Monday, April 4, 7:00 p.m.

Bartlesville Public Library

7:15 p.m.

Six Quick Presentations

by

Karen Cruce

Rick Bryant

Denise Gregg

Daryl Doughty

Evan Zorn

John Grismore

This month's program will actually be six separate presentations. These will follow a general format of 20x20, sometimes referred to as Pecha Kucha. Each presentation will contain 20 slides or less, on an astronomically related topic. Slides will auto advance after 20 seconds, so there will be no jumping back and forth (and the presenter will have to talk quickly). If time allows, there will be a one minute Q&A after each presentation. The range of topics is diverse, and there should be something of interest for everyone.

Our Solar System by Karen Cruce

Oklahoma Astrophotography by Rick Bryant

Helmholtz Waves by Denise Gregg

Earth's Orbit and Climate by Daryl Doughty

Einstein's Theories of Relativity by Evan Zorn

Astro Quiz by John Grismore

NSN Webinar on March 16: New Horizons and the Geology of Pluto and Charon

We invite you to join Dr. Orkan Umurhan on We dnesday, March 16, 2016 at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT to learn about the latest revelations from the New Horizons mission to the Pluto system. He will give NSN members previews of amazing images not yet released to the public, making this a special, can't-miss webinar! Dr. Umurhan will also answer member questions after his presentation.

Register for this webinar and to get reminders and a link the video conference at at http://bit.ly/NSNWebinarRegistration-Pluto2016

For members with slower or unreliable internet connections, slides will be posted on our resource page at: http://bit.ly/March2016NSNWebinar (login required)

You can also dial in by using these numbers (please note that long-distance charges may apply) :

1 (646) 558-8656 or 1 (408) 638-0968

The webinar ID is: < strong>865-409-821

About this Talk

NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has revealed that Pluto and Charon exhibit strikingly different surface appearances, despite their similar densities and presumed bulk compositions. This talk will present an overview of our main findings. Much of Pluto's surface can be attributed to surface-atmosphere interactions and the mobilization of volatile ices like N2 and CH4 by insolation. Many valley systems appear to be the consequence of glaciation involving N2 ice. Other observed signs of geological activity requires or required internal heating - for example, the solid-sta te convection and advection of volatile ices in Sputnik Planum can be powered by present-day radiogenic heat loss. On the other hand, the prominent mountains at the western margin of Sputnik Planum, and the strange, multi-km-high mound features to the south, probably composed of H2O, are young geologically as inferred by light cratering and superposition relationships. Their origin, and what drove their formation so late in Solar System history, is under investigation. The dynamic remolding of landscapes by volatile transport seen on Pluto is not unambiguously evident on Charon. Charon does, however, display a large resurfaced plain and globally engirdling extensional tectonic network attesting to its early endogenic vigor. Speculations as to the geologic histories of these two bodies will be discussed.

Universe Discovery Guide for March

Explore the Pleiades, one of the most famed star clusters in astronomy! These young stars are beginning their journey apart, but still shine bright and compact in our night skies. Find out more about their evolution and more in this month's guide at: http://bit.ly/UDGMarch

Featured Article: Watch the James Webb Space Telescope Assemble

You can watch as the powerful next generation space telescope takes shape in its clean room. The James Webb S pace Telescope (JWST) only has a couple more years on Earth before it will be launched into space to study the origins of the universe in 2018.

The JWST hit a major milestone in February as all 18 of its primary mirror segments mirrors were installed. Find out more about how you can watch its progress as the JWST is assembled and readied for launch in this article at: http://bit.ly/JWSTAssemble

*****

You can reach us any time at nightskyinfo@astrosociety.org

Wishing you clear skies!

Vivian White & David Prosper

The Night Sky Network Team

nightskyinfo@astrosociety.org

Texas Star Party – Last chance to sign up now!

The great tradition of dark sky observing continues with the 37th Annual

TEXAS STAR PARTY, May 1-8, 2016!

near Ft Davis, Texas

Staying on the Ranch in housing, RV, or camping? Staying off-site in other accommodations?

Everyone needs to enter the TSP drawing, held in late January.

You should submit a Registration/Reservation Request Form to ENTER THE TSP DRAWING

before January 22, 2016.

This will provide you the highest possible chance of being selected as one of the 500 people

who will be able to attend TSP this year.

Follow this link to get started!

http://texasstarparty.org/get-started/

SIGN UP NOW!

You can find out the status of your TSP Registration at any time by visiting

http://texasstarparty.org/account/

Find the latest news at:

http://texasstarparty.org/news/

Find out about our new Mirror-making Workshop, where you can make your own mirror during TSP!

https://texasstarparty.org/mirror-making-workshop/

Questions? Visit our web site for the latest and complete details!

http://www.texasstarparty.org/ or email tsprooms@texasstarparty.org

We look forward to seeing you next May!

Sincerely,

the volunteers for Texas Star Party

Accurate Polar Alignment

By: Alan MacRobert | July 17, 2006 | Comments 1

Long-exposure astrophotography requires an accurately aligned equatorial mount.

- See more at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-equipment/equipment-diy/#sthash.54pqzBDM.dpuf

Tips for Shooting Great Nightscapes

By: Babak Tafreshi | August 10, 2015 | Comments 0

Capturing the Earth and sky in one great composition is surprisingly easy.

The Night Sky Network Team

nightskyinfo@astrosociety.org

Universe Discovery Guide: Orion Nebula

Explore the Orion Nebula, a giant nursery of baby stars, in February's Universe Discovery Guide!

bit.ly/UDGFebOrion

Hello BAS Members --

With so many people interested in AstroPhotography in the group, we have thought of having a "Astro Picture of the Month" competition each month at our meetings.

Entry Rules:

Send one picture of the night sky/ object of the current month with a description of the picture and the equipment used to take this.

Mail it to bvilleastro@gmail.com.

Best picture is chosen in the next meeting and uploaded to our Facebook/Twitter pages with your mention!

So let the entries pouring in for our next meeting on the Feb 2, 2015.

Thanks

BAS President .

Sky and Telescope News http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/

Comet 252P Zooms North, BA14 Grows Tail

By: Bob King | March 23, 2016 | Comments 4

Splintered comet duo 252P/LINEAR and P/2016 BA14 liven up both dusk and dawn this week. Naked-eye 252P finally debuts in northern skies, while BA14 makes a beeline through the Big Dipper.- See more at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/#sthash.0TxfpOgO.dpuf

Total Solar Eclipse Reports from Indonesia

By: Kelly Beatty | March 9, 2016 | Comments 0

Skygazers thronged to Indonesia hoping to see a total solar eclipse — and most were rewarded with breathtaking views of the event.

A Spectacular View of the Total Solar Eclipse

By: Robert Naeye | March 9, 2016 | Comments 0

On the morning of Wednesday, March 9th, 240 members of a Sky & Telescope cruise were treated to a spectacular total solar eclipse.- See more at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/#sthash.qetKmh3P.dpuf

Skyweek from Sky and Telescope Magazine also presents a variety of astronomical events for the naked eye as well as telescope viewing.http://www.skyandtelescope.com/videos/skyweek

March 20 - March Equinox. The March equinox occurs at 04:30 UTC. The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of fall (autumnal equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere.

March 23 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 12:02 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Worm Moon because this was the time of year when the ground would begin to soften and the earthworms would reappear. This moon has also been known as the Full Crow Moon, the Full Crust Moon, the Full Sap Moon, and the Lenten Moon.

March 23 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, or penumbra. During this type of eclipse the Moon will darken slightly but not completely. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of extreme eastern Asia, eastern Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the west coast of North America including Alaska. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)

April 7 - New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 11:24 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

April 18 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 19.9 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.

April 22 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated. This phase occurs at 05:24 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Pink Moon because it marked the appearance of the moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the first spring flowers. This moon has also been known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Growing Moon, and the Egg Moon. Many coastal tribes called it the Full Fish Moon because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn.

April 22, 23 - Lyrids Meteor Shower. The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861. The shower runs annually from April 16-25. It peaks this year on the night of the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd. These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. Unfortunately this year the glare from the full moon will block out all but the brightest meteors. If you are patient, you should still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

May 6 - New Moon. The Moon will located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 19:29 UTC. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

May 6, 7 - Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, which has known and observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the night of May 6 and the morning of the May 7. The new moon will ensure dark skies this year for what could be an excellent show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

• • (Source: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2016.html)

2016 BAS Programs

Next Meeting

April 4, Monday. Bartlesville Public Library Meeting Room (tentative)

Newsletter Contributions Needed

Our club newsletter is reaching more people each month, and member contributions in the form of short articles, interesting news items, alerts of upcoming astronomical events or activities, descriptions of personal observations or useful equipment, and observing tips, are encouraged. Recurring columns or multipart articles are also welcome. Please submit your contributions to Mike Woods or to bvilleastro@gmail.com .

Bartlesville Astronomical Society - Membership

B.A.S. is an organization of people interested in Astronomy and related fields of science.