch about what inspires kids to go into science and engineering. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/13/this-week-in-space-with-miles-obrien-edition-6/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/13/this-week-in-space-with-miles-obrien-edition-6/</a> ONLINE HANDS-ON ASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES The Astronomical Society of the Pacific has lots of great Hands-On activities. Here is a site with links to a couple of dozen tested activities. <a href="http://www.astrosociety.org/education/activities/handson.html">http://www.astrosociety.org/education/activities/handson.html</a> VOYAGER AND VALENTINE&#146;S DAY Valentine&#146;s Day was the 20th anniversary of a project pushed by Carl Sagan to turn Voyager&#146;s cameras back on the solar system and take pictures of the planets as the spacecraft departed our region. He is a link to a video featuring this event. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/14/for-valentines-day-hearts-in-space-from-sixty-symbols/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/14/for-valentines-day-hearts-in-space-from-sixty-symbols/</a> We recorded a couple of neat PBS segments about the same subject to put in our library. You can find them on pbs.org. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. February 18: Houlka Middle School, afternoon school assemblies and evening star party (helpers with telescopes appreciated) February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> February 23: Houlka school star party February 25: Starkville Newcomer&#146;s Club 1:30pm February 26: Lawndale Elementary in Tupelo (NEED HELP &amp; TELESCOPES FOR THIS 5-7PM) March 4: Houston cosmopolitan Club 7:00pm March 5-7: Jackson Scouts and Cub Pack 30 (We could use some help with this large group) March 16: Project WET CEU Workshop: contact Rebecca Jones at the MMNS at 601-352-7303 ext.107 or email <a href="mailto:rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us">rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. We&#146;ll be instituting some special programs for members as the weather gets better. Thanks for your support. ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; 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 <a href="mailto:jwfitch@olemiss.edu">jwfitch@olemiss.edu</a> 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 <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. The Jackson Star Trek Club, USS Haise, is working to help sponsor a camper using a recommendation and essay form. If you or a group you&#146;re associated with would like to help sponsor a camper&#146;s expenses totally or in part, please contact us. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. New filters reveal star birth <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/14/geminis-new-filters-reveal-the-beauty-of-star-birth/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/14/geminis-new-filters-reveal-the-beauty-of-star-birth/</a> The site has been picked for the world&#146;s largest optical telescope. The Europeans will build it in Chile. It will have a light collecting area 42 meters in diameter. That&#146;s about 15 times the size of my house. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/12/armazones-chile-to-be-the-site-for-the-42-meter-european-extremely-large-telescope/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/12/armazones-chile-to-be-the-site-for-the-42-meter-european-extremely-large-telescope/</a> Have you ever wondered about black holes. Here is an online encyclopedia from a black hole researcher at the Univ. of Texas. <a href="http://blackholes.stardate.org/">http://blackholes.stardate.org/</a> Thanks to Wayne Wooten for this heads up. And now for something completely different. Thanks to Edwin for sharing this video of lightning in a volcanic eruption <a href="http://www.kago-net.com/index.php?itemid=127">http://www.kago-net.com/index.php?itemid=127</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:52:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 2/10/10 MYTHOLOGY OF THE STARS PL;ANETARIUM PROGRAM ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12 The weather has been so bad for observing for the last month that we&#146;re going to plan on an indoor program for this Friday. We&#146;ll use the planetarium to begin our survey of the skies and if Murphy&#146;s Law is right it could be clear enough for us to go our and see the real sky afterwards. (The latest forecast predicts snow flurries possible, but we&#146;ll be here for a program even so.) We&#146;ll talk about some of the sky lore of the constellations from the view of the Native Americans. THE NEXT &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY&#148; SERIES WILL BE FRIDAYS IN MARCH March 5: Stories of the Moon March 12: Leo the Lion and Other Constellations of Spring March 19: Welcome the Spring, Here Comes the Equinox March 26: Saturn Sheds Its Light To register go to <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> HANDS-ON ASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES CEU WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 19-20 John Frassinelli of the Lausanne School in Memphis will be the clinician for this 10 hour weekend workshop February 19-20. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> We&#146;re pretty full, so if you want to participate, contact us asap. RAINWATER MAKING PLANS FOR A MAJOR PUSH FOR ASTRONOMY EDUCATION Astronomy is a great way to rekindle kids interest in science. We are making plans to host a series of workshops in the fall that will be for those who currently teach astronomy or would like to include it in their curricula. Between now and then we&#146;ll be surveying teachers and administrators in the region to make contacts and build networking with resources. A possible clinician we have contacted for a workshop is Dr. Larry Krumenaker who can share what he has learned about starting and enhancing astronomy classes. Check out his web site at <a href="http://toteachthestars.net/">http://toteachthestars.net/</a> If this sounds exciting to you or if you or someone you know teachers or would like to teach astronomy, please contact us as we begin building our database and support network. HAPPENING ON THE HILL The Las Cumbres Observatory is sending a crew to reinstall the newly recoated optics on the Sangre telescope and update some software March 12-17. If you want to be a part of this undertaking, please let us know. We&#146;re still making plans for when we can work on the ServoCAT upgrade to the 32&#148; inch scope. It looks like February 27 will be the first time we can schedule it. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. Some of the presentations we have ready to go include programs on Saturn, Reflections of the Universe, the Secret Lives of Stars, and the History of the Telescope. We can also do a presentation about the Rainwater Observatory. February 10: Presentation to MUW Science majors, noon February 12: Spring Creek Baptist 10:30 am February 12: Rainwater Astronomical Association public program meeting, 7:00 pm February 18: Houlka Middle School, afternoon school assemblies and evening star party (helpers with telescopes appreciated) February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> February 23: Houlka school star party February 25: Starkville Newcomer&#146;s Club 1:30pm March 16: Project WET CEU Workshop: contact Rebecca Jones at the MMNS at 601-352-7303 ext.107 or email <a href="mailto:rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us">rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. We&#146;ll be instituting some special programs for members as the weather gets better. Thanks for your support. ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; class for 3 semester hours 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. Call Dr. Don Howie at Ole Miss for more information 662-915-3884. 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 <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. Two galaxies with massive black hole have been caught in the act of merging and making a binary quasar. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/08/caught-in-the-act-merging-galaxies-create-a-binary-quasar/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/08/caught-in-the-act-merging-galaxies-create-a-binary-quasar/</a> What are the odds of there being other Earth-like planets out there with life? Peter Ward and Don Brownlee&#146;s book &#147;Rare Earth&#148; (a great read by the way) argues that complex life is uncommon in the universe. New studies indicate they might be right. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/08/if-the-earth-is-rare-we-may-not-hear-from-et/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/08/if-the-earth-is-rare-we-may-not-hear-from-et/</a> The WMAP spacecraft has been re-measuring its astounding findings about the early universe and has confirmed it&#146;s earlier data with even more precision. For instance, the universe is 13.75+/-.11 billion years old! and is made of only 4.56+/-1.6% normal baryonic matter. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/08/universe-to-wmap-cdm-rules-ok/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/08/universe-to-wmap-cdm-rules-ok/</a> Just to be sure the data and conclusions are robust you can check out this site. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/09/seven-year-wmap-results-no-theyre-not-anomalies/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/09/seven-year-wmap-results-no-theyre-not-anomalies/</a> For kids (and adults) here is a site about the most prominent star group in the winter sky-Orion. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/07/astronomy-for-kids-orion-the-star-hunter/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/07/astronomy-for-kids-orion-the-star-hunter/</a> Finally, here&#146;s a picture of the snow on the east coast. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/eastcoast_tmo_2010038.jpg">http://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/eastcoast_tmo_2010038.jpg</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:46:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 2/4/10 THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS When you look at the sky do you ever wonder how the stars came to be or how they generate light? How long do stars live? How big are they and how far away? Most of all, how do we know what we know? Friday February 5 at 7:00 pm Jim Hill will share what we&#146;ve discovered about these topics. Come and bring your friends and encourage students to come. The next &#147;Backyard Astronomy&#148; series will begins Friday March 5. HANDS-ON ASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES CEU WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 19-20 John Frassinelli of the Lausanne School in Memphis will be the clinician for this 10 hour weekend workshop February 19-20. If you know someone who might appreciate this workshop, please pass on the word. Get information and register at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> John has requested participants to bring 4 D-cell batteries. Please also bring an old CD and the cap from a water bottle of soft drink bottle. RAINWATER MAKING PLANS FOR A MAJOR PUSH FOR ASTRONOMY EDUCATION Astronomy is a great way to rekindle kids interest in science. We are making plans to host a series of workshops in the fall that will be for those who currently teach astronomy or would like to include it in their curricula. Between now and then we&#146;ll be surveying teachers and administrators in the region to make contacts and build networking with resources. A possible clinician we have contacted for a workshop is Dr. Larry Krumenaker who can share what he has learned about starting and enhancing astronomy classes. Check out his web site at <a href="http://toteachthestars.net/">http://toteachthestars.net/</a> If this sounds exciting to you or if you or someone you know teachers or would like to teach astronomy, please contact us as we begin building our database and support network. For more ideas on teaching astronomy topics go to the archives of the Astronomy Education Review. <a href="http://aer.aip.org">http://aer.aip.org</a> HAPPENING ON THE HILL Last fall we had a visit from Jack Herring, a plant taxonomist. He helped us label several dozen species of trees and shrubs and said he would come back in the spring when the leaves come out to identify even more. We have begun to put signs on some of the plants and before long Rainwater will have a full fledged arboretum so visiting groups of scouts and others can learn to identify trees when they visit. We have other plans for beautifying our facility with plantings as time and finances allow. If you&#146;re a green thumb person and would like to be part of this, let us know. Speaking of help, the kit to upgrade the 32&#148; scope to go-to and tracking has come in from ServoCAT. Computer and mechanically minded helpers would be welcome for this project as well. Call if you&#146;d have time to work on this project in the next few weeks. The secondary for the Sangre scope came in today so we are now ready to set up a time for putting the scope back together with the team from Las Cumbres. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. For the next 6 weeks indoor presentations may be best as the winter cold and cloudiness hangs around. February 5: &#147;The Secret Lives of Stars&#148; public program at Rainwater 7:00 pm February 6: Noxubee refuge visitor Center, 5:30 pm program on the Orion Nebula and observing. February 9: Eupora Rotary Club, noon February 10: Presentation to MUW Science majors, noon February 12: Rainwater Astronomers Association public program meeting, 7:00 pm February 18: Houlka Middle School, afternoon school assemblies and evening star party (helpers with telescopes appreciated) February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> March 16: Project WET CEU Workshop: contact Rebecca Jones at the MMNS at 601-352-7303 ext.107 or email <a href="mailto:rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us">rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. We&#146;ll be instituting some special programs for members as the weather gets better. Thanks for your support. ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; class for 3 semester hours 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. Call Dr. Don Howie at Ole Miss for more information 662-915-3884. 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. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. Astronomy campers will learn to use telescopes for observing and photography and learn about the discoveries of modern and ancient astronomy. Registration information can be found at <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. LOOKING FOR AN ONLINE ASTRONOMY COURSE? Try this. It&#146;s the second semester of a basic astronomy course. <a href="http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/index.html">http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/index.html</a> This course is about stars, galaxies and cosmology. The first semester course is about the solar system and there is a link to it on the home page. Try this animation of the stages of the life of a solar mass star. <a href="http://aspire.cosmic-ray.org/labs/star_life/support/HR_animated.swf">http://aspire.cosmic-ray.org/labs/star_life/support/HR_animated.swf</a> ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. You&#146;ve probably heard the news that NASA has been told to abandon the Constellation program after years of development work. It looks like were going to be looking at a Moon with the Chinese on it. Find out what the new priorities are for our space agency at <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/01/nasa-budget-details-constellation-cancelled-but-where-to-next/">http://www.universetoday.com/2010/02/01/nasa-budget-details-constellation-cancelled-but-where-to-next/</a> NASA&#146;s budget can be found at <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/news/budget/index.html">http://www.nasa.gov/news/budget/index.html</a> The Hubble telescope has imaged what might be a collision of asteroids. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2010/02feb_asteroidcollision.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2010/02feb_asteroidcollision.htm?list899987</a> For the climate change deniers, here&#146;s info on the warmest decade since data started being kept in 1880 <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/temp-analysis-2009.html">http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/temp-analysis-2009.html</a> Finally, for those of you who are cosmology freaks like me, several papers at the AAS meeting reveal new insights into the nature of dark matter and dark energy. <a href="http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/newsblog/81035932.html">http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/newsblog/81035932.html</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:37:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 1/21/10 MARS IS COMING!: &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY&#148; JANUARY 29 WITH TIM RICH Did you know that there are four space craft operating at Mars at the moment? The red planet is just about to be at opposition which means that it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and it will be at its closest to the Earth and at its brightest for the year. The last in our winter public &#147;Backyard Astronomy&#148; series will be February 5: The Life History of Stars. James Hill will be the presenter. February 12: Rainwater program meeting, TBA The next &#147;Backyard Astronomy&#148; series will begin Friday March 5 and each Friday in March. You can register for these free programs at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> HANDS-ON ASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES CEU WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 19-20 John Frassinelli of the Lausanne School in Memphis will be the clinician for this 10 hour weekend workshop February 19-20. This event is meant for classroom teachers as well as anyone who works with young people to explain astronomy. If you know someone who might appreciate this workshop, please pass on the word. The Mississippi NASA Space Grant is funding the workshop so there is no charge for meals, housing, or the workshop. Get information and register at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> John has requested participants to bring 4 D-cell batteries. ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; class for 3 semester hours 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. Call Dr. Don Howie at Ole Miss for more information 662-915-3884. 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. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. Astronomy campers will learn to use telescopes for observing and photography and learn about the discoveries of modern and ancient astronomy. Registration information can be found at <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. 18&#148; OBSESSION TELESCOPE FOR SALE Two north Mississippi telescope enthusiasts are upgrading to a larger scope and selling their 18&#148; Obsession Classic Dob. It is 4 years old and has had the primary recoated just a year ago. They are asking $5,500. It comes with several accessories as well. Contact Ronnie Harris at <a href="mailto:rbhsue@bellsouth.net">rbhsue@bellsouth.net</a> for more information and photos. HAPPENING ON THE HILL The primary mirror for the Sangre telescope has been received. However, the secondary has yet to arrive. We apologize if you have had trouble reaching us during the last week. We were at an informal educator&#146;s conference at Marshall Spaceflight Center and when we got back we had no phone or internet service. A mouse had chewed one of the wires in the fibber optic switch. We have service back now, but we have to go to Yahoo to get our e-mails. Please be patient if you don&#146;t get an immediate response from us. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. For the next 6 weeks indoor presentations may be best as the winter cold and cloudiness hangs around. January 22: Vicksburg 1st Baptist Church group here 10 am January 22-23: Mississippi NASA Space Grant Education Conference January 26: Walnut Grove School presentations and star party January 28: Program at 1st Presbyterian in Jackson February 2: &#147;Backyard Astronomy&quot; program in Meridian at MCC. March 16: Project WET CEU Workshop: contact Rebecca Jones at the MMNS at 601-352-7303 ext.107 or email <a href="mailto:rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us">rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us</a> February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. If you subscribe or renew your subscription to Sky &amp; Telescope magazine through the club, you get at $10 discount. (Make S&T subscription checks out to Sky Publishing for $32.95.) Thanks for your support. BACKYARD ASTRONOMY AT MILLSAPS Jim Waltman will be giving a Backyard Astronomy series at Millsaps College Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm from January 26 &#150; March 2. Call 601-974-1130 for more information. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREAT VIOLINS Did solar changes give us the special sound of Stradivari violins? Check out this link. <a href="http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/ulysses/">http://spaceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/ulysses/</a> The space place site has lots of other good activities and info for kids (and adults). T get to the basic site just delete the Ulysses from the above link. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has snapped close-up images of the Moon&#146;s Tycho crater. <a href="http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/moon-tycho-crater-100119.html">http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/moon-tycho-crater-100119.html</a> Keck discovers the second smallest exoplanets yet found &#150; it&#146;s only 4 times the mass of Earth. <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8963">http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8963</a> The new Webb Space Telescope was designed to find galaxies forming at the beginning of the universe. It may be an excellent tool to find extrasolar planets. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2010/14jan_planetsafari.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2010/14jan_planetsafari.htm?list899987</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:23:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 1/10/10 LEARN THE WINTER CONSTELLATIONS AT &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY&#148; JANUARY 15 Join David Teske to learn about the stories of the winter constellations and how to find them in the sky on Friday January 15 at 7:00 pm. David will share about the mighty hunter Orion and his two companion hunting dogs. The raging bull Taurus with his shoulder of young stars, the Pleiades cluster will be included. The winter sky has more bright first magnitude stars in a small area than any other area in the heavens. Learn about famous stars Betelgeuse, Rigel, Aldebaran, the twins Castor and Pollux, and others. You can amaze your friends next week with your new knowledge! We&#146;ll skip the weekend of January 22-23 to do a Galileoscope educators workshop for the Mississippi NASA Space Grant at Ole Miss. Other programs in the series will be: January 29: Mars is Back Again! Tim Rich February 5: The Life History of Stars, James Hill. February 12: Rainwater program meeting, TBA The next &#147;Backyard Astronomy&#148; series will begin Friday March 5. They will be every Friday in March. You can register for these free programs at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> (This link was broken, but now works) HANDS-ON ASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES CEU WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 19-20 John Frassinelli of the Lausanne School in Memphis will be the clinician for this 10 hour weekend workshop February 19-20. This event is meant for classroom teachers as well as anyone who works with young people to explain astronomy. If you know someone who might appreciate this workshop, please pass on the word. The Mississippi NASA Space Grant is funding the workshop so there is no charge for meals, housing, or the workshop. Get information and register at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> John has requested participants to bring 4 D-cell batteries. ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; class for 3 semester hours 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. Call Dr. Don Howie at Ole Miss for more information 662-915-3884. 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. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. Astronomy campers will learn to use telescopes for observing and photography and learn about the discoveries of modern and ancient astronomy. Registration information can be found at <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. HAPPENING ON THE HILL The kit to upgrade our 32&#148; scope to make it go-to and track is ready to ship from Arizona. We&#146;ll put out a definite notice about when we plan to install it in the next newsletter (Tentatively January 30). The Sangre optics are to be recoated this week and should be back by the end of the month as well. We&#146;ll post information on when the Las Cumbres crew will be here to put the scope back together as soon as we get a firm date. We&#146;ll be having our organizing meeting on Oxford to incorporate the Rainwater Astronomical Association as an IRS non-profit on January 23. RAINWATER TO HOST PROJECT WET CEU WORKSHOP MARCH 16 The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is holding &#147;Water Education for Teachers&#148; workshops around the state. We will be the host for this CEU event from 9:00am until 3:30 pm on Tuesday March 16. To register for this event contact Rebecca Jones at the MMNS at 601-352-7303 ext.107 or email <a href="mailto:rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us">rebecca.jones@mmns.state.ms.us</a> There is a $15 fee for the workshop and $10 for .6 CEU through Mississippi College. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. For the next 6 weeks indoor presentations may be best as the winter cold and cloudiness hangs around. January 12-15: Informal Space Educators Conference in Huntsville: observatory office closed. January 15: &#147;Backyard Astronomy&#148;: Winter Constellations with David Teske January 16: Madison Cub Scouts camping at Rainwater (We&#146;ll need help for this large group) January 19: Walnut Grove School presentations and star party January 22-23: Mississippi NASA Space Grant Education Conference January 28: Program at 1st Presbyterian in Jackson March 16: Project WET Workshop February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. If you subscribe or renew your subscription to Sky &amp; Telescope magazine through the club, you get at $10 discount. (Make S&T subscription checks out to Sky Publishing for $32.95.) Thanks for your support. BACKYARD ASTRONOMY AT MILLSAPS Jim Waltman will be giving a Backyard Astronomy series at Millsaps College Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm from January 26 &#150; March 2. Call 601-974-1130 for more information. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. The next infrared observatory won&#146;t be in space. The SOFIA is undergoing tests. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2010/08jan_flyingtelescope.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2010/08jan_flyingtelescope.htm?list899987</a> The Kepler search for extrasolar planets has scored 5 more. <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8938">http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8938</a> More evidence for water on early Mars is revealed in MRO images. <a href="http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/100105-ancient-mars-lakes.html">http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/100105-ancient-mars-lakes.html</a> Spirit passed its 6th Earth year on Mars last week, but it&#146;s still stuck in the sand with Martian winter coming on. Learn about the plucky rover&#146;s future at <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8937">http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8937</a> Score one more for evidence of &#147;dark matter&#148;. Studies of how dwarf galaxies that orbit or Milky Way show a flattened halo of the stuff. <a href="http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/100106-dark-matter-halo-milky-way.html">http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/100106-dark-matter-halo-milky-way.html</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:48:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 1/4/10 HAPPY NEW YEAR &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY&#148; PROGRAMS COMING UP The constellation of Orion the Hunter is visible in the southeastern sky right after supper. Edwin Faughn has been working up a beautiful program about the most famous deep sky object in this easy to spot constellation and will share it with us on Friday January 8 at 7:00 pm at the observatory. The presentation is free to the public from funding by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium. We&#146;ll be observing this star forming region through telescopes after the talk if it&#146;s clear so be sure to wear warm clothing. Other programs in the series are: January 15: The Winter Constellations of Shine Brightly, David Teske January 29: Mars is Back Again! Tim Rich February 5: The Life History of Stars, James Hill. You can register for these free programs at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> We&#146;ll skip the weekend of January 22-23 to do a Galileoscope educators workshop for the Mississippi NASA Space Grant at Ole Miss. HANDS-ON ASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES CEU WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 19-20 John Frassinelli of the Lausanne School in Memphis will be the clinician for this 10 hour weekend workshop February 19-20. This event is meant for classroom teachers as well as anyone who works with young people to explain astronomy. If you know someone who might appreciate this workshop, please pass on the word. The Mississippi NASA Space Grant is funding the workshop so there is no charge for meals, housing, or the workshop. Get information and register at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; class for 3 semester hours 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. Call Dr. Don Howie at Ole Miss for more information 662-915-3884. 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. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. Astronomy campers will learn to use telescopes for observing and photography and learn about the discoveries of modern and ancient astronomy. Registration information can be found at <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. HAPPENING ON THE HILL As I walked up to the observatory Saturday morning, the grass was white with frost, the sky was pure blue, and blue jays were the only sound to be heard. What a wonder and a privilege. Jack Herring, a plant taxonomist, came by to help us identify over 40 species of trees and shrubs at Rainwater. We will be making all weather signs for these and when Jack comes back in the spring we will add even more. We will have an arboretum for scout troops and other visitors to add to our attractions. Our library became over cramped so Edwin and I built new shelving units to spread things out and allow room for better placement of books, models, and posters. It also allowed for our DVD collection to be easier to access. There are over 100 DVDs and 2,500 VHS programs in the materials center. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. For the next two months indoor presentations may work best as the winter cloudiness takes hold. January 8-9: Byram &amp; Richland Cub and Boy Scouts camping at Rainwater January 16: Madison Cub Scouts camping at Rainwater (We&#146;ll need help for this large group) January 19: Walnut Grove School presentations and star party January 22-23: Mississippi NASA Space Grant Education Conference January 28: Program at 1st Presbyterian in Jackson February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. SKY &amp; TELESCOPE RESOURCES If you haven&#146;t explored the Sky &amp; Telescope web site, you might try this page of resources. <a href="http://www.skyandtelescope.com/howto/basics">http://www.skyandtelescope.com/howto/basics</a> There are a lot of other goodies around the site as well. IT&#146;S TIME TO RE-UP Renewal for Rainwater Astronomical Association membership ($15). If you subscribe or renew your subscription to Sky &amp; Telescope magazine through the club, you get at $10 discount. (Make the S&T subscription checks out to Sky Publishing for $32.95.) We can use your support. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. Designed to successful if it lasted 90 days on Mars the Spirit rover has operated for 6 years. It may be about at the end of its tour. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/31dec_uncertainfuture.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/31dec_uncertainfuture.htm?list899987</a> Richard Pratt sent this link about the Hubble Deep field <a href="http://www.flixxy.com/hubble-ultra-deep-field-3d.htm">http://www.flixxy.com/hubble-ultra-deep-field-3d.htm</a> Also check out this tour of the universe on YouTube. Thanks to Edwin for this link www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D17jymDn0W6U -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:13:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 12/29/09 &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY&#148; CRANKS UP AGAIN AFTER NEW YEARS We&#146;ll be sharing about the winter sky in four Friday programs in January and February. The programs are free to the public and sponsored by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium. All programs will begin at 7:00 pm and be followed by observing sessions with the observatory telescopes, weather permitting, or a planetarium program. January 8: The Fabulous Orion Nebula, Edwin Faughn January 15: The Winter Constellations of Shine Brightly, David Teske January 29: Mars is Back Again! Tim Rich February 5: The Life History of Stars, James Hill. You can register for these free programs at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> We&#146;ll skip the weekend of January 22-23 to do a Galileoscope educators workshop for the Mississippi NASA Space Grant at Ole Miss. SUMMER 2010 PROGRAMS The dates for two summer activities are set. The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; college credit class for 3 semester hours 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. Call for more information. We have scheduled a summer astronomy camp to be held June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. Astronomy campers will learn to use telescopes for observing and photography and learn about the discoveries of modern and ancient astronomy. If you know someone who would be interested, please have them contact us. Registration information can be found at <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be $484.00 for the week. HAPPENING ON THE HILL Things are quiet on the hill this time before New Year&#146;s. The Sangre telescope&#146;s mirrors are nestled in crates and have been sent off to Iowa to be recoated and its mirror cell is on the way to Santa Barbara to be worked on. The CPC-1100 is also in California being repaired and the kit to make the 32&#148; is being prepared in Arizona. (We&#146;re looking for a good name for the upgraded scope. Any suggestions?) We have only one unscheduled weekend before Easter so I guess a calm before the storm is a good thing. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. For the next two months indoor presentations may work best as the winter cloudiness takes hold. January 8-9: Byram &amp; Richland Cub and Boy Scouts camping at Rainwater January 16: Madison Cub Scouts camping at Rainwater (We&#146;ll need help for this large group) January 19: Walnut Grove School presentations and star party January 22-23: Mississippi NASA Space Grant Education Conference January 28: Program at 1st Presbyterian in Jackson February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. GOOD NEW BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY We&#146;ve added to the library at the observatory and now have almost 2,000 books plus lots of videos and DVDs. Here are three that are highly recommended. &#147;The Little Book of Stars&#148; by James Kaler is a wonderful introduction to stellar astronomy by one of the world&#146;s experts in the field. It is a short book full of anecdotes that keep your interest. Fred Watson of the Anglo-Australian Observatory has written a brief history of the telescope that is also a &#147;page turner&#148;. &#147;Stargazer: the Life and Times of the Telescope&#148; is a great way to wrap up the IYA and 400 years of the telescope. Finally, I recommend &#148;The Canon&#148; by science writer Natalie Angier. It is subtitled a Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science. IT&#146;S TIME TO RE-UP Renewal for Rainwater Astronomical Association membership ($15). If you subscribe or renew your subscription to Sky &amp; Telescope magazine through the club, you get at $10 discount. (Make the S&T subscription checks out to Sky Publishing for $32.95.) We can use your support. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. For the first time in about 20 years there wil be a full Moon on New Year&#146;s Eve. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/29dec_bluemoon.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/29dec_bluemoon.htm?list899987</a> Supernova remnants hold information about the star that exploded. <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8906">http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8906</a> Hubble spies the smallest Kuiper Belt object ever seen. <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8903">http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8903</a> Cassini sees a flash of sunlight reflected of liquid on Saturn&#146;s moon Titan. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/18dec_titanglint.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/18dec_titanglint.htm?list899987</a> New study implies that low mass planets may be common around nearby stars. <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8893">http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8893</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:14:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 12/16/09 BACKYARD ASTRONOMYCRANKS UP AGAIN AFTER NEW YEARS We&#146;ll be sharing about the winter sky in four Friday programs in January and February. The programs are free to the public and sponsored by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium. All programs will begin at 7:00 pm and be followed by observing sessions with the observatory telescopes, weather permitting, or a planetarium program. January 8: The Fabulous Orion Nebula, Edwin Faughn January 15: The Winter Constellations of Shine Brightly, David Teske January 29: Mars is Back Again, Tim Rich February 5: The Life History of Stars, James Hill. You can register for these free programs at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> We&#146;ll skip the week of January 22 to do a Galileoscope workshop for the Mississippi NASA Space Grant at Ole Miss. SUMMER 2010 PROGRAMS The dates for two summer activities are set. The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; college credit class for 3 semester hours 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. Call for more information. We have scheduled a summer astronomy camp to be held June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. Astronomy campers will learn to use telescopes for observing and photography and learn about the discoveries of modern and ancient astronomy. If you know someone who would be interested, please have them contact us. Registration information can be found at <a href="mailto:info@campoftherisingson.com">info@campoftherisingson.com</a> The cost will be$484.00 for the week. HAPPENING ON THE HILL The Rainwater e-news just passed a new milestone. It now goes to 900 subscribers. We are anticipating getting the kit to upgrade the 32&#148; scope in January. Let&#146;s have a naming contest for something to call it. Send in your suggestions. We also hope to have the Sangre scope back in operation when a crew from Las Cumbres comes to put it back together again after the first of the year. Right now it reminds me of Humpty Dumpty after his fall with pieces all over. We have both mirrors out and are crating them up to send off to get recoated. We&#146;re also sending the mirror cell and some other parts off to Las Cumbres in Santa Barbara to get refitted. December 1 we participated in a workshop on setting up the Rainwater Astronomical Association as a tax exempt organization. We&#146;ll have the forms filled out before New Year&#146;s and have our first board meeting and the application sent in in January. An estate planner in Memphis is working with the school to rework people&#146;s estate plans to increase benefits and also include Rainwater Observatory as a beneficiary as well. Contact us if you&#146;d be interested in including Rainwater in your will or in other ways through your estate to help ensure the future of our programs and outreach. We&#146;ll be happy to get with you to explain the details. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU If you know a group that would like a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. For the next two months indoor presentations may work best as the winter cloudiness takes hold. January 16: Madison Cub Scouts camping at Rainwater January 19: Walnut Grove School presentations and star party January 22-23: Mississippi NASA Space Grant Education Conference January 28: 1st Presbyterian in Jackson February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. 1 CEU can be obtained by teachers. IT&#146;S TIME TO RE-UP Renewal for Rainwater Astronomical Association membership ($15). If you subscribe or renew your subscription to Sky &amp; Telescope magazine through the club, you get at $10 discount. (Make the S&T subscription checks out to Sky Publishing for $32.95.) JUPITER ACTIVITIES FOR SMALL SCOPES FOR EDUCATORS AND AMATEURS Anyone who likes to &#147;do&#148; science with kids will find these activities from the Lawrence Hall of Science GEMS program great. Observing the Jupiter System simulates the positions of Jupiter's moons as observed by Galileo. Courtesy of Alan Gould and Regents of UC. Three useful files are: JupMoonsSSSmsGEMS.pdf (<a href="http://www.lettherebenight.com/DVD/GEMS%20Activity/JupMoonsSSSmsGEMS.pdf">http://www.lettherebenight.com/DVD/GEMS%20Activity/JupMoonsSSSmsGEMS.pdf</a>) JupMoonsTracking.ppt (<a href="http://www.lettherebenight.com/DVD/GEMS%20Activity/JupMoonsTracking.ppt">http://www.lettherebenight.com/DVD/GEMS%20Activity/JupMoonsTracking.ppt</a>) Moons of Jupiter Slides - Teacher Version.ppt (<a href="http://www.lettherebenight.com/DVD/GEMS%20Activity/Moons%20of%20Jupiter%20Slides%20-%20Teacher%20Version.ppt">http://www.lettherebenight.com/DVD/GEMS%20Activity/Moons%20of%20Jupiter%20Slides%20-%20Teacher%20Version.ppt</a>) Also of interest to anyone teaching astronomy in the classroom or informally is a new online periodical with lots of activities. It&#146;s called &#147;The Classroom Astronomer&#148;. <a href="http://classroomastronomer.toteachthestars.net">http://classroomastronomer.toteachthestars.net</a> Thanks to Gary Lazich for this story he shares. I adapted the following from a Cherokee story and Galatians 5:22. Not really astronomy, but, something to think about. Two Wolves An old man was telling his grandson about the trouble he sometimes had deciding what to do. &quot;There are two wolves fighting within me,&quot; he explained. &quot;The one wolf is full of hatred, envy, anger, worry, cruelty, wickedness, deceit, harshness, and greed. The other is full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustworthiness, gentleness, and self-control.&quot; The grandson thought about this for a moment and then asked, &quot;Which wolf wins?&quot; The old man smiled at his grandson and answered, &quot;The one I feed.&quot; You will find other variations of this story if you Google &quot;two wolves Cherokee.&quot; ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. Finally, a big new sunspot appears. Now if the clouds will only go away. <a href="http://spaceweather.com/">http://spaceweather.com/</a> With all the controversy about climate change, here is a source for fact checking. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/11dec_climateonestop.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/11dec_climateonestop.htm?list899987</a> The refurbished Hubble spies the most distant object yet. It is a galaxy 13.1 billion light years away seen when the universe was only 600 million years old. <a href="http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/091208-hubble-most-distant-galaxies.html">http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/091208-hubble-most-distant-galaxies.html</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:15:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 12/7/09 NEXT RAINWATER PROGRAM EXAMINES CHRISTMAS SKY LORE DECEMBER 11 Friday December 11 at 7:00 P.M. we will be presenting a revised version of our traditional program for the Christmas season. It will focus on some of the traditions of the Christmas season especially the story of the Christmas Star. It will look at some the possible astronomy links to the Christmas Star. What might the Star of Bethlehem have been and who were the Magi. We&#146;ll also look at what astronomy has to say about the possible date of Jesus birth. We hope you&#146;ll save the time to come join us for this presentation. If you&#146;d like to bring a group, please let us know so we can prepare. After the talk we&#146;ll go out to observe the sky if it&#146;s clear. Bring warm clothes because if it&#146;s clear this time of year, it will also be cold. GET READY FOR THE JANUARY WINTER &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY SERIES We&#146;ll be sharing about the winter sky in four Friday programs in January and February. The programs are free to the public and sponsored by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium. All programs will begin at 7:00 pm and b followed by observing sessions with the observatory telescopes, weather permitting, or a planetarium program. January 8: The Fabulous Orion Nebula, Edwin Faughn January 15: The Constellations of Shine Brightly, David Teske January 29: Mars is Back Again, David Teske February 5: The Life History of Stars, James Hill. We&#146;ll skip a week to do a workshop for the Mississippi NASA Space Grant January 22-3. You can register for these free programs at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> SUMMER 2010 PROGRAMS The dates for two summer activities are set. The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; college credit class for 3 semester hours credit through Ole Miss is down for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course. Call for more information. We have scheduled a summer astronomy camp to be held June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. If you know someone who would be interested in learning about the sky and how to observe, please have them contact us. HAPPENING ON THE HILL This time of the year it tends to be really cold if it&#146;s clear, but much of the time it&#146;s cloudy. Be sure to get out and learn the fall and winter sky whenever you have a clear night. If you need a good sky chart, go to www.skymaps.com Jupiter is getting low in the western sky after dark, and Mars is rising earlier each night in the northeast. You might even see Mercury just below Jupiter. We are anticipating getting the kit to upgrade the 32&#148; scope in January. We need to have a naming contest to have something to call it. Send in your suggestions. We also hope to have the Sangre scope back in operation when a crew from Las Cumbres comes to put it back together again. Right now it reminds me of Humpty Dumpty after his fall. We participated in a workshop on setting up the Rainwater Astronomical Association as a tax exempt organization. We plan to use the Christmas holiday to fill out all the forms and get the application sent in January. Once we are OK&#146;d by the IRS and the Mississippi Secretary of State we will be able to accept tax deductible donations from individuals and foundations. We will be building an endowment and seeking support through a number of sources. Contact us if you&#146;d be interested in including Rainwater in your will or in other ways. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU Notice below that we have a number of &#147;away&#148; programs around the state in November. If you&#146;re in the neighborhood of any of these programs, join us. If you know a group that needs a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. December 11: Rainwater Program meeting, 7:00 PM January 8: Backyard Astronomy: The Birth of Stars in Orion 7:00 P.M. January 15: Backyard Astronomy: Learn the Winter Constellations, 7:00 P.M. January 16: Madison Cub Scouts January 22-23: Mississippi NASA Space Grant Education Conference February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> 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 <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/stargaze/</a> April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. IT&#146;S TIME TO RE-UP Renewal for Rainwater Astronomical Association membership ($15). If you subscribe or renew your subscription to Sky &amp; Telescope magazine through the club, you get at $10 discount. (Make the S&T subscription checks out to Sky Publishing for $32.95.) ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS AT GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE THIS WEEKEND Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th - Astronomy - 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Spend some time looking up at the wonders of the night sky. Astronomers and telescopes from Pontchatrain Astronomy Society will be set up at the campground amphitheater. The cooler air makes winter a great time for stargazing. Sunday, December 13th - The Telescope as a Time Machine - 2:00 p.m. Join astronomer Jack Huerkamp for a slideshow presentation. Astronomy is history. Because light takes time to travel from one place to another, we see objects not as they are now but as they were at the time when they released the light that has traveled across the universe to us. This program will explore the universe and is geared towards grade school children. Meet at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center. ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. Nice article about Galileo and the history of the telescope&#146;s 400t anniversary can be found at www.lpi.usra.edu/lpib/ There are other news briefs in the issue of the Lunar &amp; Planetary Institute Bulletin. The Sprit rover on Mars may be stuck for good, but it&#146;s still making discoveries. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/02dec_troy.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/02dec_troy.htm?list899987</a> Where do cosmic rays come from? There have been hypotheses for decades, but now there is hard data. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2009/11/02/solving-the-mystery-of-cosmic-rays-origins/">http://www.universetoday.com/2009/11/02/solving-the-mystery-of-cosmic-rays-origins/</a> It has been thought that stars could only get a dozen or so times the mass of the Sun., but now there is evidence of stars that might be several hundred times more massive that the Sun. <a href="http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/091202-violent-massive-supernova.html">http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/091202-violent-massive-supernova.html</a> Finally, a new record for the most distant object found in the universe <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2009/10/28/more-observations-of-grb-090423-the-most-distant-known-object-in-the-universe/">http://www.universetoday.com/2009/10/28/more-observations-of-grb-090423-the-most-distant-known-object-in-the-universe/</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. French Camp, MS 39745 (662) 547-6377 Mailing List Powered by Dada Mail <a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/what_is_dada_mail/</a>

Rainwater Observatory E-Newsletter Message

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:56:00 GMT

Rainwater Observatory E-News 11/24/09 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING NEXT RAINWATER PROGRAM EXAMINES CHRISTMAS SKY LORE DECEMBER 11 Friday December 11 at 7:00 P.M. we will be presenting a revised version of our traditional program for the Christmas season on the possible astronomy links to the Christmas star story. We will look at some of the traditions associated with Christmas, what the Christmas star might have been, and who the Magi could have been. We&#146;ll also look at what astronomy has to say about the possible date of Jesus birth. We hope you&#146;ll save the time to come join us for this presentation. If you&#146;d like to bring a group, please let us know so we can prepare. After the talk we&#146;ll go out to observe the sky if it&#146;s clear. GET READY FOR THE JANUARY WINTER &#147;BACKYARD ASTRONOMY SERIES We&#146;ll be sharing about the winter sky in four Friday programs in January and February. January 8: Edwin Faughn will give a program about the Orion Nebula star forming region. January 15: David Teske will share about the Winter Constellations. We&#146;ll skip a week to do a workshop for the Mississippi NASA Space Grant January 22-3. The last two programs will be January 29 by Tim Rich telling us about the return of Mars to our evening sky and February 5 Jim Hill will give the story of how we discovered the life history of stars. You can register for these free programs at <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/backyard.html</a> SUMMER 2010 PROGRAMS The dates for two summer activities are set. The &#147;Astronomy for Teachers&#148; college credit class through Ole Miss is down for June13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course. Call for more information. We are working on a having summer astronomy camp to be held June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. At this time we are anticipating a maximum of 20 in the 13-16 year old range. Campers would be at the observatory mornings and evenings and have time in the afternoons for swimming and other camp activities. We&#146;ll have more information available shortly. MILKY WAY CENTER MURAL UNVEILING PLAYS TO A FULL HOUSE We had all seats filled with about 75 for the NASA Great Observatories mural unveiling. The clouds kept us from doing much observing except for Jupiter, but Virginia Scott and Libby Montgomery set up a really nice reception with cake and drinks after the talk. Much thanks. Thanks also to WCBI for doing a couple of features to help promote the event. We had campers, an MSMS group, a church group and lots of others. Altogether it was a festive occasion. The murals are now a permanent part of our exhibit. If you haven&#146;t seen them yet, look for them the next time you come out to the hill. HAPPENING ON THE HILL Jim Coker and Jarrod Marsh worked with John Martinez from Las Cumbres Global Telescope Network to help with the Sangre telescope. Jim was able to load newly compiled software that we expect to avoid problems the old software had. By using a conference call to LCO we tracked down a loose wire that was the cause of several cascading problems that would require dismantling the instrumentation and mirror cell. It was decided that since the mirrors needed recoating anyway we would take them out and have them recoated before the first of the year. After that, a crew from LCO would come to Rainwater to reassemble the scope and give us comprehensive training on the instrumentation. We have approval and the deposit check is ready to mail to order the drive for the 32&#148;. The equipment should arrive after Christmas. Several folks have indicated an interest in helping install the system when it arrives. Please e-mail to remind us of your interest (I may have forgotten your name if I didn&#146;t write it down) and we will set up a weekend to install it. COMING EVENTS: ATTEND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU Notice below that we have a number of &#147;away&#148; programs around the state in November. If you&#146;re in the neighborhood of any of these programs, join us. If you know a group that needs a program in your community or wants to set up a field trip to Rainwater, contact us. December 11: Rainwater Program meeting, 7:00 PM January 22-23: Mississippi NASA Space Grant Education Conference February 19-20, 2010 &#147;Hands-On Astronomy Activities Workshop&#148; John Frassinelli will be our clinician. <a href="http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html">http://www.rainwaterobservatory.org/programs/handson.html</a> April 14-17, 2010 Mid-South Star Gaze Regional Astronomy Conference and Star Party April 16-17, 2010 &#147;Mid-South Astronomy Conference Educators Workshop&#148;. IT&#146;S TIME TO RE-UP Renewal for Rainwater Astronomical Association membership ($15). If you subscribe or renew your subscription to Sky &amp; Telescope magazine through the club, you get at $10 discount. (Make the S&T subscription checks out to Sky Publishing for $32.95.) ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you&#146;d like to share, let us know. The LCROSS team had a press conference to show the results of the impact mission on the Moon. Here is a brief article about it. We taped the press conference from NASA TV if you want to check it out of our library and watch it. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/13nov_lcrossresults.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/13nov_lcrossresults.htm?list899987</a> Remember the Phoenix lander on Mars? MRO has imaged the little spacecraft again to see how it fared over the Martian winter. <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8778">http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8778</a> Don&#146;t forget the New Horizons craft on the way to Pluto. It is now at 15 AU from the Sun or about halfway between Saturn and Uranus. <a href="http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/news_center/news/111209.php">http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/news_center/news/111209.php</a> Another mission is back in the news. The Sprit rover has been stuck for months and this week JPL engineers will try to back it out. Here is the info. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/12nov_freespirit.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/12nov_freespirit.htm?list899987</a> After a series of delays, NASA&#146;s new airborne infrared telescope facility, SOFIA, is undergoing testing. The replacement for the Kuiper Airborne Observatory houses a large IR telescope in a 747. <a href="http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/19nov_sofia.htm?list899987">http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/19nov_sofia.htm?list899987</a> A new Hubble image of star birth in galaxy M-83 shows the capability of the upgraded telescope. <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/2009/11/05/hubble-unveils-stunning-star-birth-in-m83/">http://www.universetoday.com/2009/11/05/hubble-unveils-stunning-star-birth-in-m83/</a> -- 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 You may automatically unsubscribe from this list at any time by visiting the following URL: &lt;<a href="http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt">http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/u/rainwateren/&gt</a>; You may also change your subscription by visiting this list's main screen: &lt;http://dada.crossroadscomputer.com/cgi-bin/mail.cgi?f=list&l=rainwateren&gt; If you're still having trouble, please contact the list owner at: jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org The following physical address is associated with this mailing list: Rainwater Observatory 1 Fine Pl. 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