April 2015 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

the Spica hour
by Marlene Egger 16 Apr '15

16 Apr '15

Sky and Telescope has an article called 'The Spica Hour', in which they mentioned that Guy Ottewell proposed (a long time ago) that the hours of right ascension should be named for a star on the meridian at that time. Spica is 13h 25m 11.579s. Declination, −11° 09′ 40.75″ per that great resource, wikipedia, so I guess the Spica hour has right ascension in the middle of hour 13. Does anybody know the rest of the names he proposed for each hour of right ascension? Marlene

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How many stars in the sky
by Wiggins Patrick 16 Apr '15

16 Apr '15

Next time you get asked how many stars there are in the sky just point to this: http://www.gocomics.com/peanuts/2015/04/16 Grins, patrick

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8" Dob on KSL
by Chuck Hards 16 Apr '15

16 Apr '15

Chris has his 8" Dob listed on the KSL classifieds: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=34190808&cat=&lpid=5&search=telesco… Folks, this is a steal for an 8" telescope. I'd grab it if I hadn't just spent a lot of money remodeling an entire floor of my house last month. I still might finagle a way to snap it up. If you want an 8" telescope for less than half price, this is your chance. Give Chris a call.

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Re: [Utah-astronomy] Spring Liver & Onions Subcommittee meeting
by Joe Bauman 15 Apr '15

15 Apr '15

Any of those dates would be OK by us. Please make a special effort to get the Ogden contingent on board. ------------------------------ On Tue, Apr 14, 2015 9:25 AM MDT Richard Tenney via Utah-Astronomy wrote: >May 2 sounds good to me./R > From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards(a)gmail.com> > To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com> > Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2015 7:40 AM > Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Spring Liver & Onions Subcommittee meeting > >We're overdue for a get-together luncheon. > >April 25 or May 9 look good. There is a sun party on May 2. > >We could meet after the sun party if May 2 is a popular date. The >restaurant will be less crowded after 1:00, so that's something to consider. > >Let me know which date works best for you, and we'll go with the majority, >as usual. > >Thanks! >_______________________________________________ >Utah-Astronomy mailing list >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > >Send messages to the list to >Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > >The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. > >To unsubscribe go to: >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy >Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". > > > >_______________________________________________ >Utah-Astronomy mailing list >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy > >Send messages to the list to >Utah-Astronomy(a)mailman.xmission.com > >The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. > >To unsubscribe go to: >http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy >Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".

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Another good day for some unusual solar proms
by John M. Craig 14 Apr '15

14 Apr '15

There's another set of intriguing proms today--quite a variety. Including (last I looked) a very wide-set "devil horn" like pair of slender proms that are presumably the ends of a magnetic field line bundle. They're both impressively "tall" and rather startlingly wide set. Enjoy if you've got the H-a gear. BTW, if you're in Utah County (or like driving more than I generally do), you can contact me about coming over some time to have a look through my Lunt 80 (sorry, just single-stacked). Since I work from home most days, I just set it up and take a peek when I have a moment, but I'd be happy to schedule times too. John

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New Dark Sky Park in Utah.
by Dunn, David 13 Apr '15

13 Apr '15

This was sent to us by one of our OAS members. OAS has been partnering with others to make this happen. If the email doesn't work, here is the link. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=0f766f8f-f658-4dd4-89ce-9… From: International Dark-Sky Association <ida(a)darksky.org<mailto:ida@darksky.org>> Date: Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 7:06 AM Subject: New Dark Sky Park in Utah To: janet.e.muir(a)gmail.com<mailto:janet.e.muir@gmail.com> Having trouble viewing this email? Click here <http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=0f766f8f-f658-4dd4-89ce-9…> [Description: http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_fb.png]<http://s.rs6.net/t?e=Q-QhWY69WMk&c=1&r=1> [Description: http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_twit.png]<http://s.rs6.net/t?e=Q-QhWY69WMk&c=3&r=1> [Description: http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_linked.png]<http://s.rs6.net/t?e=Q-QhWY69WMk&c=4&r=1> [Description: http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_drw_more.png]<http://s.rs6.net/t?e=Q-QhWY69WMk&c=5&r=1> [Description: http://img.constantcontact.com/ui/images1/shr_btn_like_sm.png]<http://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Dark-Sky-Park-in-Utah.html?soid=1102…> <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…>[Description: http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs184/1102000932216/img/720.jpg]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…><http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…> International Dark-Sky Association Press Release IDA Welcomes Weber County North Fork Park as the Newest International Dark Sky Park Tucson, AZ - April 13, 2015 - Utah is known as a place of contrasts, from the rustic landscapes of its National Parks and Monuments to the modern city environment of one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United States. With the rapid growth of its [Description: http://files.ctctcdn.com/875cf549001/c7e6ec00-cfe0-4bcd-9504-8e89aedd3120.p…]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…> Lights from cities along the Wasatch Front and the Milky Way arch overhead as seen from the summit of Ben Lomond Mountain above North Fork Park, Utah. Photo by Casey Grimley. cities, parts of Utah are losing the dark night skies that once characterized frontier life in the Beehive State. In an effort to save this vanishing resource, local residents came together to preserve the night sky. Thanks to their years of dedication, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) now recognizes Weber County North Fork Park as the world's first Bronze-tier International Dark Sky Park. North Fork Park is only the second county park in the world to receive the prestigious Dark Sky Park designation. "The North Fork Park staff have worked remarkably hard to create a dark-sky-friendly environment in the park," said IDA Executive Director J. Scott Feierabend. "They reached out well beyond the park's border to successfully raise awareness about light pollution's impact on the park's protected resources." Dark Skies In The Shadow Of The Big City Weber County North Fork Park is situated on 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) of mountain valley land in Utah's Wasatch Range north of the Ogden area. The Park is located within about two hours' travel from most communities in the Wasatch Front, a five-county area home to some 80 percent of Utah's total population. "North Fork Park has long been a local jewel and a chosen destination," explained Rob Bishop, U.S. Representative for Utah's 1st Congressional District. "It is good to see a Northern Utah venue included in the astro-tourism activity that continues to grow in Southern Utah as opportunities to see the dark skies diminish in urban areas." Jennifer Graham, Director of Weber County Parks, agreed. "Weber County residents have always known that North Fork Park was a special place. The long term benefits of being a Dark Sky Park will assure that the park continues to be the rustic refuge for so many along the Wasatch Front," Graham said. The proximity of the Park to the urban centers of the Wasatch Front is both its most significant threat and its greatest opportunity. The mountains of the Wasatch Range help screen out the lights of Salt Lake City and the Ogden valley, but the Park has done much to improve lighting conditions in and around the park to enhance the visitor experience at night. Janet Muir of Ogden, who led the effort to secure the Park's IDA certification, hopes that today's announcement is the start of a dark-skies movement across northern Utah. "North Fork Park can be said to be the northern anchor for the largest concentration of designated and aspiring International Dark Sky Parks in the world," Muir said. A Concerted Community Achievement International Dark Sky Park status for North Fork Park is the result of many groups working together including Weber County Parks, the Ogden Valley Chapter of IDA, Weber State University and the Ogden Astronomical Society. Collaborators identified four themes as the main features of the Park: its location near a major urban center, an intense focus on wildlife, extensive outreach programs, and innovative public art that incorporates dark skies themes. The IDA designation is the culmination of a lengthy process that has seen a series of previous successes, including the enactment of Utah's first county-level dark sky ordinance in 2007. In the spring of 2013, the IDA Chapter undertook a series of meetings with local businesses seeking voluntary compliance with both the lighting and signage ordinances, resulting in growing awareness and a significant number of improvements and lighting retrofits. The IDA Ogden Valley Chapter worked with Weber State University to create an annual student project that measures night sky brightness in the Park. Experiencing North Fork Park at night left lasting impressions on the WSU participants, including undergraduate Vincent Hanson. "I'm from Massachusetts where we don't have many opportunities to view dark skies like we do here in Utah," Hanson said. "I'm really glad that people are taking steps to preserve areas like North Fork Park so that future generations will be able to enjoy the night sky." A number of education and celebratory events are planned leading up to a formal celebration at Weber State University on October 21. Link to image: http://bit.ly/1ya3YKE<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…> Caption: Lights from cities along the Wasatch Front and the Milky Way arch overhead as seen from the summit of 2,960-meter (9,712-foot) Ben Lomond Mountain above North Fork Park, Utah. Credit: Casey Grimley / caseygrimley.smugmug.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…> About the IDA Dark Sky Places Program IDA established the International Dark Sky Places conservation program in 2001 to recognize excellent stewardship of the night sky. Designations are based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and innovative community outreach. Since the program began, 10 Communities, 21 Parks and nine Reserves have received International Dark Sky designations. For more information about the International Dark Sky Places Program, visit darksky.org/night-sky-conservation/dark-sky-places<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…>. About IDA The International Dark Sky Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Tucson, Arizona, advocates for the protection of the nighttime environment and dark night skies by educating policymakers and the public about night sky conservation and promoting environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. More information about IDA and its mission may be found at darksky.org<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…>. Media Inquiries * International Dark-Sky Association: Dr. John Barentine (Dark Sky Places Program Manager) john(a)darksky.org<mailto:john@darksky.org>; +1 520-293-3198<tel:%2B1%20520-293-3198> * Weber County North Fork Park: Ms. Holin Wilbanks (Public Affairs Director, Weber County Commission); hwilbanks(a)co.weber.ut.us<mailto:hwilbanks@co.weber.ut.us>, +1 801 399 8419<tel:%2B1%20801%20399%208419> * Ms. Janet Muir: janet.e.muir(a)gmail.com<mailto:janet.e.muir@gmail.com>, +1 917 385 6555<tel:%2B1%20917%20385%206555> International Dark-Sky Association 3223 North First Avenue Tucson, AZ 85719 520.293.3198<tel:520.293.3198> www.darksky.org<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…> [Description: http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs184/1102000932216/img/718.jpg]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…>[Description: http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs184/1102000932216/img/715.jpg]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…>[Description: http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs184/1102000932216/img/716.jpg]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…>[Description: http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs184/1102000932216/img/717.jpg]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BWzqhUmu7SeSV_9498cbsUyyxVJgFYY4_-9_rE-KfjOs…> Forward this email<http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=ylr4fkcab&m=1102000932216&ea=…> [Description: http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/SafeUnsubscribe_Footer_Logo_N…]<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001pvQ3Ok-z4swW4-_sDKU0QQ%3D%3…> This email was sent to janet.e.muir(a)gmail.com<mailto:janet.e.muir@gmail.com> by ida(a)darksky.org<mailto:ida@darksky.org> | Update Profile/Email Address<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001pvQ3Ok-z4swW4-_sDKU0QQ%3D%3…> | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe<http://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001pvQ3Ok-z4swW4-_sDKU0QQ%3D%3…>(tm) | Privacy Policy<http://ui.constantcontact.com/roving/CCPrivacyPolicy.jsp>. [Description: http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/CC_Footer_Logo_New.png]<http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=press01> International Dark-Sky Association | 3223 N. First Avenue | Tucson | AZ | 85719 -- Janet Muir janet.e.muir(a)gmail.com<mailto:janet.e.muir@gmail.com> (current) muir(a)aya.yale.edu<mailto:muir@aya.yale.edu> (permanent) 917.385.6555<tel:917.385.6555> www.starrynightsutah.org<http://www.starrynightsutah.org> http://www.ogdenvalleylandtrust.org www.greenfireenergy.com<http://www.greenfireenergy.com/> Thanks, David Dunn

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New Dark Sky Park in Utah.
by Dunn, David 13 Apr '15

13 Apr '15

This was sent to us by one of our OAS members. OAS has been partnering with others to make this happen. here is the link. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=0f766f8f-f658-4dd4-89ce-9… Thanks, David Dunn

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Solar activity
by Chuck Hards 13 Apr '15

13 Apr '15

I've been jealously reading John Craig's posts lately and yesterday my free time finally coincided with relatively clear skies, so I took the double-stacked PST out for a peek at the sun in H-a. Activity on the solar disk was pretty amazing, and there were many prominences around the limb. I'm in the process of upgrading my white-light setup so didn't get any broad-spectrum views, but the H-a view more than made up for it. I have been using a home-made 50mm refractor with Baader solar film, but recently acquired a Lunt 2" solar wedge that I'll be using with an 80mm refractor for white-light views. I also use the Baader IR/UV filter for an added safety margin (not considered necessary according to Lunt, but maybe I'm paranoid), in addition to the ND3 filter supplied with the wedge. Additionally, a variable-density polarizing filter allows me to fine-tune the image brightness to suit the magnification. I've only had this new white-light setup out once so-far, but hope to have it dialed-in and finalized before the next Winchester park sun party. Even that one outing convinced me that a wedge gives superior views to a full-aperture glass or film filter. I compared it side-by-side with my Thousand Oaks filter and have to give the nod to the wedge, by a slight margin. The Lunt wedge eats-up more focus IN travel than a standard 2" star diagonal, and the additional filters mean even more IN travel is needed to compensate for their physical thickness. Thanks for the reports, John, sometimes it takes persistant reminders to get the scope out during the daytime.

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The Lunar Eclipse Wasn't Total After All?! - Sky & Telescope
by Dave Gary 11 Apr '15

11 Apr '15

> http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/the-lunar-ecli… <http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/the-lunar-ecli…>

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Selling my 8" Orion Dob
by CJ Cottrill 11 Apr '15

11 Apr '15

Hey All, Moving day is fast approaching, and I've decided to sell my 8" Orion. If anyone is interested in it or you know a family that would like an outstanding deal, I'm letting it go for $200. I'm including the stock 25mm plossl that came with it. I also have a full 8" glass solar filter that I'll sell separately if anyone is interested in one of those. Feel free to contact me via email or text 801-897-9075. Thanks! Chris Cottrill aka Chrismo

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