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September 2003

The Red Planet's grand show isn't over yet! Find out what you can see in September's night sky. Plus, you're invited to the Tennessee Star Party: It's Astronomy 'Til the Cows Come Home!
Download this month's star chart!

Mars, Stars, and More

As this star chart goes to print, we are hoping for clear skies on the evening of August 27. On that day, Mars will be closer to Earth than at any time in the last 60,000 years. Actually, Mars was almost as close in 1971 and again in 1988, but this time, the Red Planet will be a fraction of a percent closer.

Unfortunately, the media gives most people the impression that if it should rain on the 27th, then you missed the whole show.

WRONG!

Mars will still be spectacularly bright for several weeks, well into September. It will still be a good sight during the Tennessee Star Party - weather permitting.

With the approach of autumn, not only should temperatures start to cool a bit, but hopefully the sky will be less hazy. This is your last chance to visit with some favorite constellations. Scorpius is hanging low in the southwest shortly after sunset. Take a moment to compare the color of the star Antares, the heart of Scorpius, to that of Mars. It seems that long ago, people got the two objects confused; hence the name, Antares, which means "rival of Mars".

Sagittarius, just to the left (or east) of Scorpius, will also be setting soon. The ancient interpretation of this star pattern is that of an archer. However, to a great number of today's observers, it looks more like a teapot. The central rectangle is the body of the pot that holds the water. The handle is on the left. There is a pointy lid on top with the spout on the right - as if someone was thinking of pouring hot water on the tail of the scorpion next door.

Under a dark sky, such as at the Tennessee Star Party, the misty white fog of the Milky Way appears to emanate from the teapot as though it were steam rising from our celestial brew. Follow the Milky Way to high overhead, and you'll run into the Summer Triangle. Each of these three stars is part of a different constellation.

While Deneb is not nearly as bright as its companions Altair and Vega, its star picture is the best looking of the group. Cygnus the swan has its wings and neck outstretched as though sailing across our late summer sky following the Milky Way to a destination unknown.

Soon the stars of summer will be gone, just like the baseball season, but fall constellations are already starting to intrude into the early evening show. Pegasus, Andromeda, and Cassiopeia will become more prominent in the coming weeks and months.

And if you can't wait for the eye-popping brilliance of the winter sky, you can start looking for it now around midnight. Along with Orion and Taurus will come the planet Saturn, hanging out with Gemini the twins.

Tennessee Star Party 2003:
Astronomy 'Til The Cows Come Home

The Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society (BSAS) of Nashville, Tennessee, invites everyone to attend the Tennessee Star Party 2003 (TNSP). By popular demand all activities will be held at beautiful Camp Nakanawa near Cookeville, Tennessee. This will be the fourth year for this exciting event that just keeps getting bigger and better.

Whether you are just learning the constellations or have your own personal observatory, there will be something for all ages and levels of interest. Introductory classes taught by amateur astronomers from local clubs, hands-on workshops, and presentations by leading astronomers on topics ranging from the latest discoveries of planets orbiting distant stars to the realities of space exploration will fill the daylight hours. For children and adults just getting started in astronomy, there will be plenty of opportunities to develop a broad base of knowledge: from recognizing constellations to binocular astronomy to an introduction to telescopes and how to buy one.

However, the real highlight of TNSP is observing the night sky - weather permitting.

All night Friday and Saturday night, dozens of different types of telescopes will be set up on the observing field which features dazzling stars from horizon to horizon and a prominent Milky Way overhead. From this lofty elevation of 2300 feet above sea level, TNSP participants will have the opportunity to wander from telescope to telescope and observe objects such as planets, star clusters, galaxies, and much more. Some avid astronomers will be taking amazing images with CCD or video cameras.

Astronomy equipment vendors will be on site, with deals that will be difficult to beat in any store. If you are thinking about buying a telescope or accessories, you will have the chance to test drive before you buy. BSAS members will be available to give suggestions and guidance on buying equipment.

Camp Nakanawa is located about a one and a half-hour drive east of Nashville, close to I-40. This is an ideal place for the TNSP because it features spectacular dark skies. There are also hundreds of acres of wooded and open land plus a large clear water lake. Canoeing, paddle boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and tennis are all included in the registration fee.

For all the details, including information about facilities at Camp Nakanawa, go to www.bsasnashville.com.

Understanding the Universe

A forty lecture course on videotape
"Astronomy does not attempt to define "why" we are here. That's best left to philosophy, metaphysics or religion." So says the brilliant California University Professor of Astronomy, Alex Philippenko, in the first tape of a series of videotapes of his lectures on Understanding The Universe. These tapes will be viewed in the library of the Patricia Hart Building of Knowles Senior Center every Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 PM. The tapes owner, Bill Dodson, along with several astronomy buffs are viewing them there beginning on September 10, 2003. You are encouraged to join us as we learn what has and is being learned in the field of Astronomy.

In "The Grand Tour of the Universe" presented as the first of the lectures, Professor Philippenko describes the areas to be covered in the five parts of the course. Answers will be provided for questions such as "What is light?" "How far away is the sun?","What causes the phases of the moon," "What are stars?" "What are planets?" "What is an orbit?" and many more.

The professor notes in his first lecture that Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, said "Education is the kindling of a flame rather than filling a vessel." Others say, "What we learn makes us anxious to learn more."

The Professor also points out that since this is a "survey" course difficult math is deliberately left out. Simple analogies are used throughout.

Join us for a session and you may never again view the skies the same way.

Call Bill Dodson (at home: 315-8074) for more information or The Center (Receptionist 743-3400)

The Patricia Hart Building is located at 174 Rains Avenue across from Fall Hamilton school [at west entrance to Nashville Fairgrounds]

- Bill Dodson

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