March 2003 One Mile Nearer the Stars Page 1

M A R C H S K I E S 2 0 0 3

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ver President’s Corner .................... 2

Schedule of Events ................... 2

Officers ................................... 2

NASA’s Space Place.................. 3

Election Results ........................ 3

Observers Deck ..................... 4,5

DSS Information ..................... 7

Annual Spring Banquet ........... 7

Membership Info. ............... back

The Denver

Newsletter of the Denver Astronomical SocietyOne Mile Nearer the Stars

MARCH 2003

O B S E R V E R

While it’s true that March generally shovelsup the most snow and/or rain of the year,

if the skies are clear, our planetary neighbors willgive us quite a show. Additionally, asteroid Vestashines at magnitude 5.9 (naked-eye), and if youknow where to look it won’t even require dark-adaptation to see! Warmer weather types are un-doubtedly grateful as the sun is setting later, butwhen the skies darken, Jupiter and Saturn glit-ter high and bright: this is good news for plan-etary observers. Jupiter will approach Cancer’s

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Chris

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ITCHING FORWARMER WEATHERThis celestial beauty has only one

other like-rival in the northern skies—M13 in Hercules. M22 (NGC 6656)in Sagittarius is the third brightestglobular cluster and harbors aboutone-half million stars. Sometimes wecan find a planet in the same field ofview because M22 is less than 1°from the ecliptic.

Under the warmer skies of latesummer, Chris Tarr shot this imagewith a 12-inch LX200 at f/5-15, andhis SBIG 10ME from Grand Lake,Colorado, in September 2002.

Beehive (M44) while Saturn ornaments thehorns of Taurus the Bull.

Jovian moon-dancing is going strong onMarch 2-3 as Io occults Europa twice in thenight: first at 11:47 P.M. and next at 12:46 A.M.Later in the month, an off-planet eclipse occurson March 24 beginning at 9:13 P.M. when Eu-ropa is eclipsed by Callisto in an annular eclipse.All of the Jovian “mutual events” are listed onS&T’s website (www.skyandtelescope.com). Checkthem out: if you don’t already own a scope, thismight be the perfect excuse to buy one!

You’ll need it or someone else’s scope to see verymuch on Mars which rises a few hours ahead ofdawn. It will brighten appreciably by the end ofApril, however, so stay tuned to the warrior planet.

I hope your observing is grand this month,and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.—Patti Kurtz

Dude. Do the Moon-Dance.

2 .......................................... New moon,11 .............................. First quarter moon18 ........................................... Full moon20 ................... Vernal Equinox (6:00 P.M.)24 ............................. Last quarter moon,.......................... Callisto eclipses Europa

Page 2 The Denver Observer March 2003

DAS Officers

DAS Information Line:(303) 986-5255

DAS Correspondence:Denver Astronomical Societyc/o Larry Brooks3686 South Depew, #8Denver, Colorado 80235

Van Nattan Scholarship FundP.O. Box 150743Lakewood, Colorado 80215-0743

Webmistress:Patti KurtzEmail: pkurtz@starfirecreations.comNewsletter:Denver Observer editor, Patti KurtzStarFire Creations Unlimited(303) 948-5825The Observer is available in color PDF for-mat from the DAS website.

The Executive Board conducts thebusiness of the DAS at 8 P.M. at

Chamberlin Observatory. Please see theSchedule of Events for meeting dates. All

members are welcome.

www.denverastrosociety.org

PRESIDENT’SCORNER

Larry Brooksnamed Presi-dent Emeritus

In honor of hisdedicated service andsteadfast commitmentto the DAS, the E-board has unani-mously voted LarryBrooks as PresidentEmeritus. Larryjoined the DAS in 1990 and served asPresident in 1993-94 and continuouslysince 1999. In addition, he served as ane-board member in 1991-92, 1995-97and as Vice President in 1998.

Under his leadership, the membershipof the DAS has increased from 167

members in 1993 to over350 today. He hasworked tirelessly topromote astronomy

to those who had littleknowledge, inspired

novices who showed more than a pass-

President:Larry BrooksVice President and Acting President:Carla Swartz (303) 246-6926Email: CSastrogirl@aol.comSecretary:Ron Pearson (303) 670-1299Email: rpearson@ecentral.comTreasurer:Chuck Carlson (303) 744-7331Email: chcarlso@du.eduALCor:Jerry Sherlin (303) 680-6894Email: SHERLINJ@aol.comChief Observer:Jack Eastman

Executive Board MembersTed CoxJack EastmanJoe GaffordPatti Kurtz

Sandy ShawDavid Shouldice

Steve SolonDan Wray

George Jones, Past President

ing interest and encouraged those al-ready hooked to become more active.Throughout the years he has taughtnumerous classes at the Denver Mu-seum of Nature and Science and hasworked at S&S Optika. Larry also be-longs to the Colorado Grotto, RockyMountain Stereo Camera Club andColorado Meteorite Society. His circleof friends is large and the love theyshare for him even greater. Larry, weall sincerely thank you for leading usinto the future.—Carla Swartz

MARCH1-2Dark Sky Site Weekend7 E-Board meeting, 8 P.M.8 Clean-up Day (4:00 P.M.) and

Open House (the Open House beginsat dusk.)

17 St. Patrick’s Day22 Spring Banquet 6:30 P.M.—

Speaker: Dr. Roger Clark (DAS),“Imaging Spectroscopy: Earth andPlanetary Remote Sensing andDevelopment of the First Generation‘Tricorders.’”

Public nights are held every Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning at thefollowing times: October 1 - March 31 at 7:00 P.M.

April 1 - September 30 at 8:30 P.M. at Chamberlin ObservatoryCosts to non-members are: $3.00 adults, $2.00 children.

Please call (303) 281-9052 for reservations.DA

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APRIL29-30 (March) Dark Sky Site Weekend4 E-Board meeting, 8 P.M.5 Clean-up Day (4:00 P.M.) and

Open House (the Open House beginsat dusk.)

11 General Meeting at Olin Hall, DU,7:30 P.M.—Speaker: Patrick S.McIntosh (Helio Synoptics), “SolarCartography and Long-RangePredictions.”

27-May 3 Texas Star Party

Larry Brooks is named President Emeritus at the FebruaryGeneral Meeting. From left to right: Dr. Robert Zubrin, SteveSolon, Larry Brooks, and Dan Wray.

Image: © Joe Gafford 2003

March 2003 One Mile Nearer the Stars Page 3

u p d a t e s

Seven Strangers?by Tony Phillips

Note from the editor:Thanks to Carla Swartz who wrote this

month’s President’s Corner and to Lisa Juddfor her delightful article.

Newsletter contributions (ccd and filmastrophotos, members with telescopes, starparty candids, short observing anecdotes,observing and imaging tips, etc.) are welcomeand encouraged. This is your chance to strutyour stuff! Please call or email me forsubmission instructions.

**Patti Kurtz(303) 948-5825

All articles and images are © the author orphotographer, and may not be reproduced

without their written permission—Ed.

Photo Courtesy: NASA

At the dawn of the space age some 40years ago, we always knew who was orbit-ing Earth or flying to the Moon. NeilArmstrong, Yuri Gagarin, John Glenn.They were household names—everywhere.

Lately it’s different. Space flight has be-come more routine. Another flight of theshuttle. Another visit to the space station.Who’s onboard this time? Unless you’re aNASA employee or a serious space enthu-siast, you might not know.

Dave Brown, Rick Husband, Laurel Clark,Kalpana Chawla, Michael Anderson, Will-iam McCool, and Ilan Ramon.

Now we know. Those are the names ofthe seven astronauts who were tragically loston Saturday, Feb. 1st, when the space shuttleColumbia (STS-107) broke apart over Texas.

Before the accident, perhaps, they werestrangers to you. But if that’s so, why didyou have a knot in your gut when youheard the news? What were those tears allabout? Why do you feel so deep-down sadfor seven strangers?

Astronauts have an unaccountable holdon us. They are explorers. Curious, humor-ous, serious, daring, careful. Where they go,they go in peace. Every kid wants to be one.Astronauts are the essence of humanity.

They are not strangers. They are us.While still in orbit Dave Brown asked,

jokingly, “do we really have to come back?”No. But we wish you had.Please see the NASA Home Page (http://

www.nasa.gov) for more information on theColumbia Investigation.

The Columbia (STS-107) crew (above) and their memorial (below), photographed byJoe Gafford at Kennedy Space Center, the day after they didn’t return.

Sky & Telescope sends only one notice beforesubscriptions end. The DAS sends only one issueof The Denver Observer after dues expire. Thecost of magazines (Astronomy and Sky &Telescope) is in addition to the annual dues.For questions concerning memberships, pleasecontact DAS Treasurer, Chuck Carlson(chcarlso@du.edu). See the back page of thisnewsletter for more information.

This article was provided by the JetPropulsion Laboratory, California Insti-tute of Technology, under a contractwith the National Aeronautics andSpace Administration.

Bill OrmsbySandy Shaw

David ShouldiceSteve Solon

Election ResultsPresident — Carla Swartz

Vice President — Rich LaneSecretary — Ron Pearson

Treasurer — Chuck CarlsonE-BOARD:

Jack EastmanJoe GaffordIvan GeislerRon Mickle

Page 4 The Denver Observer March 2003

by Lisa Judd

One thing that always surprisesme about this hobby is thatthere’s always something

new, even if it’s just a new look at anold target. In fact, even the first targetsever observed, back in the days frombefore you knew the constellations, cannever fail to amaze when revisited forthe umpteenth time, as long as wenever look at the same aspect of it. Lastweek’s “new” discovery was that sameold Orion nebula, and the object of mynew excitement are the double starpairs within it. I’ve no doubt that manyin DAS have done the stellar aspect aswell as mapping out the arms andbatwings and all the other various partsof the same nebula, but if you’re some-what new to the hobby and are read-ing this — or otherwise never noticedthe star pairs — then I highly recom-mend getting a gander at these thingsbefore winter’s over.

The nudging factor in examiningthis particular aspect ofM42 was in furtherance ofthe AL’s double-star observ-ing list (Sandy just finishedthese, so please congratu-late her; I’m still over adozen from the top). Uponfirst looking at the posi-tions given it felt intimidat-ing - the cold front was dueto come through in acouple of hours and I wasstarting to really tire in the feet, backand bones as Orion began to set intothe city’s light pollution, so it would’vebeen easy to make excuses and go in.

I thought of how many swarms of starswere peppered througout all four com-ponents of the sword and thought thatpicking out the doubles from themwould be as difficult as measuring RAand Dec across a large star map downto the minutes and seconds. But, asthe familiar “just this one more” syn-drome set in, everything fell into placeas easy as pie. Didn’t our mothers tellus not to groan about something until

after we’ve tried it?So for those that haven’t

been through this before,there are three pairs of easy,colorful, obvious doubles inthe sword and the one easy,colorful and tight quadruplethat we all know about. Ihad always meant to look atthe Trapezium in detail andwondered what kind ofmagnification or sky condi-

tions I might need, but as it happens itwas plenty easy to see the distinct com-ponents (and their colors!!) at regularlow magnification in a 3.5-inch scope

in halfway decent observing conditions,and high power separated them outeven further. The brightest one wasclearly banana-yellow, with the two nextbrightest ones distinctly white and blue,and the dim one making the “flat” edgehad an interesting purple hue. (I oftenget into arguments about blue vs.purple, so if you’ve done this before andyour observing log says something quitedifferent, more power to ya. I preferpurple anyway.)

I learned that the generally acceptedname for the Trapezium is Theta 1Orionis, which begs looking at Theta 2Orionis in the same field and swimmingdeep in the same nebula, just as obvi-ously a double-star system. The pair ismuch wider than the tight little Trapwith a similarly white-yellow primary,but what interested me was that the sec-ondary looked green. Stellar physiciststell us that there are no green stars - Iforget why - but, like modern planetaryscience, Zubenelgenubi in Libra andAntares’ little companion may test ourunderstanding of the rules of just how

A New Look at anOld Friend

M42, The Great Orion Nebula© Joe Gafford 2003

Rigel’s Companion© David Shouldice 2003

o b s e r v e r s d e c k

March 2003 One Mile Nearer the Stars Page 5

much nature will allow. Seeing this par-ticular green star got me wondering ifthe gas in the nebula might be affect-ing what we see, as it is plenty possibleto have green nebula gas. So now I haveto look up whether the nebula is in frontof Theta 2 or if the double’s embedded,or if it’s a perception trick like so manyother doubles where the hue of the pri-mary greatly influences the color we seein the secondary, nudging our retinalcones towards the compliment color.

If it’s ever possible to tear ourselvesaway from these beauties or from otherparts of the nebula, the next two pairs,Iota Orionis and Struve 747, are alsoeasy in the bottom star of the sword.Iota is the bright one that you see na-ked eye after pointing out to the neigh-bors how fuzzy the middle one is, and

although harder than the Thetas, highpower will show that it’s got a clear com-panion. Like the adventure just had onefield above, Struve 747 is in the samefield and makes a nice little pair of head-lights coming at you from a very far dis-tance. Unlike the ones that appear gas-colored, these two are an equally prettyexercise in white on a black back-ground. So, if you think you’ve mappedout every detail of the familiar swordand know it like the back of your hand,never get complacent - perhaps STScIwould never have pointed Hubble inthat direction and found proplyds if weall thought like that. The great nebulais more than just one single, novice dis-covery that a nebula can be a naked-eye object — it’s a neverending discov-ery in any piece of glass.—Lisa Judd

Amateur Astronomerspresents

The G. Bruce Blair Awardfor 2003 to Jack Eastman

Congratulations Jack, on this astro-nomical achievement!

The Western Amateur Astronomersorganization, founded in 1949, is com-prised of seventeen astronomical soci-eties throughout the western UnitedStates. Promoting, educating and en-couraging interest in astronomy are justa few of the goals of the WAA, whichalso serves as a liaison between variousastronomical groups and organizes anannual convention. The initial meet-ing was held at the Mt. Wilson Obser-vatory and chaired by Dr. G. BruceBlair, University of Nevada, who un-fortunately passed soon thereafter. Itis in his name that the award is givento those who have made outstanding

Jack Eastman,Winner of theG. Bruce Blair Award

© Ted Cox 2003

contributions to amateur astronomy.Jack is a long-standing member of

the DAS. He has served as DAS presi-dent and is currently an e-board mem-ber and the Chief Observer. He hasbeen an active advisor for work onChamberlin’s 20-inch Alvan Clark re-fractor and was appointed to the boarddedicated to the observatory’s restora-tion. While in college, he lectured atthe Griffith Observatory and contin-ues as a member of the Los AngelesAstronomical Society, in which heserved as LAAS president and boardmember. He ranks high as an ambas-sador to astronomy for amateurs.

Jack Eastman is a strong advocate forjoining, and supporting national as-tronomy programs. It is through thissubstantial effort, and participation asan astronomer that the Western Ama-teur Astronomers are pleased to awardMr. F. Jack Eastman, The G. BruceBlair Award, for 2003.—Carla Swartz

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Page 6 The Denver Observer March 2003

The DAS Edmund G. Kline Dark Site isabout 60 miles east of the “mousetrap”in downtown Denver.

Take I-70 east to the Deer Trail exit(exit 328), turn left at the end of the exitramp, and turn left again on CR 217 (af-ter the Texaco station). Take CR 217 justover 1/2 mile, and turn right (east) ontoCR 34. Stay on CR 34 about 6 miles untilyou get to CR 241. Turn left (north) ontoCR 241 and continue about 1.5 miles –you’ll see a culvert with a wide gate onthe right (east) side of the road.

Directions to the site from Denver, arrivalfrom the North (for after-dark arrivals):

Take I-70 eastbound to exit 316(Byers). Turn left at end of ramp whichputs you on eastbound US-36. Take US-36 east 17.2 miles to CR 241. Turn right(south) onto CR 241 and continue for 6.2miles. The DSS entrance is on the left be-tween two tall posts.

Note: Travel distance from Denverusing the North route is actually 3.9 milesshorter than the traditional route. Thefirst 5 miles of CR 241 going south fromUS-36 is narrow and somewhat rough.Be careful.

• The last people on the site must turnoff the lights and the heat.

• A microwave will be provided forwarming food. Please clean up afteryourself.

• No pots and pans, appliances, or othersupplies are to be left in the shed.

• No personal supplies are to be left inthe shed overnight.

• Do not donate furniture or other thingsunless you clear it with the D.S.S.committee first.

• No food left overnight in the shed.• No sleeping overnight in the shed.• Quick naps are permitted if you feel

you might fall asleep on the way home.We would prefer you get your naprather than falling asleep on the road.However, we don’t want it to becomea tent for camping.

• Clean up after yourself before you leavethe site.

• Please clean up all food that drops oris spilled, otherwise it will attract miceand insects.

Warming Hut Rules

Directions to theE.G. Kline Dark Site

Dark Sky Site CourtesyPlease remember that white light disrupts the eye’s dark adaptation and can ruin

astrophotography. Following these simple guidelines will improve the experience for all:

★ Prospective members, out of townastronomers, and others may be guestsone time.

★ Members can bring family any time andpersonal friends on a limited basis, butshould not abuse the privilege.

★ Groups of five or more guests must becleared through the President or VicePresident prior to visiting the Dark Sky Site.

★ There is no sleeping in the warming shedovernight. However if you need to nap for ashort period, you can use the shed. We wouldrather you fall asleep there rather than at thewheel on the way home.

★ You may warm drinks in the microwave—it is not there for warming food and cookingsince we have no water to clean up. If youspill, please clean up after yourself

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:★ Wear warm clothing. The nights can be

extremely cold in the winter andsurprisingly cold in the summer.

★ Bring your own power such as a batteryand/or an inverter since the power sitesare limited. Also bring extension chords.

★ Hot drinks can help you survive the night!★ When approaching the telescope of

someone who does not know you, introduceyourself and ask before looking through thescope. Most members (with the exceptionof astrophotographers when they are takingpictures) will be happy to share their scopes.

★ Bring your own toilet paper in case that in theporta-potty runs out.

★ Upon arrival at the site, check to see if sign inhas been instituted at the warming hut. Wehope this will help alleviate problems membersmay be experiencing in trying to find a place toset up.

★ Drive carefully on the road, there are blindspots in the low area and you will find cattleon the road at times.

★ Try to arrive before dark.★ If you have to arrive after dark, turn off

headlights when turning into site.★ Turn off all dome and trunk lights. If a light

can’t be turned off, pull the fuse, use layeredred brake light tape or just duct tape overit.

★ When you drive in, position your car so youcan drive out directly instead of using yourback up lights.

★ Use only dim red flashlights. Never shine aflashlight in someone’s face or on theirscope.

★ Please wipe your feet carefully beforeusing the warming hut.

★ Please chip in and do some cleaning up in thehut or at the observing sites. It is theresponsibility of all users to keep the place nice.

★ Serious astrophotographers may wish to usethe South field since it is somewhat isolatedfrom the rest of the area.

★ If you are the last person to leave the site,turn off the lights and the heaters in thewarming hut. Then, lock the warming hutand close the gate to the site.

★ Members are responsible for educating theirguests as to the rules.

Joe Gafford made some camera-time atthe Winter Star Party in February. TheEta Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), too farsouth for us northern observers, is oneof the most beautiful objects in thesouthern skies.

edmund g. kline dark site

March 2003 One Mile Nearer the Stars Page 7

S a t u r nThis single frame from a Quicktime movie was made with a 12.5-inch f/15 telescopeand a Vesta Pro Webcam on January 7, 2003. © Ron Pearson 2003

Desert Sunset Star Party -May 1-4, 2003

Registration is now online for the DesertSunset Star Party. Please check our website(http://chartmarker.tripod.com sunset.htm) fordetails about this new star party and to getyour registration forms. We have speakerswho will talk on a variety of subjects suchas identifying stars, supernovae, Mars andthe weather in the Southwest. We will havevendors present and door prizes, and a con-test for the best Simple Astronomy Tool(SAT). We also have lots to do during theday and have scheduled tours to Mt.Hopkins (Whipple Observatory),BioSphere 2, and the Univ of AZ MirrorLab. Catered meals will also be available.If you do not have web access, please con-tact a club member to get the forms. Wehope you will be able to join us.Chart Markers and MorePat and Arleen Heimannhttp://chartmarker.tripod.com

Annual Spring BanquetSaturday, March 22, 2003

The White Fence Farm (6263 West Jewell,Lakewood, CO 80232, 303-935-5945) willcook up a delicious meal for the DASSpring Banquet on Saturday, March 22. Wewill have cocktails from 6:30-7:00P.M., din-ner at 7:00, and a presentation from Dr.Roger Clark to follow. Dr. Clark’s talk isentitled, “Imaging Spectroscopy: Earth andPlanetary Remote Sensingand Developmentof the First Generation ‘Tricorders.’” The buf-fet will include White Fence Farm chicken,baked potatoes, various salads and coleslaws, corn fritters, and last but not least,sundaes for desert.

Reservations are limited and must be paidin advance. Dinner will cost $20/person.Please make checks payable to the Den-ver Astronomical Society and mail to SteveSolon, 9774 West Elmhurst Place,Littleton, CO 80128 by March 8. Hopeyou can join us for our spring celebrationand the installation of new officers.

Last year’s Spring Banquet served up a terrific talk from Roger Clark about his work ondifferent Mars projects. This year’s presentation is entitled, “Imaging Spectroscopy:Earth and Planetary Remote Sensingand Development of the First Generation‘Tricorders.’” Above from left to right: Dr. Roger Clark, Larry Brooks, and Carla Swartz.

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Page 8 The Denver Observer March 2003

j o i n u s

Denver Astronomical Societyc/o Chamberlin Observatory2930 East Warren AvenueDenver, Colorado 80208

About the Denver Astronomical SocietyThe DAS is a group of amateur and professional astronomers

that share a mutual interest in the heavens. The DAS operates theUniversity of Denver’s Chamberlin Observatory, along with itsprized 1894 Alvan Clark 20-inch refracting telescope. Ourmembers have been involved with the first public planetarium atthe Denver Museum of Science and Nature and the SmithsonianAstrophysics Observatory’s “Moon Watch” program. The DASsuccessfully petitioned to have the Chamberlin Observatory listedon the National Register of Historic Places.

Our Credo is to provide members a forum for increasing andsharing their knowledge, to promote and educate the publicabout astronomy, and to preserve the historic telescope andobservatory in cooperation with the University of Denver. Tothese ends we have established three tax deductible funds: theVan Nattan Scholarship Fund, the Chamberlin RestorationFund, and the DAS Dark Sky Site Fund. This last fund wasestablished in order to construct and maintain observing facilitiesnear Deer Trail in eastern Colorado.

Please call our Info Line at (303) 871-5172 and drop by theGeneral Membership meetings. Become a member and enjoyspeakers, facilities, events, and our monthly newsletter, The DenverObserver.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP TO THE

DENVER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

New RenewalName:Address:City, State, Zip:Phone numbers: Home ( ) Work ( )E-mail Address:Occupation:Other Interests:(Associates Only) School: Grade:Do you want to download the newsletter in PDF format from ourwebsite instead of by postal mail?

Yes NoDo you want the above information excluded from the yearly roster?

Yes NoPlease Circle All That Apply:

Regular Membership: $30 Associate: $10 (Age 22 and younger).................................................................................................. $

Astronomy Magazine/$29Sky & Telescope Magazine/$29.95.................................................................................................. $

Van Nattan Scholarship Fund .................................................... $Chamberlin Restoration Fund ................................................... $Total Amount Paid .................................................................... $Please mail Dark Sky Site donations to: DAS Treasurer, Chuck Carlson, at theaddress below. (Make checks payable to the Dark Sky Site Fund).Please complete this form, or a copy, and mail it with your check or money orderpayable to The Denver Astronomical Society:DAS Treasurer, Chuck Carlson; 1521 So. Vine St.; Denver, CO 80210

S & S OPTIKAColorado’s Premier Astronomical Supply Store

(303) 789-1089www.sandsoptika.com

MARCH’S MEETING

MARCH 22:Annual Spring Banquet andInstallation of Officers at theWhite Fence Farm (See Page7.)—Speaker: Dr. Roger Clark(DAS), “Imaging Spectroscopy:Earth and Planetary RemoteSensing and Development of theFirst Generation ‘Tricorders.’”