ASTRONOMY UPDATE (10 August 2009)

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Dennis Mammana

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Aug 10, 2009, 7:40:40 PM8/10/09

to Mamman...@googlegroups.com

Cool stuff to check out in the sky:

01) Perseid meteor shower (Aug 11/12)

Join Dennis for fun programs this month:
02) Magnificent Milky Way at Borrego Springs Resort (August 15)
03) Capture the Cosmos! at Julian Starfest 2009 (August 22)

Astronomy Activities:
04) Astronomy Essay Contest
05) Launch your own personal satellite

Join Dennis for some exciting Cosmic Adventures:
06) Norway Northern Lights cruise (Nov 9-17, 2009)
07) African cosmic safari & annular eclipse (Jan 8-19, 2010)
08) Total solar eclipse cruise… to Paradise! (Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2010)

And journey with other terrific lecturers:
09) Art, Astronomy & History in Paris (Sept. 17-24, 2009)
10) Easter Island & the Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Eclipse (July 3-12, 2010)

11) The Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Solar Eclipse (July 6-13, 2010)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

01) Perseid meteor shower (Aug 11/12)

The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks during the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, August 12. While there will be moonlight, most of the brighter meteors should be visible, and sky watchers under rural (non-light-polluted) skies should still be able to see about 60 meteors per hour. Forecasters say the rate could show quite a flurry with up to 200 per hour between about the hours of 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. PDT on Wednesday morning. To see how the shower might peak, visit: http://www.spaceweather.com/swpod2009/04aug09/Per009_zhr.jpg?PHPSESSID=ijonf7len0f5eirtc7587gcuq5

Observing tips may be found in the Science@NASA story "The Perseids are Coming" here: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/31jul_perseids2009.htm.

Or, if you prefer, listen to the shower on the radio. The US Air Force Space Surveillance Radar is scanning the skies over North America. When a Perseid meteor passes overhead--"ping" (http://spaceweatherradio.com/startup/geminidecho.wav), there is an echo. Tune into Spaceweather Radio (http://spaceweatherradio.com/) for a live audio feed from the radar facility.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

02) Magnificent Milky Way at Borrego Springs Resort (August 15)

Few celestial sights are as stunning as an August desert sky. Next Saturday, August 15, stroll with us along the Milky Way—from the nearest of stars and glowing nebulae to the shattered remains of once mighty suns to our galaxy's most distant stellar clusters—and witness some of the most magnificent scenery anywhere!

This terrific package at the Borrego Springs Resort includes: one night deluxe accommodations (08/15/2009), indoor slide program followed by naked-eye and telescope viewing (weather permitting, of course), buffet dinner, transportation to viewing site, mini-flashlights, celestial party refreshments, all tax and gratuity. Non-hotel packages are also available.

For more information, please visit: http://www.dennismammana.com/events/lectures.htm or call 888.826.7734 for reservations. The program’s nearly filled up, so don’t wait! http://www.borregospringsresort.com/featuredpromotions.asp

And to read about our most recent popular sky event there, check out this recent article by one of the participants: http://www.sandiegoinsidertours.com/blog/index.php/category/desert-life/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

03) Capture the Cosmos! at Julian Starfest 2009 (August 22)

If you’re curious about how Dennis creates his beautiful sky photos—and how you might begin to do the same—attend his very popular program Capture the Cosmos! at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22 at the annual Julian Starfest 2009. Other exciting activities, lectures, tours, stargazing and more will take place from Friday (21^st) through Sunday (23^rd). For more information on joining all the fun that weekend, visit: http://www.julianstarfest.com/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

04) Astronomy Essay Contest

What was your most memorable astronomy experience? Was it your first view of Saturn's rings or the great Orion Nebula? Perhaps it was gazing at the stars with your family or friends on the perfect night. Share your experience by entering the Astronomy Essay Contest for a chance to win a SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope (sku 09793, value $1,299.95). For more information, visit: http://www.telescope.com/rsc/img/catalog/lc/articles/essaycontest.html?atc=poaec09&id=hoaec09

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

05) Launch your own personal satellite

Want to launch something into space? You can now do just that for only $8,000 USD. The rocket company Interorbital Services (IOS) is offering their "TubeSat Personal Satellite Kit" that can carry 0.75-kg into orbit. The price includes a launch into low Earth orbit on an IOS NEPTUNE 30 launch vehicle to 192 miles above the Earth. TubeSats are designed to be orbit-friendly, and not contribute to orbital debris by being in a self-decaying orbit. Launches are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010. For more information, visit: http://www.feedblitz.com/t.asp?/15163/148409/http://www.universetoday.com/2009/08/03/launch-your-own-personal-satellite-for-8000-usd/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

06)   Norway Northern Lights cruise (Nov 9-17, 2009)

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

07) 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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

08)   Total solar eclipse cruise… to Paradise! (Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2010)

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

09) Art, Astronomy & History in Paris (Sept.. 17-24, 2009)

Join astronomy historian Dr. William Sheehan—author of MARS: Lure of the Red Planet and In Search of Vulcan—for seven nights in Paris, and an incredible art, astronomy, and art history vacation. In addition to visiting the historic Meudon Observatories during the week of the Société Astronomique de France and International Astronomical Union’s celebration of Mars observations, you’ll experience all things French: food and wine, Gothic cathedrals, sun-dappled paths, vineyards and villages, art, history and science. For more information and full itinerary, call 877.707. 7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit: http://www.melitatrips.com/france

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

10) Easter Island & the Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Eclipse (July 3-12, 2010)

From Easter Island's mysterious solitudes, where you’ll pass among heads frozen in time and forever as inscrutable as their long-vanished makers, you’ll journey in imagination to the star-studded entrails of the Southern Hemisphere sky. Then to the Patagonian steppes, fjords, and soaring peaks, you’ll travel in the footsteps of Charles Darwin to view the remarkable total solar eclipse—at sunset! For more information and full itinerary, call 877.707.7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit: http://www.melitatrips.com/easterisland/index.html

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

11) The Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Solar Eclipse (July 6-13, 2010)

Few places on Earth are more beautiful than Patagonia and Buenos Aires. And tie that in with a spectacular sunset total solar eclipse from El Calafate, and the journey is one you’ll never forget. For more information and full itinerary, call 877.707.7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit: http://www.melitatrips.com/patagonia/index.html

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As you requested, I am sending these astronomy notices to you.

Please let me know if your e-mail address changes, or if you ever prefer not to receive these postings. And feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends and encourage them to subscribe. Remember, I will never sell, trade, lend, or leak your e-mail address to any other individual or organization-only those who request inclusion are added.

To read these missives online, visit the archive at: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/MammanaGrams

If you wish to reach me, you can do so not by replying to this site, but by my e-mail address: mam...@skyscapes.com

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

Dennis Mammana

unread,

Aug 10, 2009, 7:54:49 PM8/10/09

to Thad V'Soske, Mamman...@googlegroups.com

Looks like the e-constipation has cleared up for you.

From: Thad V'Soske [mailto:tvs...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 4:52 PM
To: mam...@skyscapes.com; Mamman...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: ASTRONOMY UPDATE (10 August 2009)

Received at ~5:52pm, Aug 10.

From: Dennis Mammana <mam...@skyscapes.com>
To: Mamman...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 5:40:40 PM
Subject: ASTRONOMY UPDATE (10 August 2009)

Cool stuff to check out in the sky:

01) Perseid meteor shower (Aug 11/12)

Join Dennis for fun programs this month:
02) Magnificent Milky Way at Borrego Springs Resort (August 15)
03) Capture the Cosmos! at Julian Starfest 2009 (August 22)

Astronomy Activities:
04) Astronomy Essay Contest
05) Launch your own personal satellite

Join Dennis for some exciting Cosmic Adventures:
06) Norway Northern Lights cruise (Nov 9-17, 2009)
07) African cosmic safari & annular eclipse (Jan 8-19, 2010)

08) Total solar eclipse cruise… to Paradise ! (Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2010)

And journey with other terrific lecturers:
09) Art, Astronomy & History in Paris (Sept. 17-24, 2009)
10) Easter Island & the Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Eclipse (July 3-12, 2010)

11) The Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Solar Eclipse (July 6-13, 2010)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

01) Perseid meteor shower (Aug 11/12)

Observing tips may be found in the Science@NASA story "The Perseids are Coming" here: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/31jul_perseids2009.htm.

Or, if you prefer, listen to the shower on the radio. The US Air Force Space Surveillance Radar is scanning the skies over North America . When a Perseid meteor passes overhead--"ping" (http://spaceweatherradio.com/startup/geminidecho.wav), there is an echo. Tune into Spaceweather Radio (http://spaceweatherradio.com/) for a live audio feed from the radar facility.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And to read about our most recent popular sky event there, check out this recent article by one of the participants: http://www.sandiegoinsidertours.com/blog/index.php/category/desert-life/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

05) Launch your own personal satellite

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

08) Total solar eclipse cruise… to Paradise ! (Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2010)

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

09) Art, Astronomy & History in Paris (Sept.. 17-24, 2009)

Join astronomy historian Dr. William Sheehan—author of MARS: Lure of the Red Planet and In Search of Vulcan—for seven nights in Paris , and an incredible art, astronomy, and art history vacation. In addition to visiting the historic Meudon Observatories during the week of the Société Astronomique de France and International Astronomical Union’s celebration of Mars observations, you’ll experience all things French: food and wine, Gothic cathedrals, sun-dappled paths, vineyards and villages, art, history and science. For more information and full itinerary, call 877.707. 7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit: http://www.melitatrips.com/france

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

10) Easter Island & the Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Eclipse (July 3-12, 2010)

11) The Grand Patagonia Sunset Total Solar Eclipse (July 6-13, 2010)

Few places on Earth are more beautiful than Patagonia and Buenos Aires . And tie that in with a spectacular sunset total solar eclipse from El Calafate, and the journey is one you’ll never forget. For more information and full itinerary, call 877.707.7827 or 408.279.5589 (Pacific time), or visit: http://www.melitatrips.com/patagonia/index.html