December 2008 - Volume 37, Number 12
MEETING NOTICE: The annual BAS Christmas party will he held at St. Peter's Episcopal School at 848 Ashland Terrace in Chattanooga on Saturday December 6 at 6:00 pm . The club will provide a honey baked ham and turkey breast. Members are asked to bring a dish- vegetables, salad, bread, dessert, etc. Family and friends are welcome.
The Barnard STAR is the official publication of the Barnard Astronomical Society.
Planned Activities to Enjoy The Wonders of Astronomy—
Celebrating Amateurs Who Are Professional in Knowledge
“Giving amateurs their due: The term ‘amateur' is often used negatively as a synonym for ‘unskilled.' Not here! In astronomy, the word remains true to its Latin root, amator, meaning ‘lover.' Amateur astronomers spend countless hours under the starry sky purely for the love of it. Many become as skilled at telescope observing or astrophotography as any professional—often more so.”
Discovering the Joy of Astronomy
“The joy of astronomy comes from finding your way around the starry sky and understanding what you see.” – The Editors, SKY AND TELESCOPE MAGAZINE
Mourning the Increasing Loss of Dark Night Skies in Our Cities
“There is no more important task for the modern amateur astronomer than to fight the steady growth of light pollution in urban areas. Already we are witnessing the tragedy of the first generation of city children who might never see the beauty of a dark night sky.”
--Director, Observatory, Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Note: BAS endorses outdoor lighting restriction efforts by the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA) and also by local organizations such as Save Roane Starry Skies (SRSS) at The Tamke-Allan Observatory, Roane State College, Harriman , TN.
Technical Areas of Specialization within BAS for Member Participation
Large Aperture/Dark Sky/Deep Space Optical Astronomy at Several Regional Dark Sky Sites
For more information, contact David Witt or Victor Rogers.
Astrophotography
For more information, contact David Hanon , or Dr. Gary Caldwell
Radio Astronomy at a Fully Functional Radio Telescope Observatory Outside of Cleveland , TN
For more information, contact Bill and Melinda Lord, Bill Seymour, or John Mannone.
Sidewalk Astronomy—“Chattanooga Out of This World” Challenging Optical Viewing of The Earth's Moon and The Inner Planets for the General Public from Downtown Locations Surrounded By Bright City Lights
For more information, contact Tom Adkins or Joe D'Agostono
BAS Christmas Party
Due to the Christmas Party, there will not be a December Program at Jones Observatory.
The annual BAS Christmas party will he held at St. Peter's Episcopal School at 848 Ashland Terrace in Chattanooga on Saturday December 6 at 6:00 pm . The club will provide a honey baked ham and turkey breast. Members are asked to bring a dish- vegetables, salad, bread, dessert, etc. Family and friends are welcome.
This year we will have drawings for several doors prizes from books to meteorite display and an observing chair built and donated by Bill Lord. The Denver chair adjusts from 7” to 28” for comfortable viewing. The attached photos show the chair folded for easy storage, in the lowest and highest position and with Bill demonstrating the strength of the chair. You must be present to win, so mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Astronomy calendars will be available for purchase. These are just $10.00, saving you $2.95 off the normal price.
PS- When you pull up to the church it will appear very dark, but just keep coming up the driveway and you will see the entrance in to the school.
Notes from November Regular Meeting Program
Can a Physics Professor successfully give a mathematically-based presentation on a very abstract scientific topic to a mixed lay audience?
The answer is yes!
Dr. Robert Marlowe, Professor of Physics at UTC, delivered a fascinating program on the subject, “Rethinking the Universe: The New Paradigms of Dark Matter and Dark Energy.” It soon became apparent from Dr. Marlowe's approach that the scientific evidence to support Dark Matter and Dark Energy is mathematical and must be explained by the use of equations. Dr. Marlowe began with the insight that “Science progresses not by constant accumulation, but suddenly things happen. People become disenchanted with current theory and construct a new paradigm.” THE ACCELERATING UNIVERSE WAS THE BIGGEST FINDING IN 20TH CENTURY SCIENCE, according to Dr. Marlowe.
To elaborate, he moved quickly into mathematics with the famous Friedman Equation, used by Alexander Friedman in 1922 to solve the General Relativity Equations. Dr. Marlowe's personable manner and his excellent teaching style were used to break down the equation into each of its components (e.g. space, matter, cosmological constant) to demonstrate the dilemma facing astronomy in the early 20th century.
At that time, the Einstein field equations saw a dynamic universe (either expanding or contracting), but contemporary astronomers saw a static universe. Using concepts such as the cosmic density parameter and the Hubble Constant, Dr. Marlowe led the BAS audience through some of the evidence for dark matter and dark energy.
It is theorized, for example, that 84% of matter in he universe is not visible; it is non-baryonic—that is, it is not composed of the subatomic particles protons and neutrons. And, non-baryonic matter can only be presently seen by its gravitational influence. Most dark matter is thought to be concentrated around galactic clusters. The recent discovery by space probes studying distant supernova, as well as other evidence, indicates that the universe is expanding much more rapidly than expected. Everything may be moving toward “The Big Rip”--where all matter is eventually torn apart into its basic quark constituents--rather than gradual expansion or eventual contraction. This may also demonstrate the powerful but invisible influence of the estimated 70% of all energy which may be dark energy. In current cosmology, dark energy is thought of as a “repulsive gravity” force which may be contributing to this rapid acceleration which has surprised astronomers.
Thank you, Dr. Marlowe, for this excellent program.
The Basics
How Bright the Celestial Objects? The Apparent Visual Magnitude Scale
Originally, magnitudes of objects in the sky were assigned by rough eyeball judgment. But in the middle of the 19 th century, astronomers had a need to define the brightness scale more precisely. They had already approximated that a 1 st magnitude star shines with about 100 times as much light as a 6 th magnitude star. Thus, in 1856 Norman R. Pogson, an Oxford University astronomer, proposed that a difference of five magnitudes be defined as a brightness ratio of exactly 100 to 1. One magnitude, then, is the fifth root of 100, or 2.512 times. Thus, a third magnitude star, for example, shines with 2.512 times as much light as a fourth magnitude star.
From Dazzling to Dim
Fifty seven magnitudes of apparent brightness cover all the things that astronomers study visually, from the glaring noonday sun (magnitude minus 26.7) to the faintest objects detected with The Hubble Space Telescope (plus 30.7). Note the illogical reversed negativity on this scale, so that brightest objects have the most negative values.
Some Other Approximate Apparent Magnitudes
Full moon (minus 12); Venus at its brightest (Minus 4); Eyes-only limit in typical suburb (plus 4); Eyes-only limit at dark sky site (plus 6); Visual limit of unaided 12 inch reflector telescope (plus 14); Limit of CCD extended time-exposure image using 14 inch reflector telescope with advanced professional computer image processing software—such as Astrometrica (plus 21).
(Note that Absolute Magnitude of Celestial Objects is a different topic and will be explained separately in a subsequent issue of The BARNARD STAR.)
Source: “The Night Sky” magazine; Sept./Oct. 2006
Finding the O – baryon
The O – baryon played an important role in the evolution of particle theory. Its much heralded discovery in 1964 at precisely the mass (1.67 GeV) predicted by symmetry arguments about charge and strangeness led promptly to the quark model of the strongly interacting particles. The quark model described the O – as a bound state of three strange (s) quarks. The relatively straight-forward “naïve” quark model has long since been incorporated into quantum chromo dynamics, a much more complete theory from which, however, precise predictions are notoriously hard to extract.
But QCD does predict that the O – should have a heavy- quark analogue, called O b– , with a mass of about 6.0 GeV—more than six times that of the proton. In the O b– , one of the three s quarks is replaced by the much heavier bottom (b) quark.
Now, having combed through 1014 proton–antiproton collisions accumulated at Fermilab's Tevatron collider over the past four years, the collaboration that runs the collider's DO detector Complex has reported finding 18 events in which the expected decay of an O b– to an O – plus a charmonium meson is clearly discerned.
The discovery was difficult not only because so very few collisions produce an O b– , but also because the newly discovered baryon is so short-lived that it moves only about a millimeter before decaying.
The 6.1-GeV mass extracted from the observed events is reassuringly close to that predicted by the number-crunching lattice-gauge calculations to which QCD theorists have to resort.
Good Seeing.
DIRECTIONS TO ORION ACRES
FROM NORTH HAMILTON COUNTY :
From 27 (corridor J) take hwy. 111 to Dunlap, continue through the Sequatchie Valley up the next mountain ( Cagle Mountain ). When you reach the summit about 5 miles turn LEFT onto hwy. 399 (sign reads 'to Savage Gulf State Park ' Stay on 399 until it ends, which will be in Grundy Co. Now make a LEFT onto hwy. 108 South. This goes thru Palmer TN. Continue on 108 up to a higher elevation. When this levels off, turn RIGHT onto Palmer Fire Tower Rd. This is a large open area with possibly trucks loaded with timber for the paper mills. Orion Acres will be on the RIGHT about 8 tenths mile.
FROM INTERSTATE 24 (to Nashville ):
Go to the Dunlap/Whitwell exit (#155). This is hwy. 28. Exit right and keep on 28 for about 11 miles, passing Hardee's on your left. Continue through the stoplight and take the next LEFT on Hwy. 108 North. Continue another 11 or so miles. You will see ' Grundy County ' sign. Take the next left. This is Palmer Fire Tower Rd. Go 8 tenths of a mile and Orion Acres is on the RIGHT
Start Your Own Meteorite Collection
Through a special purchase arranged by the University of The South , BAS has obtained a large meteorite collection at an unusually low price per gram. These meteorites will be offered for sale to BAS members at the August 14th meeting as a fund-raiser for the Club treasury.
The unclassified North West Africa (NWA) EL3 meteorites have been individually bagged with the weight and magnetic strength noted for each one. There is a wide selection of sizes and the price will be very affordable.
Can 't make it to the meeting? You can place your order with Bill & Melinda Lord at ap_guardian@yahoo.com or 423-478-9043. The price is just 10 cents per gram, and add $5.00 for shipping and handling.
TELESCOPES WANTED
We want everyone in our club to have access to a great telescope. Our plan is to refurbish telescopes so that we can loan them to astronomers without scopes of their own. I f you have a telescope or accessories you are no longer using, please let us have it. We promise someone will use it and treat it with care and respect. Of course you can have a receipt for your tax write-off and every penny is welcome if you would like to donate money so we can buy or fix up a telescope.
Contact Gary Caldwell, Adam Krause or Bill Lord if you have a donation, we will happily come to your door to pick up your unwanted telescope. Sponsorship information will be posted on the web and in the Barnard Star.
Astronomy Calendars for Sale
Buy your copy of the Astronomy 2009 Deep Space Mysteries calendars for the special price of just $10.00 versus the regular price of $12.95. Astronomy magazine offers the calendars at a discount to clubs and the $10.00 sale price returns a $3.50 profit to the club. These are beautiful wall calendars suitable for home or office. The treasurer will have the calendars available at the next several meetings
BAS WEB SITE
http://bas.chattanooga.net
Officers
President……………………………………….... Gary Caldwell
Vice-President………………………………………….Bill Lord
Secretary…………………………………...………Bill Seymour
Treasurer………………………………………….Melinda Lord
STAR Editor……………………………………….Steve Ramey
Webmaster…………………………………………….Rod Ruch
Star Party Chairman…………………...…………...Victor Rogers
Outreach Coordinator………………...…………...John Mannone
Program Committee Co-Chairs…...... John Mannone and Bill Lord
Member-at Large………………..……………………David Witt
November Minutes
President Gary Caldwell called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Thee were 22 members and four visitors present.
After the 7:30 program and a short break at 8:30 , a business session was held.
Old Business
October minutes in the BARNARD STAR and on the BAS web site were accepted as posted.
Treasurer Melinda Lord gave a bank account balance of $1,208.
More 2009 astronomy calendars and meteorites are for sale by the club. Bill and Melinda Lord have come up with very attractive meteorite packaging in boxes the size of a baseball and a hockey puck, with felt lining and mirror.
Bill Seymour contacted Jack Pitkin at UTC to determine the status of the proposed Introduction to Astronomy classes possibly to be presented just prior to Sunday evening open house at the Clarence Jones Observatory. Jack has been busy with the move of the Physics Dept. resulting from the Grote Hall remodeling and has not had time to work on the class. He is now projecting the Fall of 2009 for a beginning, with BAS members possibly teaching some astronomy topics.
New Business
The refurbishing of loaner telescopes was discussed.
The BAS Star Party for the Chattanooga Christian School at the Bagwell property off of Hwy. 58 was a success, with more than 100 persons attending.
Victor Rogers and Gary Caldwell will hold a Star Party for 25 Boy Scouts from Hixson United Methodist Church .
Bill Lord will construct an Observing Chair to be given away as a prize at the BAS Christmas Party.
John Mannone was a participant in The Bays Mountain Star Fest near Kingsport and gave a presentation.
Gary Caldwell still plans to conduct Sidewalk Astronomy sessions downtown on the Walnut Street Bridge this winter. He will also host a private BAS Star Party at his home observatory in December; date will be announced through Victor Rogers global e-mail.
The Red Clay Star Party has been postponed due to unfavorable weather forecast for the original November dates. Watch for an announcement of rescheduling.
The BAS Christmas Party is now set for Saturday, December 6th. Details will be announced in the BARNARD STAR and via e-mail.
Respectfully submitted.
Bill Seymour, Secretary
REMINDER-Your annual BAS dues of are now due on the anniversary of your membership in accordance with the adopted amendment to the by-laws. The due date appears below your name on the address on the front of this newsletter. If your expiration date says “Overdue” or if you don't agree with the date shown, contact Melinda Lord to resolve discrepancies. The current dues rates are as follows: REGULAR $15.00, REGULAR ASSOCIATE $7.00, JUNIOR $8.00, JUNIOR ASSOCIATE $5.00. Your Sky & Telescope or Astronomy subscription will continue to be handled as in the past. When you receive your subscription reminder card, submit it to:
Melinda Lord
354 N West Cir NW
Cleveland , TN 37312-1011
Along with the group subscription rate of $32.95 for Sky and Telescope, or $34.00 for Astronomy. Note the increased rate for Astronomy. This was effective July 31, 2005
DEADLINE- All articles and other materials for publication in the next STAR are due no later than Wednesday, December 31 st . The following media are acceptable: hard copy, disk (IBM), video tape (VHS), prints, or e-mail to bas@chattanooga.net or s tramey@catt.com and attach a file or mail to:
Steve Ramey
109 Sioux Trail
Ringgold GA 30736
PHOTOGRAPHS ARE ALSO ACCEPTABLE.