CLUB EVENTS:

Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. at Explorit You're cordially invited to the Club's next meeting at Explorit Science Center on Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. The topic will be "Lookin' for Shade: Observing Eclipses: how they happen and and how to view them." We'll have slides and descriptions of the solar eclipse as it was viewed August 11 from onboard the Marco Polo in the Black Sea. We'll also find out about various types of eclipses: solar, and lunar, partial and total, as well as planetary transits, eclipses of planetary satellites, occultations, and eclipsing binary stars. We'll discuss why they happen and how to observe them. If the weather cooperates, we'll spend the remainder of the evening viewing constellations and other celestial attractions from Explorit's front yard. {You might like to read Dennis' description of his viewing the eclipse from the Marco Polo in the Black Sea]

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Judging from the number of "Oohs!" and "Aaaahs!" he heard, Larry concluded that it was a successful night for the meteor watchers. Approximately 30 or 40 amateurs were present, as well as a truck and reporter from Channel 10 news. Those interviewed by the media included Explorit's Tom Wickersham, and a number of the other meteor watchers. At Larry's request, the bright video lights were not turned on those watching the sky, and this was much appreciated by the stargazers. Thank you, Larry, for volunteering and doing such a great job and thanks from both of us to Tim and Alvin for their expertise and support!

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In the southwest, the red planet Mars, and its "rival" the red star Antares (whose name means "similar to or rival of Mars") appear close together in the southwest sky. But keep in mind that light from Mars requires only 10 minutes to reach us, but the light from Antares has traveled through space for 400 years. Compare the appearance of Mars and Antares. Does Antares seem to sparkle or twinkle more than Mars does? If so, the reason probably has to do with the fact that, at Antares's distance, stars appear to us as mere pinpoints of light easily refracted by the turbulence of our atmosphere. Twinkling is especially noticeable when lower layers of the air are much warmer than the upper layers - for instance, when observing near the horizon soon after the sun is set. At such times, Mars also may appear to twinkle in the turbulent air.

Amateur astronomers with binoculars and telescopes (and early bedtimes) will be glad to know that the largest planet, Jupiter, becomes an evening object this month. Look in the east around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. Try observing Jupiter's four largest moons with binoculars. Steady your binoculars by mounting them on a tripod or resting them on something solid such as a wall or on top of a pole. In binoculars, the moons should appear as starlike dots to the "right" or "left" of the planet. Remember, you may not be able to see all four at any one time since one or more of them may be in front of or behind the planet, or in the planet's shadow. Try making a drawing of your observations over several days and you will notice the moons have moved around Jupiter.

Saturn follows Jupiter (that is, rises later in the east) by approximately 40 minutes, so expect to stay out a little later to observe the "Lord of the Rings" this month. You will need a telescope to see the rings, however. You will also need a telescope to easily spot Uranus and Neptune. They will be on either side of the Moon on September 20. Neptune will be approximately 5 degrees to the west of the Moon and Uranus will be approximately 12 degrees to the east of the Moon.

Shine On! Shine On! Harvest Moon! on the night of September 24. "Moon Gardens" were fashionable in medieval Japan. How relaxing to unwind from the stress of the day by taking a moonlit walk through such a Moon Garden, where white foliage, rocks and flowers predominate. Here in Davis, the "White Flower Garden" dedicated to Carolee Shields can be enjoyed as a Moon viewing garden, also. It is located behind the gazebo at the Davis Arboretum and a self-guided tour (brochure) is available. Why not enjoy a walk in the moonlight this September? For more information on the "White Flower Garden" contact The UC Davis Arboretum at 752-4880

Finally, for you early risers, Venus will be dazzling in the predawn sky. Get your binoculars and telescopes to see its beautiful crescent shape.

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To Receive These Bulletins via E-mail Contact Dennis Smith at: densmith@dcn.davis.ca.us

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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.