July 2018

Monday, July 2, 2018

Setup and casual conversation starts at 6:30 p.m.

Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

Bartlesville Public Library

Meeting Room A (upstairs)

Program:

Voyager by Evan Zorn

Meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome.

Hi All,

Please see the email below from Tamara Green, president of the Astronomy Club of Tulsa, in regards to the Astronomy Day at Woolaroc on Aug. 18th. Looks like it will run from noonish to about 10 pm. I know at least one of you who said they could help, but I hope a few more of us will sign up. I plan on being there at least for part of the day and maybe for the whole time. If you would, please let Ms. Green and I know if you would be willing to help so that we can come up with a game plan for the day. Also, if you have any ideas for some activities to do during the day, please let us know.

Thanks, Karen Cruce, President, BASDear Ms. Cruce:

My name is Tamara Green, and I am the President of the Astronomy Club of Tulsa.

Jan Tucker with Woolaroc recently contacted me about our club doing an "Astronomy Day" at Woolaroc sometime this summer. Our club chose Saturday, August 18.

She said we could also invite your club to participate with us.

We plan to arrive at Woolaroc on that day at either Noon or 1:00 PM and have some astronomy-related activities during the day, followed by a talk on astronomy equipment in their Events Center at 6:30 PM. Then at 7:00 PM, even though the sun will still be up, guests could view the 1st Quarter Moon, which rises at 2:23 PM. When it gets darker after sundown, there will be Venus and Jupiter.

They want us to start breaking down at 9:00 PM, and be off the property by 10:00 PM.

Does this sound like something the Bartlesville club would be interested in participating in? If so, you all are welcome to come up with some daytime activities for the event as well! We would love to have you guys participate with us if you can!

If you need to contact me, my email address is astrotulsa.pres@gmail.com, and my phone number is (918) 851-1213.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Clear Skies!

Tamara Green

President

Astronomy Club of Tulsa

AstroTulsa.Pres@gmail.com

Apps for consideration

Distant Suns, your personal guide to the cosmos, lists Night Sky Network astronomy club star parties, safe solar gazing events, and lectures in the main navigation bar. Distant Suns is available for Android, Apple iOS, Kindle, and Nook.

SkySafari, a powerful planetarium that fits in your pocket, lists Night Sky Network astronomy club star parties, safe solar observing events, and lectures in the help menu. SkySafari is available for Android and Apple devices and computers.

Family Fun with Sky Watching

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

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/

Best Test of General Relativity on Galaxy Scales

By: Monica Young | June 25, 2018 | Comments 0

Astronomers have conducted the best, galaxy-scale test of general relativity yet, and it rules out some (but not all) theories of modified gravity.

Pulsar Limits “Fifth Force” Interactions with Dark Matter

By: Elizabeth Howell | June 21, 2018 | Comments 3

A recent experiment to better understand the nature of dark matter constrains a possible "fifth force" of nature to almost zero.

Best Test of General Relativity on Galaxy Scales

By: Monica Young | June 25, 2018 | Comments 0

Astronomers have conducted the best, galaxy-scale test of general relativity yet, and it rules out some (but not all) theories of modified gravity.

Big Dust Storm Blows up on Mars (Updated)

By: Bob King | June 25, 2018 | Comments 15

Will Mars soon be hidden under a veil of dust? Let's hope not. We explore the current storm and the planet's upcoming close opposition.

Mars Dust Storm Grows — Curiosity’s Skies Darkening

By: Sean Walker | June 22, 2018 | Comments 0

The dust storm on Mars that broke out at the end of May is now affecting the skies across the entire planet.

Observe Changes on Mars

By: Sean Walker | June 18, 2018 | Comments 0

The nearby Red Planet displays remarkable changes every apparition. As Mars approaches opposition, keep an eye out for some of these differences.

NASA’s Dawn Probe Reaches Its Low, Final Orbit

By: David Dickinson | June 13, 2018 | Comments 0

NASA's Dawn spacecraft has entered a new and final orbit that will take it less than 30 miles above the surface of asteroid Ceres.

Too Many Massive Stars in Universe’s Youngest Galaxies

By: Monica Young | June 13, 2018 | Comments 1

A new method of measuring star formation in the earliest galaxies finds that they’re producing more massive stars than expected — a result that could affect our understanding of how galaxies grow their stars.

Apollo Astronauts Warmed Moon During Lunar Visits

By: David Dickinson | June 12, 2018 | Comments 0

A new study sheds light on an old mystery surrounding anomalous readings from the Apollo landing sites.

A Big Dust Storm Blows up on Mars

By: Bob King | June 12, 2018 | Comments 4

Will Mars soon be hidden under a veil of dust? Let's hope not. We explore the current storm and the planet's upcoming close opposition.

No Planet 9? Small-body Pile-up Could Explain Odd Orbits

By: Javier Barbuzano | June 11, 2018 | Comments 0

New research shows that interactions between small objects beyond Neptune’s orbit —and not a hypothetical Planet Nine — could be the reason some far-flung solar system objects “detach” from their original orbits.

Methane and Other Organics on Mars

By: Camille M. Carlisle | June 7, 2018 | Comments 2

The Curiosity rover has detected organic molecules in ancient rocks on Mars.

Asteroid 2018 LA Explodes Over Botswana Hours After Discovery

By: Bob King | June 4, 2018 | Comments 2

Don't look now — it's already gone! Asteroid 2018 LA screeched into Earth's atmosphere only 7 hours after its discovery to create a Sun-bright spectacle over South Africa and Botswana.

Why Are the Galilean Moons So Massive?

By: Alexander Hellemans | June 4, 2018 | Comments 0

Scientists propose that Saturn’s meddling helped create the four giant Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter.

Tour June’s Sky: Venus, Jupiter & Saturn

By: Kelly Beatty | June 1, 2018 | Comments 1

As you'll learn in this month's astronomy podcast, Jupiter and Saturn will compete with brilliant Venus for your attention in the late-evening sky.

Dunes on Pluto

By: Camille M. Carlisle | May 31, 2018 | Comments 1

Planetary scientists think they’ve found wind-built ripples of methane ice on the king of the Kuiper Belt.

Vesta Gets Close and Bright

By: Bob King | May 30, 2018 | Comments 8

Vesta, the brightest asteroid, puts on one of its best shows ever in June, when it shines enough to see without optical aid.

Curiosity Rover is Drilling Again

By: David Dickinson | May 29, 2018 | Comments 0

An innovative technique has allowed NASA's Curiosity Rover to resume drilling Martian rocks. But the partially successful test shows that more work remains to be done.

Known Close Stellar Encounters Surge in Number

By: Shannon Hall | May 28, 2018 | Comments 1

A new analysis of our stellar neighborhood reveals 7 times as much nearby stellar traffic as previously known.

Skyweek

June 27 - Saturn at Opposition. The ringed planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons. A medium-sized or larger telescope will allow you to see Saturn's rings and a few of its brightest moons.

June 28 - 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 04:53 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Strawberry Moon because it signaled the time of year to gather ripening fruit. It also coincides with the peak of the strawberry harvesting season. This moon has also been known as the Full Rose Moon and the Full Honey Moon.

July 12 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 26.4 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.

July 13 - 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 02:48 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 13 - Partial Solar Eclipse. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only a part of the Sun, sometimes resembling a bite taken out of a cookie. A partial solar eclipse can only be safely observed with a special solar filter or by looking at the Sun's reflection. This partial eclipse will only be visible in extreme southern Australia and Antarctica. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)

July 27 - 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 20:22 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 27 - Total Lunar Eclipse. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes completely through the Earth's dark shadow, or umbra. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Europe, Africa, western and central Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Western Australia. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)

July 27 - Mars at Opposition. The red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Mars. A medium-sized telescope will allow you to see some of the dark details on the planet's orange surface.

July 28, 29 - 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 28 and morning of July 29. The nearly full moon will be a problem this year, blocking out all but the brightest meteors. But 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 Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

August 11 - 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 09:58 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 11 - Partial Solar Eclipse. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only a part of the Sun, sometimes resembling a bite taken out of a cookie. A partial solar eclipse can only be safely observed with a special solar filter or by looking at the Sun's reflection. The partial eclipse will be visible in parts of northeast Canada, Greenland, extreme northern Europe, and northern and eastern Asia. It will be best seen in northern Russia with 68% coverage. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information)

August 12, 13 - 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 12 and the morning of August 13. The thin crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent 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 17 - Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Venus reaches greatest eastern elongation of 45.9 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset.

August 26 - 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 11:57 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 26 - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 18.3 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 morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

• • (Source: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2018.html)

2018 BAS Programs

August 6, 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.