June 2014 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

An interesting article
by Brent Watson 21 Jun '14

21 Jun '14

This article points out a common occurrence in science. Models that are used to predict the future are notoriously fallible. They must be continually tweaked to make sense. This is the essence of science and the scientific method. Rarely do we get it right the first time. I bring this up so there can be an intelligent conversation about the topic. There is always way too much name calling and innuendo made by commenters, as can be seen in the comments section of this article. Please, lets have a civil conversation. Without civility there can be no unemotional, fact based debate. I for one would really like to hear the rational facts from both sides of this (unfortunately) hotly debated topic. Again, please no name calling, and only rational fact based debate. http://business.financialpost.com/2014/06/16/the-global-warming-hiatus/

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Needs help with scope
by Wiggins Patrick 21 Jun '14

21 Jun '14

Eric de Jonckheere (a fairly new members of SLAS) will be at SPOC this evening with a 22" Obsession dob. He'll also be bringing an Argo Navis digital setting circles system (http://www.obsessiontelescopes.com/accessories/ArgoNavis) which he is trying to install on the scope. He is hopeful that someone will be able to help him get the system working. If you think you can help please contact him at edejonckheere(a)gmail.com. patrick

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L&O time again
by Chuck Hards 20 Jun '14

20 Jun '14

It's about time for another meeting of the Liver & Onions Subcommittee. There is a sun party and ATM session on the 14th, so how does either 6/21 or 6/28 look to everyone? No SLAS events are scheduled on those two Saturdays. For those unfamiliar with the Liver & Onions Subcommittee, it is a luncheon for those astronomy and science-minded folks who enjoy the deliciousness of liver and onions, along with stimulating conversation covering a multitude of topics, from astronomy and other branches of science, to telescope making, railroading, firearms, history, aviation, skiing, just about anything. Even climate change or fracking, if that's on your mind. Of course you don't have to order the liver and onions. In fact as some of us are getting on in years, our doctors have advised us to stay away from liver for various reasons (oh, the unfairness of life). The only rule is that if you order something else, you are not permitted to make rude comments about those who do opt for the liver. Our usual venue is the Left Fork Grill, 68 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City. Pretty centrally located in the Salt Lake Valley. Their menu includes a lot of tasty items, including some wonderful fresh-baked pies. We usually gather at noon, and we reserve a large group table. There is a TRAX station just west of the restaurant. If it's clear, I may bring the double-stack PST for a parking-lot sun party afterwards- show & tell items are encouraged. So let me know which of the two Saturdays above would work for most of you, and we'll get it firmly scheduled. All are welcome, let's see some new faces as well as the regulars this time. Thanks!

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Reasoned Debate
by Dave Gary 19 Jun '14

19 Jun '14

An alternative perspective. The models have to be “tweaked” because of the stochastic nature of the data. I don’t see the “hiatus” in my readings of the primary literature. The “Nature” reference is primary literature. The RealClimate site has pointers to a number of primary sources. Please, don’t cry that the science is corrupt or there is some world-wide scientific conspiracy contaminating the peer-reviewed sources. I won’t buy it. If you know of peer-reviewed, primary sources that go against the consensus, send them to me. I’ll read them and get back with you. http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2013/09/what-ocean-heating-re… http://www.nature.com/news/tropical-ocean-key-to-global-warming-hiatus-1.13… As to arctic sea ice extent. It’s decreasing. http://www.ijis.iarc.uaf.edu/en/home/revision_v2.html As to global sea level rise…going up and accelerating. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_sea_level_rise#mediaviewer/File:Trends… (Make sure to hit the pointers below the graphs and read the associated text) Dave

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Seeking oil drum
by Wiggins Patrick 17 Jun '14

17 Jun '14

The outreach program at the U I manage needs an oil drum. We'd only need it a short while and it would probably be returned in one piece (though maybe a bit bulged). Can anyone here help? Thanks, patrick

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Eyepiece wanted
by Chuck Hards 16 Jun '14

16 Jun '14

Hi all, I'm looking for a 16mm eyepiece in a 1.25" barrel. Any make. I have a nice one but need another for a friend. Contact me off-list with details, if you have one you can part with. Thanks!

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Happy Retirement Wayne Sumner!
by Chuck Hards 16 Jun '14

16 Jun '14

Our own Wayne Sumner is officially retired from a terrific teaching career. I would personally like to thank Wayne for devoting all those years to educating our young people and mentoring so many of them in science and astronomy. Wayne holds advance degrees and it's not common that we get such a top-notch accademic teaching in our high schools, especially considering he could have made a lot more money doing just about anything other than teaching. That's passion, folks, and a firm belief in doing what you think is right. He also deserves recognition for all the telescopes he and Brent Watson built and distributed to schools! Best wishes on your church assignment under those glorious southern skies, Wayne. We'll expect a full report on all the new objects you've become familiar with upon your return! I'm envious, it will be like suddenly moving to a far-away planet with a totally unfamiliar sky. I am blessed to have gotten to know Wayne, and privileged to be able to call him 'friend'. Thanks Wayne, enjoy all that retirement can bring. It's well-earned.

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SLAS members: "News" received?
by Wiggins Patrick 15 Jun '14

15 Jun '14

I just heard from Joe that he did not receive this past Thursday's issue of News. I sent it out at 2:42 Thursday morning. Did any of the SLAS members on this list receive it? Thanks, patrick

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Nova time lapse
by CenturyLink Customer 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

http://rt.com/usa/165616-hubble-time-lapse-stellar-explosion/ Eat your hearts out Tyler and Dave (grins)

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Celestron Problems
by Mark Shelton 13 Jun '14

13 Jun '14

Hi, I am trying to help a fellow down here in St. George with a telescope problem. I am a meade guy and he has a celestron telescope. We can not get the telescope to align, so it can be used as a goto. We get the telescope set up and pointing north and start the align process. The telescope chooses stars that I have never heard of and points down below the horizon to align. We have put all the proper information into the telescope about where we are time and date etc. Any Ideas? Telescope is: Celestron Schmidt/Cas Mount: Celestron Advanced VX Computerized German Equatorial Mount Mark

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