- OTEvents - Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers

Fwd: FW: Exceptional Space Station Pass Tonight (Monday)
by Jane Houston Jones 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Heads up! Very good ISS pass tonight over LA area. 7:45-7:51p.m. Also, Sidewalk Astronomy Saturday in Monrovia, it's International Observe the Moon Night! 7:00-9:00p.m. Myrtle and Lime streets. My monthly video is about it, plus about Juno spacecraft flying by earth for a Gravity Assist on Wednesday. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReoS1xVQGVI&feature=youtu.be My video and JPL blog page (with a Comet ISON blog I wrote 2 weeks ago) http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm Oh, we saw Comet ISON yesterday morning! Here's my personal blog http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ Month at a glance, updated: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/ Whew! Very bright, right overhead (for LA). Free but you'll miss part of the Dodgers/Braves (or Falcons/Jets). Date 07 October 2013 Event Time Altitude Azimuth Distance (km) Brightness Sun altitude Rises 19:45:12 0° 226° (SW) 2,341 1.2 -16.6° Reaches altitude 10° 19:47:17 10° 227° (SW) 1,482 0.1 -17.1° Maximum altitude 19:50:37 86° 317° (NW) 420 -3.4 -17.7° Enters shadow 19:51:33 45° 43° (NE) 579 -2.9 -17.9°

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Sidewalk Astronomy Saturday
by Jane Houston Jones 14 Sep '13

14 Sep '13

Saturday September 14 is Sidewalk Astronomer founder John Dobson's 98th birthday! What better way to celebrate it than by taking our telescopes to the sidewalk and sharing the views of the moon (and maybe a last glimpse at Saturn for a while) with you! Mojo and I will be going to a birthday party for John tomorrow afternoon, so we'll be hapy to include your wishes if you have a message for John :-) Join us on the corner of Myrtle and Lime Streets from about 7 - 9 p.m. tomorrow night. Now for the links portion of my email :-) We have had some fine bloggers at the telescopes with us recently. Here is Elson Trinidad's blog about last month's Monrovia Sidewalk Astronomy, with a detour to the dark sky for some Perseid perusing. http://www.kcet.org/news/the_back_forty/commentary/concrete-and-chaparral/e… And here is Chris Clarke's "8 best places to see the night sky in LA County" http://www.kcet.org/living/travel/socal_wanderer/night-sky/stargazing/8-pla… If you enjoy the written word as I do, you'll enjoy these two fine writers. :-) And my 2013 "At A Glance" astro journal has just been updated for September, clmplete with a link to my What's Up video for September - my 75th podcast in this series! http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/ See you Saturday, or if not, look up at the moon, and wish Sidewalk Astronomer founder John Dobson a happy birthday! -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ http://twitter.com/jhjones What's Up For Sept? LADEE Night Launch, ISON Spotted http://youtu.be/YMt5CIsr-D8 CometISON Toolkithttp://solarsystem.nasa.gov/ISON

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Sidewalk Astronomy tonight in Monrovia
by Jane Houston Jones 17 Aug '13

17 Aug '13

If you've driven down Myrtle Avenue in the past week and a half, you'll see a sad sight. The historic water fountain on the corner of Myrtle and Lime Streets took a direct hit from a car on August 7th a little before midnight, and the structure was totally destroyed, leaving the fountain and some of the granite foundation. Pictures here http://www.cityofmonrovia.org/citymanagersoffice/page/monrovia-wishing-well… But the sidewalk astronomers will set up a few telescopes tonight to show views of the moon and Saturn from about 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. More August sky info here in my monthly wrapup. http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/ -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA What's Up Podcast for August: Perseids, Comet ISON update http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm 2013 Astro Calendar: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/

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Moon and Saturn tonight in Monrovia
by Morris Jones 13 Jul '13

13 Jul '13

The forecast is clear, and we should have lovely views of a crescent moon, close to first quarter, and Saturn. Jane won't be there this week -- she's winging her way to Glasgow, Scotland, to attend an award ceremony for the Sir Arthur Clarke Awards. She's nominated in the "International" category, and we're hoping for a win, but the competition is stiff! We'll be at Myrtle & Lime, Library Park, from 8:00 'til about 9:30. Mojo -- Morris Jones Monrovia, CA http://whiteoaks.com

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Sidewalk Astronomy tonight 8p.m. Monrovia
by Jane Houston Jones 15 Jun '13

15 Jun '13

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, in just a few short hours we'll be setting up a few telescopes at Myrtle and Lime Streets in Monrovia to share views of Saturn and the moon. Can you tell I just returned from a Disney Cruise to Alaska? :-) (photos linked to my signature line, if you want to be tortured by our photos) Sunset isn't until 8:00p.m. so we will show the moon until about 8:30, then moon and Saturn until about 9:30 p.m. If you miss us, you can still see the moon and Saturn from your back yard. To see what else is up this month here's my monthly video: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm And read more about what's up all year on my blog: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/ -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA What's Up Podcast for June: planet lineups & telescopic asteroids http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm Alaska vacation pictures http://photo.whiteoaks.com/2013-06-alaska/ 2013 Astro Calendar: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/

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Sidewalk astronomy tonight!
by Jane Houston Jones 18 May '13

18 May '13

There may be thin clouds overhead, but a few of us will be out at Myrtle and Lime Streets in Monrovia with telescopes tonight anyway. On tap will be the moon for sure, Jupiter setting early and Saturn rising. Last weekend 11 of our intrepid Sidewalk Astronomer family headed out to Black Canyon Group Campground in Mojave National Preserve for the spring version of our twice-a-year public dark sky star parties. A fabulous time was had by all - there were about 70 people there and 7 telescopes to look through. Here is a writeup from one of the many media there: http://www.lacanadaonline.com/news/tn-vsl-0515-a-star-party-in-the-desert,0… And here is my monthly video, all about spring constellations, and how you can find them when they are close to the moon (like Leo and the moon tonight!) Each of the constellations I cover this month yields beautiful deep sky objects we love to observe in the dark skies of the desert, with astrophotos contributed by Mojo. http://youtu.be/sqnHaIYn_tc Our Otastro website has May viewing tips and the next star party dates http://www.otastro.org/ Jane and the astro gang -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA What's Up Podcast for May: Spring constellations On Youtube: http://youtu.be/sqnHaIYn_tc Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro My Blog: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ Yosemite Star Party Video http://www.youtube.com/user/yosemitenationalpark?feature=watch

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Sidewalk Astronomy tonight
by Jane Houston Jones 21 Apr '13

21 Apr '13

There will be telescopes out at the corner of Myrtle and Lime Streets tonight from sundown until about 9-9:30 p.m. depending on the crowds and the astronomers. So stop by for a great view of the moon, a last look at Jupiter until late fall, and maybe a peek at Saturn rising above the buildings. It should be a good night - the clear sky chart looks great! http://cleardarksky.com/c/MnrviaCAkey.html?1 Mojo and I are in Florida visiting family. We're planning to be with sidewalk astronomers here at Lakewood Ranch, near Sarasota, FL. But the clear sky chart indicates otherwise tho' (all those white squares indicate nothing but clouds and probably rain too) http://cleardarksky.com/c/HRHObFLkey.html?1 Here's a monthly recap of astronomical doings all year. http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/ Here's our next dark sky public star party info. May 11 at Mojave National Preserve, Black Canyon Campground. There is free camping but RSPV is required as camping space is limited. RSVP with David Lamfrom at dlamfrom(a)npca.org or 760-219-4916 More info here: http://mojavepreserve.org/index.php/site/article/star_party_in_the_mojave_n… And if you are contemplating a getaway to Yosemite this summer, nearly every weekend (except full moon weekend) from July 4 through Labor Day there is an astronomy club doing a public star party at Glacier Point both Friday and Saturday nights -- as shown in this beautiful video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhgR3zVfo-0&feature=youtu.be. The Northern California Astronomy Cubs choose their first, second and third choices for a weekend slot in a lottery. The club we always go with was granted August 22-23. Moon rises fairly early, so it is not the clubs first choice. But there will be dark skies for a few hours, a gorgeous view of Saturn, then moonrise near Half Dome through club members telescopes. Special announcement :-( Due to budget restrictions, plans for a JPL Open House in spring 2013 have been suspended. If budget considerations improve, JPL hopes to host an Open House at a future date, perhaps as early as fall 2013. Please check back here for updates --> http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA What's Up Podcast for April: Saturn's rings delight! On Youtube: http://youtu.be/kdCYwyq3kes Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro My Blog: http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ Yosemite Video http://www.youtube.com/user/yosemitenationalpark?feature=watch

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Telescopes tonight
by Morris Jones 24 Mar '13

24 Mar '13

We're going to have three telescopes set up tonight in old town Monrovia, Library Park, at the corner of Myrtle & Lime, starting about 7:00 p.m. The forecast is "mostly clear," and it looks like there might be a little marine layer fog rolling in, but we're hoping for the best. Jane and I are away from town this weekend, but wish them good luck! It should be a good night for the moon and Jupiter. Best regards, Mojo -- Morris Jones Monrovia, CA http://whiteoaks.com

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A few telescopes out tonight
by Jane Houston Jones 16 Mar '13

16 Mar '13

Some of us are available tonight and some next week to do some sidewalk astronomy, so those of us available tonight will be at the corner of Myrtle and Lime Streets in Monrovia's Library Park tonight from 7 p.m. to about 9 p.m. If you are out for a stroll, stop by. We'll be looking at Jupiter and the moon through some marine layer haze, but if you are itching for some telescope viewing (like I am) come on down. Here is my first observation of Comet PanSTARRS - the current (barely) naked eye visible comet low in the west. http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/03/12/my-first-view-of-comet-panstarrs-31113/ About 25 minutes after sunset (at civil twilight) you may be able to spot the comet if you have good low western horizon and know where to look (not easy). It also helps to have a clear and dark sky (which we don't tonight). It is only about 10 degrees above the horizon (90 degrees is overhead). One of us may try moving a small telescope down Lime Street for a better view to the west, hoping for a little clearing between buildings and trees. I won't promise a view of the comet, but it is always fun to try! The window of viewing will be only from about 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - probably even less time without a clear horizon. There are not only trees and buildings in the way, but hazy marine layer, too. I'll bring my binoculars and try to be optimistic. :-) Meanwhile here are some images of the comet: http://spaceweather.com/gallery/index.php?title=comet It's only been visible in the Northern Hemisphere for less than a week, and hopefully, it will still be around in April and May (though faint, and only visible in a telescope). But I hear it may be breaking up according to some if the imagers. Still, comets are so cool! -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA What's Up Podcast for March: Comet PanSTARRS, how bright? On Youtube:http://youtu.be/uEqt0yE6EG0 Twitter:http://twitter.com/jhjones /CassiniSaturn /otastro My Blog:http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ Yosemite Videohttp://www.youtube.com/user/yosemitenationalpark?feature=watch

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That hard-to-find Comet PanSTARRS
by Jane Houston Jones 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Have you looked up, scratched your head, and wondered where that "bright" comet is hiding? It's very challenging to see - and in binoculars it it is very small, as you can see in my sketches linked below. The circles represent the binocular field of view of either 5 or 7 degrees. The entire comet is about 1/2 of a degree long. Tonight, the 1 day old moon can be used as an arrow pointing to the comet, if you can find the slender Cheshire cat smile of a moon, that is. The moon will be found 5.6 degrees to the right of the comet tonight, and 10 degrees above the comet tomorrow night. Sunset tonight is at 6:57, and it will take about 25 minutes for the sun to set down 6 degrees, to the time called civil twilight - Evening civil twilight begins at sunset and ends when the geometric center of the sun reaches 6° below the horizon. Start scanning the sky about 8-10 degrees above the horizon at about 7:15, and keep looking until you either find the comet, or you don't. Here is my sketch of the comet from 25 miles up Angeles Crest (Chileo turnout) just before the Caltrans yard last night. This is a good spot facing west. http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/03/12/my-first-view-of-comet-panstarrs-31113/ and here is our Comet PanSTARRS resource page, which includes a good map and my "What's Up, PanSTARRS Edition" podcast. http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/scitech/display.cfm?ST_ID=2538 Happy comet hunting, everybody! Jane -- Jane Houston Jones Monrovia, CA http://jane.whiteoaks.com/ http://twitter.com/jhjones What's Up For March? Will Comet Pan-STARRS be bright? http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup-archive.cfm Youtube: http://bit.ly/14aXhTB 2013 At A Glance http://jane.whiteoaks.com/2013/01/07/whats-up-in-2013-at-a-glance/

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