My good friend Dave Doody is teaching his awesome space class again at
Art Center College of Design beginning May 14. His class is really
great and gives a good overview of everything from the environment in
the solar system to reference systems to get around the solar system, on
to gravity, spacecraft trajectories, flight missions and operations.
Everyone is 6 degrees from a JPL flight mission. You are either working
on one, or you know someone on a mission or you'd like to work on one
someday. Dave's class is a great start for the enthusiast to the advocate!
Dave's class takes place on seven Thursday evenings beginning May 14.
It's a great way for everyone to get a good overview about space
flight: You night see me there!
Course: Basics of Interplanetary Flight
Starts: May 14. Registration opens April 8, 2009
Venue: Art Center College of Design Public Programs
Meets: 7 Thurs evenings 7-10pm, South Campus, Pasadena
Space: 12 participants total ($315 tuition, some discounts available)
Instructor: Dave Doody, Caltech/JPL senior flight operations engineer
Visit: http://people.artcenter.edu/doody
--
Jane Houston Jones
Monrovia, CA
34.2048N 118.1732W, 637.0 feet
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers: http://www.otastro.org
My JPL What's Up podcast: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup.cfm
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjoneshttp://twitter.com/CassiniSaturn
It's IYA Sun Day!
Join me this afternoon from 1:30 until 3 p.m. Myrtle and Lime Streets
Monrovia CA for the Old Town Sidewalk Astronomers fourth and final "100
Hours of Astronomy" observing celebration. Here is what the sun looks
like today http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime-images.html
I'll be out at Monrovia's Library Park with two telescopes - one is my
homemade (in John Dobson's telescope makring class) safe solar
telescope. And the other is a small reftactor fitted with a special
h-Alpha filter.
The homemade telescope shows the sun in white light - this is how the
sun looks to the unaided eye. The viewer sees the photosphere, or the
apparent surface of the sun, which has a temperature of 6,000 Celsius.
You can say this is the sun you can "see" or what you see through a
projection onto a piece of paper.
The other is a telescope fitted with an h-Alpha filter, which shows just
one wavelength of light -the red light of hydrogen (wavelength of 656.3
nanometers). With this we see the next highest layer of the sun - the
chromosphere (temperature between 6,000 and 20,000 C.) We need a filter
to see this layer because the brighter photosphere layer below washes
out the fainter chromosphere, just like a bright streetlight would wash
out the light of a flashlight. What you see through an h-Alpha filter
are ribbony dark colored filaments against the disk and prominences on
the edge, many times longer than the diameter of the Earth!
I took these definitions from my writeup for the SOHO outreach website
:-) http://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/outreach/past/Sidewalk/
For those who venture out to Myrtle and Lime, you'll be rewarded, not
only with some great solar views, but I am bringing an AMAZING
collection of educational handouts. While they last, get 3-d images of
the sun in H-alpha, courtesy of the SOHO - Solar and Heliospheric
Observatory, some more from STEREO ( two space-based observatories, one
ahead of Earth, the other trailing behind. I also have lots of NASA
lithographs of the sun. And just a very few additional 3-d cards from
the SOHO/TRACE missions. And plenty of IYA bookmarks. First come,
first get! See you in a half hour!
Jane
PS the Sun will be the subject of my May What's Up podcast!
--
Jane Houston Jones
Monrovia, CA
34.2048N 118.1732W, 637.0 feet
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers: http://www.otastro.org
My JPL What's Up podcast: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup.cfm
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjoneshttp://twitter.com/CassiniSaturn
Today's IYA theme is "Around the world in 80 Telescopes"!
Since it's impossible to watch online for 24 hours (at least it is for me),
this IYA website breaks down the telescope segments so you can watch one or
a few any time. Sort of like Astro TIVO. :-)
It's on the 100 Hours of Astronomy website, and as each segment finishes
it's shown as a link. http://www.100hoursofastronomy.org/
For those who want to geek out in real time, it's on Ustream TV live, where
you can join 3,000 others and chat realtime while watching the video.
Careful, or you'll get hooked!
Speaking of telescopes, my April 2009 What's Up podcast features four of
most famous telescopes: Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra and Galex as they image
the Whirlpool Galaxy. Before and after the big eyes, spy the Whirlpool
you'll see some lovely small images of galaxies including the whirlpool
galaxy. Mojo took those images out at our desert observing spot this past
year. :-)
Here are the best places to get the video:
On YouTube - which is easy to load
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JPLnews&view=videos
NEW: A new archive of all What's Ups
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup.cfm
Itunes http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/whatsup_index.html
The weather is looking great for our two sidewalk astronomy events this
weekend. 7-9 p.m. both nights. One warning for those who might want to
bring a telescope for the first time to Monrovia Saturday night. There is
landscaping going on in the gorgeous new Library grounds. The construction
fences are down but there is a lot of planting going on, and there is a
smaller space of pavement for telescopes and lots of redwood mulch where we
may have put a telescope or two or three in the past.
Stop by and say hello tonight or Saturday! Jane
Jane Houston Jones
Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program
JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205
Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435
jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Saturnobs http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/Education/saturnobservation/
NEW!!What's Up for April: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/whatsup.cfm
This weekend is a big one for stargazers! Not only has all of 2009 been
deemed "International Year of Astronomy" by UNESCO and the IAU, but April
2-5 is one of the main -- or cornerstone events -- called 100 hours of
Astronomy - a special observing event celebrated around the world.
Here is a website that is chock full of really interesting events and video
content: http://www.100hoursofastronomy.org/ . All the events that are
webcast can be accessed on this website.
One special event is called "Around the world in 80 telescopes", a live
24-hour webcast from astronomical observatories. This event is organised by
ESO, the European Southern Observatory, from its HQ in Garching, Germany
Date: 3 April 2009, 09:00 UT (Universal Time/GMT) to 4 April 2009, 09:00 UT
(Universal Time/GMT).
Next comes the 24-hour Global Star Party organized by the Sidewalk
Astronomers. Saturday is also International Sidewalk Astronomy Night on 4
April 2009 starting at sunset worldwide.
Finally Sunday April 5 is, "Sun" day! Either get up early to view the
sunrise, go for a walk on the afternoon or enjoy a wonderful sunset.
Friday April 3rd, Colorado Blvd between Fair Oaks and Pasadena in Old Town
Pasadena 7-9:30 p.m.
Saturday April 4th, Myrtle and Lime, Monrovia in Old Monrovia
Sunday (possibly) April 5th Solar Sun Day in the Park - Myrtle and Lime,
Monrovia 1:00 p.m. To 3:00 p.m. With solar safe telescope. We'll send out a
special announcement with the actual hours if we really have the energy to
do this event on Sunday. :-)
Jane
Jane Houston Jones
Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program
JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205
Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435
jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Saturnobs http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/Education/saturnobservation/
What's Up for March: Saturn! http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=821
In case anyone was planning to attend Super Science Sunday in Thousands
Oaks today it is clear, and COLD - the rain has moved on! My talk is on
at 5:30 p.m. but there are other talks as well. Here is the speaker lineup:
*Astronaut, Marsha Ivins*, A veteran of five space flights “Space
Exploration: Then, Now and in The Future”; Ms. Ivins will sign autographs
*Jane Houston Jones*, JPL Sr. Outreach Specialist, “Exploring Saturn,
The Cassini Program”
*Stephen J. Edberg,* Astrophotographer, “Seeing the Sky, from Galileo to
Hubble”
*Robert Piccioni*, Physicist and educator, * *“Einstein Made Easy”
*Ian McLean*, Astrophysicist, Professor, & author, “Discovering our
Place in the Cosmos”*
*
http://www.discoverycntr.org/pages/events/sss.htm - Note that there is
an entrance fee...Afterwards I'll be aiming my telescope at (hopfully)
Saturn. :-)
Jane
--
Jane Houston Jones
Monrovia, CA
34.2048N 118.1732W, 637.0 feet
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers: http://www.otastro.org
What's Up podcast: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=818
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jhjones
My March 2009 What's Up Podcast is about Saturn. It's about Galileo's first
views of Saturn 400 years ago, about other historical observations, and then
it ends with Cassini @ Saturn right now! Here it is:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=821
Also today, the Hubble Telescope released gorgeous images of Saturn taken
just a few weeks ago, while 4 of Saturn's moons crossed in front of the
planet. Here is the Hubble news release:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2009-051
Finally, if you haven't seen Saturn yet, we'll be featuring Saturn at our
next few public Star Parties.Here is my Viewing Saturn ion 2009 viewing
guide: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/Education/saturnobservation/viewing2009/
Happy Saturn viewing, watching, listening, and enjoying, everyone! Jane
Jane Houston Jones
Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program
JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205
Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435
jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Saturnobs http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/Education/saturnobservation/
What's Up for March: Saturn! http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=821
Very shortly after sunset tonight (which is at 7:02), the International
Space Station will pass overhead, very bright.
It will begin in the southwest -- look toward the sunset, then to the
left, and pass nearly overhead to the northeast. First appearance will
be close to 7:16 p.m., and highest altitude is at 7:18 p.m.. By 7:21 it
will disappear.
At about 7:36 p.m. the shuttle will appear, but it will be a little more
westerly than the space station, and follow a different lower path. It
will be at its highest at about 7:38, and enters the earth's shadow at
7:41. By then it will probably be too low to see, but should give a
good show as it passes from southwest to northeast.
The station will be very bright, almost like an airplane, except with no
flashing lights. Satellites look like bright moving stars, and the
brightness changes as the sun angle between you and the satellite changes.
Have a look! Jane and I will try to update reports on Twitter as we're
out looking for the pass.
Mojo: http://twitter.com/mojo_la
Jane: http://twitter.com/jhjones
Best regards,
Mojo
--
Morris Jones
Monrovia, CA
http://www.whiteoaks.com
Old Town Astronomers: http://www.otastro.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mojo_la
Forwarding a great opportunity - get free E/PO products for educators on March 21st at JPL. You must register for this - there is a conference during the early part of the day and a give-away later. :-) If you are a teacher you can sign up. If you know teachers in the below school districts, please forward this to feel free to do so. I don't have any more info about this, and will be out of town from the 17th - 21st, and can't answer your questions (like what about other school districts) , but there is a contact on this email - Annie Richardson of our Earth Sciences outreach group. That is who to ask if you have questions. :-) Jane
Jane Houston Jones
Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program
JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205
Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435
jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Saturnobs http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/Education/saturnobservation/
What's Up for Feb: the moon! http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=798
------ Forwarded Message
From: "Richardson, Annie H" <annie.h.richardson(a)jpl.nasa.gov>
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:04:42 -0700
Conversation: EPO Products Giveaway at JPL, Saturday, March 21st, 2009
Subject: EPO Products Giveaway at JPL, Saturday, March 21st, 2009
ATTENTION: Educators in Pasadena, La Canada, and Los Angeles Unified School Districts
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be hosting an Earth and Space Sciences Education and Public Outreach products giveaway from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 21st, 2009 in JPL's von Karman auditorium.
Free posters, CDs, satellite images for display, bookmarks, videos, and more. Many one-of-a-kind items. Bring your reusable bags!
Pre-registration is required: http://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/epo-giveaway/
Contact: Annie.Richardson(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Feel free to forward.
--
------ End of Forwarded Message
A confluence of near clouds and and long commutes will keep us from
setting up our telescopes in Old Town Pasadena tonight, but we'll be
out in full force at Myrtle and Lime in Monrovia tomorrow night,
Saturday the 7th.
Then Sunday we go boing and "spring forward" losing an hour of early
evening darkness. Daylight Savings Time, or darkness squandering
time, as we astronomers call it, starts Sunday. The start times of
all our events will spring forward too.
Coming up are a lot of International Year of Astronomy events, a few
weeknight school star parties, and even an excursion or two to the
desert.
March 22: Super Science Sunday in Woodland Hills (I am one of the
many speakers) http://www.discoverycntr.org/pages/events/sss.htm
Two more school star parties - March 24 /Monrovia, and March
31/Hacienda Heights. If you are local and have a telescope we could
maybe use some help.
March 28: Possible (weather permitting) dark sky observing night near
Chiriaco Summitt - I-10 between Indio and Desert Center. If a 150
mile one way drive, ending on a rutted dirt road with absolutely no
facilities intrigues you, RSVP to Jane or Mojo. There are some
courtesy rules about lights - no white lights, and just let everyone
know if you need to drive away, so we just close our eyes for the
duration, and RV's and heavy trucks will get stuck in the sand and
Triple A will have to be called. There is always room for a couple
cars. http://photo.whiteoaks.com/2009-02-28-chuckwalla/index.html
March 28th - A more civilized and comfortable location for your first
dark sky observing night (with paved parking and toilets, and nearby
camping) is the Joshua Tree Star Party at Hidden Valley Picnic Area
on the same night. It's a much shorter drive! We're members of the
Yucca Valley "Andromeda Society", and occasionally some of us go to
this nice spot. But this is an excellent way to try out a dark sky
star party and meet (in the dark) some telescopes and celestial
sights, and lots of darn nice astronomers. Bring your own binoculars
or telescopes. It is a public star party so there are upwards of 100
park visitors walking around looking through the telescopes.
April 3 and 4: International Sidewalk Astronomy weekend and also the
big International Year of Astronomy "100 Hours of Astronomy" event.
If you want to do something special and you have your own telescope,
here's where to register: http://100hoursofastronomy.org/ Rather
than joining us, or in addition to joining us on one of our nights,
why not set up a telescope in your own neighborhood, and register
your event on the 100 Hours of Astronomy website!
April 5 is IYA Sun Day - I suppose we might do something solar if we
have any "solar" energy left. :-)
April 25th - Joining forces with the Southwest Herpetologists
Society, we're holding the first (annual?) Herping Star Party April
25th at Hole in the Wall Group Campsite in Mohave National Preserve.
Group campsites will be "first come first served" Day time herping
(for desert tortoises, chuckwallas, snakes and more) and night time
star gazing. So far there are about 5 tents-worth of our group
going, and I hear there are about 10 Herpetologists. :-)
All the other weekends in March and April are travel weekends for
Jane and Mojo - lots of family visits for us in the eastern and
pacific time zones.
May 2 and 3 are JPL Open House
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/open-house.cfm and May 1 and 2 will be
our May sidewalk astronomy events. That will be one busy weekend for
your sidewalk correspondent!
--
Jane Houston Jones
Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program
JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205
Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435
jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Cassini SOC http://soc.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm
What's Up? http://education.jpl.nasa.gov/amateurastronomy/index.html
What's Up for February? The moon! I hope you all get a chance to step
outside tonight after sunset and enjoy the beautiful view of the moon and
Venus! And just in time for the moon view, My what's Up podcast is all
about 400 years of lunar observing, as much as can be condensed into 2
minutes :-). You can find it here on the JPL website:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=818 and here on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCa0hw0z_TI&feature=channel_page
It's been a busy few weeks for sidewalk astronomy - Solar telescopes at
Arroyo Vista school last week, planet and cloud-penetrating telescopes at La
Fetra Glendale's Science Fair on Tuesday night. And four more school events
next month!
Tonight Farnsworth Park in Altadena - you are welcome to come look through
our telescopes if this is convenient 6-8 p.m. March 6 and 7 will be our
sidewalk astronomy nights. These are all up on our website with February
and March observing tips. http://www.otastro.org/
March 22nd is Super Science Sunday in Thousand Oaks - a day of science
activities, talks (I'm one of the speakers) and telescopes! Thos with
telescopes can volunteer to help out, tho it's a bit of a drive. I'd put
you in touch with the coordinators if you are interested.
http://www.discoverycntr.org/pages/events/sss.htm
See you out under the moon this month! Jane
Jane Houston Jones
Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program
JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205
Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435
jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov
Saturnobs http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/Education/saturnobservation/
What's Up for Feb: the moon! http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=798
