January 2003 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Shuttle reentry update
by Patrick Wiggins 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

First, here's the latest from my contact at JSC: "The STS-107 launch was on time this morning, so as of now the entry still looks good for the morning of Feb 1. They will not be making updates to the predicted entry trajectory data until probably around Jan 27 or 28. I will keep you informed about what it looks like then. The latest predictions I have now show that the entry will pass over Cedar City, Utah with a peak of 81 deg elevation at 13:41 GMT (6:41 am MST) on the morning of Feb 1, which will be about 55 minutes before sunrise then." And here are a few thoughts based on the 2 shuttle reentries I've seen: Q: Binoculars, yes or no? A: Bring them along for quick views during the pass and maybe for detailed views of the ion train after the shuttle passes over the horizon. But for the most part, just plan on sitting back and enjoying the view. Q: Where to watch from? A: That may depend on if you plan on taking pictures or just looking. In both of my experience I took pictures. The first time I positioned myself directly under the flight path. That made for a great view but turned out to be a mistake for picture taking as it was very hard to keep up with the shuttle as it sped overhead. So for my second outing I positioned myself a few kilometers north of the path. This put the shuttle lower in the sky (~60 to 70 degrees maximum) and made for much easier imaging. Q: How far from the path can I be and still see it? A: To that my JSC contact answered: "At the altitude that the shuttle will be crossing over Utah on entry, it will peak at 20 degrees elevation for locations 105 statute miles north or south of the ground track. It will peak at 45 deg elevation 35 miles either side of the ground track, and at 70 deg elevation for 10 miles to the side." Q: Where does the ground path run through Utah. A: I'm waiting to hear back from NASA on that but for now, it looks like Columbia will cross the Nevada/Utah border at about the same latitude as Beaver, cross over Cedar and thence over Page, Arizona. Q: Anything else I should know? A: There is one big catch. It's a 4 hour drive from SLC to Cedar which means SLC drivers will want to leave home around 2:00 am to have time to get directly under the path. Trouble is the rocket firing that starts the shuttle down will not happen until about 6 am. So, it's possible the hapless driver could find herself/himself several hours into their drive only to hear on the radio the landing has been scrubbed. Bummer... I don't know of a way to solve that problem but hope to minimize it for any caravan I might be traveling with by keeping in touch with my NASA contact via cell phone on the way down. Hopefully I'll receive word of any scrub before we get too far into our drive. Of course, if they wait until the last minute to scrub, well I guess it's breakfast in Cedar and then back home. Patrick

1 0

Voyager Highlights on A&E tonight
by Patrick Wiggins 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Voyager, JPL's longest-running mission and one of its most successful, is the subject of a two-hour documentary to be broadcast tonight (Thursday) on the A&E network. "Cosmic Journey: The Voyager Interstellar Mission and Message" will be shown at 7 pm MST tonight and repeated at 11 pm. An encore presentation is scheduled for January 25. Patrick

1 0

RE: [Utah-astronomy] Eyepiece questions
by Kim Hyatt 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Maybe I just wasn't as discriminating. Besides, it has been about a year and a half since my last good session under steady skies - my memory isn't that good (too many illegal substances in my youth, I guess). -----Original Message----- From: Brent Watson [mailto:brentjwatson@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 4:20 PM To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com Subject: RE: [Utah-astronomy] Eyepiece questions I, too have tried the Meade Ultra Wide 4.7mm eyepiece. It was betterthan teh Nagler for reflections, but they were still there. Maybe just my telescope! Brent --- Kim Hyatt <khyatt(a)smithlayton.com> wrote: > OK, now it's my turn. I've used my high-power Meade > Ultra-wide Angle > eyepieces (6.7mm and 4.7mm) with a Meade 5-inch > refractor, both with and > without a barlow, and I was thrilled. I don't recall > reflections, spurious > color, etc. However, I have wanted to find a > high-quality Ortho in the 4-6mm > range. Suggestions anyone? > > -----Original Message----- > From: Brent Watson [mailto:brentjwatson@yahoo.com] > Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 3:56 PM > To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Eyepiece questions > > > Hi Rich, > > I'll throw my $.02 into the fray. I have found hat > the best eyepieces are the orthos for high power. A > good ortho will outperform a plossl 95% of the time. > > A bad ortho will not fare as well. > > I have also used the 4.8mm Nagler on my 10" along > with > a 2.4X Barlow. I didn't like the spurious > reflections > I got both with and without the Barlow. I believe > this comes from the Nagler's numerous elements. > > Brent > > --- Richard Tenney <retenney(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > > > > Sometime before the Mars opposition in August I > want > > to pick up a decent higher power eyepiece; I'm > > thinking the choice is between an Ortho and a > > Ploessl, > > probably in the 6-8 mm range. Any of you out > there > > have strong feelings/recommendations on this? I > > would > > like to keep it under $100. > > > > How much difference is there between TeleVue > (which > > has an 8mm) and say the new "premium" (NOT the > > Sirius) > > ploessls that Orion is selling, besides price? Is > a > > Takahashi priced at $190 (7.5mm) really that much > > better than those $65 antares models where > contrast > > and eye relief are concerned? > > > > Any difference between the Orthos Celestron sells > > and > > what University Optics sells? > > > > All opinions welcome. > > TIA, > > Rich > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up > > now. > > http://mailplus.yahoo.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Utah-Astronomy mailing list > > Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > > > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > > > __________________________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up > now. > http://mailplus.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > Utah-Astronomy mailing list > Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > > _______________________________________________ > Utah-Astronomy mailing list > Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy

1 0

Text of Utah light pollution control resolution
by Grahn Family 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

<bold> This is from Anthony Arrigo, AnthonyA(a)UtahSkies.org Please call your legisators to urge their support of this bill The text of Utah's first ever statewide Light Pollution Control Resolution. S.C.R. 1 </bold> <center> 1 <bold> RESOLUTION URGING LIGHT POLLUTION </bold></center> <center> 2 <bold> PREVENTION</bold> </center> <center> 3 2003 GENERAL SESSION </center> <center> 4 STATE OF UTAH </center> <center> 5 <bold> Sponsor: Ron Allen</bold> </center> 6 <bold> This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor urges state agencies, </bold> 7 <bold> political subdivisions of the state, citizens, and businesses to prevent light pollution. </bold> 8 <italic>Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein: </italic> 9 WHEREAS, light pollution is sky glow, glare, and light trespass; 10 WHEREAS, light pollution is caused by misdirected exterior lighting; 11 WHEREAS, light pollution severely impairs the study of Astronomy as a science; 12 WHEREAS, light pollution causes a number of unintended consequences, including the 13 unnecessary expense of $2 billion annually, nationwide, due to poor street lighting alone; 14 WHEREAS, the state agencies and political subdivisions within the state should work 15 to protect Utah's night sky, as it would all natural resources, for the benefit of its citizens; 16 WHEREAS, state agencies and political subdivisions should reduce sky glow by 17 ensuring that all new lighting fixtures installed are of the full-cutoff type, where no light from 18 the fixture shines above the horizontal; 19 WHEREAS, state agencies and political subdivisions should further reduce sky glow by 20 minimizing unsafe glare to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, minimizing unwelcome light 21 trespassing onto adjoining properties, reducing fixture wattage requirements, which would 22 reduce operating costs, and ensuring that all new lighting fixtures installed are directed 23 downward and only where needed; 24 WHEREAS, state agencies and political subdivisions should reevaluate all state-funded 25 facilities', institutions', and rights'-of-way existing exterior lighting needs to ensure that fixtures 26 are producing the lowest appropriate level of lighting without compromising safety, that all 27 nonessential exterior lighting is turned off after operations cease, that, as existing fixtures are ---------------- 28 repaired, maintained, or replaced, light pollution preventing actions are taken; 29 WHEREAS, state agencies and political subdivisions should replace dusk-to-dawn 30 lighting with motion detector-activated lighting; 31 WHEREAS, light pollution renders invisible the eternal beauty of the heavens; and 32 WHEREAS, light pollution deprives Utahns of their heritage of star-filled skies: 33 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the 34 Governor concurring therein, urges state agencies and political subdivisions to take steps to 35 prevent light pollution. 36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage Utah 37 citizens and businesses to protect and preserve Utah's night sky, and the legacy and heritage to 38 which Utahns are entitled. 39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to each department 40 in Utah state government, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, and to each of Utah's 41 chambers of commerce. <bold> Legislative Review Note as of 12-18-02 10:18 AM </bold> A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns. <bold> Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel ---------------- <<<underline>http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2003/htmdoc/sbillhtm/SCR001.htm</underline>>[Bill Documents]<<<underline>http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2003/bills.htm</underline>>[Bills Directory] </bold>

1 0

RE: [Utah-astronomy] Eyepiece questions
by Kim Hyatt 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

OK, now it's my turn. I've used my high-power Meade Ultra-wide Angle eyepieces (6.7mm and 4.7mm) with a Meade 5-inch refractor, both with and without a barlow, and I was thrilled. I don't recall reflections, spurious color, etc. However, I have wanted to find a high-quality Ortho in the 4-6mm range. Suggestions anyone? -----Original Message----- From: Brent Watson [mailto:brentjwatson@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 3:56 PM To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Eyepiece questions Hi Rich, I'll throw my $.02 into the fray. I have found hat the best eyepieces are the orthos for high power. A good ortho will outperform a plossl 95% of the time. A bad ortho will not fare as well. I have also used the 4.8mm Nagler on my 10" along with a 2.4X Barlow. I didn't like the spurious reflections I got both with and without the Barlow. I believe this comes from the Nagler's numerous elements. Brent --- Richard Tenney <retenney(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Hi all, > > Sometime before the Mars opposition in August I want > to pick up a decent higher power eyepiece; I'm > thinking the choice is between an Ortho and a > Ploessl, > probably in the 6-8 mm range. Any of you out there > have strong feelings/recommendations on this? I > would > like to keep it under $100. > > How much difference is there between TeleVue (which > has an 8mm) and say the new "premium" (NOT the > Sirius) > ploessls that Orion is selling, besides price? Is a > Takahashi priced at $190 (7.5mm) really that much > better than those $65 antares models where contrast > and eye relief are concerned? > > Any difference between the Orthos Celestron sells > and > what University Optics sells? > > All opinions welcome. > TIA, > Rich > > > __________________________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up > now. > http://mailplus.yahoo.com > > _______________________________________________ > Utah-Astronomy mailing list > Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy

2 1

RE: [Utah-astronomy] Shuttle Re-entry
by Kim Hyatt 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

I'm interested, but of course it depends on others sharing the cost. Let me know. -----Original Message----- From: Brent Watson [mailto:brentjwatson@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 2:04 PM To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Shuttle Re-entry I am thinking of flying to Cedar City or Milford on the morning of the 1st to see the shuttle re-enter the atmoshpere and am looking for passengers. The cost for the flight is $350 and can be split between three individuals. Any takers? We would be back in Bountiful by around 8am. Brent __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy

2 1

Re: [Utah-astronomy] A youngin' with a few questions:
by Ben Record 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Thanks for all the advice, and I'd love to take you up on the offer to go to one of your star parties. Just let me know a date. Thanks, Ben _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

1 0

Re: [Utah-astronomy] A youngin' with a few questions:
by Grahn Family 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Ben, Along with the good advice given already, may I suggest you consider joining one of the local clubs. A side benefit of membership is that, after a month or so, you can borrow various club scopes for free. Then you can take your time about buying, and see which equipment will meet the needs of the way you enjoy viewing. We've all discovered that the equipment that works best for one persons style is often totally wrong for what a different person enjoys. (And then there are the real sicko's among us who seem to be well on their way to collecting one of everything, .....but enough about my husband....:)) The Salt Lake club website is at the URL below. It has links to the other clubs on the Wasatch front. Private and public star parties are great, and we all enjoy sharing the view with others. http://www.slas.ws/ Jo Grahn

1 0

RE: [Utah-astronomy] A youngin' with a few questions:
by David Dunn 16 Jan '03

16 Jan '03

Ben, I would encourage you to attend some of the star parties and other observing sessions before you buy anything. This will let you see what is out there and what it takes to see it. I know that I enjoy sharing with others and you are welcome to come to any of the OAS star parties and activities. We have several private star parties (you are welcome at these) and we are at Antelope Island once a month from April through October. I think that our next activity is a Messier Marathon, we stay out all night and try to see all of the Messier objects, on Mar 28-29. We haven't picked a location yet and will post it when we know where we are going. I just noticed that we will also be at the library in Huntsville on 3/26. Dave -----Original Message----- From: Ben Record [mailto:specialed112@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 4:49 AM To: utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com Subject: [Utah-astronomy] A youngin' with a few questions: Hi, My name is Ben, and I have a few questions. I've been a member of this mailing list for a while, but I haven't said anything, yet. I've had an interest in Astronomy for as long as I can remember, and I want to take that interest a little deeper. I was wondering if someone could suggest a few pieces for a beginner to buy to look up at the stuff above that I can't learn enough about. And maybe, if some of you wouldn't mind, if I could tag along to one of your gazes. It would be very appreciated. Please let me know on an item I could get my hands onto, and if you wouldn't mind if I tagged along with some of you. Thanks, Ben _________________________________________________________________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy

1 0

RE: [Utah-astronomy] Re: Bowling Ball International
by Grahn Family 15 Jan '03

15 Jan '03

Kim, Before you flagellate yourself too hard, you should remember that (on January 3rd, if you check out the archives), it was Patrick that published the idea on this newsgroup, thereby taking it from a private discussion to a public discussion(spectacle?) (sport?), when he published the idea and asked about the physics of terminal velocity. I don't think it was a stupid question to think about, and the experiment, thought out and executed properly, could yield good information. Jo At 12:53 PM 1/15/2003 -0700, you wrote: >I truly am sorry for any embarrassment this may have caused anyone. From now >on, I'll keep my wacky ideas to myself. (Did I tell you about my plans to >launch myself into orbit in a 1953 Cadillac?) >

1 0