November 2012 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

One of the most interesting exoplanets
by Joe Bauman 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/11/superearth-habitable-zone/all/1

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Surprising skies
by Wiggins Patrick 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

When I opened my observatory earlier this evening I really didn't expect much in the way of seeing but I was surprised at just how good it is. Clear and transparent and not that turbulent despite the high winds. Regarding the latter, it helps to have a very sturdy mount. About the only problem was the temperature. I set the primary mirror a few days ago for the then low and expected low temps. Unfortunately with tonight's temps being 11-12 degrees warmer than then I had to unlock, refocus and relock the primary before I could get started. No doubt I'll be resetting for colder temps very soon. patrick

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Abstract Astronomy Art
by Kelly Ricks 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

Hello friends, So, I've been experimenting lately with an idea I've had rumbling around in my head for some time: abstract astronomy-themed art. I'd read some stuff online about how astronomy art (though obviously not photography) is a waning field, and wondered if I could explore similar themes using my own quirky style. I've run across a handful of other artists who do conceptual, surreal, and abstract work, and the more I work at these ideas myself, the more interested I've become. I've completed two pieces so far and already have ideas for a few more. I have the images posted on my blog. The links below lead to my posts showing (and discussing), first, "Stellar Nursery," and second, "Beehive Cluster." I'm a little nervous about sharing these with you all, but would welcome any feedback you wish to provide. http://kellyricks.blogspot.com/2012/09/astronomy-art.html http://kellyricks.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-beehive-cluster.html Best, ~Kelly Ricks

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Abstract Astronomy Art
by Kelly Ricks 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

A fellow trumpeter! That's great:) I've always heard that it really takes 5 trumpeters to handle a lightbulb: one screws it in while the other four brag about how much better they could have done it. Thank you for your comments on my art. Best, ~Kelly > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2012 14:12:04 -0500 > From: "Hutchings, Mat" <mat.hutchings(a)siemens.com> > To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Abstract Astronomy Art > Message-ID: > < > B78508FE0D7AB04FB3770D1E9283445B685FFDDDCB(a)USMLVA0E945MSX.ww017.siemens.net > > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > Kelly; > > I also think your artwork is very interesting and quite impressive! I > very much like the "Beehive Cluster". In the "Stellar Nursery" the imagery > of the star emerging from the stellar nursery matter is very well done. > > The trumpet etude you wrote piqued my interest as I am (or was) a trumpet > player also. May have to get it out, blow the cobwebs out of it and give > your piece a try. BTW, you do know that trumpet players don't have to > screw light bulbs in; they just hold the bulb in the socket and it screws > itself in because the world revolves around them. I have tons more of > those, but will spare this audience... > >

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Abstract Astronomy Art
by Kelly Ricks 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

Thanks for your compliments Mike! I learned to work comfortably in pen while taking notes in class. Alongside study materials, every page was covered in doodles. Best, ~Kelly ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2012 11:40:53 -0700 > From: Michael Wells <eyeonyouproductions(a)gmail.com> > To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] Abstract Astronomy Art > Message-ID: > < > CADxGsn7vJX-OZCF7goGvhfwGZ4_DwAhONFB2uRpty8q4oJM+Kw(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > Kelly, > Your art looks great. I am always amazed when people have art like this > done with markers and pens, things that are known for either bleeding thru, > or being scratchy and unreliable at best. The lines on these loose crisp > and perfect, and I really like the Beehive Cluster one a lot. Look forward > to seeing more. > > Mike Wells > > >

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SLAS history document
by Wiggins Patrick 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

Hi all, I'm working with SLAS historian Ann Blanchard to update the SLAS history document for 2012. If you've got some ideas please let me know. Here's the existing document: http://slas.us/slasbooks/SLASPAST.PDF Yeah, it's huge... :) Thanks! patrick

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Comet 168P
by Dave Gary 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

I’m with you Patrick. I think the anomaly that Roger observed in your animation of 168P is some sort of reflection. When I run the animation the anomaly has some non-ballistic behavior. On the topic of UFOs, maybe it’s a Raelian? Dave

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Comet 168P/Hergenrother animation
by Wiggins Patrick 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

I took several shots of 168P this evening in hopes of catching the fragments that have been seen coming off the main body recently. No luck there but since I had the images I put them together into a brief animation: Comet 168P/Hergenrother http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=68&g2_page=8 Clear skies, patrick

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Blue and green flashes
by Wiggins Patrick 07 Nov '12

07 Nov '12

I was up over Strawberry Reservoir this evening at sunset. The distant western horizon out there has lots of short peaks and it occurred to me that if I flew parallel to the peaks I could see the Sun pop out from between the peaks as it was setting. It's been a while since I've seen a green flash but to my surprise the first "set" was blue. I don't think I've ever seen a blue flash before. That was then followed by 2 green flashes before the Sun got too low. Wondering if I could get an encore I whipped back 180 degrees while climbing and did manage to catch one last bit of Sun but it was "normal" with no fun colors. Still not a bad evening. patrick (who thinks non-flyers don't know what they're missing.) Sent from my iPad

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OT: Non-UFO related
by Chuck Hards 07 Nov '12

07 Nov '12

I've read of people who like to start fires, then stand back and watch them burn while others put them out.

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