ASTRONOMY UPDATE (11 March 2009)

[Dennis Mammana]

NEWS NOTE:  The Space Shuttle (STS-119) launch tonight to the International Space Station was scrubbed and will be rescheduled—possibly for tomorrow night.  STS and ISS should both be visible over Southern California and elsewhere later this week.  More details to come.

01)   “Desert Stargazing” class  (Saturday, Mar 14, 2009)

02)   "Night Sky Photography" class  (Saturday, April 4, 2009)

03)   “Stephen Hawking and the Theory of Everything” DVD

04)   Free “Space Lifestyle” magazine now online
05)   See what Galileo saw

06)   RTMC Astronomy Expo (May 22-25, 2009)

Now’s the time to plan your next vacation… join me and other internationally-known astronomy lecturers for these exciting Cosmic Adventures—some all new.   The universe will never look the same again!

07)   Chinese total solar eclipse cruise (Jul 13-26, 2009)

08)   Norway Northern Lights cruise (Nov 10-19, 2009) — NEW!    
09)   African cosmic safari & annular eclipse (Jan 8-19, 2010)

10)   Total solar eclipse… in Paradise!  (Jun 28-Jul 12, 2010) — NEW!

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01)   “Desert Stargazing” class  (Saturday, Mar 14, 12:30 – 9:00 p.m.)

So popular was my February “Desert Stargazing” class that we had to add a second!  This full-day program at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center is designed for beginning stargazers interested in exploring the enjoyable and mind-expanding hobby of amateur astronomy, and includes telescope viewing of some of the desert sky wonders. Advanced registration is required.  For those hoping to gaze skyward this summer, now’s the time to act.  The next offering won’t be until autumn.  For more information or to register, call 760.767.4063 (Pacific time) or visit http://theabf.org/event/astronomy/desert_stargazing_beginners_class_3/012809

 

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02)   "Night Sky Photography” class  (Saturday, April 4, 2009, 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.)

If you enjoy photography and are fascinated by the desert night sky, this full-day, hands-on course is for you!  During the daytime, you will learn how your camera can create stunning celestial portraits and, as darkness falls, we'll shoot a variety of celestial phenomena (weather permitting) from under the dark skies of Joshua Tree National Park.  Advance registration is highly advised.  To learn more about this fun course or to register, call 760.367.5535 or visit:  http://desertinstitute.homestead.com/classes/art/sky_photo.html

 

 

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03)   “Stephen Hawking and the Theory of Everything” DVD
Stephen Hawking and the Theory of Everything, a fascinating documentary with the world’s most famous living physicist, debuts on DVD March 24, 2009. This fascinating documentary explores the revolutionary new ideas that have evolved since the publication of his international bestseller, A Brief History of Time.  The DVD is available for preorder at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Hawking-Theory-Everything/dp/B001JXPC1O

 

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04)   “Space Lifestyle” magazine now online
The Winter 2009 issue of “Space Lifestyle Magazine” is now online and available for free.  If you haven't already "subscribed", please do so for the chance to win a Zero-G parabolic flight and other prizes.  http://www.newforks.net/spacelifestyle.html

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05)   See what Galileo saw

Galileo's first telescope four hundred years ago was basically a tube containing two lenses, and was a three-power instrument. His next effort magnified objects approximately nine times.  Now, you can have a Galileo-like experience, and view the things he saw looking through the Galileoscope.  The Galileoscope is now available for only $15.  Check it out or order one here:  https://www.galileoscope.org/gs/.  And to read more about it, visit: http://www.universetoday.com/2009/03/04/view-the-heavens-just-like-galileo-except-better/

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06)   RTMC Astronomy Expo (May 22-25)
The 41^st annual RTMC Astronomy Expo will take place on Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25, 2006 in Big Bear, CA.  This is one of the world's premier public astronomy events.  Here you'll have a chance to rub shoulders with amateur and professional astronomers alike, look through a variety of amazing telescopes under a dark sky, hear astronomy talks for beginners and advanced amateurs alike, and shop the vendors' booths for everything celestial from telescopes to T-shirts, from jewelry to books to software... and all in between.  A great family outing for Memorial Day weekend!  For more information, advance registration and directions, please visit:

http://www.rtmcastronomyexpo.org/general.html

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07)   Chinese total solar eclipse cruise (Jul 13-26, 2009) 
The longest total solar eclipse of anyone’s remaining lifetime occurs on July 22, 2009.  But it’s nearly sold out, so if you’ve been thinking about joining me and other internationally-known astronomy lecturers on this summer's one-in-a-lifetime eclipse journey to China, now's the time to act.   The trip is ranked in one of Travel & Leisure’s top ten lists:  http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/the-worlds-top-10-stargazing-spots/2    This is not the one to miss!   For more information and full itinerary, call 877.707.7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit:  http://www.melitatrips..com/china/index.html


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08)   Norway Northern Lights cruise (Nov 10-19, 2009) — NEW!
Cross the Arctic Circle with me as our ship, the MS Midnatsol, weaves along the richest archipelago in Norway—up to latitude 69°N.  During our remarkable journey from Kirkenes to Bergen we'll check out the heavens each night to view and photograph the mystical dancing colors of the aurora borealis—the northern lights.  This is sure to be ONE POPULAR TRIP!  For more information and full itinerary, call 877.707..7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit:   http://www.melitatrips.com/norway/


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09)   African cosmic safari & annular eclipse (Jan 8-19, 2010)
Join me and “Astronomy” magazine Editor David Eicher for an exciting trip into the bush of Africa, for a remarkable safari and an even more remarkable annular eclipse of the sun.   For more information on what is already becoming a very popular trip, call 877.707.7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit:   http://www.melitatrips.com/africa/index.html  


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10)   Total Solar Eclipse… in Paradise!  (Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2010) — NEW!
Join me and “Astronomy” magazine Senior Editor Rich Talcott in the glorious South Pacific as we explore the magnificent Marquesas Islands and the Tuamotus on a state-of–the art freighter, the Aranui III.  In the balmy South Pacific evenings, we’ll turn your gaze skyward—toward the exquisite Southern Cross and the spectacular Southern Milky Way, and on July 11 toward the great total solar eclipse—the most remarkable sky show you’ve ever seen!  Space is VERY limited.  For more details on this rapidly booking trip, call 877.707.7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit:  http://www.melitatrips.com/marquesas/index.html

 

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DENNIS MAMMANA
www.DennisMammana.com
www.twanight.org