FQ[PS~LTIIQG A L A C H U A A S T R O N O M Y C L U B

AUGUST 1992 THE ALACHUA ASTRONOMY CLUB MEETS THE 2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7:30 PMATTHE DOYLE CONNER BUILDING ON SW34TH STAT 20 AVENUE. EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND MEETINGS , ATTEND OTHER CLUB ACTIVITIES, AND JOIN THE AAC. NO EQUIPMENT IS NEEEDED. CALL ONE OF THE CLUB OFFICERS FOR INFORMATION. PRESIDENT: GILBERT BERDARDO 1-935-0340 BRANFORD. FL

VICE PRESIDENT/ALCOR : MARK COWAN 375-2564 GAINESVILLE, FL TREASURER; DOUG RICHARDS 332-4317 GAINESVILLE. FL

PUBLICITY: PAMELA MYDOCK 495-9166 ARCHER, Fl FIRSTLIGHT EDITOR: CHUCK BROWARD .175-1014 MELROSE, FL

HELP H E L P HELP!!!! Mark Cowan needs books and perhaps other publications or items to raffle off each

meet ing. If you have any such items you would like to donate to the club to help bolster the Club's meager treasury please do so!

BRING $20 TO THE MEETING ON AUGUST 11. . . . IF YOU INTEND TO TAKE PART IN THE SKY AND TELESCOPE CLUB

REDUCED SUBSCRIPTION RATE O F F E R . This is a good deal in that YOU save $7 a y e a r over the normal rate. We need to take advantage of this offer now, and it must go through the Club.

PERSIEDS P E R S I E D S PERSIEDS!!!! Touted as t h e me teo r s h o w e r of t h e year . . . the Persieds occur the night of our

CLUB MEETING (AUG 11 AND 12). Unfortunately, the other side of the earth will reoeive the brunt of them, and we are blest with almost a full moon! HOWEVER, I HAVE A HUNCH THAT IT JUST MIGHT BE FUN TO GATHER UP BLANKETS AND COOLERS AND HOT COFFEE AND MAKE A NIGHT O F IT AT THE NEW OBSERVING SITE (IF THEY WILL HAVE US), AND THEN STAGGER INTO WORK THE NEXT MORNING.

CLUB HAS PUBLICITY P E R S O N - G I V E H E R SOMETHING TO DO!!! PAMELA MYDOCK HAS TAKEN ON THE TASK OF AAC PR PERSON.

Please give her something to do!!! Her primary task is that of interfacing with the Gainesville Sun, and other media, not of generating material—that is your job! So, please relay information to her—her phone number is at the top of the page.

AAC R E P R E S E N T E D AT FLA ASSN OF ASTRO CLUBS Q7AACS) MEETING. CHUCK BROWARD AND GILBERT BERNARDO met with representatives from

other Florida astro clubs at the St. Pete Club's observing site at Hickory Hill near Brooksville. We discussed a number of items that centered mainly around making astronomy a more visible activity to the public, increased interaction between clubs, and methods of establishing stronger links with local and state officials. We also had the opportunity to learn about the NEFAS SKYNET COMPUTER BBS and TS-24, a effective telescope simulation program that is gaining wide acceptance in schools and other groups.

Bob Thaves FRANK AND ERNEST

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PROGRAM FOR AUGUST- Telescope Mountings - This program will explore the various types of mountings and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. It is a slide presentation that shows examples from the simplest homebuilt mount to those in professional observatories.

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THROUGH THE EYEPIECE- Last month we explored some M objects in the constellation Scorpius, namely M4, M6, and M7. This month, let's add to that list by moving eastward to Sagittarius, particularly in the tea­pot region, (see drawing to the left) Using binoc­ulars, start at the tip of the spout and move up.You will soon see the Lagoon Nebula, M8. After finding it , see if you can spot it with the naked eye. Slightly north of M8, in the same

^ field of view is M20, the Trifid Nebula. Now o • move to the east and find the star that is at \ / the top of the teapot. Move your binocs to the ea;

' and you should find the globular cluster M22. You will be in one of the richest parts of the Milky Way , so take some time to just wander about and marvel at the splendor of it all. The moon is full on the 13th, so it will be well placed to interfere with the peak of the Perseids on the 12th. By the way, the August full moon is called the Green Corn Moon. However, all my corn has gone brown J

LET'S BUILD UP OUR MEMBERSHIP- Between now and the end of the year, why not try to bring at least one new visitor to one of our meetings. It would be good to get our membership up to about 50.

TO ALL NEW TELESCOPE MAKERS- Congratulations oh your attempt.at pushing glass. . I urge you to see your glass through to competion. It is not necessary to have a perfect mirror for it to give good re­sults. Stick with it . You will be pleased with your result. After awhile you might be motivated to try something bigger and better^.

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GIANT BINOCULARS-

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If you are in need of something to put on a wish list, perhaps you should consider a pair of giant binoculars. Orion Telescope Center has three models offered. One is an 11x80 with a 4.5 degree field and an exit pupil of 7.2mm. It lists for $369. Another

16x80 with a 3.5°field of view and an exit pupil 0mm. It lists for $379. The third one is a 20x80 a 3.5°field and a 4.0mm exit pupil. Each instru-is too large to hand hold for very long and each with a tripod adapter that can be fitted to any

standard photographic tripod. Humans were meant to see with both eyes, and the view afforded by these large glasses are great! Christmas is coming.

HMM WoKST CASE" of "DOG- BISCUIT" I'VE

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HAVE ANY OF OUR NEW ATM'S REACHED THIS POINT ???

TELESCOPE PERFORMANCE w € c c ^ ^ -

Aperture

inches 2 2.4 3 4 5 6 8

10 12 16

mm 50 60 76

101 127 152 203 254 305 406

Light Grasp Ratio

(eye=1) 36 50 81

144 225 324 576 9 0 0

1300 2 3 0 0

Mag. Limit" 10.6 1 1.1 11.5 12.1 12.5 13.0 13.6 14.1 14.5 15.0

Resolution

Theoretical 2.3" 1.8 1.5 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3

* Experienced observers under excellent skies can exceed tht 1.5 magnitudes.

sse values by up to

!

The 6-inch, F-10 George Russell.

Several years ago, I started this project and had to stop due to reasons re­lated to my general health. The project is now back on track and it now appears that I should be able to complete it with a minimum of delay.

The kit for the 6-inch reflector mirror was purchased from Willmann-Bell and in addition to the information furnished by them, I have acquired a number of books and pamphlets over the years, many years, relating to telescope making.

Of particular interest to me, practically speaking, seems to be the pamphlets distributed by Edmund Scientific Co., of Barrington, New Jersey. Some of these pub­lications have been out of print for some time now but copies of certain portions of them have been showing up at club meetings.

The one pamphlet that I particularly like is called "HOMEBUILT TELESCOPES" by Sam Brown and the copyright is dated 1964. It sold for 75 cents! Mirror grinding, testing and figuring, telescope construction and mounting your telescope is covered in sufficient detail using a generous display of well thought out sketches and the like. Some of the details shown may be a bit crude but with just a little imagina­tion, anyone can easily cope.

I just completed all of the testing equipment that-I will need to finish the final grinding of my mirror. I made "Chinese" copies/everything suggested in the pam­phlet mentioned above. It's amazing how incredibly simple these pieces of testing equipment are and then to be able to use them to provide measurements on the order of a " fraction of a thousandths of an inch" with reasonable confidence! Hmm We shall s e e ! ^ ^ ^

FOR SALE FOR TRADE OR SWAPI! • Model 100 Laptop Computer, includes dual 5 inch drive, monochrome monitor, astro software

also software to interface to PC, will sell all or part or trade for decent 10-12 in newtonian. • Several copy lenses that can make a nice richfield scope using plumbing parts! • Three 12 volt lead acid gel cels--6 amp hour, will include info on making charger • WANTED—equatorial mount for 3inch f 15 refractor-any condition! Call Chuck Broward at 392-1051 or 475-1014 on the above.

A L S O - £ 4 >ncM fl iVDae M0UN*rtiV &. etwa-s

HANDY SKY MEASURES Polaris '.

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STARFEST

The AstroScopers are holding a STARFEST October 22, through October 25, 1992. It is OK to come earlier. It is OK to stay later. The location is our dark-sky observing site near Chiefland, Florida. The cost will be $5.00 per site per night. There will be no registration fee. We do ask for advance payment of the camping fee. If rained out, we will offer another STARFEST later in the year as a make-up at no additional charge.

y.yyyyyyyyy:JEsyyyyyyy •Mee t; •;new. f r i e n d s i •:•;;;•;•;• ••••;• Renew Old f r i e n d s h i p s ! View t h e sky from one of Florida's darkest sites 1 Have a good time with no fun-inhibiting rules!

yyyyyyyyy^yyyyyyyyyy Contests. Speakers. Registration fee. Rules •restricting your enjoyment ot the dark sky.

Electrical power for telescopes will be provided. Sorry our power lines are unable to handle RVs and Trailers.

There are several nice cafes, grocery stores, and other facilities about eight miles distant in Chiefland. Even more nice places and things to do are in nearby Cedar Keys.

Please refer to the map on the reverse side of this flyer.

For more information and to pay your camping fee in advance, Send a Stamped Self-addressed envelope to:

Sparky Talios Rt. 1 Box 302C C h i e f l a n d , F l . 32626.

The Eighteenth Annual Upsilon Pegasid Meteor

Shower Watch 1992

The aspects of this years shower is poor in that the moon will be interfering for most of the period. The second thru the third weeks of August is the peak watch period, but the moon will be full on the 12-13th. Since the radiant moves from Alpha Pegasus towards Alpha Andromeda across the Greal Square during the monlh, the moon will wash out all but the brightest members. Even photographic attempts will be hindered by short exposures to avoid saturating the film with sky glow from the moon.

But Hal Povenmire would appreciate any at­tempt to capture photographically any member ofthe Upsilon Pegasid shower. The ideal cam­era for photographing this shower is a 35mm with a fast F/ratio 50mm lens. Do not use either a telephoto or wide angle lens. Point the camera directly at the radiant, which is in the square of Pegasus. The recommended films are Kodak T-Max 400 and P3200. Keep the exposures short, four minutes or less. If a bright meteor occurs, close the shutter within 15 seconds. Be sure to bring along extra cable releases and check the lens for dew between exposures. Process the film according to directions for the desired ISO. If you choose not to develop the films yourself, send them to a professional photo lab request­ing, "develop only." Do not trust your film to the local drug store. Color films are not recom­mended, but if you wish to try them, use the Konica SRV 3200. Take along your mosquito repellent.

A JWl^c Characteristics ofthe Upsilon Pegasids

The velocity of these meteors is slightly slower than the Perseids and slightly faster than the Delta Aquarids. The average magnitude is slightly fainter than tat ofthe Perseids. The most commonly reported color is yellow-white. Most shower members have not left any significant trains.

For further information and reporting of obser­vations ofthe shower, write to: Hal Povenmire. 215 Osage Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937. Phone: (407)777-1303 (But not collect)

DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE. Get on Highway 19 any way you think best. From South of Chiefland, try 1-75 to State road 98, through Brooksville to join Highway 19. From North of Chiefland, try 1-75 to Gainesville then State road 26 to Fanning Springs and Highway 19 or use State Road 24 to Otter Creek and Highway 19. Once on Highway 19 turn toward County Road 34 7 which is located about 4 miles south of Chiefland. Turn West on County Road 347. Drive West on County Road 347 for about 2 miles, watch for County Road 330. Turn South on County Road 330 (That is the only way it goes from this point.) Exactly 1 mile after the turn onto 330 from 34 7, turn right on a tree-lined dirt road. There is no name showing on this road. About 1/2 mile later turn North on a gravel road. White lights out please at this turn (Consistent with safety). You'll see our observing site near the end of the road on the West side.

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TIME SCHEDULE Chart by George Lovi

Late June Early July Late July

11p.m. Early August 8 p.m. 10 p.m. Late August 7 p.m. 9 p.m. Early September 6 p.m.

STANDARD TIME

MeETlrO_r I I T H

TimefUD AUGUST

Eveni Configuration of

Jupiter's Satellites

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Sun. 2 Mon. 3 Tues. 4

Wed. Thur.

Fri. 7 Sat. 8 Sun. 9 Mon. 10

Tues. 11 Wed. 12

Thur. 13

Fri. 14 Sat. 15 Sun. 16 Mon. 17 Tues. 18 Wed. 19 Thur. 20 Fri. 21

Sat. 22 Sun. 23 Mon. 24

Tues. 25 Wed. 26 Thur. 27

Fri. 28

Sat 29

Sun. 30 Mon. 31

h m i 04 42 I Algol at minimum 12 j Jupiter 7'N of Moon 21 , Mercury in inferior conjunction

01 30 ' .Algol at minimum 09 Pluto stauonary

Mercury at greatest hel. latitude S Venus at greatest hel. latitude. N

10 58 ' First Quarter Moon 18 ; Venus 1.l'N of Regulus 22 19 : Algol at minimum 10 Saturn at opposition

19 07 I Algol at minimum 10 j Uranus 1.8'Sof Moon 14 Neptune 0.8*S of Moon: occult.' 09 j Man 5'N of Aldebaran 01 | N delta Aquand meteor shower 06 i Perseid meteor shower 13 | Mercury stauonary 15 56 | Algol at minimum 01 Saturn 5*S of Moon 10 27 j Full Moon 16 ' Moon at apogee (406 372 km) 01 j Pallas stationary 12 44 j Algol at minimum

Algol at rrunirnurn

02 Mercury at greatest elong. W (18*) 06 22 Algol at minimum 10 01 Last Quarter Moon 21 Mars 1.4'S of Moon 03 Venus 0.3'N of Jupiter 03 10 Algol at minimum

Mercury at ascending node

23 59 Algol at minimum 01 Mercury 5" N of Moon 18 Moon at perigee (357 371 km) 02 42 New Moon

Mercury at perihelion 19 Venus 7'N of Moon 20 47 Algol at minimum

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