You can now read the January issue of the StarGazer. Just click the newspaper icon in the right column of this page. You’ll read about our trip to Keeble Observatory, equipment and book reviews, an experiment to detect secondary x-ray radiation changes during the August eclipse, and an examination of mountains and mountain ranges of the Moon. Last, but certainly not least, is the Picture of the Quarter–Myron Wasiuta’s spectacular image of the Horsehead Nebula region taken using the club’s Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO).
Linda Billard
Check Out the Updated MSRO Page
January 26, 2018–Check out the revised MSRO web page. New equipment is described, and the procedures for use by RAC members are spelled out in more detail.
Backyard Space Program (BSP)
January 23, 2018–Karol Masztalerz, the astrophotographer who provided the color data for Scott’s Whirlpool Picture of the Month, is from Poland, and now lives in Lynchburg, VA. He is the co-founder and owner of the Backyard Space Program Facebook page. The mission of the BSP is to spread awareness and get people involved with the sciences of astronomy, astrophotography, and all things related to space and our mysterious Universe! BSP is working on expanding its outreach, as well as its divisions. The organization currently has officers working in the United Kingdom and Europe and hopes to expand further. Visit the BSP Facebook page for more info.
Totality–Impressions of an Eclipse–Read All About It!
The latest issue of the StarGazer offers an informal journal of RAClub member experiences observing the Great Solar Eclipse of August 2017. It records the impressions and photos of members who observed it in a variety of locations–most in the path of totality and few in the Fredericksburg area. Although we all watched the same event, each person had his/her own personal context. And for some who saw it for the first time, it was impetus to begin thinking about how to get to the viewing area for the next one in 2024. Click the newspaper icon on the right of this page to read all about it!
Mark Slade Remote Observatory Dedication Picnic – Oct. 21
Saturday, October 21, 4-9 PM– Myron Wasiuta will host a dedication ceremony in his backyard for the Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO). Food and drinks will be provided; however, if you would like to bring something to grill or a dessert or side dish, that would be appreciated! Menu will include burgers and hot dogs. Tours of the MSRO will be given as well as an opportunity to see it in action. If the weather is clear, there will be telescope viewing in the evening after dark. Please RSVP to Myron no later than Friday, October 20, at myrnteryx4@aol.com with the number of people who will be attending as well as any dietary requests or restrictions. All RAC members are invited–however, because this is not a public event, please bring only immediate family members unless other prior arrangements are made with Myron in advance.
How to Detect What Stars Are Made Of–Next RAC Meeting, Oct. 11–Special Date!
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 11, the 2nd rather than 3rd week of the month. This is a one-time change. Come hear about Bart Billard’s new amateur-friendly interferometer and what it can do. Interferometers are powerful instruments in determining chemical composition of stars and assisting in detecting stellar motion. The meeting will be from 7-9 PM in Room 2 of the Fredericksburg branch of the Central Rappahannock LIbrary at 1201 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Hope you can attend!