| November 2003 | |
|
It's almost gift-giving season again! If you're thinking of giving the gift of astronomy this year, make sure to be prepared for holiday hazards. And don't forget the Total lunar eclipse on November 8! |
 Download this month's star chart! |
Total Lunar Eclipse
On November 8, the Moon will slip into the shadow of the Earth, causing a total lunar eclipse. From Nashville, the eclipse begins shortly before the moon rises. However, the initial penumbral stage of a lunar eclipse is practically invisible. By the time the more visible, umbral eclipse begins, the Moon will be well above the horizon for all to enjoy.
(Times are Central Standard Time - CST.)
penumbral eclipse begins: 4:15 PM
Moon rises (Nashville): 4:40 PM
umbral eclipse begins: 5:32 PM
total eclipse begins: 7:06 PM
total eclipse ends: 7:30 PM
umbral eclipse ends: 9:04 PM
penumbral eclipse ends: 10:21 PM
Lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to view, and no special equipment is needed. Telescopes and binoculars can add to the fun of watching the Earth's shadow sweep across the features of the Moon's surface. All you really need to enjoy a lunar eclipse are your eyes and good weather. And there's no rule that says you have to watch the whole thing. Just get out and watch; even if only for a few minutes.
For those who want a closer look, there will be a Lunar Eclipse Observing Session at the model airplane field at Edwin Warner Park Saturday, November 8 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society (BSAS) will have telescopes available for viewing the celestial sight. Make reservations by calling the Warner Park Nature Center at 615-352-6299. Let's hope for clear skies.
In Pursuit of Planets
Mars continues to dominate the evening sky, but Saturn is rising early enough to attract attention too. Look for it in the constellation of Gemini the Twins. Between about 3 AM and sunrise, early morning observers may catch Jupiter in the eastern sky near Leo the Lion.
Holiday Hazards
It may not feel like it yet, but the festive decorations at the mall are a sure tip-off! As the holiday season approaches, you may be tempted to insert a little astronomy into your gift giving. But it pays to be careful! There are dangers out there that threaten both your sanity and your checking account.
First, you may hear commercials about having a star named after a loved one. While it may seem a touching thought, it's a fact that these companies have no authority to name stars, and no astronomer will see your name in a star catalog. To make matters worse, the star they choose for you will probably be too faint to see with the naked eye and possibly located in a part of the sky never visible from Tennessee.
So if you don't want to waste your hard-earned cash on a certificate commemorating an invisible star that's not really named after you, then what?
Perhaps you'd like to give the gift of the night sky through a telescope. If you do, avoid telescopes found in toy stores, discount stores, or most department stores. It's not that these stores are bad. They just don't carry very good telescopes.
You might get the idea that you have to spend a LOT of money to get a decent telescope. In fact, you can get a good quality telescope for the same amount of money (or less) than you would spend at the places mentioned above.
However, before getting a telescope, every budding observer needs to learn their way around the sky first. Practice using this star chart or a planisphere (also know as a star wheel) to locate the constellations and planets. You have to know where to point the telescope before you can look through it. (By the way, the Science Center Shop always has star wheels in stock.)
An excellent and less expensive alternative to a telescope is a pair of binoculars. Your average 7x50 binoculars are better than Galileo's first telescope, and even the youngest astronomers can use them. Study the features on the Moon, watch the moons of Jupiter dance around the planet from night to night, or hunt for the M-objects featured on this month's chart.
A subscription to Astronomy or Sky and Telescope makes an excellent gift. (Check out their websites too.) These magazines provide a good introduction to the wonders of astronomy. Topics range from what's visible in the sky this month to new theories in cosmology. There are also articles on the art of buying a telescope. The November 2003 issue of Astronomy features "25 Great Scopes for Any Budget" with a great little scope for only $150.
Think you're ready to buy a telescope? Not yet. Talk to the scope owners at a public star party, attend an astronomy club meeting (visit www.bsasnashville.com), or join an internet discussion group such as tnastronomy, which can be found at www.yahoogroups.com.
Follow these simple suggestions and you will find holiday happiness.