September 2021
Next BAS Monthly Meeting:
Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 7:00 via Zoom (due to COVID-19)
Program: Dark Sky Compliant Lighting. Guest speaker is Buddy Stefanoff with Crossroads LED based in Owasso
In the event that something changes between now and September 9 and the meeting has to be held via Zoom, the Zoom link would be sent to Club members. Should this happen and you're not a Club member but would like the Zoom link, please email bvilleastro@gmail.com and ask to have it sent to you.
Here is a link to the Join page on our website!
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BAS meetings feature presentations on a variety of astronomy and space science topics. Meetings are usually on the first Monday evening of each month and are open to the public. Guests are always welcome. More event details are listed on our calendar.
ALCON 2021 Thursday Aug 19 thru Saturday Aug 21
Register Free at https://www.alconvirtual.org/
The National Astronomical League will be conducting its 2021 Conference using a Virtual format this year using the League’s YouTube channel. This will give you a great opportunity to hear top notch speakers and presentations from the comfort of your home. Registered participants will be eligible for some great DOOR PRIZES donated by astronomy clubs throughout the country.
A Stellar group of guest speakers are already lined up for your enjoyment. Speakers include:
David Levy - famed comet hunter - discovered 22 comets & authored 34 books.
Jocelyn Bell Burnell - discovered pulsars as a graduate student in radio astronomy in Cambridge, opening up a new branch of astrophysics.
David Eicher is an American editor, writer, and popularizer of astronomy and space. He has been editor-in-chief of Astronomy magazine since 2002.
Conal Richards an impressive up and coming astronomy youth. Founder and president of the Abingdon Heights High School Astronomy Club in Pennsylvania
J. Richard Gott is professor emeritus of Astrophysics at Princeton, known for his work in general relativity and cosmology. In 1991 he discovered an exact solution to Einstein’s field equations of general relativity for the geometry around two moving cosmic strings.
Dr. Caitlin Ahrens - Dr. Ahrens gave an inspiring talk at or 2018 MidStates convention telling of her work with data from the New Horizon’s spacecraft and laboratory studies of ices on Pluto. She is now turning her interest toward ices on the moon.
April 8, 2024, there will be another total eclipse ‘across’ America.
Are you ready?
Do you plan to go?
Don’t wait until 2024 to make your plans!
NASA Site
https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsearch/SEsearchmap.php?Ecl=20240408
Weather Site
https://eclipsophile.com/2024tse/
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Reflections on Astronomy
Brief essays about experiences in astronomy.
The email address is bvilleastro+comments@gmail.com .
The BAS now has storage at First Christian Church for club equipment and records. We are trying to consolidate and we are requesting any members with club equipment or records to contact one of the officers to arrange to move the items to storage and log it into our inventory.
Apps for Consideration
Family Fun with Sky Watching
Clear Sky Predictor for Bartlesville:
https://clearskyalarmclock.com/index.php
Sky and Telescope News http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/
A geologically recent landslide on Mars appears like mudslides on Earth — but it would have required water during a time when Mars was expected to be dry.
BY: THEO NICITOPOULOS AUGUST 23, 2021
Jupiter is at opposition on August 19th. If we take the long view — 12 years long — we can watch Jupiter's oppositions as it passes through the zodiac constellations.
BY: SCOTT LEVINE AUGUST 20, 2021
Scientists found a strange little volcanic feature on the edge of a Venusian corona, giving further credence to the theory that the planet has a thin outer layer and an active interior.
BY: ARWEN RIMMER AUGUST 19, 2021
If skies are clear this weekend, you'll see the full Moon. And not just any old full Moon, but the Blue Moon . . . the "true" Blue Moon!
BY: DIANA HANNIKAINEN AUGUST 19, 2021
Jupiter comes to opposition on August 20th, when it will shine brighter and closer than at any other time this year. With nights starting earlier and cooler temperatures arriving, there's no better time to make the most of the planet.
BY: BOB KING AUGUST 18, 2021
New research reveals that Saturn, like Jupiter, has a “fuzzy” core that extends 60% of the way to its surface, a finding that is changing how astronomers think about giant planets.
BY: MONICA YOUNG AUGUST 17, 2021
A new study suggests that wind, not water, created the rock layers in Gale Crater, where the Curiosity rover roams.
BY: ARWEN RIMMER AUGUST 16, 2021
No one knows why quasars flicker — but astronomers are using these wavering beacons to "weigh" the black holes that power them.
BY: MONICA YOUNG AUGUST 13, 2021
With no interference from the Moon, this year's Perseid meteor shower should be excellent. If you couldn't catch the show last night, try looking up tonight!
BY: BOB KING AUGUST 12, 2021
Perseverance came up empty on its first attempt to grab and stow a sample of Mars.
BY: DAVID DICKINSON AUGUST 11, 2021
Careful measurements using the OSIRIS-REX spacecraft have refined astronomers’ predictions for how likely it is that this potentially hazardous asteroid will strike Earth.
BY: CAMILLE M. CARLISLE AUGUST 11, 2021
Red dwarf stars appear to flare preferentially at high latitudes, which might keep their exoplanets habitable instead of hellish.
BY: LAUREN SGRO AUGUST 10, 2021
The recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi just went into outburst — its first burst in 15 years — and it's bright enough to see with the naked eye
BY: BOB KING AUGUST 9, 2021
Two spacecraft are heading for a close Venus encounter: Solar Orbiter passes by on August 9th and BepiColombo on August 10th.
BY: EMILY LAKDAWALLA AUGUST 9, 2021
The spent rocket booster that deployed the Russian Spektr-R satellite a decade ago is now set to burn up over the Indian Ocean on Monday, August 9th.
BY: DAVID DICKINSON AUGUST 6, 2021
Astronomers have discovered the two reddest objects in the asteroid belt, and their origin story might tell us more about planet formation.
BY: LAUREN SGRO AUGUST 5, 2021
How will engineers plan the trajectory of Comet Interceptor, a mission designed to fly by an interstellar visitor, when its target is still unknown?
BY: DAVID DICKINSON AUGUST 3, 2021
Mysterious spots that scientists thought were subsurface lakes beneath the Martian south pole may instead be ancient clay deposits.
BY: LAUREN SGRO JULY 30, 2021
For many, smoke from wildfires has transformed summer nights, blotting out stars and familiar deep-sky sights. But through it all double stars keep on shining.
BY: BOB KING JULY 28, 2021
Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events
(Source: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2021.html)
September 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 00:52 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.
September 14 - Neptune at Opposition. The blue 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 Neptune. Due to its extreme distance from Earth, it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes.
September 14 - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 26.8 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 evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
September 20 - 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 23:54 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Corn Moon because the corn is harvested around this time of year. This moon is also known as the Harvest Moon. The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the September equinox each year.
September 22 - September Equinox. The September equinox occurs at 19:11 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 fall (autumnal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Southern Hemisphere.
October 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 11:05 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.
October 7 - Draconids Meteor Shower. The Draconids is a minor meteor shower producing only about 10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first discovered in 1900. The Draconids is an unusual shower in that the best viewing is in the early evening instead of early morning like most other showers. The shower runs annually from October 6-10 and peaks this year on the the night of the 7th. This year, the nearly new moon will leave dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be in the early evening from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
October 20 - 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 14:57 UTC. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Hunters Moon because at this time of year the leaves are falling and the game is fat and ready to hunt. This moon has also been known as the Travel Moon and the Blood Moon.
October 21, 22 - Orionids Meteor Shower. The Orionids is an average shower producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Halley, which has been known and observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from October 2 to November 7. It peaks this year on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. The full moon will be a problem this year for the Orionids. Its glare will block 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 Orion, but can appear anywhere in the sky.
October 25 - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches greatest western elongation of 18.4 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 morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
October 29 - Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Venus reaches greatest eastern elongation of 47 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.
Next Month's BAS Meeting: October 4, Monday. Presenter: TBA
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 multi-part articles are also welcome. Please submit your contributions to Mike Woods or to bvilleastro@gmail.com.
Bartlesville Astronomical Society is an organization of people interested in astronomy and related fields of science. Membership is open to everyone interested in any aspects of astronomy.
Elected Officers and Board Members:
President
Craig Brockmeier
Vice President
Rick Buck
Secretary
Denise Gregg
Treasurer
Evan Zorn
Appointed Positions and Board Members:
Program Director
Bob Young
Newsletter Editor
Mike Woods
Observing Program Coordinator
Rick Buck
Member-at-Large
Duane Perkins
Member-at-Large
Karen Cruce
Additional Appointed Positions:
Bartian Youth Astronomers Leader
Rick Bryant
Meeting Arrangements Coordinator
Daryl Doughty
Website and Social Media Administrator
Denise Gregg
Astronomical League Coordinator
Denise Gregg
Our officers and some individuals holding other club positions can be reached by email. To send an email, just click on a title above.
Membership Rates
Regular Membership
For age 18 or older. Holds one vote for BAS business.
$25 per year
Student Membership
For age 13 through high school, or age 18 or older and enrolled full-time at a post-secondary educational institution. Holds no vote for BAS business. A student younger than age 13 may join with an adult on a Family Membership.
$10 per year
Family Membership:
Two People
For two people, with at least one member age 18 or older. Holds one shared vote for BAS business.
$30 per year
Family Membership:
Three or More People
For three or more people, with at least one member age 18 or older. Holds one shared vote for BAS business.
$40 per year
Members are eligible for these discounted magazine subscriptions:
Sky and Telescope
Astronomy Technology Today
Astronomy Magazine
Please check with the BAS Treasurer for current discounted subscription rates.
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