Volume 32—Number 8 August 2015

Roanoke Valley Astronomical

Society Amateur Astronomy News and Views

In Southwestern Virginia

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 1 of 10

Our new RVAS President, Dan Chrisman, opened the

July 20th monthly meeting promptly at 7:30 p.m. by in-

troducing himself to those members who missed the

elections last month, and might have been surprised not

to see Michael Good standing in front. As Secretary, I

can attest that no one left the meeting room at that

point, and the meeting continued. There were 23 mem-

bers present, which included our newest member, Mr.

Bill Hickman. Welcome, Bill!!!

Dan moved quickly to “Observing Reports”, of which

there were several:

Dan himself reported on a recent attempt to penetrate

our moisture-laden skies from his home with binoculars

to observe a few Messier objects. While his attempt

was successful, it was according to our fearless leader,

“tough going”.

Rand Bowden and Clark Thomas, apparently using

Clark’s scope, managed some decent observing from Ca-

has Knob on July 10th.

John Goss reported on a visit to Explore Park on June

29th to observe the Venus/Jupiter conjunction at which

time he and Genevieve met Bill Hickman, and invited him

to join our organization.

Ray Bradley mentioned an unusual observation while

looking for Messier objects on July 10th. He spotted a

“meteor with a fan-shaped tail”, and wondered if anyone

could offer an explanation. The general consensus was

that it was probably space debris. (Meeting Continued on page 2)

RVAS July Meeting Notes

Chips and Salsa? Must be ALCon 2015!

By Bill Dillon, Secretary

Our new RVAS President Dan Chrisman enjoys interacting

with the group during his talk on the 2015 Astronomical

League Convention (ALCon).

Photo by Frank Baratta

The Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society is a membership organization of amateur astronomers dedicated to the pursuit of observational and photographic astronomical activities. Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. See calendar on last page of news-

letter for location. Meetings are open to the public. Observing sessions are held one or two weekends a month at a dark-sky site. Yearly dues are: Individual, $20.00; Senior Individual, $18.00; Family, $25.00; Senior Family, $22.00; Student, $10.00. Articles, quotes, etc. published in the

newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the RVAS or its editor.

Officers/Executive Committee/Editor/Webmaster Dan Chrisman, President (president@rvasclub.org )

Rand Bowden, Vice President (vicepresident@rvasclub.org) Bill Dillon, Secretary (secretary@rvasclub.org) Jeff Suhr, Treasurer (treasurer@rvasclub.org)

Carol Mesimer, Member at Large (memberatlarge@rvasclub.org)

Michael Good, Immediate Past President (immediatepastpresident@rvasclub.org) Frank Baratta, Past President (pastpresident@rvasclub.org)

David E. Thomas, RVAS Newsletter Editor (editor@rvasclub.org)

Roger Pommerenke & David E. Thomas, Webmaster (webmaster@rvasclub.org)

RVAS web page: http://rvasclub.org

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 2 of 10

The highlight of the observing reports was without a

doubt Mark Hodges report on his experience on July

18th when he first tried out his brand new MallinCam

Deep Space monochrome video camera. Using his 11”

SCT and a focal reducer for the camera, Mark obtained

what he described as “near real-time viewing” on his lap-

top. Mark was obviously tickled with his new toy, as he

shared several “untouched” shots captured that night,

including M4, M8, M20, M27 and M101 among others.

Brian Bowman mentioned Halifax County’s Staunton

River State Park being named as one of only 25

“International Dark Sky Parks”. The park hosts the an-

nual Staunton River Star Party. Check it out!

Following Brian’s report on Dark Skies, Genevieve Goss

was pleased to report that she had obtained a grant to

conduct a “Dark Sky Summit” in Alleghany County, the

purpose of which is to minimize light pollution and to

encourage the use of dark skies as a marketing tool to

increase tourism and commerce.

Next up was Frank Baratta’s “What’s Up”. At the be-

ginning of the presentation there was much discussion

regarding the New Horizons’ mission to Pluto and be-

yond. As reported by the Associated Press, since Clyde

Tombaugh’s ashes are flying on the New Horizons

spacecraft, he himself passed within 7800 miles of the

icy world he discovered 85 years ago. Interestingly, in-

cluding Mr. Tombaugh’s ashes, there are “nine small me-

mentos” tucked away aboard the spacecraft. Why nine?

Because when New Horizons blasted off from Cape Ca-

naveral on January 19, 2006, Pluto was still seven

months away from being “demoted” to a dwarf planet.

But that’s a discussion for another day.

Focusing on the period from July 20th to August 16th,

Frank mentioned the rising of the Summer Milky Way

spanning the constellations from Perseus to Norma,

while Venus and Jupiter, so prominent in their conjunc-

tion just two weeks ago are rapidly setting in the West.

As usual, Frank mentioned several observing opportuni-

ties including Saturn, which is becoming increasingly

more visible over the next month. With the New Moon

occurring on August 14th, the Perseid Meteor Shower

should put on a good show on August 12th and 13th. He

then challenged the membership with a couple of tough

(Meeting Continued from page 1)

(Meeting Continued on page 3)

Mark Hodges describes the use of his new Mallincam CCD

camera in taking astrophotography.

Photo by Carolyn Baratta

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 3 of 10

June 28, 2015 June 29, 2015

June 29, 2015

to spot objects. The first is “The Blinking Planetary”,

NGC6826/C15 located in Cygnus, not far from the

Northern Cross. Very close to the Mizar double/double

star in the handle of the Big Dipper you’ll find the very

red carbon star, La Superba (Y CVn). Another chal-

lenge this coming month is finding the planetary dwarf

Pluto, which will be in Sagittarius, above and to the left

of the Teapot asterism, nearly within the Teaspoon as-

terism. During this period, Pluto is a 14th magnitude ob-

ject located in an area of the sky saturated with ob-

jects of similar magnitude. To confirm an observation of

Pluto at this time, one would have to observe 2-3 nights

in a row, and find “movement”.

At this point in the meeting, Dan called Rand Bowden

and Jeff Suhr to the front of the room to help with

the serving of chips and salsa as an introduction to the

final two presentations on ALCon 2015 which took place

in Las Cruces New Mexico. With everyone happily

munching away, Dan presented his photos and took us

through his ALCon 2015 experience which included his

travel challenges, solar sensitive homes (sans grass), a

behind the scenes tour of the Very Large Array, and a

visit to a Magdalena Museum containing a number of

antique telescopes and other astronomical equipment.

The meeting continued with another presentation on

ALCon 2015 by the President of The Astronomical

League, our very own John Goss. Both he and Genevieve

(the FLOTAL – First Lady of the Astronomical

League) made the trip to Las Cruces for ALCon 2015.

While John’s official Astronomical League duties limited

his free time, he and Genevieve did manage to take a

side trip to White Sands National Monument, which

John described as “very white”. John’s conference pho-

tos focused on presentations at the conference includ-

ing Mike Simonson from the American Association of

Variable Star Observers, and Roger Venable, MD,

whose presentation on Percival Lowell and his Mars ob-

servations, was according to Dan one of the top three at

the conference. John also spoke briefly about Master

Observer awards and Youth awards. John concluded his

presentation by reminding those present that ALCon

2016 will be in Arlington, Virginia, while ALCon 2017

will be in Casper, Wyoming, and Alcon 2018 will be in

Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Before turning the floor back to Dan Chrisman, John

invited members with scopes to an observing session on

Saturday 25 July at the Blue Ridge Vineyards. Anyone

interested was to let John know after the meeting.

Just prior to the end of the meeting, Rand Bowden re-

ported that the next Messier observing session would

be on 14 August at the home of John and Genevieve

Goss.

Dan Chrisman ended the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

(Meeting Continued from page 2)

Rand Bowden (left) and Jeff Suhr (right) pitch in to help

RVAS President, Dan Chrisman, pass out chips and dip to the

group.

Photo by Frank Baratta

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 4 of 10

It’s been a tough season for the RVAS Observers, win-

ning some, losing most. Saturday night, July 25 at Blue

Ridge Vineyards was definitely a win, with RVAS tele-

scopes easily bringing in the Moon and Saturn, and sur-

prising everyone with Venus.

The event began when RVAS Observers, John and Gen-

evieve Goss, Dan and Carolyn Chrisman, began to warm

up, adjusting their equipment and stretching their necks

and backs as they readied for any observing contor-

tions. Then Jeff and Bev Suhr, and Paul Caffrey

stepped onto the field followed soon by Josh and Robin

Jones, pledging not to disappoint the crowds of ex-

pectant onlookers.

But first the Observers took a break enjoying a quick

picnic and cupcakes. A wine tasting was included, with a

few glasses appearing at the telescopes.

Early in the game, the first quarter moon proved very

popular in the light blue sky, and only became more dom-

inating as the sun set. Perhaps upwards of 100 fans

cheered when viewing its cratered surface as it slowly

drifted across the eyepiece field. Soon afterwards,

Saturn came into play providing excitement followed by

exclamations of disbelief. People just could not believe

those rings!

Team coach, Dan Chrisman exhorted to the Observers

to keep their scopes ready – Venus and Jupiter were

still needed for the shutout.

While many folks were cheering on Saturn, they didn’t

realize another score was in the making when Venus

popped out unexpectedly from behind the lurking

Clouds. The Observers had to act fast, though, as the

Clouds weren’t going to give up such a prize so easily.

Luck and speed were with the Observers – fifteen to

twenty people saw the thin, brilliant crescent before it

descended into the treetops and into the Clouds.

A shutout was not to be, but a win was nevertheless

welcomed. The Clouds proved impenetrable for mighty

Jupiter, preventing it from scoring. It never appeared,

it just wasn’t Jupiter’s night!

Final score:

RVAS: 3 (Moon, Saturn, Venus)

Clouds: 1 (Clouds blocked Jupiter)

Everyone came away a winner at Blue Ridge Vineyards,

with over 100 people enjoying the celestial show. As

many were leaving, they asked, “When is the next

game?” Indeed, when will be the next?

The RVAS wishes to thank Barbara Kolb of Blue Ridge

Vineyards for making the event possible! The RVAS Ob-

servers were Dan and Carolyn Chrisman, John and

Genevieve Goss, Jeff and Bev Suhr, Paul Caffrey, and

Josh and Robin Jones. Thank you all!

Blue Ridge Vineyard observing

RVAS Observers 3, Clouds 1

By John Goss

Getting Ready

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 5 of 10

More photos from Blue Ridge Vineyards

Paul Caffrey and Genevieve Goss tasting wine

Robin Jones and Dan

Chrisman set up binoculars

Paul Caffrey shows his 13”

Dobsonian Telescope

John, Dan, Carolyn, Bev and Jeff take a short break

Dan Chrisman shows the

Library Telescope

Jeff Suhr and Josh Jones

talk viewing strategy

John Goss assists patrons at the Blue Ridge

Vinryards in observing through his Schmidt-

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 6 of 10

MESSIER PROGRAM OBSERVING

The Messier objects for August are: M6, M7, M8, M9,

M10, M12, M19, M20, M21, M23, M62, M107

The observing session will be held at 9:00, August 14th

at the property of John and Genevieve Goss at 932 Lee

Lane, Fincastle, VA.

Directions:

From Roanoke take I 81 North

Take Exit 150B to US 220 North

Head north on US 220 past LBHS and turn left at the light

for Rt. 779/Catawba Rd.

Follow Rt. 779/Catawba Rd for 5 miles & turn right on Rt.

666/Haymakertown Rd.

Follow Rt. 666/Haymakertown Rd. for 1.1 miles & turn

right onto Rt. 666/Lee Ln.

Follow Rt. 666/Lee Ln for .9 mile our house is on the

right---driveway is across the road from Oak Hill Drive.

l club members are welcome to join in the Messier hunt at

any time. (Using a scope or binoculars)

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 7 of 10

Welcome Mat

The Society bids a warm and cordial welcome to William Hickman, of Botetourt County, who became a member in

July. A native Chicagoan (and child of the Al Capone era!), Bill moved to the Roanoke area from Scotia, N.Y. af-

ter retiring in 1985. In his previous work life he was the manager of the maintenance operations for the G.E.

Engineered Cast Products Depot in Schenectady, N.Y. A few years ago Bill bought a Celestron refractor, which

he often takes out at his home, though he admits to still needing to get it fully functioning. An email to John

Goss after reading one of John’s monthly Roanoke Times stargazing features brought Bill a response encourag-

ing him to check into the RVAS. Then, during a recent astronomy activity held on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Ex-

plore Park spur, he chanced to meet none other than John, who offered some assistance with the scope. Bill

quickly read the signs, joined the club and attended his first meeting last month. In addition to astronomy, Bill

enjoys his gardens. An Air Force veteran, he also likes to fly helicopters when he visits a Florida friend who

owns an air service.

Glad to have you with us, Bill! We’re looking forward to your company at meetings and other club activities. And

we’re ready to offer any additional assistance we can needed with your telescope!

Over the years we’ve had others, but they’re not typi-

cal. Someone moves, and we bid them farewell and

“Clear Skies!” Maybe we see them again, most often

not. But to move and continue your RVAS membership

is indeed a rare show of club loyalty.

Our latest “Member-at-a-Distance” is Brian Bone. Most

RVAS members hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting him

since he joined in May 2013. Deeply engaged in scout-

ing, his meetings also fell on Monday nights and were his

first commitment.

But make no mistake, Brian’s connection to astronomy is

deep-rooted. “I’ve loved astronomy ever since my first

star party at school,” he says. It was at this event that

he saw Saturn for the first time and was forever

hooked.

In 2012, Brian and his family moved to Roanoke from

Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he had been a member

of the Albuquerque Astronomical Society, or “TAAS.”

It was a career opportunity that brought him east with

his family, and was another career move and family

needs that prompted the move back to Albuquerque last

month.

Brian, who enjoys naked eye and binocular observing,

gives two main reasons for staying with the RVAS. “I

believe in supporting organizations such as the RVAS

that enjoy and celebrate Creation and I truly hope to

retire to some dark sky back woods part of SW Virginia

one day!”

Meanwhile, Brian encourages all his friends at the RVAS

to visit his home-again state. He points to such attrac-

tions as the International Space Museum in Alamogordo,

the Solar Observatory in Sunspot, and the Very Large

Array near Magdalena, to name a few. Oh, and let’s not

forget those enviable dark, dark skies!

Our best wishes to Member-at-a-Distance Brian Bone

and his family.

Member Notes

From Albuquerque and Back Again!

by Frank Baratta

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 8 of 10

Currently the RVAS’ only out-of-state member, Brian Bone

has a lot to smile about under the legendary New Mexico

skies!

Photo courtesy of Brian Bone

Time To Renew Your RVAS Membership!

Yes, it’s that time again. All RVAS memberships end each year on June 30th. The Society has five member-

ship types: Family ($25.00); Senior Family ($22.00); Individual ($20.00); Senior Individual ($18.00); and Stu-

dent ($10.00). Members have received an email indicating their current type of membership. Please forward

your dues renewal checks (made to “RVAS”) for the appropriate amount to Jeff Suhr, RVAS Treasurer, 5827

Santa Anita Terrace, Roanoke, VA 24012 or bring your dues with you to the upcoming July meeting. Thanks

to those who have already sent in their dues. If you have any questions regarding your renewal, please con-

tact Frank Baratta, Membership Chairman, at the RVAS Message Line, 540-774-5651.

RVAS 25 years ago

Our Club President was George Marshall. The opening

news was the announcement of a new observing site in

Bedford County on the property of RVAS member Phil

Constantin to cut down on travel time to Floyd County

for members from western Lynchburg and eastern Roa-

noke. Interestingly, there was a call to members to help

gather as much of the Society’s history as possible in

newsletters, membership lists and photographs to re-

construct the Society archives. The newsletter report-

ed that the last –quarter moon was expected to wash

out the August 12th Perseids. Mark Hodges presented

the results of his first ever attempt at video-

astrophotography by “afocally” filming the moon one

day before full phase. With his video camera mounted

on a separate tripod aimed directly at the telescope’s

32mm Plossl eyepiece, “the image quality was impres-

sive” (25 years later, Mark is still “experimenting” with

astrophotography equipment).

RVAS 10 years ago

Our Club President was Katherine Hix. The Postal Ser-

vice was about to release a set of four stamps depicting

the constellations Lyra, Orion, Pegasus, and Leo. Gene-

vieve Goss wrote an engaging article titled “The Local

Group” which suggested a four-step process to help

children become interested in astronomy. John Goss

introduced the Deep Sky Object for the month, which

was Eta Aquilae, a Cepheid variable star.

RVAS from the past By Bill Dillon

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 9 of 10

RVAS NL— August 2015— Pg 10 of 10

Astro-Quiz

Sirius A, the visually brightest star in Earth’s sky, has a well-known companion, Sirius B, often called “the Pup,”

the first white dwarf star discovered. Overwhelmed by Sirius A’s brightness, Sirius B is a challenge to spot in a

telescope, which is an interesting twist of fate. How so?

Answer to Last Month’s Quiz: Last month we asked how any constellations having more than one first magni-

tude star (i.e. to magnitude 1.50) are at least partly visible from Roanoke. Answers likely depend on the magni-

tude of one star, Adhara (ε Canis Majoris), which is exactly magnitude 1.50 on some lists and 1.51 on others. Of

the 88 constellations, only 18 have at least one first magnitude star. Taking Adhara as first magnitude, only 4

have at least two first magnitude stars: Canis Major, Centaurus, Crux and Orion. But nothing of Crux can be seen

from Roanoke’s latitude, generally given as 37°16’ N. Have an answer to this month’s quiz (or a future question

and answer to suggest)? E-mail it to astroquiz@rvasclub.org!

Monthly Calendar

MONTHLY MEETING: Monday, August 17th, 7:30 p.m., Classroom A, 3rd floor, Center on Church, Down-

town Roanoke. Join us for another evening of varied activities. RVAS President Dan Chrisman will present part

two of his gleanings from July’s Astronomical League Convention, while AL President and RVAS member John

Goss will share his expectations for what the coming year holds in store for the League. Rounding out the even-

ing we have a short video of Charlie Rose’s 60 Minutes interview of Neil Degrasse Tyson, our monthly What’s Up

program and reports from members on their recent observing and other astronomical activities.

RVAS WEEKEND OBSERVING OPPORTUNITIES: Unless otherwise indicated, observing is held at Cahas Knob

Overlook, milepost 139 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

-- Friday and Saturday, August 7th and 8th. Sunset is at 8:21 p.m. Astronomical twilight ends at 10:00p.m. The

Moon rises at 1:19 and 2:06 a.m., respectively.

-- Friday and Saturday, August 14th and 15th. Sunset is at 8:13 p.m. Astronomical twilight ends at 9:49 p.m.

The Moon sets at 8:07 and 8:40 p.m., respectively.

-- Future Sessions: September 4th and 5th; September 11th and 12th.

ROANOKE CITY PARKS and RECREATION PUBLIC STARGAZE: Saturday, August 8th, 9:00 p.m., Cahas

Knob Overlook, milepost 139 Blue Ridge Parkway. Nonmembers must register with Parks & Rec. at 540-853-

2236. Members can call 540-774-5651 for information. (Next session: September 12th, 8:15 p.m., Cahas Knob

Overlook.)