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Monday, December 29, 2008

New Year's Eve spectacular site - Enjoy!

Space Weather News for Dec. 29, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

NEW YEAR'S EVE: What a way to end the year. On Dec. 31st, Venus and the slender crescent Moon will gather together high in the southwestern sky for a beautiful conjunction visible for hours after sunset. The two brightest objects in the night sky can be seen through city lights and even fireworks--so everyone can enjoy the show. Meanwhile, closer to the horizon, Mercury and Jupiter are converging for their own Dec. 31st conjunction. This one is not so easy to see, but rewarding for those who make the effort to find the two planets shining through the rosy glow of sunset.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for sky maps and photos of the converging planets.

BONUS: Is Venus really bright enough to cast shadows? The answer is yes, and the proof may be found on today's edition of Spaceweather.com. A French photographer has captured rare images of Venus casting a shadow and he has even made a movie of the shadow in motion.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Thursday, December 18, 2008

12/20 Black Canyon City Star Party has been CANCELLED!

Enjoy your holiday evening!!!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Rare Eclipse of EE Cephei Is Set to Begin

http://us.mc364.mail.yahoo.com/mc/showMessage?&fid=Inbox&sort=date&order=down&startMid=0&.rand=1072202621&da=0&mid=1_161335_AMNbv9EAABOBSUh2qQz72Fct0Sk&blockimages=none


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Attn: PAS Members - Topic: PAS Social

Good morning,

It was brought to my attention that some PAS members do not know how to get to Chris's home for the PAS Social on Jan 10th, 2009. Logically, Chris should provide a map with address and directions to him home in Goodyear at the next PAS Meeting on Jan 8th, 2009. However, should you miss the meeting and are planning to (AFTER YOU RSVP with me) attend the Social,
please note that all you have to do, as PAS Members, is go into the Downloads section of the website (heres's the link for those who haven't mastered navigating our site yet: http://www.pasaz.org/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=48
Pop into the Members Only area, and download the current PAS Roster, which has Chris's address. Then plug it into Google Maps and you are on your way.
You NEED to be a current PAS member with that status on the site to access this info. If you can not get the info you need that way, feel free to Email Chris by visiting the Contact page within the website for his email address http://www.pasaz.org/index.php?pageid=contact.
These are two ways to get the info needed to be able to attend the PAS Social. We are NOT, for security purposes, putting a map to Chris's home in the January issue of the Newsletter. Why? Because the newsletter is now public. It isn't ONLY PAS members who receive it. Anyone can access that info & since we try not to give out private info through the Newsletter, we chose not to do that. The other option is that Chris was going to put a map to his home in the Private PAS Calendar on the date of Jan 10th, so that those of us who don't know where he lives, can get a map that way. The calendar listing is here: http://www.pasaz.org/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=115&day=2009-01-10 I see the map is NOT there currently, so give me a few minutes to add it. Use it to get to Chris's.

Your RSVP is required for attendance. I want to be able to tell Chris how many are attending the party. It is a courteous thing to RSVp sooner than later. Thanks to all who wish to attend and those who have reminded me the map needs to be added to the site. See you at the party!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, December 15, 2008

December 18 Meeting of the Minds is Canceled!!!

DUE TO THE LACK OF TOPICS & THE HOLIDAYS CREATING MORE STUFF TO DO, THE MOM'S FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER HAS BEEN CANCELED.

We will see you at the next MOM's on January 1/29/09.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

This weekend's Star Parties - CANCELED

Due to the weather and the lack of telescope volunteers,
PAS has canceled this weekend's 2 star parties.
Rain is forecast for Sat evening,
and cloud cover is predicted for whole weekend.

Please note:

12/12 Friday - Full Moon Star Party is Canceled

12/13 Saturday - Geminid Meteor Shower Party is Canceled

Please enjoy your weekend!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, December 8, 2008

Tumbling Toolbag & Conjunction Photo Gallery

Space Weather News for Dec. 6, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

COLORADO FIREBALL: Last night, a fireball one hundred times brighter than the full Moon lit up the sky near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Astronomer Chris Peterson photographed the event using an all-sky video camera dedicated to meteor studies. "In seven years of operation, this is the brightest fireball I've ever recorded. I estimate the terminal explosion at magnitude -18." Meteors this bright are called superbolides; they are caused by small (meter-class) asteroids and are likely to pepper the ground with meteorites when they explode. Visit http://spaceweather.com to watch the fireball video and contribute sighting reports that could help pinpoint any meteoritic debris.

TUMBLING TOOLBAG: The space station's famous sidekick, the ISS Toolbag, is circling Earth and reportedly producing flashes of light bright enough to record using off-the-shelf digital cameras. The flashes, shown in a photo on today's edition of Spaceweather.com, could be a sign that the bag is tumbling. Both the Toolbag and the ISS will be making a series of evening passes over North America and Europe in the evenings ahead, so now is a good time to look. Check the Simple Satellite Tracker for viewing times: http://spaceweather.com/flybys

BONUS: The Dec. 1st Great Conjunction Photo Gallery continues to grow with daily additions from around the world. Start browsing here: http://spaceweather.com/conjunctions/gallery_01dec08.htm


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, December 1, 2008

Tonight 12/1 Venus, Jupiter & Crescent Moon at Twilight

Space Weather News for Monday, Dec. 1, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

When the sun goes down tonight, step outside and look south. Beaming through the twilight is one of the prettiest things you'll ever see--a tight three-way conjunction of Venus, Jupiter and the crescent Moon. The event is visible from all parts of the world, even from light-polluted cities. People in New York and Hong Kong will see it just as clearly as astronomers watching from remote mountaintops. Only cloudy weather or a midnight sun (sorry Antarctica!) can spoil the show.

The great conjunction offers something extra to Europeans. For more than an hour on Monday evening, the crescent Moon will actually eclipse Venus. Astronomers call such an event a "lunar occultation." Venus emerging from the dark edge of the Moon is a remarkably beautiful sight. Sky watchers across Europe will be able to see this happen.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos, webcasts and more information.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

HST to pass over head Thur Dec 4 7:32pm

Dennis writes;

Dear Astro members..

Thought this was worth noting....
the Hubble Space Scope will pass directly over jupiter this coming Thursday.. Dec 4th...at 7:32.09pm local time of Arizona. This --for other members out of the area will not be available :( . Those living in cottonwood will still have viewing of this rare event -however it is more centrally passing when viewed from sedona area.. Maybe Twotree observing site would be an appropriate location if more wish to see this.
There are TWO passes of HST..on thursday...one at 5.53pm.. this is of course the second pass over head in our area of the woods. The HST can be view about 1minute ahead of time(about 731pm ..to lower right of Jupiter and venus on the day of the event. GOOD Luck and let me know what u see...Could be photo opportunity for those with scopes and digital cameras!!



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

2009 PAS Events

We have some exciting Astronomical Events coming up in 2009 for your attendance and enjoyment! We'd love for you to check them out on the calendar at www.pasaz.org.
Be sure to RSVP your attendance in case an event gets canceled due to weather.
We will see you in 2009!

Terri, Event Coordinator

Currently adding more events.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Firefly Gamma Ray

This link comes to me from William.

Enjoy!

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/24/firefly-gamma-ray.html



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

ISS Toolbag & Aurora Watch

Space Weather News for Nov. 25th
http://spaceweather.com

ISS TOOLBAG: A backpack-sized tool bag inadvertently dropped from the International Space Station last week is orbiting Earth and has been sighted from the ground. The tool bag is surprisingly bright, about 6th or 7th magnitude, which makes it an easy target for binoculars or a small telescope. Today's edition of http://spaceweather.com offers observing tips, sighting reports and a movie of the bag in orbit.

AURORA WATCH: High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras tonight and tomorrow. Earth is entering a solar wind stream and this could trigger geomagnetic storms around the Arctic Circle.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, November 21, 2008

PAS Patches

PAS is designing a Patch.
Your input can be useful and will be appreciated.
Take a look at what we have going so far by
visiting the discussion about it at this link:
http://www.pasaz.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199
Please add your ideas to the forum discussion.

Thanks for your input. Have a super day!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

PAS Name Badges

See an example of the PAS name badge at this link: http://tinyurl.com/5h3w8q

Deadline to purchase a name badge for only $11 is at the Dec 4th PAS meeting.
Cash or check to PAS, and given to Mike, Treasurer, please. Then, let me know
how you want your name spelled on the name badge. Thank you for your orders.

You can also RSVP for a name badge at this link: http://www.pasaz.org/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=110&day=2008-12-4

But $11 must be received by the Dec meeting to get the special pricing. I'm putting in a huge order, all at one time. At the first of the year, the company I get these name badges through raises their pricing to $15. Get it now, while it is still only $11.

Have a super day!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Burried Glaciers Found on Mars

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20081120/sc_space/buriedglaciersfoundonmars

This link comes to us via Robert. Thank you!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

PAS Social 2009 Activity Ideas needed

ACTIVITY IDEAS

Does anyone have any ideas for another activity that can be done at a social gathering such as the PAS Social?

A couple years ago, Rod and Sue came up with the Table Decoration game. That was fun for the 2 years we did it. We aren't sure if we can do it this year, again, or not due to not knowing if we will have enough tables for everyone to sit at and enjoy the table decoration on it.

So, this year, I'm thinking we could use a different game. Any ideas?

We have one thing new, you can win a door prize for completing the puzzle that will be sitting on a table in the ZipFizz Liquid Shot box. First to complete it gets a prize. Only one prize being rewarded.

One other change we will be doing this year is that, when you win a door prize, except for the main door prize or others that are kept separate from the rest, you can choose your prize from a table of prizes. This way, you aren't being awarded something you donated. And DONATIONS ARE NEEDED.

Any unused prizes will be used for next year's event. Last year, we found reasons to give away all the prizes we had availalble.

So, send your ideas to me. I'm open for any suggestions. Keep them clean,
and fun... Thanks.

Read about the plans for this year's Social at this link: PAS Social 2009

Terri


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, November 17, 2008

Bookman's Telescope Workshop 11/16 Event Photos & more

Check out the photos of the most recent PAS event
at http://tinyurl.com/5c6uh5
Be sure to read about this event and others in the
PAStimes Newsletter December Issue
due to be posted on line around Thanksgiving.
And visit this blog to see past event photos.
I"m always adding more photos to our blog.
Enjoy them while you can. I will be moving
them, soon to the PAS website. That doesn't mean
you can't see them any more, but the formatting is different, and
so until I figure out what i'm doing, we may not have captions
or other features I've gotten accustomed to having on this blog.
Enjoy!!!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Loenid Meteor Shower Watch & the Planets

Space Weather News for Nov. 16, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

EVENING PLANETS: When the sun goes down tonight, step outside and look southwest. The two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, are shining through the twilight side by side. You'll want to keep an eye on these two because they are drawing noticeably closer together every night. Venus and Jupiter are converging on a patch of sky in Sagittarius where they will have a spectacular double-conjunction with the Moon at the end of the month. Don't wait until then, though. Visit http://spaceweather.com for sky maps and start watching now.

LEONID METEOR WATCH: The Leonid meteor shower peaks this year on Nov. 17th and 18th. Bright moonlight will probably spoil the show, but not necessarily. Researchers who study Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, the source of the Leonids, say Earth is going to pass through one or two of the comet's dusty filaments. Peak rates of 20 to 100 meteors per hour are possible during the early hours of Nov. 17th (especially 0000-0200 UT) and again during the waning hours of Nov. 18th (around 2130 UT). These times favor sky watchers in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Smaller numbers of Leonids could appear between the anticipated peak times. Meteor enthusiasts everywhere should monitor the sky on Nov. 17th and 18th; the hours before local dawn are usually best.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Posts arriving after the events have happened

I got an email from one of our subscribers from this Blog list. He says that the info comes to him after the fact from this blog. I looked at what he sent me. the option he chose to receive notices from this blog is as a digest, meaning a review at the end of the day, which includes all the messages at one time.

If this is your choice, to have all messages sent out as one digest, and you are not getting the
notices from this list on time for the events, I suggest you go into your access in Feedblitz
and make the change to INDIVIDUAL EMAIL'S so you get the notices about
canceled events and other star parties, like last night, the moment I send them out.

When I'm receiving notices, i write it, send it, and check my email, and it is already there. It's that fast. So, when i send out a cancel notice, those who get individual emails will receive it at that moment where as everyone else will, once a day, get the digest, which may be after the event
has occurred.

Since I'm hoping this will fix the issue, please let me know what you discover about this, if it works or not. Thanks.

You can email me at Events@pasaz.org about this situation.
Have a super Sunday!

See you at BOOKMAN'S today 3pm to 6:30PM with Mike as our guest speaker at 4pm.



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Saturday, November 15, 2008

STAR PARTY TONIGHT! Be there! 11/15 5pm to 10pm

Good morning,

I just realized I have been advertising the wrong time for tonight's star party.
We are starting at 5pm...... to catch Venus & Jupiter before they set
behind the over pass over SR 51.
If you can make it by then, that will be great.
Other items we may view will be the Orion nebula,
and possibly some Galaxies and Star Clusters.

2 scopes are scheduled to be there,
and as of right now, Noon, we have 10 RSVP's
and one other PAS Helper attending.

Would love to see you at this event.
RSVP up to 2pm. I don't think we will be canceling
the event, so if you want to come and it is after 2pm
we will be there until 10pm or until the crowd leaves.
If everyone departs earlier than 10pm we may depart as well, early.

See you over there.
RSVP's after 2pm will be by phone only. If I don't answer, leave a message
and i will call you back to confirm. Thanks

Terri, Event Coordinator


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, November 14, 2008

Weekend's observing hightlights 11/14

Check out this weekends' observing highlights
at this link


http://www.skyandtelescope.com/letsgo/whatsuptonight/34475779.html

PAS is doing many events this weekend and a sight like this is
worth attending a star party for.

Nov 15: PV Park Meteor Shower Star Party 6pm to 10pm RSVP Events@pasaz.org

Nov 16: Bookman's LAST at this location FREE Telescope Workshop 3pm to 6:30pm with guest speaker at 4pm. Location: 19th Ave and Northern, N.W. corner, in back room of Bookman's.

We will see you there!!!!!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Swap Meet Items for Sale - Advertise today!

Get your Swap Meet items listed in the newsletter - today!!!

I wish to thank Chet for forwarding me info about his item he plans to have at the PAS Swap Meet at the December PAS meeting.
I am looking for a few others. Why not get in the extra advertising while you can! Send me your items for sale, a brief description and maybe the starting bid. I'll get it into the December issue of the newsletter, no cost to you.
The deadline to get those items to me is 11/19 to allow me a day to
gather them and send them off to Don, for which the Newsletter deadline is 11/20. I would like to include them in one article that will go on the front page
of the newsletter.
Send them to me today!!!
Thanks!
Terri, Event Coordinator


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

PAS Meeting photos on line now

Visit the link
http://tinyurl.com/6lmcrr
to see the photos from this 11/6/08 PAS Meeting.
Hope to see you at the December PAS meeting
when we have our Swap Meet!
Dec 4th at PVCC in Library 7pm to 9:30pm
see you there!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

PAS Halloween star party for 2009

If you are interested in helping at as a volunteer
or attending as the public,
we would be interested in hearing from you.

We are thinking of holding a halloween
star party on the Fri or Sat around Halloween 2009.

We need a location
and volunteers.

If this interests you
add your 2 cents to the PAS forum on this topic at this link.
Let's get a discussion going about this so we can be ready when next
year's event happens.

Thanks for your input and have a super day!



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Upcoming events 11/13 - 11/20

Updates to this week's PAS events have been posted in the forums
on the PAS website: www.pasaz.org

Please visit the below links to find out more about the topics listed.
Have a super day!

Meeting of the Minds 11/13 7pm to 10pm PVCC G-147

Meteor Shower Party at PV Park 11/15 6pm to 10pm Pending Volunteers & RSVP's


Prescott Star Party for 100 Girl Scouts 11/15 5pm to 10pm - RSVP with Rod, Volunteers needed

Bookman's FREE Telescope Workshop 11/16 3pm to 6:30pm with Lecture beginning at 4pm

Amberlea Elementary School star party 11/20 6pm to 9pm - Volunteers needed

Year in Space Calendar - a few days extention - 11/13

RSVP where required. We will see you there!!!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Saturday, November 8, 2008

[CSO] Paintshop, Gimp, or Photoshop?? For your astrophotos..

Hi everyone!

Todd Gross, from the "Common Sense Observer" here...

My apologies for a long lapse between posts. My observing lately
has been limited to small scopes and binoculars. I've also put
aside astrophotography in the short term. I thought about why.
One of the reasons my interest in Astrophotography waned
was that I was struggling with the software, post-observing
session.

For instance, when I was doing a lot of planetary astrophotography,
just a few years ago, even deep sky, I was at a disadvantage in
that I did not know how to use Photoshop. So I learned Paintshop,
which cost less so was less risk involved. That was a
suitable substitute, you can see the results at weatherman.com.
With Paintshop I was able to manipulate layers, and achieve
the same results as Photoshop with one big problem:

All the articles written in Sky and Tel, and Astronomy and
others, and the articles coming out online had Photoshop
instructions. It would have taken too much effort to figure
out the differences in Paintshop, leaving me frustrated.

Working in Television we also often used Gimp , I just couldnt
get use to it, and I admit I was simply waiting for someone,
some day to show me how to use Photoshop. It took years, but
ironically it happened by mistake, just last week....

In my other business, where I find online products, I am offering
a new Photoshop tutorial from my friend Stephen Luc, a video
tutorial that just changes everything. While I like Paintshop,
I can join the rest of the world and move to the standard now..

Here check this one out:

http://netmarketinggame.com/says/photoshop

(Normally runs $67, but it is only $10 here, ignore
the Master Resale Rights option, that is for people who
want to sell this)

The first thing that went through my mind when I repackaged
this video tutorial series, and actually learned Photoshop at
long last, was just how handy it would be for
you know this has just been released! Now YOU can learn to
layer astrophotos, combine scenes, and the 1000 other things
I'm leaving out ;) AND you'll be able to follow along when
the next "how to" article comes out!

Enjoy

Todd


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, November 7, 2008

New on the Space Place Web Site: Let's Go to the Moon

Nancy writes:

We have a wonderful new activity on the Space Place web site. I am
attaching a short announcement about the new activity. I encourage you to
either e-mail it, or print, photocopy, and mail it to the educators with
whom you work.

NASA¹s latest plans to return to the Moon are a lot more ambitious in many
ways than was the Apollo Program in the OE60s and OE70s. This time, we plan to
stay a while. NASA wants to learn how to keep the astronauts alive in a
hostile environment for months at a time, so we will someday be able to send
humans to Mars and beyond! Designing a lunar habitat is part of the
challenge. Kids can help to create a lunar outpost by building their own
Moon Habitat, or even a whole village of them! This fun activity that can
involve the whole family can be found at NASA¹s website for kids, The Space
Place, http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/en/kids/exploration/habitat.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Thursday, November 6, 2008

PAS Meeting of the Minds Nov 13th!!!

Good morning,

Currently, we do not have enough topics to make a meeting.
Please send topics to me of things we need to discuss
if you wish to have the meeting on Nov 13th.

Also, please note that the 13th is NOT the last Thurs of the month.
This month was rearranged... due to Turkey day taking away
the 27th date, and then a star party, for which I hope to get
many volunteers to attend at Ambrea Elementary.... thus we
moved the MOM to the 13th to allow for the extra volunteers.

You can't, no matter how hard you try, be at the MOM and the star
party in the same night. I've tried... doesn't work.

So, we have the MOM on Nov 13th. Put it on your calendar
and then watch for a update in case we cancel due to lack of
topics. The current topic list is on line at:

PAS Meeting of the Minds Agenda in the downloads section of our site, page 1.

Check it out. Add to it by emailing me ideas of topics at Events@pasaz.org.

Reminder, this is a PAS Business meeting. We ask that NO KIDS attend,
and only those who are interested in how PAS works, should attend. See you there!

Let's try to hold the meeting this month.
See you there!!!

Terri, Event Coordinator


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Taurid Meteor Shower Nov 5 - 12

Space Weather News for Nov. 6, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

TAURID METEOR SHOWER: The annual Taurid meteor shower is underway and it could be a good show. 2008 is a "swarm year" for the Taurids. Between Nov. 5th and 12th, Earth is due to pass through an unusually dense swarm of gritty debris from parent comet 2P/Encke. When a similar encounter happened in 2005, sky watchers observed a slow drizzle of midnight fireballs for nearly two weeks. Whether 2008 will be as good as 2005, however, remains to be seen. In 2005, the swarm encounter was more central; Earth passed through the middle of the cloud. In 2008, forecasters believe we are closer to the outskirts. How much this will affect the shower, no one knows. The best time to look is during the hours around midnight when the constellation Taurus is high in the sky.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for sky maps and photos of the ongoing shower.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Halloween brings out the Demon Star

This may be an odd thing to post in my Blog, but the blog is about Astronomy and
this is astronomy related. I received it from my parents in newspaper form and
have typed it up to put it in the blog.

From AZ Republic Fri Oct 31, 2008 Section E page 1

Halloween Brings out the Demon Star
by John Stanley, Az Rep
(Only edits I may have made is abbreviations to shorten the article, and paragraph changes.)

The evening, as ghouls, goblins and other creatures of the night take to the streets to beg for sugary treats, take a moment to examine a real apparition: Algol, the Demon Star. The ancient Hebrews called it Rosh Ha Satan (Satan's Head) and its present name comes from the Arabic phrase Al Ra's al Ghul (the Demon's Head). Clearly, it has an unsavory reputation. But why? Every few days, for no aparent reason, Algol dims noticebly for several hours, then returns to its normal brightness. Ancient astronomers, for whom the immutability of the heaves was a given, found this disturbing. Algol is what astronomers call an eclipsing binary, which vary in brightness because a large, but dim, companion star periodically passes in front of the primary star, temporarily reducing its brightness. Look for Algol in the constellation Perseus, which is high in the northeast after sunset (Find a star chart at skymaps.com) Make a mental note of Algol's brightness by comparing it with nearby stars. Then check it again during a minimum phase. The next one visible to observers in Arizona takes place from 8pm to 10pm on Nov 8th (that's this Saturday). Enjoy!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Sunday, November 2, 2008

ISS Space Junk Re entry into Earth's Atmosphere

Message was received in my email on

Saturday, November 1, 2008 1:41 PM

Space Weather News
for Nov. 1, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

More than a year ago, in July 2007, International Space Station astronauts threw an obsolete, refrigerator-sized ammonia reservoir overboard. Ever since, the 1400-lb piece of space junk has been circling Earth in a decaying orbit--and now it is about to reenter. If predictions are correct, the "Early Ammonia Servicer" (EAS for short) will turn into a brilliant fireball as it disintegrates in Earth's atmosphere during the early hours of Monday, Nov. 3rd. Uncertainties in the exact reentry time are so great (plus or minus 15 hours at the time of this alert) that it is impossible to pinpoint where the fireball will appear. At the moment, every continent except Antarctica has some favorable ground tracks.

Readers should check our Satellite Tracker (http://spaceweather.com/flybys/) for possible overflights. Before reentry, the EAS will seem about as bright as a 2nd or 3rd magnitude star, similar to the stars of the Big Dipper. During re-entry, the disintegrating reservoir could light up like a full Moon. Flyby predictions should be regarded as approximate because the orbital elements of the EAS are now changing so rapidly. Updates will be posted on http://spaceweather.com.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, October 31, 2008

Welcome to Planet Earth

Received this animation from Matt. Enjoy!

http://www.flixxy.com/film-school-short-animation.htm


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Spooky Skies & Colorado Fireball

Space Weather News for Oct. 30, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

SPOOKY SKIES: The heavens are getting into the spirit of Halloween. A solar wind stream is buffeting Earth's magnetic field, stirring up ghostly auroras around the Arctic Circle. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for them tonight. Meanwhile, Venus and the crescent Moon are converging for a sunset sky show on Halloween itself. The bright pair will be widely visible even from light-polluted cities. Check http://spaceweather.com for photos and sky maps.

COLORADO FIREBALL: On Oct. 28th, a meteoroid hit Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated with the luminosity of a full Moon. By happenstance, the event occurred directly above an all-sky video camera in Colorado. Today's issue of Spaceweather.com features a movie of the fireball, the sound of radio echoes from the fireball's trail, and eyewitness reports from several US states.

Sign up for free Space Weather News bulletins:
http://spaceweather.com/services/


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A Night under the Stars at Alamo Lake State Park

Alamo Lake State Park's 2nd Annual Event
Saturday Nov 22, 2008

This info taken from flier received in mail last night.

Starts 11am. Free day use!

11-3 Star Fair with Family Activities, Educator Workshop & Astronomy Presentations
7pm Star Party ! Weather Permitting.

Come view the stars! Stay for the fishing!
We have over 250 campground sites! Some with full full hookup sites, water and electricity sites and primitive sites. The park sells ice, firewood, bait and fishing licenses.
For more info: www.azstateparks.com or 928-669-2088

Schedule of Events
11am - Start of event
11am - 3pm - Star Fair, Educator's Workshop, Booths, Solar Viewing Demo & Food Vendor
11:30am - Tour of the Night Sky presentation with Tony La Conte from Stargazing for Everyone
12:30pm - astronomy Presentation with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
1:30pm - Your Newspaper: Portals to the Universe Presentation with Tony La Conte
2:30pm - Amateur Astrophotography presentation with JD Maddy from Astronomers of Verde Valley
7pm - Kick off to Star Party - Weather Permitting

Star Party Requirements
1. Bring red flashlight, no white light allowed
2. Familiarize yourself with the star party site during the day
3. Arrive at the star party site promptly at 7pm.

If you have one, bring folding chair. A star chart will be provided free to the public earlier in the day.
We suggest warm cloths, bug repellent, bottle water and snacks.
Note: Certain cell phone carries may not work in the area.

Night under the stars event:
Free Day use admission for Nov 22
Camping is available for a fee of $10-$23
$23 Full Hookup
$20 Water & Electricity hookup
$12 sites in developed campgrounds (flush toilets, showers, and water in campground)
$10 primitive sites

Elevation is 1235 feet
It will be chilly at night.

More info: http://www.azstateparks.com/find/calendar.html#nightunder


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, October 27, 2008

The last at this location - Bookman's Telescope Workshop 3pm to 6:30pm 11/16

Come join us at the Bookman's Telescope Workshop.
It's FREE and we have a guest speaker.
RSVP is required as seating is limited.
We expect to have standing room only.

Even if you aren't coming to learn about your telescope, or buying a telescope,
come for the lecture. Topic: Can we live on the Moon or Mars?

Bring the whole family.
If you RSVP and you have kids 12 and younger, be sure to let me know how
many kids will be attending, so I know whether I should bring Kids Corner
or not. We have a box of activities for kids to do, so that the parents can
enjoy and learn, while the kids color, do activities, and learn as well. But,
if no kids RSVP, I do not bring Kids Corner supplies with me. So, let me know by RSVP.

We will see you there!
Terri, Events Coordinator


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, October 24, 2008

MOM for Oct 30 has been CANCELED!

The MOM for Oct 30 has been Canceled due to lack of topics.
We will see you at the Nov 13 MOM's.

Current Topics:

  • 11/15 Prescott 100 GS Star Party - Volunteer Plans
  • 11/16 Bookman's last class - Speaker: Mike - Can we live on the Moon or Mars?
  • PAS T-shirt sales
  • Post Card Progress

If you have topics for Nov 13th's MOM, please
start sending them over today to Events@pasaz.org.

See the topics as they are added and updated on the MOM's Agenda.
Have a super weekend!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

U.S. pilot was ordered to shoot down UFO

This article received from Matt:

This article was sent to you from Matt, who uses Reuters Mobile Site to get news and information on the go. To access Reuters on your mobile phone, go to:
http://mobile.reuters.com

U.S. pilot was ordered to shoot down UFO

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008 3:55PM UTC

By Peter Griffiths

LONDON (Reuters) - Two U.S. fighter planes were scrambled and ordered to shoot down an unidentified flying object (UFO) over the English countryside during the Cold War, according to secret files made public Monday.

One pilot said he was seconds away from firing 24 rockets at the object, which moved erratically and gave a radar reading like "a flying aircraft carrier."

The pilot, Milton Torres, now 77 and living in Miami, said it spent periods motionless in the sky before reaching estimated speeds of more than 7,600 mph.

After the alert, a shadowy figure told Torres he must never talk about the incident and he duly kept silent for more than 30 years.

His story was among dozens of UFO sightings in defense ministry files released at the National Archives in London.

In a written account, Torres described how he scrambled his F-86 D Saber jet in calm weather from the Royal Air Force base at Manston, Kent in May 1957.

"I was only a lieutenant and very much aware of the gravity of the situation. I felt very much like a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest," he said.

"The order came to fire a salvo of rockets at the UFO. The authentication was valid and I selected 24 rockets.

"I had a lock-on that had the proportions of a flying aircraft carrier," he added. "The larger the airplane, the easier the lock-on. This blip almost locked itself."

At the last moment, the object disappeared from the radar screen and the high-speed chase was called off.

He returned to base and was debriefed the next day by an unnamed man who "looked like a well-dressed IBM salesman."

"He threatened me with a national security breach if I breathed a word about it to anyone," he said.

The documents contain no official explanation for the incident, which came at a time of heightened tension between the West and the Soviet Union. Planes were on constant stand-by at British bases for a possible Soviet attack.

The files blame other UFO sightings on weather balloons, clouds or normal aircraft. Torres said he had been waiting 50 years for an explanation.

"I shall never forget it," he told the Times. "On that night I was ordered to open fire even before I had taken off. That had never happened before."

UFO expert David Clarke said the sighting may have been part of a secret U.S. project to create phantom aircraft on radar screens to test Soviet air defenses.

"Perhaps what this pilot had seen was some kind of experiment in electronic warfare or maybe it was a UFO," he said. "Something very unusual happened."

The files are online at: www.nationalarchives/ufos

(Editing by Steve Addison)




Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, October 20, 2008

ORIONID METEOR WATCH 10/21

Space Weather News for Oct. 20, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

ORIONID METEOR WATCH: If you wake up before sunrise on Tuesday, Oct. 21st, set aside 15 minutes or so to watch the sky around Orion. You might see some meteors. The annual Orionid meteor shower, caused by dusty debris from Halley's Comet, is peaking today and tomorrow. Little was expected of this year's display because a bright Moon is hanging in the pre-dawn sky, causing an interfering glare. Surprisingly, however, sky watchers on Oct. 20th witnessed 15 or more Orionids per hour, many of them brighter than first magnitude stars. If this stronger-than-expected display spills into Tuesday, you might be glad to wake up early. Check http://spaceweather.com for updates and a sky map.

Sign up for free Space Weather News bulletins:
http://spaceweather.com/services/


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, October 17, 2008

Orionids Meteor Shower Oct 21

Received this from Astronomy Newsletter, Astronomy Magazine via email:

A Last Quarter Moon hinders observations of this year's Orionid meteor shower. Still, this annual shower will be worth a look. First, the Orionids tend to produce bright, swift meteors. Second, the shower may produce more meteors than usual. It exhibited strong activity in 2006, with rates 3 times higher than normal, and some astronomers suspect enhanced activity this year as well.

The Orionids peak before dawn October 21. Observers with excellent sky conditions can expect to see perhaps 10 meteors per hour. The Orionid shower remains a popular event with backyard observers because the nights at this time of year aren't too cold and, even without meteors, the winter sky looks spectacular on display in the autumn morning.

To find more observable objects in your sky, visit Astronomy.com's sky events calender here.



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

New on The NASA/NOAA SciJinks Web Site

Find answers to hard questions at the SciJinks Weather Laboratory

The SciJinks Weather Laboratory at http://scijinks.gov is a website for
middle school-age children, sponsored by both NASA and NOAA. Skyjacks
presents weather and other Earth science topics via games, stories, and fun
facts, as well as simple, concise answer to often-asked ³how and why²
questions. For example, answers will be found to ³Why is the sky blue?,²
³How does a hurricane form?² and ³Why do we have seasons?²

Two new ³how & whys² have recently been added:
* How did earth¹s atmosphere form?
* Why doesn¹t the atmosphere just float off into space?

Other how and why topics are listed at scijinks.gov/weather/howwhy.
Additional weather-related resources for teachers are available at
scijinks.gov/en/educators.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, October 13, 2008

Pre-advertising for PAS Swap Meet - Dec 4, 2008

How would you like to get some pre-advertising for the items you plan to sell at the December PAS Swap Meet?

Send info about your item, just a very brief description & starting price to me and Don & I will post it in the December PAStimes newsletter as ITEMS YOU MIGHT FIND AT THIS YEAR'S PAS SWAP MEET.

Remember, if you don't sell it at the swap meet, PAS also has a forum set up where by any current PAS member can post their items for sale. If you don't know how to post them, send it to me and I'll do it for you. It will stay up there for everyone to view until it is sold.

So, send me your items.

1) Send the items you will be bringing to the PAS Swap Meet for the newsletter.

2) The rest can be put on line to sell.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SALES!

Thanks. We hope to see you at the DECEMBER PAS SWAP MEET where you are sure to find a bargain.

When is the December PAS Swap Meet? At the December 4th PAS Meeting in the PVCC Library at 7pm.

This is how the PAS Swap Meet works:

Bring your items. For each item, grab a separate piece of paper.
On it put an item description and your starting price. If you forget your
paper and marker, Terri will have extras as the meeting for use. I prefer
you pre-do the write up before the meeting as that will allow everyone
more time to bid on your items, rather than you standing there waiting
on me to find the paper and pen, for you to make your signs.

Leave the rest of the page blank.

Then, as everyone mills around looking at the items for sale,
they can add their bid and either their first name or initials next to
their bid. The bidding goes on from 7pm to 9:15pm.

When the speaker has finished for the night, we close the meeting, and those
needing to swap cash for purchases can do so. So, from about 9:15 to 9:30 the transactions happen and everyone leaves happy. Remember, we HAVE TO BE out of the Library by 9:30pm.

It's a fun swap. We'd love to see you there!

You do not need to be a PAS member to include your item for sale or
to purchase.

You do need to be a PAS member to get your item listed in the newsletter in the Pre-advertised section...

and You do need to be a PAS member to freely post your item in the forums on the website. You are doing the posting, or email Terri your items and she will post them for you.

But you do not need to be a PAS member to advertise for a small fee, your item in the forums on the website. Small fee - PAS asks for $2+ donation (your donation is appreciated) to advertise your item for sale. Make the check out to PAS. You can send it to Me (Events@pasaz.org) with the ad by post office, or send the check, and then email Terri with the details. When the check is received, the details will be put on line.

Have a super day! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Nov 1, 2008 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at Anthem Star Party

We currently have 3 RSVP 's from the public, families (Total about 10 people),
attending our Anthem Star Party on Nov 1.
We need more Volunteers.

If you know when you can arrive and what you'd like
to do for the star party, I'd love to know this in advance
so we know if we have this star party covered.

The plan thus far:

Star Party starts at Noon.
Set up can be 11:30 - 11:45 depending on how long it takes you to set up.
If you are quick, you can arrive at Noon.
I hope to have Rod there with the Canopy's so we have someplace to
hide, away from the sun.

1st Shift: Anyone who can not stay for the evening session, should attend
the daytime session with some astronomy activity, or Solar Viewing. Daylight hours.

2nd Shift: If you can not attend the daytime portion, please RSVP for evening and show the night sky. Evening hours.

The Anthem star party is a yearly event that PAS puts on for the Anthem community and we invite everyone to join in the fun. If you want to come up from Phoenix, please plan to attend.

As of 10/13 we currently have the following appreciated Volunteers.

Daytime:
William, Terri,
Ed, Bette, & Bruce will be doing hands on demos, puzzles, and give away
prizes for participation.
We will be departing around 4pm.

Don will be showing the Moon.

Evening:

Don will be showing objects at night.

This is not enough volunteers and we can really use your help. If you can assist, please RSVP today! If you are a PAS member,RSVP in the calendar. if you are not a current PAS member, drop me an email, Events@pasaz.org to RSVP. Thank you!

You assistance is greatly appreciated!

RSVP today!!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Thursday, October 9, 2008

PVCC Star Party by Telescope Dome - TONIGHT!

Good afternoon,

Please join us at PVCC where we will have several telescopes set up
for your viewing pleasure from 6pm to 10pm, or when ever the crowd leaves.

The forecast for tonight is:
16% cloud cover, that's good
No rain in sight
8mph winds which is ok
and 94 degrees.
It is so nice to be below 100 degrees, finally.

Please enjoy the star party.

The telescope operators for tonight shall be:

Don
Rod
Chet

Please have an awesome viewing session!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Getting Canceled event info via Email

A few folk have been telling me that they don't get their notices from the PAS Digest Blog before the star parties for which the cancel notice has been going out... meaning.... if i canceled a star party now, around 1pm, on the blog, sometimes they do not get the notice until the next day. That isn't good.

When I send out the blog info, i get it within a few minutes of sending it. It comes right into my email. I have noticed that those who say they aren't getting it in a timely manner, are on AOL. I don't know if that has something to do with it or not, but I thought I'd bring it to everyone's attention.

The idea behind the Blog is to get info out right away. So, if i cancel an event on the blog: http://pasaz-digest.blogspot.com I am hoping to reach everyone prior to the event happening.

As some of you know, Rod and I have been working together to try to call a star party On or OFF by 4pm the day of the event. If you are unsure about the skies or the weather (visit Weather Underground and put in your zip code), you can call Rod or Terri for an update, preferably around 4pm. If the skies are clear, and you've visited the event listing in the PAS Calendar on the website and it doesn't say Canceled, then the event will happen. And if you have RSVP'd for the event, you have a better chance of getting word of a canceled event from Terri, as she will first email those who have email, and then call those who do not have an email address listed, to cancel with you. So, this shows you how important it is to RSVP for an event. Especially if it is one that can be canceled due to weather.

PAS can control the events, but not the Weather!

The other place that news gets out to you is the PAS Forums. If an event is canceled, Terri has been putting that notice right into the Calendar, first, and then going to the Forums http://pasaz.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10. The NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS forum is your place for updated info about star party. However, I have noticed that you do not get a notice very quickly with that means of sending out info either. Chris set it to send out every day at 4pm. That's fine if everyone is getting the info. But for those of us who receive the info after leaving for a star party, it is not a good.

One thing I do not like about the NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS sign up option is that it doesn't tell you much about the topic that is available, in the email message you receive. It gives you the title of the topic, which is good if I include CANCELED in the title, but if I don't include that, you'd have to go see what the topic is. So, I'm making a point to include the word CANCELED in the Thread Title so you know ahead of time what the topic holds.

Now, it is my suggestion that instead of relying on email to tell you if an event is canceled, prior to you loading up to leave the house, go to the calendar, check the status. As long as Rod, Don or I can get to the calendar in time, we can cancel the event and get the news out about it.

So, verify each event before attending. I've noticed that Mike doesn't always do this. A simple phone call to Rod or Terri could solve this, if the weather is questionable. If it looks great outside, and it is an outdoor event, then attend. However, if it is an indoor event such as the Meeting of the Minds, or PAS meeting or other such indoor event that weather doesn't interfere with, then I'd check the site prior to attending. Especially if you drive a long ways to get to an event.

Those are just some thoughts I thought I'd share with you since I have been getting input about the Blog not putting the info out to everyone as efficiently as it should. I can't control that. I didn't set up how the blog program works and I don't think I have an option to change the way it notifies everyone. So, we have to go with what we have for the ability to contact everyone quickly about the events.

With monsoons no longer here, it is just the Winter weather we have to contend with. Watch the weather sites, check any forecast that you can find, and verify the events prior to leaving your home to attend. We love
having you attend but really feel bad if you drive someplace only to discover we have canceled that event.

Have a super Wednesday!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Nov 15th Prescott 100 Girl Scout Star Party - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

I only have 1 RSVP for this star party.
Can anyone help Rod do this event?

Prescott Girl Scout Star Party

Your help is requested.
RSVP below.


Current plan:
Arrive 5pm for dinner.
7pm - 10pm star party
Overnight available - accommodations
Breakfast Sunday morning
Gas reimbursement

See info in calendar: http://www.pasaz.org/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=107&day=2008-11-15&c=2

VOLUNTEER TODAY!!!


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

The Great World Wide Star Count

The Great World Wide Star Count
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/starcount
October 20 – November 3, 2008

This Windows to the Universe program is an international citizen-science event that encourages everyone, astronomers and non-astronomers alike, to measure their local light pollution and report their observations online. The Great World Wide Star Count, part of the Dark Skies Awareness cornerstone project for the upcoming International Year of Astronomy, is designed to raise awareness about light pollution as well as encourage learning in astronomy. No prior experience is necessary--all information needed to participate is on the Star Count Web site, along with a downloadable activity guide available in eight languages. All observations will be available online via Google Earth and as downloadable datasets.

In 2007, people from 64 countries contributed more than 6,600 observations to the inaugural Star Count. In order to build momentum in for IYA in 2009, we are hoping to double our participation this year and need your help!

Please help us spread the word to your members, families, friends, and especially any teachers that you may know. Our downloads page also contains a half-page flyer that may be freely printed and distributed.

If you or your organization are interested or would like more information, please contact us at starcount_info@ucar.edu

Clear Skies,

Dennis Ward
Educational Technologist / Astronomer
UCAR Office of Education & Outreach
Boulder, CO
http://www.windows.ucar.edu
http://starcount.org


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Order your YEAR IN SPACE CALENDAR & PAS NAME BADGES today!

Order your PAS Name Badges & 2009 Year In Space Calendar today!
Deadlines are approaching quickly! Don't miss out!

RSVP your YEAR IN SPACE calendar today at
http://www.pasaz.org/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=111&day=2008-11-6&c=1
Deadline 11/6/08

RSVP your PAS Name Badge today at
http://www.pasaz.org/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=110
Deadline 12/4/08
Pricing on Name Badge goes up Jan 2009. Order today!



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Monday, October 6, 2008

ASTEROID 2008 TC3

http://orbit.psi.edu/?q=node/22

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-105942


http://dorigo.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/asteroid-2008-tc3-hits-sudan/

http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=2008%20TC3;orb=1

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=7468

http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00001679/

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1089840/asteroid_2008_tc3_streaks_over_africa.html

http://www.encyclocentral.com/28008-Asteroid_2008_TC3_Spotted_Over_Sudan_Creating_A_Spectacle_As_It_Exploded_Releasing_Light_And_Energy.html




Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Asteroid to hit EARTH tonight!

Space Weather News for Oct. 6, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

ASTEROID 2008 TC3: A small, newly-discovered asteroid named 2008 TC3 is approaching Earth and chances are good that it will hit. Measuring only a few meters across, the space rock poses no threat to people or structures on the ground, but it should create a spectacular fireball, releasing about a kiloton of energy as it disintegrates and explodes in the high atmosphere. At least one expert estimates that atmospheric entry will occur on Oct 7th at 0246 UTC over northern Sudan. Stay tuned to http://spaceweather.com for more information and updates to this developing story.

Sign up for free Space Weather News bulletins:
http://spaceweather.com/services/

---------------------------------------

Rock From Space To Burn Up Over Africa

This is an AstroAlert from Sky & Telescope.

October 6, 2008

A very tiny asteroid, not much more than 10 feet across, will enter Earth's atmosphere over Sudan in Africa tonight, October 6-7, 2008, near 2:46 Greenwich Mean Time. Most likely it will burn up before hitting the ground, but it could produce a spectacular fireball, or bolide, in the night sky equivalent to the explosion of about a kiloton of TNT.

These are the assessments of astronomers Andrea Milani of NEODyS in Italy and Steve Chesley (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). They are concerned that eyewitnesses might misinterpret the event as some type of hostile military action. Says Milani, "The earlier the public worldwide is aware that this is a natural phenomenon, which involves no risk, the better."

The first observatory to capture images of 2008 TC3 (as it's now designated) were Richard Kowalski and colleagues of Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona, about 12 hours ago. Confirming measurements were quickly secured by amateur astronomer James McGaha at Sabino Canyon Observatory near Tucson, and then by Gordon Garrad and others at Australia's Siding Spring Observatory and also Christopher Jacques and E. Pimentel using the Global Rent-a-Scope site in Moorook, near Melbourne.

First to point out that the incoming object was heading right for a collision with Earth's atmosphere was Bill Gray of Project Pluto, in a post earlier today to the Minor Planet Mailing List. Canadian amateur Andrew Lowe has independently calculated the object's point of entry to be over Sudan.

The object's entry might be visible as far north as southern Europe and the Middle East. Its location in the sky, however, is completely dependent on an observer's geographic location. As further details become known, be sure to look at the online version of this AstroAlert at SkyandTelescope.com/AstroAlert for possible updates.




Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, October 3, 2008

Mercury on Oct 6th


Borrowed this from Astronomy Newsletter / Astronomy Magazine

On October 6, Mercury passes between the Sun and Earth in a configuration known as inferior conjunction. That same day, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft flies past the innermost planet for the second time this year. After inferior conjunction, Mercury moves west of the Sun and becomes visible in the morning sky within 10 days. By that time, hundreds of MESSENGER images should have been returned to Earth, many showing regions of the planet never seen before.

On October 16, Mercury lies 8° above the eastern horizon 30 minutes before sunrise and shines brightly at magnitude 0.5. The key to good views of Mercury is its angular distance from the Sun. All else being equal, the greater this distance, the sooner the planet rises before our star (or the later it sets, in the case of evening apparitions).

Mercury reaches greatest elongation October 22, when it stands 18° west of the Sun. This isn't the largest angular distance Mercury can achieve. The planet passed through perihelion, the closest point in its orbital path around the Sun, just 5 days earlier. Nevertheless, Mercury stands 5° high in the east an hour before sunrise October 22 and climbs another 6° in the next 30 minutes. It shines a full magnitude brighter than it did a week before and will be easy to find.

On October 16, a telescope reveals the inner planet's 8"-diameter disk, which appears 27 percent lit. As the planet heads toward greatest western elongation, its disk shrinks and the illumination increases. By the 22nd, the globe appears 7" across and 55 percent sunlit. Mercury lingers through October's final week, when it will be easiest to see as it continues to brighten.

On October 31, Mercury shines at magnitude -0.9. It lies 8° above the eastern horizon 30 minutes before sunrise. It also lies 4° north of Spica, the brightest star in Virgo the Maiden, that morning. Through a telescope, Mercury's disk is then 83 percent illuminated and 6" across.

To find more observable objects in your sky, visit Astronomy.com's sky events calender.



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Thursday, October 2, 2008

North Mountain Park VISITOR CENTER Star Party - Change of Date!!!

Good morning TEAM,

I just realized that somehow Allyson and I got the dates crossed for this star party
and instead of it being on this Saturday it is TOMORROW Friday... Yipes.
If you can still volunteer for Friday, that would be awesome.

Allyson has 35-40 RSVP's,
and we had 5 telescopes ready for Friday night.

The time will be the same... 6pm to 9:30pm but on Friday 10/3.

I didn't realize she had scheduled it different than what we had discussed.
So, please make a note of it. I'll move it in the calendar today,
so look for the info on Friday, tomorrow's date.

With a crowd like we have, I'd like to have more volunteers.
Terri


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Do We Live In a Giant Cosmic Bubble?

Received this link from William

enjoy!

http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/10/01/1421206


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Star Date update on 5 planets

Stargazing Summary
stargazing iconOf the five planets visible to the unaided eye, three are lurking in the shadowy realms of twilight this month. Venus is just climbing into visibility as the “evening star” in the southwest shortly after sunset, while Mars disappears below it. Mercury puts in a meager performance in the morning twilight. Saturn is pulling out of the dawn glow, but is pretty low in the east at first light. Only Jupiter sallies boldly forth, shining in the south at nightfall. Taurus, the bull, is starting to charge into evening skies, while the aquatic constellations that form the celestial sea drift across the south and east.
October Sky Almanac: http://stardate.org/nightsky/almanac
Weekly Stargazing Tips: http://stardate.org/nightsky/weekly.php


SkyTips is a publication of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory Education and Outreach Office, 1 University Station A2100, Austin, TX 78712. Reproduction of SkyTips content is permitted with proper credit given to McDonald Observatory.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Friday, September 26, 2008

Upcoming Events from 9/27 - 12/31 of 2008

Please RSVP in the Calendar section of the PASaz.org website if you plan to attend. Email me for more details or questions.

Upcoming Events from 9/27 - 12/31 of 2008
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!

September

27 Noon - ? Deep Sky Star Party – Cuttin' Edge Observatory Mayer AZ – PAS Members ONLY – RSVP
27 4pm - ? Star Party & Lecture 4 of 4 – Galactic Evolution Cowtrack Ranch in Carefree – RSVP Mike

October
2 7 – 9:30pm PAS Meeting – Jeff Hopkins PVCC Library
4 5 – 9:30pm N. Mt Park Visitor Center Star Party RSVP – In parking lot – Volunteers Needed Snacks & Drinks provided by park department - heavy advertising, 29+ public RSVp'd so far.
8 6 – 9pm Desert Cove Star Party at Christy Cove Park RSVP w/ Rod - Volunteers Needed - 125 5th graders plus a couple boy scout troops in attendance.
9 6 – 10pm PVCC Star Party - RSVP PVCC Campus, G-147 by Telescope Dome - Volunteers Needed - 1st Back to School star party on campus.
15 TBA PAID Star Party – PAS MEMBERS ONLY RSVP 2 Days Prior – Limited Scopes Needed - see details in Private Calendar
17 5pm–9:30pm PAID Star Party – PAS MEMBERS ONLY RSVP 2 Days Prior – No Scope Limit - Volunteers Needed - See details in Private Calendar
23 7:30 – 9:30 PAS Indoor/Outdoor Astronomy Event - RSVP PVCC Campus in Room? by Telescope Dome - Volunteers Needed - Those doing indoor activites need to let me know what they are doing, very soon. RSVP for indoors so far: Chet, Mike & Terri. We need more indoor folk. Outdoor we have Don, Chris, Steve, & Rod.
25 Sundown - ? PAS 3rd Quarter Moon Star Party – RSVP High Desert Park in Black Canyon City
30 7pm - 10pm PAS Meeting of the Minds PVCC G-147 No Children Please

November
1 12pm –10pm Anthem Star Party – RSVP –Volunteers Needed Anthem Community Park, Map on Website - All day event. Plan at this time, divide up. Have a daytime group & an evening group, and maybe a combined group. RSVp which you'd like to help with. Daytime activities, include Solar Viewing, games, prizes. Night time is viewing only.
6 7 – 9:30pm PAS Meeting PVCC Library - Speaker Needed
15 TBA 100 Girl Scout Star Party – PAS Members Only Volunteers needed – No Scope Limit - RSVP - Event: 2 hour drive to location, eat dinner 5pm to 6:30pm provided by scouts, then set up 7pm to 10pm. Gas will be reimbursed.
15 6pm to 10pm Meteor Shower Party RSVP REQUIRED – Paradise Valley Park
16 3pm to 6:30 Bookman's Telescope Workshop – RSVP Bookman's Backroom – Speaker: Mike - Volunteers Needed
20 7pm - 10pm PAS Meeting of the Minds PVCC G-147 No Children Please
29 6pm to 10pm Venus & Jupiter Star Party RSVP REQUIRED – Paradise Valley Park - Volunteers Needed
29 Noon - ? Deep Sky Star Party – Cuttin' Edge Observatory Mayer AZ – PAS Members ONLY – RSVP

December
4 7 – 9:30pm PAS Meeting – David Williams PVCC Library
12 6pm to 10pm Full Moon Star Party – Moon Treasure Hunt Paradise Valley Park - RSVP REQUIRED - Volunteers Needed
13
6 – 10pm Meteor Shower Party RSVP REQUIRED – Paradise Valley Park - Volunteers Needed
18 7pm - 10pm PAS Meeting of the Minds PVCC G-147 No Children Please
20 Sundown - ? PAS 3rd Quarter Moon Star Party – RSVP High Desert Park in Black Canyon City
27 Noon - ? Deep Sky Star Party – Cuttin' Edge Observatory Mayer AZ – PAS Members ONLY – RSVP
31 6pm to 10pm Lunar Eclipse Party Paradise Valley Park - RSVP REQUIRED - Volunteers Needed

Note: Star Parties held at PV Park happen only if we have a public RSVP. No public RSVP's cancels these star parties.


Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Helping a friend SELL a telescope & BUY a telescope

Reply to Kevin directly if interested:

Ok well I have another scope that has come up for sale and its here in the
Valley. The scope is a amazing 15" Obsession truss dobsonian. the owner is
the second owner.

It includes: Includes shroud, Telrad, aperture mask, UTA baffle, cooling
fan
, wheelbarrow handles. No electronics. Mirrors are virtually pristine

The price is $3200, owner is looking for an 11" Cassegrain here in the
Valley. Let me know if you or anyone is interested in this scope and we will
work the deal. Me cell is 602-999-3731
--
Kevin LeGore
Desert Fire Astronomy
www.freewebs.com/skywardeyes



Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Mike's QUANTUM SPRING THEORY - Sat 9/27

QUANTUM SPRING THEORY

No, that isn't a typo. This is the title of Mike's presentation for tomorrow, up in Carefree, at his home.

The plan at this time is:

4pm start gathering at Mike's home.
5pm dinner - could be at his home, order pizza
could be at Bad Donkey. I suggest if you are attending dinner,
around 4pm give Mike a call to find out where we will be.
6:30 - 7pm set up for presentation and possibly start.
Looks like the weather will be good, so plan to bring your telescope.
Mike's home is dark and wonderful for star gazing.

We will see you there!
If something changes to make this Lecture not happen, watch the Digest or Calendar in the PAS website for news about it.




Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society

Hoofing it across the ditch


Borrowed from Astronomy Magazine Newsletter 9/26 received by Email

Aries the Ram certainly never stepped on the Moon, but it's fun to imagine that it left a large hoofprint on the lunar surface. By the evening of October 6, the Sun has risen over the fascinating Hyginus, Triesnecker, and Ariadaeus rille complexes. Yet, one thing that catches the eye in this area just north of the lunar equator is the delightful "Aries' hoofprint" feature. The combination of brightly lit mountains and two deep channels of dark lava creates this striking play of light and shade.

It's easy to understand why lunar maps don't label this feature -- physically, it's a jumble of mountains left over from the giant Imbrium impact, with a channel of large, dark plains on either side.

Lunar scientists focus with good reason on the fascinating Hyginus Rille because it almost surely formed from volcanic activity long ago. But at low power with the whole lunar disk in view, the Aries' hoofprint stands out.

Hyginus Crater is a huge collapse pit, the biggest in a chain of smaller pits that sculpt the edges of a long-ago lava channel. The crater spans 6.6 miles and has walls more than 2,000 feet high. It stands out nicely as the Sun rises because one wall lies in bright sunlight while the other remains in shadow.

Within just 24 hours, the Aries' hoofprint and the Hyginus Rille become mere echoes of their sunrise magnificence. By October 8, they'll have gone into hiding under the Sun's increasing glare.

To find more observable objects in your sky, visit Astronomy.com's sky events calender here.

Use Astronomy.com's exclusive interactive StarDome to find other observing targets visible in your sky. Magazine subscribers enjoy additional features with StarDome Plus.





Terri, Events Coordinator
Email: Events@PASAz.org
Phoenix Astronomical Society