Look Up! Jan2009

Look Up!January 2009

news | reviews | views | AstroSouth | out there

ISSN 1758-2210

TM

A New Year is calling you

Butser Ancient Farmunder a darker sky...

Butser Ancient Farm is naturally shielded from the worst of the light pollution from three sides. It is ideal for deep sky observing, imaging and getting the best out of your telescope. Skies have been recorded here down (so far!) to Magnitude 20.7 per ArcSecond, and are as good as the West Country or the Norfolk Coast.

For only £4 per session you can experience dark skies in a tranquil and safe setting. If it’s cold, a warm and welcoming fire awaits you in the ancient roundhouse. A Multi-Session Pass is available for only £25.

For further info and to book yourself a Pass, please contact HantsAstroTM on 023 9261 7092

or by e-mail: [email protected]

Just off the A3, south of Butser Hill, and 10 miles north of Portsmouth it has easy access from all points of the compass, is an hour and a half from London, and twenty minutes from the South Coast.

First TypeWelcome to 2009!

In the current economic climate, it’s a new year for opportunity if you

want to be positive about it. Or a year full of dread if you don’t.

With free membership and free observing at some of the sites we

will be using this year, we have unwittingly created something new:

Credit Crunch Astronomy. Over 60% of the people who have

joined HantsAstro in the past 6 months are new to astronomy.

Some wanted to find out what the fuss is all about, some have bought a telescope and want to use it and learn more. The feedback we have

had from our membership and our readers shapes us as a group.

We have learned much from you and Look Up! has therefore evolved into its current format. HantsAstro

itself has become the fastest growing astronomy group in the

UK, and we are only 9 months old! Our website and magazine are read in over 50 countries worldwide. It’s

not just about free membership. None of this would have happened

if we had not had your continued and ever increasing support in so many ways. This is as much your

success as it is ours. Thank you.

David Woods: FounderHantsAstro.org

Contacts and Details

David Woods - Editor & Publisheriodesign ltd - www.iodesign.co.uk

Look Up! eZine EditorialDavid Woods - [email protected] Web Site: - www.hantsastro.orgTel: 023 9261 7092 Fax: 023 9257 0283 Skype: HantsAstro Post: HantsAstro.org 11 Drift Road, Clanfield, Hants PO8 0JJ

Look Up! Electronic Magazine is published 1st of the month ISSN 1758-2210 This eZine is published on behalf of the HantsAstro.orgTM. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher, Sponsors or Advertisers of HantsAstro,org. HantsAstroTM is a society member of the Federation of Astronomical Societies (www.fedastro.org.uk). Where Links take you to other sites, the Editor, Publisher and Webmaster cannot be held responsible for the content of those sites. HantsAstro.orgTM, AstroSouth and Look Up! eZine and related devices are protected by registered copyright ©2008 All Rights Reserved. HantsAstroTM a trading name of I.O Design Limited. No reproduction of any material is permitted without express permission of the respective owners.

Contributors:/behind the scenes: Graham Green, Sharon Rose, Elaine Long, Sean Holland, David Scanlan Martin Saban-Smith, Richard Parker & Willow.

contentsLook Up! January 2009 edition 09

News Page 4-5HantsAstroTM - January 2009. Hello.Where we’ve been, where we are going...

View Page 8-9Love the Telescope Don’t forget your eyes - A look at observing without the mod-cons.

Pictures Page10-12Richard Parker & Martin Saban-Smith with a webcam and a Canon DSLR. Great results from both ends of theaperture scale.

IYA2009 Page 14-17What’s this all about then? How you can join in!

Out There - AstroSouth Page 21-23introducing the new astro directory for the South

Look Up in January Page 24What’s in the Sky for this month...

Cover: International Year of Astronomy Logo 2009. Enough Said

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Look Up!Look Up! eZine ISSN 1758-2210

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04

HantsAstro in 2009The future is here.

New Year and a bit of housekeeping… With any kind of rapid expansion there are usually some growing pains and the Core Team members are aware of this. We have met and discussed how we need to tackle the new challenges that face us as a Group. Much of it is familiar ground.

Let’s start at the top. Free membership isn’t some cynical marketing gimmick. It’s part of the Group’s ethos to give people the chance to see what’s above them in the night sky. I mean, the canvas is there every night, so why not take a look? It’s inescapable that we all live under the stars. When Graham Green (my much quieter co-founder) and I discussed starting HantsAstro nearly a year ago, we wanted more people to see the sky as we do, but in an innovative and engaging way. Take away the membership fee, make it “pay-as-you-go”, so the astronomy you want to do fits more in line with a modern outlook and lifestyle. That way anyone can access what we do as a group, and the response and support has been surprising.

Free isn’t cheap or easy and takes a lot of work from an amazing band of people. We could have offered a

traditional subscription based group, but why take revenue away from other groups? We have proven that we can promote all areas of astronomy and all the astronomy groups in our area of Hampshire. Hopefully they get more support too as we actively encourage anyone to attend their talks and seminars every month. At the end of the day, these groups have been doing it for years, and many of them offer something informative as well as entertaining. Check out our AstroSouth pages every month. From this month, we have expanded the list to reflect our growing readership which now extends right across the South of England.

New Look Up!As you will see, we have spent some time developing a more professional look for the eZine. From our first issue back in May it is now three times bigger. This period of rapid growth has meant that sometimes we have not always been able to get it out on time as it has been an evolutionary process in an effort to improve quality and originality. Even though it’s a free publication, we have set ourselves high standards and with every issue we discover ways to improve it. Compared to some of the earlier issues you can definitely see the changes. As with other areas, this process is ongoing. I guess that is part of being a new group and we have covered a lot of ground quickly. We are

always looking for interesting content and images for the eZine. It takes three solid days to put together, and we have been building a pool of articles and images from which to draw upon for the next few issues. Feedback and contributions to the eZine are always very welcome.

“The Forth Bridge”We are now focusing efforts on the website, which has several thousand visitors every month and is steadily growing all the time. Our web traffic has now overtaken some very well established and prestigious UK astronomy resources online!

The website was never designed to be that size and HantsAstro has outgrown it, so a total revamp will be started in the summer. There are another 50 pages to be uploaded and the navigation needs to be improved. The site and the eZine are two elements which are important sources of revenue for the Group so they have to be kept up to date and constantly developed. We’re working on it.

Site PassesWe have now sorted out our site passes, which are credit card sized and valid for 24 months. It’s controlled by the number of times you use the sites, not annual subscription. It means you’re not paying for cloudy nights. We’re not a cloud observing group. If we were,

NEWS Lights out at INTECH - Graham Green - 22nd November 2008Observe darker skies from here, free with HantsAstro...

Look Up!

www.hantsastro.org

Picture: Graham Green

05Look Up!

2008 would have been a marvellous start! (I will now probably get protests from some cloud-spotting clubs, but maybe they’ve been too busy). Apologies to those who haven’t got their passes yet; that will be corrected shortly. When we have announced the new observing sites in Hampshire and across the South, a Multi-Pass upgrade will be available for a nominal fee.

Size Matters?We now have over 110 members! However, that number is largely academic - it’s what we do as a group that defines us, not just our size. This year we are consolidating and have set out to do the following: 1. Develop our observing sites, with more observing sessions

2. The Butser Star Festival, Solar & Lunar “away missions” and IYA2009, plus INTECH Telescope Amnesties

3. Develop and improve our range of telescopes

4. Include Radio Astronomy as part of our activities

5. Education Outreach (already in progress, report due in Feb 09)

6. ‘Grow’ LookUp! to 32 pages by March 09

7. Launch the online store by our first birthday (currently in progress)

8. Undertake a total website revamp starting Summer 09

Any expertise in any of the above areas from members would be most welcome and some have already come forward, but there is much to do. Like any astronomy group we share the same aspirations and goals, but do things in a much more direct way. Our Core Team members act as our guidance system and we can act much faster than a traditional committee, due to the ways we communicate and our structure as a real team. The first three months of observing sessions taught us much in how to operate and this is just the start of that learning curve.

Every Other BusinessSeveral astronomy societies across the South now have retail sponsors and this is to be applauded as it’s a great way to help members get access to new kit and specialist service and support. One in particular, Worthing Astronomers, has adopted a similar model of sponsorship, free membership plus a free newsletter and already has 30 members - check them out on

www.wor thingastronomers.org.uk. Great work guys and we wish them every success! Since we came on the scene we are now seeing a change in the way some groups operate, but I’m not claiming credit for it... I said once we are a ‘future group’. We are no longer alone. It’s a sign of the times, and change is needed if astronomy in the UK is to continue. If we are seen to be spear-heading that change, then that’s a responsibility to get it right. However, not everyone will appreciate such a radical change.

See it then as a viable alternative, as we all share the same desire regarding this rewarding past-time.

We are a limited resource however, and some of the goals we have set ourselves as a group are

still very much in progress. To become so established in such a short time frame has been no mean feat and has been a real thrill. Now that this first part of the ride is over we have the rest of the funfair to explore; one stall at a time.

Clear Skies for 2009David WoodsHantsAstro.org

You’ll notice something

I said once that we are a ‘future group’. We are no longer alone.

The New Forest and the rest of Hampshire offer many opportunities for discovering the night sky with HantsAstro...

www.hantsastro.org

Picture: Graham Green

Butser Ancient Farm offers events beyond Astronomy that take in the wonders of the night sky.

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INTECH Telescope AmnestyFREE advice session, followed by Planetarium Show

Wednesday 21st January

2009advice session 6pm

show starts 8pm

www.hantsastro.org

Comments from the feedback box at the Oct 2008 Telescope Amnesty:“This has been an exceptional opportunity to get good advice and guidance to use a telescope and

fuel interest in astronomy. Brilliant evening. Do it again”

“I thought it was all very good - especially the chaps showing us the telescopes! They were great and full of knowledge”

“Excellent night and very interesting”

“Would be great to run this even 4 times a year - to show highlights of each season”

“Excellent evening - thanks”

“There were star constellations that I hadn’t even heard of, now I can boast at how I can see Orion”

“I loved it! Wooo!”

Picture: Graham Green

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INTECH Telescope AmnestyFREE advice session, followed by Planetarium Show

Wednesday 21st January

2009advice session 6pm

show starts 8pm

...with the HantsAstro online astronomy group, and members of the BBC Sky at Night team.

Make the most of these dark winter nights by getting out and taking a look at the beautiful night skies. And find out how by coming to INTECH’s Telescope Amnesty event. Strictly ages 8yr+.

Tickets for the show are £6/£5 (concession for seniors and those in full-time education). We strongly recommend booking your tickets early on (01962) 863791. No late entry to the planetarium.

www.hantsastro.org

co-hosted by

Look Up!

Comments from the feedback box at the Oct 2008 Telescope Amnesty:“This has been an exceptional opportunity to get good advice and guidance to use a telescope and

fuel interest in astronomy. Brilliant evening. Do it again”

“I thought it was all very good - especially the chaps showing us the telescopes! They were great and full of knowledge”

“Excellent night and very interesting”

“Would be great to run this even 4 times a year - to show highlights of each season”

“Excellent evening - thanks”

“There were star constellations that I hadn’t even heard of, now I can boast at how I can see Orion”

“I loved it! Wooo!”

08

VIEW Words: David Scanlan

Look Up!

www.hantsastro.org

Are you one of those astronomers who took up the hobby, either recently or years ago, and it soon struck you that you are going to need a telescope sooner rather than later to do some really exciting and possibly some ground breaking astronomy?

Well this article is all about what you can do with just the basics your naked eyes and maybe a pair of standard 10X50 Binoculars.

First of all let’s look at naked eye astronomy. There’s plenty you can do in this field to be honest and it is a great starting point for all beginners. First of all get to know the constellations; after all you won’t be able to find your faint and fuzzy galaxies, nebulae and clusters without first knowing a little bit about the constellations in which they lay.Right….let’s take a look at a couple of

the more significant constellations and some of the naked eye and binocular celestial objects of interest that you can target first.

Ursa Major- second star in from the pan handle lay the stars Alcor and Mizar, a nice double star system with a good separation. This star is both a great naked eye sight and also an even better binocular view. Jump down the handle to the first star on the bowl. Delta Ursa Majoris. This is clearly a naked eye star yet still heralds some debate amongst astronomers for this star is a suspected variable star: suspected meaning that no one knows for sure whether or not it is variable. I am currently the Director for the Society for Popular Astronomy Variable Star Section and I have entered into a brand new era of collaboration with the British Astronomical Association Variable Star Section in order to establish once and for all if Delta Ursa Majoris is indeed variable, your observations of this

star could help us to make a discovery so why not contribute?

Comparison charts and detailed information on Delta Ursa Majoris can be found at http://popastro.com/vstar/

Andromeda… did you know the next time someone asks how far you can see with your ‘“astronomer’s eyes” you can comfortably say 2.5 million light years, that’s roughly 6 trillion miles! That’s how far you will be looking when you view the Andromeda Galaxy, M31, with your eyes. No question that binoculars and a telescope will show more but to view it with your own eyes is something special.

Now let’s jump to Taurus, passing through the constellation of Orion which heralds the great Orion nebula and Alpha Orionis (another variable star and a worthy target), to the Pleiades, M45. This young open star cluster can be viewed with the naked eye and you can

Love the telescope….don’t forget your eyes!

M31 - Andromeda Galaxy

Picture: Wikimedia -John Lanoue

09Look Up!

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easily resolve the main stars. Binoculars will reveal many more of the cluster’s 1000 statistically confirmed members. A lovely cluster and an easy target for all.

One completely unmistakeable celestial target is obviously the Moon. Although a telescope is needed to get ‘inside’ the craters and wander the lunar valleys you can note and understand the coming and going of the lunar phases, watch occultations of major stars and planets and why not contribute to the Moon Watch Project.

This Project aims to refine our knowledge on the visibility of the crescent Moon soon after the new moon. All you do is look towards the westerly setting

sun on specific dates and let the moon watch project know if you glimpse the baby crescent Moon. Believe it or not by doing this you are actually making a solid, scientific observation that will assist mans understanding of this truly awesome astronomical body.

Visit the MoonWatch web site at http://www.crescentmoonwatch.org/index.htm

One of my all time favourites has got to be meteor watching. There is nothing so spell binding than sitting under the starry canopy of the universe watching and waiting for the streaks of light shooting across the sky. There are specific times of the year when meteor showers occur but meteor watching can

be done on any clear night and usually you will be blessed with two or three sporadic meteors. One astronomer I know actually conducted a 12 hour meteor watch when a shower was not even scheduled!

I hope this article has given you all food for thought and I hope you get even more enjoyment from your astronomy. as a result.

David Scanlan isthe Director of the

Variable Star SectionSociety for Popular Astronomy

Meteor Chart courtesy of the Society for Popular Astronomy www.popastro.com

Picture: NASA/ESA/AURA/Caltech

M45 - Pleiades The Moon

Picture: Wikimedia Commons

Orionid Meteors...

Picture: Wikimedia Mila Zinkova

REVIEWWords: David WoodsPicture: Graham Green

StarGPS AutoStar Handset Upgrade $99-199 via onlineGlobal Positioning Satellites are a real boon, especially if you move around a lot. If you own a Meade Telescope with an AutoStar handset controller then I guess you do too. But, every time you switch it on, it asks for date - OK. Time, check, lat and long of your location -Umm... Unless you researched your site(s) and found this info on the Internet, then the accuracy of your scanning of the heavens will be a bit

frustrating when you start observing or imaging and objects start tracking out of your eyepiece. Now there is an answer. Flash upgrade your hand set via your PC and connect either a dedicated GPS module or a Garmin Etrex or a Geko. Once converted and connected, the handset searches for a GPS signal and sets date, time and position in a second or two, and that’s it! The advantage is that now the telescope can be more

11

Great American Nebula - Richard ParkerLocation: Gosport Date: February 2008

Taken with: Sky Watcher Pro ED80-1 refractor and a Starlight Xpress SXVF-H16 CCD Mono on an unguided HEQ6 Mount

Mono Images taken in Luminance, Red, Green and Blue channels 4x2 minute exposures, then combined and processed to make the final image.

CCD Image Resolution: Four Mega-pixels.

www.hantsastro.org

Proving that small refractors can produce beautifully big results: The Sky Watcher ED80-1 f7.5

Picture: Graham Green

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The Crescent Moon - Martin Saban-Smith Location: Alton, Hampshire Equipment: Meade LXD75 SN-10 f/4 UHTC 10” Schmidt-Newtonian, LXD75 Mount with AutoStar Canon EOS 5D DSLR

250mm of Schmidt-Newtonian a type of Reflector that promises APO-like quality with bigger aperture but at a lower cost.

f/4 focal ratio is ‘fast’ so is perfect for astrophotography and offers a wide field of view. 10 inches of aperture provides great magnification when needed..

Look Up!

www.hantsastro.org

Picture: Graham Green

The Moon always offers something different, using a little light pollution here ‘paints‘ the surface an interesting shade of bronze.

13Look Up!

INTECH Science Centre, Telegraph Way, Morn Hill, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1HZ

12th November

Are We Star-dust or NuclearWaste? The Story of the Birth and Death of StarsDr Robin Catchpole (Cambridge University)

10th December

A (Potted) History of the TelescopeNinian Boyle (BBC Sky at Night, Venturescope)

14th January

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life in the Universe Prof Malcolm Coe (University of Southampton)

11th February

Tour of the UniverseDr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Astrium)

11th March

What Can We Know About the Universe?Prof Russell Stannard OBE (Open University)

8th April

Black Holes, Black Magic and Interstellar Travel

Prof John Brown (Astronomer Royal for

Scotland, Glasgow University)

13th May

Impacts from Space and the Death

of the Dinosaurs Dr Paul Roche

(Faulks Telescope Project)

10th June

Toys in the Sky: The Challenges of Space to the

Human MindNeville Poulton (Astrium)

8th July

They Really Did Land:Apollo at Forty

Piers Bizony (AETV)

SPACE LECTURES 2008-09

Booking line: 01962 863791 www.intech-uk.com for more information

Tickets £6.00 and £5.00All lectures start at 6.30pm. The lectures are for adults and older children (11+)

and each one will be followed by a short planetarium show about that month's sky.

www.hantsastro.org

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At the Centre of Astronomy for this Year - IYA2009!In 2009 the world will celebrate the International Year of Astronomy to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s use of a telescope to study the night sky. 2009 is also the anniversary of many other important dates in the history of science, such as the publishing of Kepler’s Astronomia Nova, Huygens’ Systema Saturnium, and the first moon landing.

For this celebration, astronomers around the world will be inviting people like you, and your friends and family, to look up in wonder at the night sky and to seek out answers to some of life’s biggest questions.

It’s what we do...HantsAstro was formed for this very reason; to get more people, who would not normally consider astronomy, to give it a go and see how much has changed. Right across the UK there are lots of events taking place to celebrate and raise the profile of Astronomy. In the South we are no different and can boast several unique places to visit where you can get more out of your astronomy!

Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, but never in its history has so many people been involved. One of the reasons for this is the recent increase in cheaper, higher quality telescopes that have been manufactured over the past 10 years. One could say that it’s only been since the space race in the past 50 years, that has really fired people’s imaginations. Science fiction has also played a great part in shaping our creativity and some of this has transpired (to a degree!) into science fact. The IYA2009 encompasses all the elements of astronomy that make it such an exciting and rewarding

pastime. HantsAstro is a modern approach to ‘de-geekify’ astronomy, so that more people can share in the wonders of the night sky.

Most importantly, it can be done with very little equipment. Just your own eyes will do..

Telescope performance nowadays is so good that you are able to see detail on nearby planets that was only dreamed of a couple of generations ago. As a Group we encourage everyone to look through a telescope, but amazingly few people have even attempted to look at the night sky with even a cheap pair of binoculars. Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to do the following:

Mission 1. Have a word with your next door neighbours about astronomy

and ask them if they have ever seen the Orion Nebula or even the Moon with a pair of 10 x 50s. If they say yes, show them again, and if they say no then definitely show them. I have never met anyone who has refused. We all share the same sky, yet so many people do not understand what is above them. Remember that warm, fuzzy feeling you got when you first saw Jupiter or Saturn with your own eyes? Mind blowing - wasn’t it?

At that point in your life, you discovered your true place in the Universe. It’s not something I can quite begin to describe. I urge anyone who reads this to pass that opportunity on, if you do nothing else. That alone, would make this whole project worthwhile.

Mission 2. If you have a telescope you can go a bit further. Show them the moons of Jupiter or the Andromeda Galaxy, always a crowd pleaser! Then explain to them that with a simple web-cam they can take images like a mini Hubble telescope!

Misson 3. Pick a night when there is a meteor shower and providing it’s clear, organise a BBQ. Show some friends a heavenly free firework show.

Mission 4. Drag one of your friends to our free observing night at INTECH where they can try out a telescope or binoculars and pick up some tips on finding their way around the night sky.This won’t cost you a bean, as it’s totally free. Butser Ancient Farm is our premier site for observing and a number of events are in progress to help you get more out of astronomy.

Mission 5. Send five of your friends a copy of Look Up! eZine. Better than a chain letter and far more rewarding.

Words: David Woods

15Look Up!

www.hantsastro.org

Butser Ancient Farm - Our Premier Site for observing

In every issue we will be covering what’s happening with the IYA2009. Our forthcoming Telescope Amnesty at INTECH is becoming a regular event. The free advice session is proving popular and the planetarium show after is truly amazing. See the advert on pages 6 & 7 in this issue.

Big WorldOne of the things we are looking to do this year, is to get in touch with as many of the countries that download Look Up! as we can, and find out what sort of astronomy is done elsewhere on planet Earth.

If you are reading this outside of the UK then please get in touch.

This magazine is read in 50 countries, so I hope to get a lot of e-mails! Write in - we would like to find out more about you.

Back to our shores. There are several Star Parties happening across the South of England during the year. Details of these will be posted on our website in due course. Whilst not all of them are strictly IYA2009 events,

our mission as a Group, is to inform and educate as many people across the region as possible.

So in essence, that is it.

The whole point of IYA2009 is to make people more aware of astronomy in all its forms. The next few pages will detail what’s going on and where, as an overview to the year’s events.

If it is to succeed at all then it is down to you - the reader of this article. Doing nothing about it is really easy, but taking up one of the missions may seem a small step however, if we all contribute, then it adds up to a big change. I’m sure you’ve heard something like this before, so why not this time give it a go!

HantsAstro wants to make astronomy more mainstream, and this is one of the few chances in the history of astronomy to do just that. Let’s go for it!

Continued page 16

Mission 5. Send five of your friends a free copy of Look Up! eZine. Better than a chain letter and far more rewarding.

Picture: Graham Green

16 Look Up!

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We have telescopes foryou to learn astronomy, that you can also buy yourself.

Mission 2. If you have a telescope you can go a bit further. Show them the moons of Jupiter or the Andromeda Galaxy. Always a crowd pleaser! Then explain to them that with a simple webcam they can take images like a mini Hubble telescope!

Misson 3. Pick a night when there is a meteor shower and providing it’s clear and quite dark, organise a BBQ. Show some friends a heavenly free firework show. See page 9 for more examples...

IYA 2009What’s On in the South?

There are an ever growing number of events taking place across the South, and it kicks off with the INTECH Telescope Amnesty 21 Jan @ 6pm

INTECH are also holding a series of Space Lectures (see page 13 for details) from Nov 08 to July 2009.

Elsewhere, there is a range of activities, and bound to be popular are three Moon Watches. These will take place across the region with several Astronomy Groups organising public events.

The main dates are:

Spring28 March - 05 April 2009

Autumn24 October - 01 November 2009

(and for schools)19-29 November 2009

Visit any of the Planetariums (on a cloudy day!) There are several across the South, and all offer exciting and informative shows with knowledgeable presenters. Some are geared towards families, while others are much more technical. It’s an ideal way to immerse yourself quickly with the night sky.

Explore! @ BristolNorman Lockyer, SidmouthINTECH, WinchesterSouthDowns, ChichesterRoyal Observatory,Greenwich London

See AstroSouth pages 21-24 for links...

AstroSoutht

universally seeking

Picture: Graham Green

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INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium home of the first IYA2009 Telescope Amnesty

Why not learn to capture stunning images like Richie Jarvis’ Horsehead Nebula featured last month. IYA2009 is open to all levels of astronomer- young or old, newbie or hardcore...

IYA Tip #1Binoculars: they’re ideal for many forms of stargazing.

Don’t get cheap high-power or zoom types. 7 x 50s or 10 x 50s are ideal and quite inexpensive: BAK4 prisms are better. 15x70mm are great but are heavier and require a tripod.

Avoid ‘Zoom’ binoculars or telescopes, as they do not offer a great view, and don’t get hung up on magnification!

IYA Tip #2Take it easy.

Start with picking out the planets and, some of the easier Messier objects and the some of the well known constellations. It’s always surprising how many people know their star sign, but know little about the night sky. Try star hopping. Show someone how to use a star map or Planisphere. That way, you won’t get lost in the Cosmos!

IYA 2009What’s On in the South?

There are also a number of day events and workshops planned across the South. These are to help you discover more about

the history of astronomy and Space.

In July, there will be major celebrations of the Moon Apollo Landing in 1969, 40 Years Ago.

Here are a couple of local IYA 2009 events for January to

March 2009

Observing the Night SkyNewchurch IOW PO36 0NN

Start Time: 2 0 0 9 - 0 1 - 2 5 19:30:00

End Time: 2 0 0 9 - 0 1 - 2 5 23:00:00

Vectis Astronomical Society invite you to an evening’s stargazing from

Newchurch Village.

Astronomy WeekendDavis Street Hurst

RG10 0THStart Time: 2 0 0 9 - 0 3 - 2 7

19:00:00End Time: 2 0 0 9 - 0 3 - 2 9

17:00:00

Join Reading Astronomical Society and Dinton Pastures Country Park

for their Astronomy Weekend.

An exhibition will run all weekend. In addition:

Telescope nights will be Fri 27th March and Sat 28th March

at 19.30Solar viewing will be afternoon of

Sunday 29th March

All events weather permitting with indoor contingency

AstroSoutht

universally seeking

Picture: Graham Green

18 Look Up!

19Look Up!

dusk to dawn gallery launching early 2009

www.hantsastro.org

For more business... look no further than

Look Up! is an exciting new concept in astronomy publishing. Downloaded by thousands of astronomers in the UK and in over fifty countries, it’s still growing every month This free publication offers the best chance for your astronomy related business to promote itself in a truly cost effective way. AstroSouth is launching this month too! This new astronomy directory will throw a spotlight on astronomy in the South of England, from astronomy courses, education, career to regional news Ask for a copy of our rate card today!

Call David Woods now! on Tel: 023 9261 7092 email: [email protected]

AstroSoutht

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Observing Sessions with HantsAstro

TimeShift Timetable INTECH BAF New Forest January 09 6/20 8/22 1-4 17-31 1-4 17-31

February 09 3/17 5/19 1-4 16-28 1-4 16-28

March 09 3/17/31 5/19 1-4 17-31 1-4 17-31

April 09 14/28 16/28 1-4 16-30 1-4 16-30

May 09 Solar TBA 1-4 16-30 1-4 16-30

June 09 Solar TBA 1-4 16-30 1-4 16-30

July 09 Solar TBA 1-4 16-30 1-4 16-30

Aug 09 Solar TBA 1-4 16-30 1-4 16-30

The above table...Our plan is to run up to three sites with fortnightly observing sessions, starting with INTECH and Butser Ancient Farm. Tuesdays/Thursdays are the planned days for INTECH, see the two sets of dates in the first column, which are the first and third weeks of the month. Simple, one night gets called off, then go on to the next slot. (i.e. 20th January is cancelled – we re-arrange for the 22nd).

Butser Ancient Farm observing sessions slide either side of the INTECH observing dates, see the two sets of dates in the second column (BAF). They are at the start/end of the month. The idea is only to meet and observe on clear nights. That’s why we put the dash from 1-4 or 20-30, it could be any day between 1-4 or 20-30. The key dates with this site are to observe when there is little or no moon at Butser or whichever Tuesday/Thursday is best at INTECH. The third column dates are for other sites we have as reserve, including the New Forest and some planned ‘away missions’.

HantsAstro might be able to claim we can avoid light pollution, but clouds and bad weather are something else. However, we do have one or two tricks up our sleeve.The timetable is flexible and hopefully you are too. Check our website for regular weather updates on our ClearSkies page: http://www.hanstastro.org/clearskies.html It views 7 days ahead, is 95% accurate within three days and 100% on the night. Why? Because we’ll be there! Join our group and you will be added to updated alerts regarding our observing sessions that are designed to inform you as accurately as possible that the sky is clear, or if staying at home is better...

It’s new, it’s working but there is still a margin for error. If you’re game, so are we.

... soon to be upgradedmore sites & more info at a glance.

You can still observe if it’s not too cloudy!

Look Up!

www.hantsastro.org

AstroSouthJanuary 2009

Right across Hampshire and the South, there is an active community of astronomical societies. This is reflected every month in this directory. If you have an event that you would like to promote for free, then please contact: [email protected]

INTECH Science Centre+ Planetarium

Winchester, Hants

Cost £2 per show in addition to exhibition entry

Cost - £6.95 Adults £4.65 under 14’s

Check site for schedulewww.intech-uk.com

Events

Telescope AmnestyWednesday 21st Jan 2009

Free Advice SessionPlanetarium Show £6/5

http://www.intech-uk.com/fold-ers/planetarium/special_event__

telescope_amnesty.cfm

IOW Star PartyThursday 26th March

to Monday 30th March 2009Brighstone IOW

http://www.iowstarparty.org/

If you have any talks or events you wish to be included in this list-

ing then please get in touch.

21

What’s on in the South

January 2009 HampshireInteresting local Astronomy talks take place in the County nearly every month, so please check the relevant web-site for any updates and contact details.

Hampshire Astronomical GroupJanuary 09 - The Next Decade of Exoplanet Discovery:The Hunt for the Earth AnalogSpeaker - Dr Don PollaccoClanfield Memorial Hall, South Lane, Clanfield PO8 0RB - @ 19:45pm Cost £2 Non-memberswww.hantsastro.org.uk

Solent Amateur Astronomers SocietyJanuary 20 - Into the Comic OceanSpeaker - Andrew Lound Oasis Acadamy, Lordhill Fairisle Road Southampton SO16 8BY - @ 19:30pm Cost £2 Non-memberswww.delscope.demon.co.uk/society/home.htm

Basingstoke Astronomical SocietyJanuary 22 - Imaging the Planets Speaker - Chris Hooker (Newbury AS)Cliddesden Primary School, Cliddesden, Basingstoke RG25 2QU - @ 19:00pm Cost £2 Non-memberswww.basingstokeas.org.uk

Southampton Astronomical SocietyNo Talk at time of issue -www.southampton-astronomical-society.org.uk

Vectis Astronomical SocietyJanuary 23 - TBA Speaker - Dr David WhitehouseJanuary 25 - Observing the Night Sky Speaker - Pointers Inn Newchurch Village Newchurch PO36 0NN - @ 19:30pm Cost £2 Non-members (donation)www.wightastronomy.org

.orgAstroSoutht

.org

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www.astrosouth.org

AstroSouthJanuary 2009

Talks & Events across the South of England Please check relevant web site for updates and contact details.

Southdowns PlanetariumChichester, West Sussex

Various Monthly Shows Check site for details + times

and bookingCost - £6 Adults

£4 under 16’swww.southdowns.org.uk/sdpt

Norman Lockyer Observatory &

PlanetariumSidmouth, Devon

Various Monthly Visits Shows Check site for details + times

and bookingCost - £5 Adults £2.50 under 16’s

http://projects.exeter.ac.uk/nlo/Home~EN.php

Events

If you have any talks or events you wish to be included in this listing then please get in touch.

Astronomy Groups A to HInteresting local Astronomy talks take place in the South every month, so please check the relevant web-site for any updates and contact details. Why not pay them a visit and support astronomy on your doorstep!

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Abingdon - http://www.abingdonastro.org.uk/

Adur AS - http://www.adur-astronomical.com/index.htm

Andover - www.andoverastronomy.org.uk

Ashford AS - http://www.ashfordastro.org.uk/website/

Aylesbury - http://www.aylesbury-astronomy.org.uk/

Basingstoke AS - http://www.basingstokeas.org.uk/

Bracknell - http://www.herschel-astrosoc.co.uk/has/default.htm

Brighton & Hove AS - http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john_wade/bhas/

Cody AS - http://www.codyastrosoc.co.uk/

Crawley AS - http://uk.geocities.com/crawleyas/

Croydon AS - http://www.croydonastro.org.uk/

Eastbourne AS - http://www.eastbourneas.org.uk/

East Sussex AS - http://www.croydonastro.org.uk/

Epsom

Ewell - http://www.ewell-as.co.uk/

Farnham AS - http://www.farnham-as.co.uk/

Guildford AS - http://www.guildfordas.org/

Hampshire AG - http://www.hantsastro.org.uk/

Horsham AG - http://www.horshamastronomy.com/

AstroSoutht

.org

Look Up!

www.astrosouth.org

AstroSouthJanuary 2009

Talks & Events across the South of England Please check relevant web site for updates and contact details.

Royal ObervatoryGreenwich, London

PlanetariumCost £6/4 per show

Check site for scheduleFree Admission to the

Observatorywww.nmm.ac.uk/

places/royal-observatory/

The ObervatoryScience CentreHerstmonceux,

HailshamAdmission £7.70/£5.70

Check site for scheduleand opening dates

www.the-observatory.org/

Events

If you have any talks or events you wish to be included in this

listing then please get in touch.

23

Astronomy Groups L to WInteresting local Astronomy talks take place in the South every month, so please check the relevant web-site for any updates and contact details.Why not pay them a visit and support astronomy on your doorstep!

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Lewes AG - http://www.lewesastro.org.uk/

Maidenhead - http://www.maidenhead-astro.net/

Newbury AG - http://www.newburyas.org.uk/

Orpington - http://www.orpington-astronomy.org.uk/

Reading - http://www.readingastro.org.uk/index2.htm

Richmond & Kew AS - http://www.rkas.org.uk/

Salisbury

Solent AS - http://www.delscope.demon.co.uk/society/home.htm

Southdowns AS - http://www.southdownsas.org.uk/

Vectis AS - http://www.vectis-astro.org.uk/

Wadhurst AS - http://wadhurst.info/was/

Wealden AS - http://www.wealdenas.co.uk/

Wessex AS - http://www.wessex-astro.org.uk/

West of London AS - http://www.howard.beeg.btinternet.co.uk/index2.htm

Weymouth AC - http://www.weymouthastronomy.co.uk/

Wiltshire AS - http://wasnet.co.uk/

Worthing AS - http://www.worthing-astronomical-society.com/

Worthing Astronomers - http://www.worthingastronomers.org.uk/

AstroSoutht

.org

Look Up!

www.astrosouth.org

AstroSouthJanuary 2009

Where the Planets are in our Solar System in January.

Table KeyRA - Right Ascension

Dec - Declination

Constell. - Constellation

Elongation - Angle between Sun &

Planet as seen from Earth

Distance - From Earth in

Astronomical Units (AU)

= 149.598M Km

Magnitude - Brightness

Diameter - in ArcSeconds

Phase - % Visibility of object disc

All Data is based on 15th of the month from Central Hampshire.

OUT THERE...Our Southern Sky - January 2009Mercury is visible in the bright twilight sky and is best seen on the 4th when it is at its greatest eastern elongation with the brighter planet Jupiter, just over 1.5 degrees away.

Venus brightens this month from mag.-4.2 on the 1st to -4.4 by the end of the month in the twilight western sky after sunset. On the 14th Venus reaches greatest eastern elongation and will appear as a ‘half Moon’ phase through even a small telescope on the 17th.

Mars is not visible this month.

Jupiter continues its course westward this month and into conjunction with the Sun on the 24th and will be too close to the Sun for safe viewing.

Saturn can be seen in Leo at mag.+0.5. It will be very difficult to see the planet’s rings because the equatorial plane of Saturn has now become tilted almost directly towards us. Have a look through a telescope and you will easily spot Saturn’s moons.

CometsComet 85P/Boethin has been disappointing. It has put on a poor show so far and this may be due to it becoming inactive or a shift of orbit, it may have broken up… Let’s keep an eye out for it as it ambles towards Pisces and on the 25-26th it comes close to the centre of M74 the elusive +10.5 face-on spiral galaxy.

Comet 2007 N3 Lulin is ‘predicted’ to be at Mag.8.6 at the beginning of the month and brightens to 7.5 by the 29th making it an ideal binocular object. It becomes brightest towards the end of February so have a look towards the end of this month in the pre-dawn sky south-south east in Libra.

Comet 144P/Kushida, this chap is predicted to be a faint Mag.11 this month as it moves through the western part of Taurus and into the Hyades cluster on the 31st. You’ll need a large telescope to see this one. Have a look, you never know, it might brighten!

MeteorsThe Quadrantids are active from the 1-6th. The best time to view this short shower in the UK will be in the early hours of the 3rd in the pre-dawn sky. The radiant is just north of Bootes. The shower peaks midday when the ZHR will be 100!

Full Moon11th January referred to as the Old Moon or the Moon after Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon.

Objects RA Dec Constell. Elongation Distance MagnitudeDiameter Phase

Sun 19h47m37s -21°08’21” Sagittarius

------- 0.984 AU

-28.0432’31” -------

Mercury 20h34m26s -16°50’57” Capricorn

-11.9° 0.730 AU

-1.78 09” 12%

Venus 22h54m28s -07°22’12”Aquarius

-47.1° 0.685 AU

-4.31 24” 51%

Mars 19h01m43s -23°30’09” Sagittarius

-10.9° 2.396 AU

1.29 03”

99%

Jupiter 20h18m13s -20°05’22” Capricorn

-7.2° 6.084 AU

-1.78 32”

99%

Saturn 11h32m55s +05°16’41”

Leo123.4°

8.794 AU 0.61 18”

99%

The Moon 11h10m04s +01°17’06”

Leo 126.9°

0.372 MKm -11.4

32’05” 80%

Solar System Data for January 2009

Next MonthHantsAstro Year to ViewRadio Astronomy ProjectAccessories -

Buyer’s Guide 4DSLR + CCD imaging compared...

and 28 pages!

If you have any suggestions for improving this star information then please e-mail:[email protected]

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24 Look Up!

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