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

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

Bartlesville Public Library

7:15 p.m.

CERN

The Large Hadron Collider

by

Gordon Stallings

BAS Members,

Below is an International Occultation Timing Association forum message from Brad Timerson that includes links to several impressive amateur videos of the March 5 Aldebaran lunar occultation observed by members of the North York Astronomical Society (Ontario, Canada) gathered at a site near Mississauga, Ontario. The first video (Vimeo) synchronizes 5 videos from separate locations.

John G

(From IOTA Yahoo Forum)

I have received and been provided the links to a wonderful video presenting a unique look at the 5 March 2017 graze of Aldebaran. Members of the North York Astronomical Society (Ontario, Canada) gathered at a site near Mississauga, Ontario, to record the graze. They used information provided by the IOTA predictions page for this event to set themselves up at 5 stations along a line roughly perpendicular to the path with spacings of about 50 to 100 meters. All used fairly long foc al length telescopes for good image scale and the telescopes were on driven equatorial mounts. All the observers used DSLR cameras, with several recording WWV on the audio track so they would provide very useful information.

Andreas Gada created the video by manipulating each individual station video to the same orientation and then time synchronized. All 5 videos were then placed in the same video screen with a clock synced to WWV. The result is amazing. https://vimeo.com/209854850

Be sure to have the sound on to hear the time signals and comments from the observers.

Andreas also created a video from his two stations with a moving timeline along the combined profile/light curve provided by Skip Whitehurst from data I provided to him. https://vimeo.com/209855792

These two videos are linked to on the Summary page for this event at: http://www.asteroidoccultation.com/observations/AldebaranGraze_05March2017/

Brad Timerson

John Grismore

Bartlesville Astronomical Society

Hello members,

OK, the next Library event is April 15 a Saturday event from 2 - 4 pm. It is Russian themed. They will also be having another event that day which will be off-site which will be about Russian culture with authentic cloths and tea and cookies and learn some Russian phrases. So we will be setting up solar scopes and a program or two. Again we will have Peg and Rick Walker of basidewalkastronomers with us. The Tuesday night event was a smash hit so that they want us all to do this event together and with a follow-up Astronomy night in the fall. We will talk more on April 3 at our meeting.

Jerry

The above event will be at the Civic Center.

The great tradition of dark sky observing continues with the 39th Annual

TEXAS STAR PARTY, May 21-28, 2017!

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 20, 2017.

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

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/

Bright Supernova Erupts in NGC 5643 in Lupus

By: Bob King | March 25, 2017 | Comments 11

A recently discovered supernova in Lupus now shines around magnitude +11.5, bright enough to see in a modest telescope. With photos and maps, we'll get you there. I wished I lived in Georgia and not just for the peach trees and warmer weather. No, I'd be able to get up early tomorrow morning to marvel at…

Less Dark Matter in Young Galaxies?

By: Monica Young | March 15, 2017 | Comments 1

A new study of six young, star-forming galaxies suggests they have less dark matter than expected. But the results may say more about galaxy evolution than about the nature of dark matter.

Welcome to Pan: Saturn’s Ravioli-Shaped Moon

By: David Dickinson | March 13, 2017 | Comments 11

Cassini gave us a good look a Saturn's moon Pan last week... and what a strange world it is.

Bright Mound on Ceres Due to Briny Eruptions?

By: Kelly Beatty | March 13, 2017 | Comments 1

The strange bright deposits inside Occator crater on Ceres are probably from cryovolcanic eruptions that are much younger than the crater itself.

A New Take on the Audible Meteor Mystery

By: David Dickinson | March 7, 2017 | Comments 5

A recent study suggests a plausible mechanism to explain why observers sometimes hear superbright meteors at the same time that they see them.

Seven-Planet Star Hides Age, Might Be Deadly

By: Camille M. Carlisle | March 6, 2017 | Comments 3

The star with seven exoplanets puts out enough high-energy radiation to tear away the inner planets’ atmospheres in a few billion years.

SpaceX Announces 2018 Moonshot Mission

By: David Dickinson | March 1, 2017 | Comments 3

SpaceX's surprise announcement envisions humans traveling beyond low-Earth orbit and to the Moon at the end of 2018.

Find New Worlds, Film an Eclipse & Do Some Citizen Science!

By: Monica Young | February 27, 2017 | Comments 0

Hankering to discover new solar systems or understand our own? These citizen science projects and public data troves will help you fill your free time.

Scientists Find Organics on Ceres

By: Camille M. Carlisle | February 16, 2017 | Comments 1

The Dawn spacecraft has detected organic compounds on the dwarf planet Ceres.

Active Black Hole Encourages Starbirth

By: Camille M. Carlisle | February 20, 2017 | Comments 1

Astronomers have discovered long filaments of cold gas — the ingredient for making stars — cocooning giant bubbles inflated by a black hole.

Hubble Spies Faint Galaxies, Bountiful in Early Universe

By: Govert Schilling | February 15, 2017 | Comments 1

Hubble has spotted more than 100 small, faint galaxies in the young universe, common as dust bunnies but previously out of reach of even the best telescopes.

Skyweek

March 20 - March Equinox. The March equinox occurs at 10:29 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 28 - 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 02:58 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.

April 1 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 19 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 7 - Jupiter at Opposition. The giant 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 Jupiter and its moons. A medium-sized telescope should be able to show you some of the details in Jupiter's cloud bands. A good pair of binoculars should allow you to see Jupiter's four largest moons, appearing as bright dots on either side of the planet.

April 11 - 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 06:08 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. The crescent moon should not be too much of a problem this year. Skies should still be dark enough for a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

April 26 - 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 12:17 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 29 - International Astronomy Day. Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is "Bringing Astronomy to the People," and on this day astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out about special local events by contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium. You can also find more about Astronomy Day by checking the Web site for the Astronomical League.

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 waxing gibbous moon will block out many of the fainter meteors this year. But if you are patient, you should be able to catch quite a few of the brighter 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.

May 10 - 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 21:42 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Flower Moon because this was the time of year when spring flowers appeared in abundance. This moon has also been known as the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.

May 17 - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 25.8 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.

May 25 - 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 19:45 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.

June 3 - Venus at Greatest Western 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 morning sky. Look for the bright planet in the eastern sky before sunrise.

June 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 13:10 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.

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

2017 BAS Programs

Next Meeting

May 1, 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.