Monday, July 3, 7:00 p.m.

Setup and Casual Conversation starting at 6:30 p.m.

Bartlesville Public Library

7:15 p.m.

WILL THE CURRENT SOLAR MINIMUM

HAVE AN OBSERVABLE EFFECT ON THE AUGUST 2017 SOLAR ECLIPSE?

by

Daryl Doughty

Daryl will explain how the current solar minimum may impact

the appearance of the total eclipse on August 21, 2017.

Saturday, May 27, 2017 11:24 PM (courtesy of John Land, Tulsa)

​Comet Johnson C/ 2015 V2 is putting on a nice show high overhead near the star Arcturus in the constellation Bootes.

"Watch Comet Johnson Sprints Through Boötes" Finder Maps at

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/comet-johnson-makes-a-splendid-sprint-through-bootes/

Comet Johnson is at its best now as it passes closest to Earth on June 5th and reaches perihelion ( closest to the Sun ) June 12

The comet is currently around 6.8 magnitude which makes it accessible to most small to medium sized telescopes even from suburban skies. Since the comet is up most of the night try to time your observations when the moon is not interfering with its light.

To locate Arcturus follow the curve of the Big Dipper's handle to a bright orange colored star high overhead..

Start with a low power eyepiece and scan the area indicated on the maps. The comet will appear as a fuzzy ball of light looking like a fingerprint of light. This is the comet's COMA - the outer cloud of gases surrounding the central nucleus which is usually not visible. Unless you are in dark skies the tail of the comet will not be visible. Although it looks greenish in photos, you should expect only to see it as a dim glow of white. (Our eyes don't see color when we are using our night vision.)

Real Time Comet Photo Gallery

http://spaceweathergallery.com/comet_gallery.html

Get a Sneak Preview of Aug 21st Solar Eclipse

On Monday night May 30 the moon will be just to the right of the star Regulus in Leo.

This is also where it will be during the eclipse on Aug 21st.

If you can locate the 5 day old moon in the daytime sky about 6:00 PM it will be at the approximate location

that the sun will be a maximum eclipse around 1:00 PM Aug 21, 2017 - Altitude 65 and Azimuth 166

Warning FAKE ECLIPSE glasses being sold online

NASA has issued a warning about untested uncertified Eclipse glasses from overseas manufacturers being sold online.

http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/fake_glasses.htm

How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely

https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/safe-viewing

MSRAL Society Presidents and ALCors:

Please encourage your members to mark their calendars now for an exciting 2017 Mid-States convention, scheduled for June 9-11, 2017 at MO State University in Springfield, MO. The convention is being jointly sponsored by the Springfield Astronomical Society and the Ozarks Amateur Astronomers Club.

We have many wonderful speakers scheduled, including Dr. Angela Speck, University of MO-Columbia, who is giving a presentation on the 2017 Total Solar. We are inviting your society members to give papers as well (see contact information below).

Since the university is between sessions, some economical lodging will be available in University student housing, for approximately $30 per person per night. Hotels with convention rates will be announced soon.

Please make sure we have the website url for your society so we can list it on the MSRAL page to further showcase what is happening with your group.

MORE REGISTRATION AND OTHER INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON, SO CHECK THE CONVENTION WEBSITE OFTEN!

The contact information for the event is: Henry Stratmann, Chair

hgstratmannjr53@gmail.com

(417) 631-5202

http://www.springfieldastronomy.org/index.asp?Q=MSRAL

Club might be interested in this link - what you might see during the eclipse. Please pass it on.

http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/august-21-2017-solar-eclipse-4-planets-bright-stars

Is the club doing a group buy of solar eclipse glasses? I might be interested in several pair.

Thank you

John Blaesi

Link to a photography blog regarding the Eclipse:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/outdoors/features/mark-your-calendars-north-american-solar-eclipse-2017?utm_medium=Email%201624387&utm_campaign=Content&utm_source=WeeklyContent%20160827&utm_content=Explora&utm_term=mark-calendars-north-american-solar-eclipse-2017

Have your hotel ready?

John Blaesi

Featured Resource: 2017 Solar Eclipse Resource List

Are you ready for the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse? Is your community ready? Check out this collection of resources to prepare the 99% of the country who will see a partial eclipse. Find the list at: https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/download-view.cfm?Doc_ID=588

Resource: It's All Done with Mirrors

These simple demonstrations are a great way to illustrate the path of light as it reflects off of mirrors and how this is used in telescopes, especially if you have ever been asked why the Moon appears "flipped" or "upside down" in your eyepiece! Check out this activity, complete with demo video and list of materials, on the NSN website at:

https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/download-view.cfm?Doc_ID=345

Universe Discovery Guide: The Fate of Our Universe

Universe Discovery Guide for November: The Fate of Our Universe

https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/download-view.cfm?Doc_ID=548

Family Fun with Sky Watching

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/stargazing-basics/family-projects-and-experiments/

Hello BAS members

Please use link below to access Member Presentations.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4CQup8TdDvCfnBiUlE5RURWWTl4Y0IyVVlyMnVwWlVtQW9uWnAxTDJHMHk4VmVuNFkxeXc

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/

NASA Closes Out Its Asteroid Redirect Mission

By: David Dickinson | June 22, 2017 | Comments 2

Following the release of the 2018 budget, the space agency has ordered an “orderly closeout” for the Asteroid Redirect program.

A Partly Cloudy Exoplanet

By: AAS Nova | June 22, 2017 | Comments 1

Direct imaging of exoplanets was once only possible for the brightest of planets orbiting the dimmest of stars — but improving technology is turning this into an increasingly powerful technique. In a new study, direct-imaging observations of the Jupiter-like exoplanet 51 Eridani b provide tantalizing clues about its atmosphere.

New Wrinkles in the Search for “Planet X”

By: Kelly Beatty | June 21, 2017 | Comments 0

Are astronomers being misled about a possible ninth planet by the quirky alignment of orbits that they’re finding in the distant Kuiper Belt?

Kepler Team Releases Final Exoplanet Catalog

By: Shannon Hall | June 19, 2017 | Comments 1

The most comprehensive and detailed exoplanet catalog released yet marks the end of an era for Kepler, the planet-hunting telescope.

China Launches Its First X-ray Observatory

By: David Dickinson | June 19, 2017 | Comments 1

China's Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT) headed to orbit this past weekend.

Hello, Saturn! We’re Glad You’re Back

By: Bob King | June 14, 2017 | Comments 15

Saturn, considered by many the most beautiful sight in the sky, comes to opposition this week with its rings in full tilt. You won't want to miss it.

Rosetta Finds Clues to Earth’s “Xenon Paradox”

By: David Dickinson | June 13, 2017 | Comments 0

Xenon measured by the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft has shed light on a long-standing mystery about the role comets played in Earth's formation.

Observers Track New Horizons’ Next Target

By: Kelly Beatty | June 8, 2017 | Comments 1

On June 3rd, two dozen teams of observers in South America and South Africa tried to learn something about distant 2014 MU69, which New Horizons will visit in early 2019.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to Touch the Sun

By: Chris Stubenrauch | June 7, 2017 | Comments 2

NASA's Parker Solar Probe, set to launch in 2018, will be humanity's first effort to "touch the Sun," revolutionizing our understanding of the Sun's corona, the solar wind, and the greater heliosphere.

Help Astronomers Track a Giant, Ringed Planet

By: John Bochanski | June 7, 2017 | Comments 2

The possible discovery of a massive ringed planet in Orion needs confirmation — and amateur astronomers can help.

Two New Satellites for Jupiter

By: Kelly Beatty | June 6, 2017 | Comments 2

Just a mile across, a pair of moonlets found orbiting Jupiter bring the planet's total satellite count to 69.

NASA’s Lunar Orbiter Takes a Hit

By: Kelly Beatty | June 2, 2017 | Comments 3

A Moon-orbiting camera briefly shuddered — then got back to work — when it was hit by a tiny bit of space rock no bigger than a pinhead.

Tour June’s Sky: Saturn at Opposition

By: Kelly Beatty | May 31, 2017 | Comments 1

June's astronomy podcast takes you on a star- and planet-studded tour of the sky you'll see after sunset.

Watch Venus and Uranus Double Up Beneath a Comet

By: Bob King | May 31, 2017 | Comments 10

Following an occultation of Rho Leonis by the Moon, watch Venus and Uranus pair up in a weekend conjunction just 10° from Comet ER61 PanSTARRS.

New Clues on Fate of Schiaparelli Mars Lander

By: David Dickinson | May 30, 2017 | Comments 5

The European Space Agency has released its investigation into the crash of the Schiaparelli Mars lander in October 2016.

Mission to Asteroid Psyche to Launch Earlier Than Anticipated

By: Janine Myszka | May 29, 2017 | Comments 0

The Psyche mission to asteroid 16 Psyche had its launch date pushed up — and will now arrive well before originally planned.

Mission to Asteroid Psyche to Launch Earlier Than Anticipated

By: Janine Myszka | May 29, 2017 | Comments 0

The Psyche mission to asteroid 16 Psyche had its launch date pushed up — and will now arrive well before originally planned.

New Impact Flash Seen on Jupiter

By: Bob King | May 28, 2017 | Comments 2

Flash! A comet or asteroid fragment whacked Jupiter on May 26th. It's the sixth time that observers on Earth have witnessed an impact on the giant planet.

Juno: Surprises in First Science Results

By: David Dickinson | May 25, 2017 | Comments 5

From its dynamic atmosphere to its hidden depths, the Juno spacecraft has Jupiter as never before — surprising NASA scientists with unexpected complexity.

Skyweek

June 24 - 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 02:31 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.

July 9 - 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 04:07 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Buck Moon because the male buck deer would begin to grow their new antlers at this time of year. This moon has also been known as the Full Thunder Moon and the Full Hay Moon.

July 23 - 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 09:46 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.

July 29, 30 - Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The Delta Aquarids is an average shower that can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by comets Marsden and Kracht. The shower runs annually from July 12 to August 23. It peaks this year on the night of July 29 and morning of July 30. The crescent moon will set by midnight, leaving dark skies for what should be a good early morning 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.

July 30 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 27.2 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.

August 7 - 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 18:11 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Sturgeon Moon because the large sturgeon fish of the Great Lakes and other major lakes were more easily caught at this time of year. This moon has also been known as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.

August 7 - Partial Lunar Eclipse. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, or penumbra, and only a portion of it passes through the darkest shadow, or umbra. During this type of eclipse a part of the Moon will darken as it moves through the Earth's shadow. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of eastern Africa, central Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Australia. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)

August 11,12 - Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors. The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24. It peaks this year on the night of August 11 and the morning of August 12. The waning gibbous moon will block out many of the fainter meteors this year, but the Perseids are so bright and numerous that it should still be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

August 21 - 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 18:30 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.

August 21 - Total Solar Eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing the Sun's beautiful outer atmosphere known as the corona. This is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime event for viewers in the United States. The last total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States occurred in 1979 and the next one will not take place until 2024. The path of totality will begin in the Pacific Ocean and travel through the center of the United States. The total eclipse will be visible in parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina before ending in the Atlantic Ocean. A partial eclipse will be visible in most of North America and parts of northern South America. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information | Detailed Zoomable Map of Eclipse Path)

• • (Source: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2017.html)

2017 BAS Programs

Next Meeting

July 3, 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.