Saturday, June 9, 2012, 7:30 pm at Seagrave Memorial Observatory (
directions)
Light is the only piece of information we can detect from any astronomical object. Understanding what light is led to the evolution of traditional astronomy to the science of astrophysics. Professor Savvas Koushiappas will present the historical development of the nature of light, as well as the physics and nature of light. In addition, he will discuss how this knowledge is used in astronomical observations, from amateur spectroscopy to cutting edge research.
During sunset on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, the planet Venus will traverse across the face of the sun for the second and final time this century.
2004 Transit of Venus
If any of you have been down to the Frosty Drew Observatory, or have spent time observing elsewhere in the Park, please think of sending a note advocating the lighting ordinance for the town.
Compiling a list of the finest double stars for backyard telescopes is always a work in progress. The list is forever in flux, because many showpiece double stars are binary systems that periodically close to the point where they can’t be resolved by small-aperture telescopes. Such is the case with Porrima (gamma [γ] Virginis).
Venus is going to be visible for several months, culminating in its transit across the face of the Sun on June 5.
This brief Mars observing guide will help you to discern and appreciate the planetary detail a telescope may show you of this neighboring world. While this 2012 apparition is not one of the closer ones, medium-sized backyard telescopes should still coax some detail out of the small image. And of course the local observatories will be able to share even more Martian detail when steady seeing allows them to “crank up” the magnification.
One of the finest double stars in the spring sky – indeed, in all the heavens – is gamma (y) Leonis. Its proper name, Algieba, comes from the Arabic Al Jabbah (The Lion’s Mane).
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