Explorit Science Center

Come to our next meeting, at 7:30 p.m. on April 27 at Explorit. The evening's topic will be "Experimenting with Craters". With all the attention that Comet Hyakutaki has received, many have wondered: What would happen if something like a comet or asteriod hit the Earth?" Comet Shoemaker-Levy collided with Jupiter last summer. Certain sites such as Meteor Crater in Arizona, show that large bodies have collided with the Earth in the past and may do so again. Looking at the Moon through binoculars or telescopes we can see enormous numbers of craters. By making our own craters at the meeting, we will discover what properties of craters we can observe and how the speed and size of the meteor affects the type of crater formed. Of course, if the weather permits, we will end with a view of the night sky through telescopes.

MARCH'S MEETING opened with a report from club member Ben Granett on his long-term telescopic observations of sunspots. Ben showed some of the scores of sketches he's made and what conclusions his observations suggest. A short video showing what comets are and how they behave was followed by a "live" demonstration on how to make a comet. Thanks to several young assistants who were part of our overflow attendance. Afterwards we adjourned to a pleasant dark sky where Comet Hyakutaki was visible near the handle of the Big Dipper.

COMET HYAKUTAKI In late April this amazing visitor it will dive south in its orbit away from Earth and toward the Sun, perhaps brightening again as the increasing heat and "solar wind" vaporize icy material on the comet's surface. If you have not had a glimpse of this visitor, be sure to do so soon. It will be visible until around April 25--or maybe later, if it brightens considerably.

Generally, your chances of seeing the comet are best with binoculars about an hour after sunset (around 8:30). Above the western horizon, you will easily spot Venus. The comet will be to the right of Venus, and below it, about 2 fist-widths (holding your arm extended in front of you), and approaching nearer to the horizon every day. Here's what to look for above the western horizon about an hour after sunset from a dark location:

18th Thurs. A sliver of Moon below and to the right of Venus with Mercury to the lower right of the Moon, the comet is between and to the right of Venus and Mercury.

20th Sat. Venus to upper right of crescent Moon, with Mercury to the lower right of Venus. Through a telescope, note the similar crescent shapes of Venus and the Moon. The Moon is in a star cluster, the Hyades which is the "head" of the "bull" Taurus. A beautiful picture in binoculars.

22nd Mon. Mercury is as high above the horizon as we will see it this spring, about 20 degrees below and to right of Venus.

23rd Tues. Extend a line from the Moon to Venus about the same distance toward the northwest horizon..the comet should be near that position.

24th Weds. Maybe your last chance to get a good look at the comet, very low in the northwest and to right of Mercury.

25th Thurs. Count yourself lucky if you can find the comet tonight. Look soon after the sky begins to darken toward the northwest...perhaps you will glimpse its tail above the horizon after dark.

The Astronomy Club is hosted by Dennis Smith with the assistance of Tim Feldman and other eager astronomy buffs. The club is for everyone - adults, children, knowledgeable or ignorant. Come to listen, look and learn, or to share your expertise or experience.