ASTRONOMY CLUB NEWSLETTER

If the sky is clear, we will have a look at what Fred Schaaf calls, "the brightest examples of various types of objects anywhere in the heavens:" the brightest constellation, brightest asterism, biggest asterism, most luminous star, brightest "red" star, brightest variable star, best star clusters, brightest nebula and brightest pairing of stars. Come join us! [See Fred Schaaf's monthly column: "Stars and Planets" in the February 1997 issue of Sky and Telescope.]

Also--limited time offer! Observe and make a sketch of Hale-Bopp, with the time, date, and place recorded on it, bring it to our meeting, and receive a free Milky Way or Starburst candy. {Note: on request, carrot sticks will be available as "health food" substitute giveaways (hmm....do they also improve night vision?)]

JANUARY MEETING--JUPITER AND A SURPRISE. Our January meeting topic was "Exploring Jupiter" and many new members were present for a slide show on the Galileo space craft and some of the interesting discoveries being made about the giant planet and its moons. We also had a demonstration revealing that Jupiter is of sufficient volume to contain all the other planets.

Tim Feldman surprised us with the latest product from his astronomical workshop: a viewer to be used with a pair of binoculars. This small, sturdy device fits on a table top or tripod and uses mirrors to reflect the sky into a pair of binoculars, which are in turn positioned so that the observer can be seated comfortably, directing his gaze downward--in an attitude much like that used when reading a book. A steady image and comfortable viewing position are essential for good observing results, and this attractive aid looks very promising. Now Tim is waiting for clear skies to give it a field test.

GOODBYE SATURN AND VENUS--HELLO MARS AND JUPITER. Saturn grows fainter and closer to the sun in the west southwest at dusk, and is near a beautiful crescent Moon on February 10. Venus likewise moves "down" (closer to the sun) in the early pre-dawn sky, while Jupiter rises higher every day. Mercury completes the trio for some beautiful views above the east southeast horizon approximately 1 hour before dawn during the first 2 weeks of February. Try to be watching around 6:50 a.m. on Thursday the 6th when the Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus will be close to the horizon--the thin crescent Moon will be above Venus and Jupiter.

HALE BOPP IN FEBRUARY "The Comet" will be moving from the east to the east-northeast during the month, about 20 or 30 degrees above the horizon an hour or so before dawn (or, around 6:00 a.m.). Note that the tail of the comet points away from the sun--or--what do you see? Does it have only one tail? Several tails? Binoculars, if you have them, will be a wonderful improvement over naked eye observation--or dust off your telescope and have a look through it at the comet's head. An unobstructed view from a dark location will make a profound difference in what you see, since a dark sky provides the best background contrast for the hazy light from Hale-Bopp's tail(s?). Remember: observe and make a sketch of comet Hale-Bopp, with the time, place, date, recorded on it and bring it to our meeting for a free Milky Way or Starburst candy (or a carrot stick--available on request).

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.