August 2011 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Weather safety
by Kim 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

Hi all. You might have heard about the lightning-caused death of a German visitor to Bryce Canyon NP this week. He had taken shelter underneath a tree when it began to rain and as he leaned against the tree lightning struck, using his body as the path of least resistance. He was not pronounced dead until later, but apparently he was immediately made brain dead by the lightning. I tell you all this as a reminder to be particularly aware of the weather and your options for shelter when you go to the hills to observe. I've been a little freaked out by the incident and I've been ultra cautious as a result. Hope you'll all be safe. Kim

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No Pit n Pole
by Jay Eads 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

No Pit n Pole for me today as it only provides about 2 hours of observing til the moon is up. I'm heading to SPOC. -- Jay Eads

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Pit n Pole Saturday
by Jay Eads 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

I may change my mind and go to SPOC but after three 2:00a.m. nights at Alta View with my mother-in-law in the hospital (she was release yesterday thank goodness) and two nights of sleep I am in need of spending some time out under the stars to recharge my batteries. So, I am not sure I am charged enough for a public star party but I may head to Pit n Pole (again, I may change my mind) unless my wife is so burnt out like last night that I don't get out at all. So I am just checking if anyone is interested? I will have my phone with me with email all day so I can check email. -- Jay Eads

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Wedding/astronomy
by Mark Shelton 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

Well I am really torn this weekend. This will be my first weekend in a long time that I am not doing astronomy. On one hand I have my son's wedding reception, on the other I have astronomy................. What to do, what to do, what to do. I guess I will have to suck it up and do the right thing. I will see all of you at wheeler farm tonight and then at SPOC. (just kidding) I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I will see you after the wedding is over. what to do, what to do Mark

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An extremely kind donation made possible by Patrick's first wife
by Joe Bauman 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

Dear fellow astro-folk, I want you to know about a wonderful donation to the Humane Society of Utah, given by our own Patrick Wiggins and made possible by his first wife, Collie. When I came across the press release and asked him about it, he modestly said, "After all, I only wrote the check. It was Collie who made it possible by leaving me the money." However we look at it this is a really nice gift, which will help a lot of little creatures. The press release is here: http://utahhumane.org/about%20us/news/Patrick%20%2526%20Pumpkin%20Donation A video, showing Pumpkin (Patrick's cat), Collie and Patrick, is here: http://utahhumane.org/ -- just go to the site and click on Pumpkin's picture under the "Daily Wag" heading. Then let's all thank Pumpkin, Collie and Patrick. -- Joe

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Small Refractor Suggestions
by Jay Eads 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

I am considering adding a 80mm refractor to my line up for quick use in the backyard. I am wondering if anyone has suggestions for me? Looking at $300 to $400 to spend. Thanks, Jay -- Jay Eads

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Need ride to SPOC tonght
by D P Pierce 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

I need a ride to SPOC tonight! My usual ride, Nate, is taking his 13" out and won't have room for me. I am offering as an incentive either $5 or a green laser pointer. I'm not taking a scope just me and my fold up wheelchair which weighs about 36 lbs. It fits in most trunks and some back seats. It fits in my brother's Prius hatchback with half of back seat folded forward My cell # is 801-739-2730. Deloy Pierce

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FYI re. Comet Garradd
by Joe Bauman 18 Aug '11

18 Aug '11

For all those like Jay who are going to do astronomy Aug. 26, apparently Comet Garradd will be over the glob M71 that night. The Starry Night planetarium program shows the comet's tail right over the cluster -- great for both visual observing and astrophotography. -- Joe

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Webb Space Telescope
by Joe Bauman 18 Aug '11

18 Aug '11

Here's a shorter URL for the blog. Thanks, Joe http://tinyurl.com/3hfzjyk

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James Webb Space Telescope
by Joe Bauman 18 Aug '11

18 Aug '11

An update on the amazing James Webb Space Telescope, from a talk delivered by a NASA official Tuesday during the SLAS monthly meeting. Comments on the newspaper's blog site are always appreciated. Thanks, Joe http://www.deseretnews.com/blog/47/10012184/Nightly-news-astronomy-A-Fabulo…

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