Posted by Vicki Sieglen on 25 Aug 2006 at 9:30 pm.
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Friday, August 25th
9:30-11:00pm
Lake Afton Public Observatory, Wichita, Kansas
The Lake Afton Public Observatory is presenting a special program on the star lore of the Native Americans. Just as the ancient Greeks and Romans have their “stare stories,” Native American tribes have constellations and stories that are unique to them. This program will give you an opportunity to sit around a camp fire as you listen to their wonderful star stories and find out how they sky affected Native American life. Native American Star Stories will take place in the field behind the Observatory building at 9:30pm on Friday, August 25th. (If there is cloudy weather on the 25th, the program will be rescheduled for Saturday, August 26th at 9:30pm.) There will not be an admission charge to this special program presentation, although normal admission charges will remain for the regular Observatory program Great Space Telescopes.
Posted by Vicki Sieglen on 25 Aug 2006 at 12:00 pm.
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Lake Afton Public Observatory
Public Programs: Great Space Telescopes
August 25th-26th
9:30pm - 11:00pm
The famous Hubble Space Telescope is only one of several space telescopes. These telescopes see the universe at wavelengths we cannot see, such as X rays, ultra-violet and infra-red. In this program, you will observe, Jupiter, Saturn (until June 24), a stellar gas cloud, a distant star cluster and galaxy while we discus what we learn about these objects in other forms of light.
Posted by Vicki Sieglen on 24 Aug 2006 at 2:20 pm.
1 Comment. Filed under Astronomy.
Over the last two weeks, The International Astronomical Union as been discussing, in Prague, The Czech Republic, about the redefinition of the word planet, as well as the fate of Pluto.
The new definition of the word planet is as follows: A) The object in question has to orbit the Sun. B) The object has to be large enough that its own gravity will pull the object into a nearly spherical shape. C) The object has to have cleared out the neighborhood around its orbit.
According to this new definition of the word planet, our solar system will have eight classical planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Pluto will lose its planetary status. Pluto loses it status because it can’t meet the last requirement for being considered a planet. Pluto’s orbit, for a time, carries it inside the orbit of Neptune, there for Pluto hasn’t cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
This new definition now forms a new category for classifying the small bodies of the solar system. Pluto and UB313, also nick named Xena by the discoverer, will be considered dwarf planets. This definition keeps with astronomy lingo, meaning that word dwarf is used for objects that fall in between definitions. For example the term brown dwarf refers to an object that as a low mass and can’t operate like a normal star. Pluto will still be important though, it will be used as a prototype for dwarf planet status.
Michael Brown from the California Institute of Technology and also the discoverer of UB313 (Xena) stated to Sky and Telescope magazine that he was glad Pluto and similar objects didn’t receive planetary status. Brown believes:
It would have taken the magic out of the solar system.
Posted by Vicki Sieglen on 19 Aug 2006 at 12:00 pm.
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Photography Program
Lake Afton Public Observatory
Satuday, August 19th at 11:00pm
Object to be Photography: The Summer Milky Way
On selected night anyone with a 35mm camera the type with a removeable lens can take an astronomical photograph using the Observatory’s telescope. Automatic camera without a manual override cannont be used to take astronomical photographys.
For August’s photography program ISO 800 or faster speed film, telephoto lens and cable release are required.
Posted by Vicki Sieglen on 18 Aug 2006 at 12:00 pm.
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Lake Afton Public Observatory
Public Programs: Great Space Telescopes
August 18th-19th and August 25th-26th
9:30pm - 11:00pm
The famous Hubble Space Telescope is only one of several space telescopes. These telescopes see the universe at wavelengths we cannot see, such as X rays, ultra-violet and infra-red. In this program, you will observe, Jupiter, Saturn (until June 24), a stellar gas cloud, a distant star cluster and galaxy while we discus what we learn about these objects in other forms of light.
Posted by Vicki Sieglen on 18 Aug 2006 at 11:14 am.
Make a Comment. Filed under Astronomy.
The first open debate regarding the redefining of the word planet at the General Assembly for the International Astronomical Union has failed! In this debate only planetary scientists took part. The proposal was voted down approximately 60 to 40, the term “plutons” was also knocked down in an overwhelming majority vote.
“Most of the speakers during the discussion favored the competing proposal, which inserts the criterion that a planet must be ‘by far the largest body in its population of bodies.’”
Stated Alan Boss a planet-formation theorist at the Carnegie Institution of Washington to SPACE.com
This alternative definition demotes Pluto. There are lots of objects that orbit beyond Neptune; we have already found a couple of objects that are bigger and further out than Pluto, so Pluto and Charon would be called dwarf planets instead of plutons. If Pluto and Charon were called dwarf planets this would keep with currently astronomy jargon for objects that fall in-between current definitions. For example the term brown dwarf refers to stars that have low-mass and can’t operate like a normal star.
Another option among many, has suggested just to leave the current planet total alone and just ‘grandfather in’ Pluto as a planet, still making it the oddball.
These results are just temporary, the executive board for the IAU will officially cast its decision on Thursday, August 24.
Updates will be made available as soon as possible.
Posted by Vicki Sieglen on 17 Aug 2006 at 2:15 pm.
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Currently in Prague, Czech Republic, The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is discussing a new definition for the word “planet”. By the end of next week the solar system may have three new planetary additions taking our current planet total from 9 planets to 12. The three additions to earn the crown planet-hood would be the largest asteroid Ceres (which orbits between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt), Pluto’s “moon” Charon, and UB313 or Xena as named by its discoverer.
Ceres, back in the early 1800’s, was once considered a planet, but was later stripped of the title because of other bodies located with similar orbits found in the asteroid belt. Pluto’s “moon” Charon would receive planet-hood because Charon is roughly half the diameter of Pluto itself. That is why sometimes you may have heard Pluto and Charon referred to as the double planet. (When it comes to the Earth-Moon system, the Moon is approximately one third the size of Earth). As for UB313, its orbit lies further from the sun than Pluto’s, but UB313 is actually bigger than Pluto. In turn, the size of UB313 as led many people to argue that it to should be considered a planet.
The new planet definition has been in the works for 2 years by astronomers from around the world. The definition they are proposing is the following: a planet is any object that orbits a star that itself is not a moon of another planet or star, and is large enough that gravity will force it to hold a nearly spherical shape.
This new definition will bring about a new way of classifying planets. The planets that we are familiar with; Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will be called classical planets. Planets the are smaller than Mercury will be named dwarf planets. Then we have the class of planets call plutons; Pluto would serve as a prototype for this category. To fall into the plutons category a planet must have an orbit that takes longer than 200 years to go around the sun and hold a very elongated orbit. Its orbit must also be greatly tilted beyond that of the classical planets. As it turns out, Pluto, UB313, and Ceres fall into both the dwarf planet category as well as the pluton category.
So with this definition and classification system Pluto would indeed remain a planet; however, we would need to contemplate adding more bodies that could meet this criteria taking the number of planets to possibly over 60.
Alan Boss, an astronomer at Carnegie Hall of Washington, stated to Astronomy magazine:
What is the value of a definition when you add 50 bodies? I think it sort of cheapens the word ‘planet’.
This week the world’s astronomers will discuss this new definition of the word planet and are expected to make a vote on Thursday, August 24th.
Posted by Davin Flateau on 6 May 2006 at 12:00 am.
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May 6, 2006
10am-5pm
Exploration Place, Wichita, Kansas
316-263-3373
Celebrate national Astronomy Day with Exploration Place’s festival of astronomy and space on May 6, 2006 from 10am to 5pm! Spend the whole day with us learning about space with special exhibits, activities, CyberDome shows, solar observing, guest lectures, free materials, a chance to win two telescopes and Astronomy magazine subscriptions, a teacher’s workshop, and so much more for one very low special price!
See all the exhibits, lectures and unlimited CyberDome shows for $7 for ages 16+, $5 ages 5-15, $2 ages 2-4 and $6.50 for ages 65+. It’s a deal that’s, well, out of this world!
AstroFest 2006 will include:
Guest Lectures
CyberDome Shows
Activities and Demonstrations
Telescope Giveaway
Marsbot Teacher’s Workshop (8am, registration required)
Evening Observing at Lake Afton Public Observatory
Special Guest Lectures:
Dr. Peter Backus, Observing Programs Manager, SETI Institute, Mountain View, California. 2pm
Peter Backus is an astronomer who has been searching the Universe for signs of alien intelligence for almost 25 years. Later this year, he will be managing observations on the Allen Telescope Array, a new telescope giving astronomers their most powerful tool to date to find signals from alien civilizations. Dr. Backus will talk about how scientists search for extraterrestrial civilizations, as depicted in the movie Contact (which was based on two people working at the SETI Institute), and how the new Allen Array will spark a new era for the hunt.
Andrew Shaner, University of Arizona, 12pm
Andrew is a graduate student at the University of Arizona and team member of the Phoenix Mars Mission, the next NASA mission to Mars due to launch in 2007. Andrew will give an overview of the Phoenix Mars Mission and its lander, which will study the surface and atmosphere near the north pole of Mars. He will also cover the basic features of Mars, and the cutting-edge research about the Red Planet at the University of Arizona. Andrew is a graduate of Wichita State University and Northwest High School.
Win a Telescope!
Someone attending AstroFest will win a Meade ETX-90EC telescope and a tripod, courtesy Meade and Astronomy Magazine! One entry per person, winner need not be present at drawing to win. You can also enter during evening viewing at Lake Afton Observatory. All entries will be entered in a nationwide drawing for a Meade LX200R telescope, a $3400 value!
Activities and Demonstrations:
CyberDome shows: 10:30am Chirpie’s Magical Sky (ages 2-7), 11am Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, 12pm Black Holes, 1pm Stars Over Native American Kansas, 2pm, 3pm Black Holes, 4pm Pink Floyd; Dark Side of the Moon Cosmic Light Show
Solar Observing outside in the entrance plaza - see the closeup workings of the huge nuclear furnace that is a star - our star - like you’ve never seen it before.
For kids: Play in the “Buzz Liteyear Space Station” inflatable playspace outside, make and color season dials, make and launch your own straw rocket, play astronomy and space computer games, see Chirpie’s Magical Sky and Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, and much more.
Solar System Scale: Learn about how large the solar system by walking simulated distances between each of the planets
Ask An Astronomer: Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask an astronomer? Now’s your chance! Astronomers from Wichita State University and Dr. Peter Backus of the SETI Institute will be available throughout the day to bring the Cosmos down to earth.
Astro Computing: Browse the web for the coolest astronomy pictutres, and play with some amazing astronomical software.
Medieval Astronomy: Hear about the state of astronomy and science in the middle ages in Exploration Place’s Once Upon a Castle exhibit.
Kansas Astronomical Observers: Learn about Wichita’s own local astronomy club. See different types of telescopes, and find out how you can become an amateur astronomer.
Kloudbusters Rocketry Display: See high powered rockets built by amateur rocket builders, and actually meet the people who launch them thousands of feet into the atmosphere!
Evening Observing: Exploration Place is partnering with Wichita State University to promote evening observing at Lake Afton Observatory from 9-11pm.
Teacher’s Workshop (8-10am):. Preregistration required, call 316-266-4285 to register. Professional development credit certificate will be offered. Download more information from this pdf (Adobe Acrobat required). A free workshop for teachers developed and presented by The University of Arizona by Andrew Shaner, Phoenix Mars Mission staff member, MarsBots is designed for elementary educatiors who whsh to share the excitement and joy of Mars exploration with their students. Created by the Phoenix Mars Mission education and public outreach team, MarsBots is an interdisciplinary learning module containing hands-on, minds-on activities. These activities engage elementary students in simulated investigations of the Martian environment and the robotic technologies of space exploration. All lessons are aligned with national science, math, and language arts standards. Lessons 1-8 teach students about Mars and why scientists and engineers want to explore Mars with robots.
Posted by Davin Flateau on 19 Apr 2006 at 8:49 am.
Make a Comment. Filed under General, Astronomy, Exploration Place.
Saturday, May 6, 2006
10am-5pm
Exploration Place
Wichita, Kansas
No doubt you’ve noticed the scarceness of posts over the past few weeks. No, we weren’t hit by a rogue meteor, or swallowed up by merging black holes, but we still had a pretty good reason. We’ve been busy planning Kansas’ largest Astronomy Day festival - AstroFest 2006!
Save the date! Saturday, May 6, 2006 from 10am to 5pm at Exploration Place in Wichita. Celebrate national Astronomy Day with Exploration Place’s festival of astronomy and space for the whole family, featuring a keynote lecture by Dr. Peter Backus, Observing Manager for the SETI Institute.
Spend the whole day with us learning about astronomy and space with special exhibits, activities, CyberDome shows, solar observing, guest lectures, free materials, a chance to win two telescopes and Astronomy magazine subscriptions, a teacher’s workshop, and so much more for one very low special price!
See all the exhibits, lectures and unlimited CyberDome shows for $7 for ages 16+, $5 ages 5-15, $2 ages 2-4 and $6.50 for ages 65+. It’s a deal that’s, well, out of this world!
AstroFest 2006 will include:
Guest Lectures
CyberDome Shows
Activities and Demonstrations
Telescope Giveaway
Marsbot Teacher’s Workshop (8am, registration required)
Evening Observing at Lake Afton Public Observatory
Posted by Davin Flateau on 31 Mar 2006 at 10:20 am.
1 Comment. Filed under Astronomy.
No foolin - tomorrow night, April 1, the thin, beautiful crescent moon will slowly move in front of the bright fuzzy star cluster The Pleiades. The event will be visible for most of the eastern part of the U.S. during dusk, and extreme eastern Kansas including Kansas City should get to see a few stars duck behind the moon, as it hangs like a bowl in the western sky against the last glows of the day. The event will be visible with the unaided eye, but binoculars and/or telescopes are the tool of choice.
Sky and Telescope magazine has a great guide to the event.
The Moon moves by about the width of its own diameter per hour against the background stars. So the occulted star reappears out from behind the Moon’s other, sunlit edge up to an hour or so after disappearing. But the reappearances are much harder to see, since they happen in the bright glare of the Moon’s daylit side. For these you really need a good telescope.
Space.com also has the celestial hide and seek covered.
The Moon will be about one-third of the way up from the western horizon and will remain in view for roughly 3½ hours after sunset until it finally sets. During that interval, observers will be able to watch as the Moon’s dark limb gradually approaches one star after another; the stars will appear to suddenly “pop-off” as if someone threw a switch. The stars will reappear from behind the bright lunar crescent about an hour later.
Unfortunately, those who live from the Plains States and Prairie Provinces of Canada and all points west will miss out on the occultation, as the Moon will have already moved past the Pleiades by the time darkness has fallen for these regions. Nonetheless, the view in binoculars of the crescent Moon sitting just above and to the left of the star cluster will still make for a very pretty sight.
Posted by Davin Flateau on 29 Mar 2006 at 10:12 am.
1 Comment. Filed under Astronomy.
Space.com has a page up with several pics from today’s total solar eclipse. Enjoy!
Posted by Davin Flateau on 29 Mar 2006 at 8:21 am.
Make a Comment. Filed under Astronomy.
Oops - last night, I forgot to post about the Total Sclipse that was over Europe and Asia. But I did have a post up about awhile ago, so I hope everyone caught that!
