Berliner Hall Room 117 Building 62, California Ave. THE ... · Manhattanhenge, an event during...

THE AMATEUR OBSERVERS' SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

The Amateur Observers' Society459 Little East Neck Rd., West Babylon, NY 11704-6520(Fax) 360-248-3129

AOS Monthly MeetingHofstra University Berliner Hall, Rm 117, Bldg 62, California Ave, Hempstead, NYIn case of inclement weather, or other unusual situation, please call Hofstra at (516) 463-7669

The Celestial Observer is the the Official Newsletter of the Amateur Observers’ Society of NY, Inc. A 501(c)3 organization.

Visit us at www.aosny.org and join us on Facebook.The AOS expresses its deepest appreciation to Hofstra University for hosting our meetings, the Custer Institute, NYS Parks Dept and National Park Service for hosting our Observatories, and the Sierra Club Long Island Group for the 20" telescope.

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

May Meeting SummaryAOS AwardsPut Your Name on MarsUpcoming Outreach

www.aosny.org OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER June 2019

A M A T E U R O B S E R V E R S ’ S O C I E T Y O F N E W Y O R K

CONTINUED INSIDE…

NEXT MEETING: Sunday June 2nd, 1:15PM at Hofstra University, Hempstead NY Berliner Hall Room 117 Building 62, California Ave.

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEBy Sue Rose

Thanks very much to John Pazmino for his historical review of how NYC was designed and built with the unintended consequences of creating Manhattanhenge, the alignment of NYC streets with the setting Sun twice each year. This year the dates for the full Sun are May 30 and July 12. The half Sun apparitions are May 29 and July 11. BTW, Manhattanhenge has now been included in the dictionary.For our June meeting, Jericho HS Senior Jiaxuan (Crystal) Hu will discuss “High Precision Doppler Detections of Nearby Earthlike Planets Assisted by a Double Scrambler”, for which she was named a Regeneron Scholar semifinalist, formerly the Intel Science Talent Search. There are many extra solar planets being discovered, but not so many of the Earthlike variety so it will be interesting to hear how these discoveries are made and maybe where other life forms may be discovered.It was my pleasure to distribute many awards to our members

during the May meeting for their support of AOS activities during 2018. There are still many to go. See the full listing elsewhere.Unfortunately, our record of public observing cancellations has not been broken for this year yet. The weather has been terrible. Let’s hope that it doesn’t

continue for our public, or member, observing nights for much longer. With the Sun steadily rising, increasing the hours of daylight and decreasing our ability to

observe during reasonable hours, we don’t have much time available. Even the Sun hasn’t cooperated, observing wise, with so few sunspots to see. Fingers crossed for upcoming dates. Check the calendar for planned events.

OBSERVATORIESFor public night volunteers, please contact Linda P.AOS Observatory at Custer UpdateOpen most clear Sat. nights for the public. If you’d like to help, or make arrangement to observe, contact Bill C.

Earthrise by Johnny M

Celestial Observer June 2019

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AOS Observatory at the Nature Center at Jones BeachPublic programs are June 14, July 6, Aug 9 & 23. The next member nights are May 31, July 6 & 26, Aug 23. Don’t forget your member card and special AOS member permit from the io files section. If you’d like to help, contact George S.AOS Observatory at Sagamore HillNext scheduled public nights are June 7, July 20, Aug 30. Member nights are June 7, July 5, 20 & 27, Aug 30. If you’d like to help, contact Joe S."Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground."

—Theodore RooseveltFriends are like stars.

You don't always see them,but you know they are

always there!

MAY MEETING SUMMARYMinutes are available on request but will no longer be posted to save paper. Long time AOSer Margo C passed away. Observing ReportsCraig S saw Falcon rocket launches at Cape Canaveral, Fl. Bart F and Linda did the public outreach for a Catholic school at Central Park. Linda did a star party for a science club at a Uniondale school. Linda did the City of Stars tour, May 4th 16 astronomical sites in Manhattan, walked 7mi. Johnny M showed his own painting of Earthrise. Sue reviewed dates

and procedures for public and member observing events. During member nights at both observatories, we will work on observing programs as a group. NYSP StarGazing permit not for sale till Labor Day. Astronomy Day—great success. Thank you all, especially Joe S. Astronomy DVD Courses available. Contact Sue. Summer picnic at Carol K’s house – date TBD. Sue reviewed recent astronomical and upcoming events. May is our annual meeting for awards. AOS Certificates of Appreciation Outreach and nonoutreach. Those present to receive were: Bart F, Andy G, Chris and Chris Jr H, Carol K, John K, Chris K, Wendy L, Tom L, Ann M, John Jr M, Mike M, Vadim P, Joe S, Bill S, David T, and Gene Z. Top Gun Certificates- Outreach and nonoutreach Activities given to Jason C, Bill C, Linda P, Nancy R and Sue R. Certificates of Appreciation with pin from Night Sky Network given to Jason C, Bill C, Bart F, Andy G, Carol K, Tom L, Mike M, Linda P, Nancy R, Sue R, Joe S and David T. ElectionAll incumbents reelected. Nancy R will replace George S. Guest Speaker Astronomer: John P, an engineer for the US DoE, in NYC by day, and premier member of the astronomical community by night. He used his expertise in both during investigations to chronicle and interpret utility blackouts and major disruptions

due to electromagnetic disturbances and to advise and consult for solar geomagnetic effects. Member of AAVSO, Cofounder of NYSkies Astronomy Inc and active in most metro area astronomy clubs as officer and newsletter ed. An avid eclipse and comet chaser, he enthusiastically involves the public during public observing programs in many locations. He has worked with the GLOBE at Night organization to improve assessment methods and effects of luminous graffiti and advocates for JPL's Night Sky Network for the greater public reception of astronomy. His historical knowledge of NYC is encyclopedic, and he has worked closely with AOS Activities Director, Linda P, in planning the many City of Stars tours. Pazmino’s Star Cluster in Camelopardalis was discovered during an observing session in 1977. John’s subject was Manhattanhenge, an event during which the setting sun is aligned with the EW main street grid of Manhattan, occurring twice a year, evenly spaced from the summer solstice, around May 28 July 12. Other esoteric and encyclopedic points covered by John were: this phenomenon also seen on streets, roads, railroad tracks, and other signature structures, term now included in Oxford English dictionary, included a comprehensive historical


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development of NYC after British were kicked out. Around 1810, relying on biblical accounts of known world at that time, age of Earth assumed around 6,000 years; so plans for NYC were made for expansion for roughly another ¼ of 6,000 years or 1,500 years. Use www.photoephemeris.com for help in planning outdoor photography shoots .

LOCAL ASTRONOMY INFORMATION SHARING

Meetup is a web location wherein you can input limited information about yourself and find groups of likeminded, event seeking individuals Here is our chance to share info with those who are not members. It’s not a chat room. There are no membership fees.

Safe web browsing is important so there’s no sharing of vital information. We value our friends and only want to keep people informed of

interesting astronomy activities. Meetup group will be a positive calendar place for our events and for new quizzical people it's a place for them to come. We welcome new people and help them look up, enjoy, slow down and wonder in amazement. Sign up at http://meetu.ps/c/48GBS/8MJzH/d

GOAL ORIENTED OBSERVINGHave you ever wanted to start and complete more of the Astronomical League’s observing programs but just didn’t know how? Mike Hotka’s new book, Exploring Amateur Astronomy – Goal Oriented Observing, will not only help you start more observing programs, but will also share an observing methodology

to help you get more out of your observing sessions. Mike is a Platinum Master Observer and has completed all but three of the currently existing observing programs. In his book, he shares tips and tricks he learned throughout the years of how to overcome some of these program’s learning curves, so that you can start recording observations sooner. He wrote this book because of his love of astronomy and his desire to share his knowledge of observing celestial objects with others.

PUT YOUR NAME ON MARSWant to send your name to Mars on NASA’s next rover mission in 2020? You’ll get your name etched on a microchip affixed to the rover – and a souvenir boarding pass.From now until September 30, you can add your name to the list (and obtain a souvenir boarding pass to Mars) here.

FOR SALEMeade 8” SchmidtCassegrain telescope with GPS alignment, automatic tracking of celestial objects and a library of 125,000 objects in the Autostar database. Only used this about a dozen times since purchased new about 12 years ago. The finder scope is 8 x 50mm. Has a full set of eyepieces, including 6.4mm, 9.7mm, 12.4mm, 15mm, 20mm, 26mm, 32mm and 40mm, as well as a set of 5 eyepiece filters. Includes carry bag. Asking $1,350. Contact Rich via his email: [email protected]

If you can observe only one celestial eventthis month, see this one: Mercury

MarsView through 10x50 binoculars

forty minutes after sunset

Jun 15

Jun 17

Jun 19

The solar system's two smallest planets have a meet up in mid June in the bright evening twilight. First, look in the west-northwest 40 minutes after sunset beginning on June 4. The thin crescent moon will be just a few degrees above the horizon with Mercury to its right. Use binoculars to spot both. Place moon on the far left side of the field, and Mercury should lie at the far right side or just beyond.

Over the next two weeks Mercury climbs higher while dimming all the while. On the evening of June 17, the smallest planet lies next to the next smallest, Mars. Binoculars will likely be needed to pick them out of the bright twilight. The following evening finds the brighter Mercury just above the tougher–to–see Mars.

After June 22, Mercury, Mars, Castor, and Pollux will be too difficult to spot in binoculars as they all drop closer to the horizon.

Mercury Me r c u r y a p p e a r s about "1 fist width on a fully extended arm" above the true west-north western horizon forty minutes after sunset on June 17.

WNW

Pollux & Castor drop a little lower

each evening

Pollux Castor

MercuryMars

True horizon Ecliptic

Moon6/04

6/05

6/04

6/17

6/18

Mercury, Mars, Pollux, and Castor forty minutes after sunset in the west-northwest

Mercury meets Mars in the evening twilight

The Sun, with all those planetsrevolving around itand dependent on it,can still ripen a bunch of grapesas if it had nothing else in the universe to do.

—Galileo Galilei (1564 –1642)


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Important State Park Info: Always tell someone where you will be when stargazing. Permits are required to observe after dusk at the state parks. The police come around to check and either ticket those without permits who will not leave. PLEASE add their number, (631) 6692500, to your mobile phone's speed dial before you go. If nonastronomy related vehicles show up, you should let the police know. It’s also a good idea to put a note on the hotline and let others know you’re going there so you might get some company. Advise the police ahead of time that you will be there observing. The $35 yearly permits expire December 31st, are available for purchase from Jan 1Mar 31 and Labor DayDec 31 and valid at 6 State Parks. Obtain permits at offices in Belmont Lake State Park, Jones Beach, Montauk Downs, Sunken Meadow, Robert Moses, Wildwood, or by mail to NYS Parks Dept, Belmont Lake State Park, Babylon, NY 11702. See their site for complete info.

Jones Beach Nature CenterPermit requiredAOS Membership Card requiredAdvanced notice required

Sagamore Hill National Historic SiteAOS Membership Card requiredAdvanced notice required

Susan F. Rose Observatory at Custer ObservatoryAOS Membership Card not requiredAdvanced notice not required

IMPORTANT MEMBERS-ONLY OBSERVING SESSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR AOS OBSERVATORIES

Moon June 7

For observers in the middle northern latitudes, this chart is suitable for early June at 11:30 p.m. or late June near 10:30 p.m.

The Ecliptic representsthe plane of the solar system. The sun, the moon, and the major planets all lie on or near this imaginary line in the sky. Relative size of the full moon.

The stars plotted represent those which can be seen from areas suffering

from moderate light pollution. In larger cities, less than

100 stars are visible, while from dark,rural areas well

over ten times that amount

are found.

Navigating the June night sky: Simply start with what you know or with what you can easily find.1234

6

5

Pointer Sta

rs to the N

orth Sta

r

M13

M8

The Sickle

South

North

EastWest

Zenith

Spica

DenebolaArcturus

Vega

Deneb

Altair

Polaris, the North Star

Moon June 6

Leo

Corvus

Cygnus

Cassiopeia

Cepheus

Aquila

1

2

3 A

B

D

C

B

3 4

5

6

Astronomical League www.astroleague.org/outreach; duplication is allowed and encouraged for all free distribution.

Relative sizes and distances in the sky can

be deceiving. For instance, 360 "full

moons" can be placed side by side, extending from

horizon to horizon.

Navigating the June Night Sky

Binocular HighlightsA: Between Denebola and the tip of the Big Dipper's handle, lie the stars of the Coma Berenices Star Cluster.B: Between the bright stars of Antares and Altair, hides an area containing many star clusters and nebulae.C: 40% of the way between Altair and Vega, twinkles the "Coathanger," a group of stars outlining a coathanger.D. Sweep along the Milky Way for an astounding number of faint glows and dark bays.

Regulus

Antares

Zubenelgenubi – nice

binocular double star

Mizar/Alcor – nice binocular double star

Omega Scorpii – nice

binocular double star

+

Spring Triangle

Pollux

Jupiter

Saturn

Castor

Milk

y Way

The Keystone of Hercules

The Northern

Crown

Numerous star clusters and nebulae

Coma Berenices

Star Cluster

Extend a line north from the two stars at the tip of the Big Dipper's bowl. It passes by Polaris, the North Star.Draw another line in the opposite direction. It strikes the constellation Leo high in the west.Follow the arc of the Dipper's handle. It first intersects Arcturus, the brightest star in the June evening sky, then Spica. Arcturus, Spica, and Denebola form the Spring Triangle, a large equilateral triangle.To the northeast of Arcturus shines another star of the same brightness, Vega. Draw a line from Arcturus to Vega. It first meets "The Northern Crown," then the "Keystone of Hercules." A dark sky is needed to see these two dim stellar configurations.High in the east are the three bright stars of the Summer Triangle: Vega, Altair, and Deneb.

The SummerTriangle

Scorpius

CoathangerCluster


5 6

Life on Earth… Date Time Event Location

1 Sunset Observing Robert Moses State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park

2 1:15 pm Club Meeting Room 117, Berliner Hall, Hofstra University, California Ave.

7 8 pm Observing and public program at Sagamore Hill

Observing: Robert Moses State Park, Sunken Meadow State ParkSagamore Hill National Historic Site

7 8-10 pm Tom Lynch Sidewalk Astronomy Atlantic Ave. walk-thru parking lot, Lynbrook

8 8 am–Noon East Meadow Pride DaySolar Observations Speno Park, East Meadow Ave., East Meadow

8 8–10 pm Tom Lynch Sidewalk Astronomy Atlantic Ave. walk-thru parking lot, Lynbrook


13 7–9 pm Tom Lynch Library Telescope Program Syosset Public Library

14 8 pm Public program at JBNCO Jones Beach Nature Center Observatory



JUNE


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Life on Earth… Date Time Event Location

5 Sunset Observing Observing: Robert Moses State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park

6 8 pm Observing and public program at JBNCO

Observing: Robert Moses State Park, Sunken Meadow State ParkPublic program at JBNCO

8 7–9 pm Tom Lynch Library Telescope Program Rockville Centre Public Library

9 7–9 pm Tom Lynch Library Telescope Program Wantagh Public Library

10 8 pm Tom Lynch Scout Astronomy Program VFW, Franklin Square



20 8:30 pm Public program at Sagamore Hill Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

21 Time TBA MAUS event Volunteers needed

Harry Chapin Theater, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow (parking lot 6)


27 Sunset Observing Observing: Robert Moses State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park

JULY


7

2019 AOS Awards

AOSPicturePage


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What’s Up, Doc? †

June, 2019Dr. Aaron B. Clevenson, Director, Insperity Observatory in Humble ISD

This document tells you what objects are visible this next month for many of the Astronomical League Clubs. If you are working on one of the more advanced clubs, then I assume that you are tracking where your objects are all the time. I have concentrated on the common and starter level clubs. This information is based on 9 PM.

Naked-Eye ClubsMeteors – any night, any time, anywhere, the darker the sky the better.

Shower Duration Maximum TypeJune Lyrids 6/10 to 6/21 6/15 & 6/16 ModerateJune Aquilids 6/2 to 7/2 6/16 & 6/17 minorJune Bootids 6/22 to 7/2 6/27 minorCorvids 6/25 to 7/3 6/27 & 6/28 minorTau Herculids 5/19 to 6/19 6/9 & 6/10 minorOphiuchids 5/19 to 7/2 6/20 & 6/21 minorTheta Ophiuchids 5/21 to 6/16 6/10 & 6/11 minorSagittarids 6/10 to 6/16 6/10 & 6/11 minorPhi Sagittarids 6/1 to 7/15 6/18 & 6/19 minorChi Scorpiids 5/6 to 7/2 5/28 & 6/5 minorOmega Scorpiids 5/19 to 7/11 6/3 to 6/6 minorJune Scutids 6/2 to 7/29 6/27 & 6/28 minorArietids 4/14 to 6/24 6/7 DAYLIGHTZeta Perseids 5/20 to 7/5 6/13 & 6/24 DAYLIGHTVeta Taurids 6/5 to 7/18 6/29 & 6/30 DAYLIGHT

Constellations, Northern Skies – any night, any time, anywhere, the darker the sky the better.Last Chance this cycle: Lynx, Canis Minor, Cancer, Hydra, Antlia.Transit Ursa Major, Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices, Virgo, Corvus.New arrivals: Draco, Lyra, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Serpens, :upus.

Binocular ClubsBinocular Messier – Monthly highlights include:

Easy – 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13, 44, 67, 92.Medium – 15, 19, 40, 49, 53, 63, 64, 80, 81, 82, 83, 94.Hard – 9, 51, 56, 65, 66, 68, 97, 101, 104, 106.Big Binoculars – 58, 59, 60, 61, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 95, 96, 99, 100, 102, 105, 107, 108, 109.

Deep Sky Binocular – Monthly highlights include (by Astronomical League numbers):5, 34, 38, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 50, 56.

Other ClubsMessier

In addition to those listed under Binocular Messier, check out: 57, 91, 98.Caldwell

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 45, 48, 52, 53, 59, 60, 61, 66, 77, 80, 83.

Double Star (by Astronomical League numbers):1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43,

44, 45, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 74, 86, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 100.

RECENT OUTREACH ACTIVITIESAstronomy Day on May 24th at the Cradle of Aviation Museum was a great success! There were solar and radio observing, handson workshops, StarLab planetarium shows, indoor displays of telescopes and other materials, and the allday manned AOS table. Member participants included Mike & Elizabeth B, Dan A, Bill B, Vito C, Bill C, Robert D, Bart F, Dan H, John K, Phil K, Mike K, Tom L, Pat L, Ann M, Vadim P, Anthony P, Linda P, Sue R, George S, Genie S, Joe S, and Gene Z.Bill C operated the Susan Rose Observatory at Custer on Saturday, April 27th. After solving some technical problems, he showed 3 visitors the multiple star Castor through the 14inch SCT.

UPCOMING EVENTSAAA, Amateur Astronomers Association Visit www.aaa.org for calendar of upcoming events.

Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) Monthly adult & family astronomy program. 7:30pm; $10 members/ $16 nonmem. Entrance at 22806 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, NY www.alleypond.com

Custer Institute & Observatory Stargazing every clear Saturday evening, 7pm–midnight. Call (631)7652626 or visit www. custerobservatory.org

NYSkies Seminars 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 6:309pm, McBurney Hall, 125 W 14th St, 6/7 Ave, New York City Visit www.nyskies.org/seminar. htm

Stellafane Convention August 1–4, 2019. Visit www.stellafane.org.

OBSERVATORY LECTUREOn or about July 20: Apollo 50 CelebrationProf. Timothy Glotch from Stony Brook University will present "The Scientific Legacy of Apollo." We also plan to have a panel discussion by retired Grumman LEM engineers, and possibly a screening of the new Apollo 11 documentary by Todd Miller. Stay tuned for updates. Thurs., Aug22, 7 PM (observing after the talk) "Voyager 2 and Neptune: Their 30th Anniversary" by William Francis Taylor, NASA Solar System Ambassador, Jermain Library, Sag Harbor.

COUNTDOWN TO APOLLO 50 AT CRADLE OF AVIATION

Program Highlights:Anniversary Dinner with Apollo Astronauts June 6Apollo Moon Fest July 20, 9:30 am 5:00 pmApollo at 50 Countdown Celebration July 20, 7:0011:00 pmExhibit Space: A Journey to Our Future through August 2019Live Astronomy Shows for all ages in our Full Dome PlanetariumApollo 11 First Steps IMAX® Film (opens May 21)STEM Summer CampsVisit their homepage here for full details.

Safety First: For those who are attending to scopes, either your own or one of the AOS’, it is very important that you be concerned with safety, both of equipment and visitors. A child damaging an eye is something we don’t want to have happen. Under NO circumstances should you allow anyone to stand on tiptoes or lift a child to place their eye on the eyepiece. If a stepladder with a handle is not available, make your apologies. Please also insist that the child hold onto the ladder, not the telescope, and that the accompany ing adult steady the child on any ladder. ALSO ENSURE that scopes and ladders are not left unattended. Children jump at the chance to climb ladders. The taking of photos through eyepieces with handheld cameras for any open Newtonian scopes at the AOSOJB is prohibited; for fear that a dropped camera will damage the primary mirror. On other scopes, let the camera owner be responsible for the photo at your discretion. We want everyone to have a good experience and be safe. Remember: for them, for you and for Chris.


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What’s Up, Doc? † June, 2019

Dr. Aaron B. Clevenson, Director, Insperity Observatory in Humble ISD


Naked-Eye Clubs Meteors – any night, any time, anywhere, the darker the sky the better.

Shower Duration Maximum Type June Lyrids 6/10 to 6/21 6/15 & 6/16 Moderate June Aquilids 6/2 to 7/2 6/16 & 6/17 minor June Bootids 6/22 to 7/2 6/27 minor Corvids 6/25 to 7/3 6/27 & 6/28 minor Tau Herculids 5/19 to 6/19 6/9 & 6/10 minor Ophiuchids 5/19 to 7/2 6/20 & 6/21 minor Theta Ophiuchids 5/21 to 6/16 6/10 & 6/11 minor Sagittarids 6/10 to 6/16 6/10 & 6/11 minor Phi Sagittarids 6/1 to 7/15 6/18 & 6/19 minor Chi Scorpiids 5/6 to 7/2 5/28 & 6/5 minor Omega Scorpiids 5/19 to 7/11 6/3 to 6/6 minor June Scutids 6/2 to 7/29 6/27 & 6/28 minor Arietids 4/14 to 6/24 6/7 DAYLIGHT Zeta Perseids 5/20 to 7/5 6/13 & 6/24 DAYLIGHT Veta Taurids 6/5 to 7/18 6/29 & 6/30 DAYLIGHT

Constellations, Northern Skies – any night, any time, anywhere, the darker the sky the better. Last Chance this cycle: Lynx, Canis Minor, Cancer, Hydra, Antlia. Transit Ursa Major, Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices, Virgo, Corvus. New arrivals: Draco, Lyra, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Serpens, :upus.

Binocular Clubs Binocular Messier – Monthly highlights include:

Easy – 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 13, 44, 67, 92. Medium – 15, 19, 40, 49, 53, 63, 64, 80, 81, 82, 83, 94. Hard – 9, 51, 56, 65, 66, 68, 97, 101, 104, 106. Big Binoculars – 58, 59, 60, 61, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 95, 96, 99, 100, 102, 105, 107, 108, 109.

Deep Sky Binocular – Monthly highlights include (by Astronomical League numbers): 5, 34, 38, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 50, 56.

Other Clubs Messier

In addition to those listed under Binocular Messier, check out: 57, 91, 98. Caldwell

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 45, 48, 52, 53, 59, 60, 61, 66, 77, 80, 83.

Double Star (by Astronomical League numbers): 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43,

44, 45, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 74, 86, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 100.

Other Clubs (of the Solar System)

Solar System – These are the tasks that can be done this month: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are morning “stars” this month. Sun – Any clear day is a good time to get those sunspots, if there are any to be seen. Sunset 2119 mid-month. Moon:

The Maria requirement can be done any time the moon is visible. Look before 6/25 or after 6/10 for the fullest views.

The Highlands requirement can be done at the same time. The Crater Ages requirement is best done on 6/9, or 6/10. The Scarps requirement is best done on 6/11. Occultations occur all the time, the bright ones can be found on the internet. Objects disappear

on the East side of the moon. Asteroids – Course Plotting and Measuring Movement requirements can be done at any time on any

asteroid. See above to identify the bright ones this month. Mercury is in Gemini and sets at 2258 mid-month. Mars is in Gemini and sets by 2300 mid-month. Ceres is in Scorpius and is in the sky all evening mid-month. Jupiter is in Ophiuchus and rises at 2040 mid-month..

Lunar Key timings are indicated below: New, 6/3 4 days, 6/7 7 days, 6/10 10 days, 6/13 14 days, 6/17 Old moon in new moons arms – before 0602 on 6/6, ~10 % illuminated. (72 hr > New) New moon in old moons arms – after 1516 on 6/29, ~10 % illuminated. (72 hr < New) Waxing Crescent – before 2202 on 6/4, ~4 % illuminated. (40 hr > New) Waning Crescent – after 0602 on 6/1 or 1516 on 6/30, ~4 % illuminated. (48 hr < New)

The Astronomical League Observing Programs: Analemma ARP Peculiar Galaxies Asterisms Asteroids Binocular Double Star Binocular Messier Caldwell Carbon Star Comets Constellation Hunter – North Constellation Hunter – South Dark Nebulae Dark Sky Advocate Deep Sky Binocular Double Star Earth Orbiting Satellite Flat Galaxy Galaxy Groups & Clusters Galileo Globular Clusters Herschel 400 Herschel II Local Galaxy Group & Neighborhood Mars Lunar Lunar II Master Observer Messier Meteor NEO Open Clusters Outreach Planetary Nebulae Planetary Transit Solar System Observers Sky Puppy Southern Skies Binocular Southern Skies Telescope Sunspotters Stellar Evolution Universe Sampler Urban Variable Star Planetary Transit

* - Although these clubs are not detailed in this “What’s Up Doc?” handout, you can get information on many of their objects by

using the “What’s Up Tonight, Doc?” spreadsheet (version 4.1). To get your copy, talk to the Doc, Aaron Clevenson, by sending an email to [email protected]. It is also available on the club website.

† - “What’s Up Doc?” is used with permission from Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. © 2019 Aaron B. Clevenson. All international rights reserved. This work may be copied and distributed as is, without modification,

free of charge for educational purposes only. Insperity Observatory, 2505 S. Houston Avenue, Humble, TX: www.humbleisd.net/observatory


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Other Clubs Messier


1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 45, 48, 52, 53, 59, 60, 61, 66, 77, 80, 83.


44, 45, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 74, 86, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 100.










Other Clubs Messier


1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 45, 48, 52, 53, 59, 60, 61, 66, 77, 80, 83.


44, 45, 48, 50, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 74, 86, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 100.

Other Clubs (of the Solar System)

Solar System – These are the tasks that can be done this month: Venus, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are morning “stars” this month. Sun – Any clear day is a good time to get those sunspots, if there are any to be seen. Sunset 2119 mid-month. Moon:

The Maria requirement can be done any time the moon is visible. Look before 6/25 or after 6/10 for the fullest views.

The Highlands requirement can be done at the same time. The Crater Ages requirement is best done on 6/9, or 6/10. The Scarps requirement is best done on 6/11. Occultations occur all the time, the bright ones can be found on the internet. Objects disappear

on the East side of the moon. Asteroids – Course Plotting and Measuring Movement requirements can be done at any time on any

asteroid. See above to identify the bright ones this month. Mercury is in Gemini and sets at 2258 mid-month. Mars is in Gemini and sets by 2300 mid-month. Ceres is in Scorpius and is in the sky all evening mid-month. Jupiter is in Ophiuchus and rises at 2040 mid-month..

Lunar Key timings are indicated below: New, 6/3 4 days, 6/7 7 days, 6/10 10 days, 6/13 14 days, 6/17 Old moon in new moons arms – before 0602 on 6/6, ~10 % illuminated. (72 hr > New) New moon in old moons arms – after 1516 on 6/29, ~10 % illuminated. (72 hr < New) Waxing Crescent – before 2202 on 6/4, ~4 % illuminated. (40 hr > New) Waning Crescent – after 0602 on 6/1 or 1516 on 6/30, ~4 % illuminated. (48 hr < New)

The Astronomical League Observing Programs: Analemma ARP Peculiar Galaxies Asterisms Asteroids Binocular Double Star Binocular Messier Caldwell Carbon Star Comets Constellation Hunter – North Constellation Hunter – South Dark Nebulae Dark Sky Advocate Deep Sky Binocular Double Star Earth Orbiting Satellite Flat Galaxy Galaxy Groups & Clusters Galileo Globular Clusters Herschel 400 Herschel II Local Galaxy Group & Neighborhood Mars Lunar Lunar II Master Observer Messier Meteor NEO Open Clusters Outreach Planetary Nebulae Planetary Transit Solar System Observers Sky Puppy Southern Skies Binocular Southern Skies Telescope Sunspotters Stellar Evolution Universe Sampler Urban Variable Star Planetary Transit

* - Although these clubs are not detailed in this “What’s Up Doc?” handout, you can get information on many of their objects by

using the “What’s Up Tonight, Doc?” spreadsheet (version 4.1). To get your copy, talk to the Doc, Aaron Clevenson, by sending an email to [email protected]. It is also available on the club website.

† - “What’s Up Doc?” is used with permission from Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. © 2019 Aaron B. Clevenson. All international rights reserved. This work may be copied and distributed as is, without modification,

free of charge for educational purposes only. Insperity Observatory, 2505 S. Houston Avenue, Humble, TX: www.humbleisd.net/observatory


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Jupiter Shines in JuneBy David Prosper

Jupiter stakes its claim as the king of the planets in June, shining bright all night. Saturn trails behind Jupiter, and the Moon passes by both planets midmonth. Mercury puts on its best evening appearance in 2019 late in the month, outshining nearby Mars at sunset.Jupiter is visible almost the entire evening this month. Earth will be between Jupiter and the Sun on June 10, meaning Jupiter is at opposition. On that date, Jupiter rises in the east as the Sun sets in the west, remaining visible the entire night. Jupiter will be one of the brightest objects in the night sky, shining at magnitude 2.6. Its four largest moons and cloud bands are easily spotted with even a small telescope.What if your sky is cloudy or you don’t have a telescope? See far more of Jupiter than we can observe from Earth with NASA’s Juno mission! Juno has been

orbiting Jupiter since 2016, swooping mere thousands of miles above its cloud tops in its extremely elliptical polar orbits,

which take the probe over 5 million miles away at its furthest point! These extreme orbits minimize Juno’s exposure to Jupiter’s powerful radiation as it studies the gas giant’s internal structure,

especially its intense magnetic fields. Juno’s hardy JunoCam instrument takes incredible photos of Jupiter’s raging storms during its flybys. All of the images are available to the public, and citizen scientists are doing amazing things with them. You can too! Find out more at bit.ly/JunoCamSaturn rises about two hours after Jupiter and is visible before midnight. The ringed planet rises earlier each evening as its own opposition approaches in July.

The Moon appears near both gas giants midmonth. The Moon’s tour begins on June 16 as it approaches Jupiter, and its visit ends on June 19 after swinging past Saturn.Mercury is back in evening skies and will be highest after sunset on June 23, just two days after the summer solstice! Spot it low in the western horizon, close to the much dimmer and redder Mars. This is your best chance this year to spot Mercury in the evening, and nearly your last chance to see Mars, too! The two smallest planets of our solar system pass close to each other the evenings of June 1718, coming within just ¼ degree, or half the width of a full Moon, making for a potentially great landscape photo at twilight.

Image: A giant storm in Jupiter’s north polar region, captured by JunoCam on February 4, 2019. Image processing performed by citizen scientists Gerald Eichstädt and Seán Doran.Source: bit.ly/JupiterSpiralDiscover more about NASA’s current and future missions at nasa.gov

Find more observing projects at www.theskyscrapers.org/june

& OBSERVING PROJECTSIn the sky


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An interesting, though wildly speculative, new paper suggests that humans might walk upright today because of the explosive deaths of nearby stars millions of years ago.Here's the idea. There's evidence

that Earth has been blasted by supernova explosions many times in the past. For example, there's a layer of iron found in ocean sediments that's believed to have been deposited when neighboring stars exploded several million years ago, showering our planet with iron and other atoms created in the stars' interiors.Here's the speculative part. The paper's authors suggest that cosmic rays energetic atomic fragments created by a series of nearby supernovae might have altered Earth's atmosphere when they slammed into it. This in turn could have caused the atmosphere to become more conductive of electricity, which might have lead to more frequent lightning. All this

DO WE WALK UPRIGHT BECAUSE OF ANCIENT STELLAR EXPLOSIONS?Dr. Michael West

lightning might have sparked wildfires around the world, burning much of the original African forest and creating the savannah environment that's believed to have contributed to the evolutionary advantage that

bipedalism offered our early human ancestors.That's a lot of "mights," "maybes," and "ifs." But it's a novel theory that's founded on various pieces of evidence, some stronger than others. The author's themselves acknowledge its highly speculative nature,

conceding that "If the lightningcosmic ray connection turns out to be incorrect, this whole thing falls apart."If you'd like to know more, just click on the links below:https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/may/28/explodingstarsledhumanswalkingontwolegsstudyhttps://news.ku.edu/2019/03/12/supernovaezappedearth26millionyearsagoresearcherswonderiftheypromptedhumanhttps://www.newsweek.com/ancientsupernovaewildfires-human-ancestorsupright1437424And if you're interested, you can also read the

original scientific paper, "From Cosmic Explosions to Terrestrial Fires?" published in the Journal of Geology:https://arxiv.org/abs/1903.01501As Mark Twain once said, "There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact."


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AOS 2019 Public Astronomy Programs www.aosny.org

AOS Newsletters-see past and present newsletters at http://www.aosny.org/Newsletter_archive.htm AOS Monthly Meetings Open to the Public – Free Hofstra University, Berliner Hall, room 117, 1:15pm Astronomy discussions, suitable for all levels. First Sunday Oct-June, Sept (2nd Sun) For dates and location see www.aosny.org/MeetingSchedule.htm For monthly newsletter see www.aosny.org/Newsletter_archive.htm Stargazing at AOS Observatory in Southold – Free Susan F. Rose Observatory at Custer Institute, Southold Public stargazing Saturday nights, weather permitting. See craters on the Moon, planets, deep sky objects, etc. For map see www.aosny.org/Custerdirections.htm Custer Institute www.custerobservatory.org Presentations, Activities, and Stargazing – Free Sagamore Hill National Historic Site Outdoor presentation followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather permitting. Learn about the constella-tions and see planets, craters on the Moon, and more! May 11, June 7 To be advised of changing conditions, register at 516- 922-4788 www.nps.gov/sahi/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?event=F0A032AD-1DD8-B71B-0B664336E65F195A www.nps.gov/sahi/planyourvisit/calendar.htm www.nps.gov/sahi/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm Presentations, Activities, and Stargazing – $4 Nature Center at Jones Beach State Park, west end, Wantagh Directions: Meadowbrook Parkway South. Drive past the exit to Lido Blvd. Stay left at the tool booths. As you cross the bridge over the inlet to Jones Beach, take the right exit to "Bay Parkway - West End Beaches". After the merge onto Bay Pkwy, drive just under 0.4 miles to the U-turn that takes you around to Bay Pkwy East. Drive 1000 feet to the entrance to the Nature Center on your right. Observing on the patio behind the building. May 3, June 14 Indoor presentation followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather per-mitting. Learn about the constellations and see planets, craters on the Moon, and more! To be advised of dates and changing conditions, register at 516-785-3614 or 516-780-3295 www.aosny.org/Calendar_of_Events.htm Stars on Sunday with Hofstra University –Berliner Hall at California Ave.& Huntington Pl, Hempstead Indoor presentation followed by stargazing with telescopes, weather permitting. Learn about the constellations and see planets, craters on the Moon, and more! The first Sunday of the month during the academic year, resum-ing in Oct. To be advised of dates and changing conditions, register at 516-922-4788 www.hofstra.edu/astronomy Astronomy Day- Free with museum admission April 2020 Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City see http://www.cradleofaviation.org/ Workshops, planetarium presentations, demonstrations, solar observing (weather permitting). Astronomy Resources Monthly celestial events: http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/tonights_sky/index.php Monthly sky charts Free: www.skymaps.com Free computer planetarium program: www.stellarium.org TELESCOPES PROVIDED AND/OR OPERATED BY AMATEUR OBSERVERS' SOCIETY OF NY with support from the Sierra Club, Long Island Group http://newyork.sierraclub.org/longisland/

REACH FOR THE UNIVERSE!


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FLIER 7 FEBRUARY 2019

Cradle of Aviation Museum Events

Program Highlights

• New Exhibit - Space: A Journey to Our Future through August 2019 https://www.cradleofaviation.org/plan_your_visit/apollo/space-exhibit.html • Museum Visits from Astronauts, Scientists and Aerospace Professionals • Live Astronomy Shows for all ages in our Full Dome Planetarium • Film Screenings with special guests • School Competitions and Contests • Space Summer Camps • Fun Contests for Kids

February Break Minecraft Camp! Monday-Friday, February 18-22, 2019, 9:00am-noon February Break Family Activities Monday-Friday, February 18-22, noon -4:00 pm Four Badge Boy Scout Mini Camp Tuesday-Thursday, February 19-21, 2019, 9:30am-2:30pm Music & Astronomy Night Thursday, February 21, 2019, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Charles Lindbergh Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530

Visit the Cradle with your children and grandchildren, explore their world-class aerospace history exhibits, talk to their knowledgeable docents, join in their events, watch a first run movie in their wide screen domed theatre, or enjoy an exciting show in the immersive, all-digital, JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium. The Cradle currently features planetarium and Domed Theatre shows including: Dream Big: Engineering Our World; Journey to Space; Space News & Asteroid: Mission Extreme; Space Junk; Backyard Wilderness; One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure. Also, check the website for dates and times for the Interactive Educator-Led Space Lab Programs including: Current Night Sky. Space labs are held on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and school breaks at noon and weekday mornings. Usual Hours: Open 9:30-5:00, Tuesday through Sunday and Mondays that fall on holidays and school breaks. For event details, go to: http://www.cradleofaviation.org/ or call (516) 572-4111

FLIER 8 FEBRUARY 2019

Lecture: Life in Space with Shuttle Astronaut Robert J. Cenker Thursday, February 28, 2019, 7:00 pm Reservation required. Details on page 10 of this FLIER Race to the Moon Student Video Contest Submit by April 1, 2019 Apollo at 50 Student Art Poster Contest Submit by April 1, 2019 Hofstra Cultural Center: One Giant Leap: Apollo at 50 Conference April 2, 3, At Hofstra University. See below. AIAA Section Meeting Thursday, April 18, John Guidi of NASA, “NASA’s Exploration Plans.” Reservation required. See page 4 of this FLIER for more information and to register. Apollo at 50 Anniversary Dinner Thursday, June 6, 2019, 6:00 pm Apollo Moon Fest Saturday, July 20, 2019, 9:30 am-5:00 pm Apollo at 50 Countdown Celebration Saturday, July 20, 2019, 7:00 pm11:00 pm

For more information, please see the next page and contact the Hofstra Cultural Center at 516-463-5669 or visit hofstra.edu/apollo11 for schedules and other speakers.


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RESERVATIONS REQUIRED RSVP BY June 5, 2019 to Gerry Yurchison at [email protected]

631-335-1476

AIAA Section Meeting

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Dr. Mike Gruntman AIAA Distinguished Lecturer,

Professor of Astronautics and Chair, University of Southern California

Associate Fellow of AIAA and Member (Academician) of the International Academy of

Astronautics.

“The Road to Space. The First Thousand Years”

Location: Borrelli’s Restaurant 1580 Hempstead Turnpike

East Meadow, NY 11554

This 70-80 min lecture presents the fascinating history of early rocketry and subsequent developments that led to the space age. It introduces visionaries, scientists, engineers, and political and military leaders from various lands who contributed to this endeavor. The development of rocketry and spaceflight is traced from ancient times through many centuries to the breakthrough to space. The story concludes with the launches of first artificial satellites in the late 1950s. Based on an award-winning AIAA-published book. Dr. Mike Gruntman is professor and chair of astronautics at the University of Southern California (USC). His life journey took him from a child growing up on the Tyuratam (Baikonur) missile and space launch base during the late 1950s and early 1960s to an accomplished space physicist and engineer to joining USC in 1990 and founding a major educational program in space engineering. Today it is a nationally recognized unique astronautical engineering department at USC. Mike is actively involved in R&D programs in space science and space technology. He served as a co-investigator (Co-I) on NASA missions and is a recipient of three NASA Group Achievement Awards. Mike has authored and co-authored 300 scholarly publications, including four books. His “Blazing the Trail: The Early History of Spacecraft and Rocketry” (AIAA, 2004) won the International Academy of Astronautics’ book award. More than two thousand graduate students took Dr. Gruntman’s courses in space systems and rocket propulsion at USC. He also teaches short courses (AIAA and ATI) for government and industry. Directions: Borrelli’s Restaurant is on the south side of Hempstead Turnpike, between the Meadowbrook Parkway Exit M5 (Hempstead Turnpike) and Merrick Avenue.

Time: 6:00 PM Social Time 6:30 PM Dinner 7:15 PM Presentation

Dinner: $40, Members and Guests $15, Students

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