News – Page 5 – Buffalo Astronomical Association

October 2020 Events – Looking Up! Virtual Star Party Recap

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Hi all,

On October 17th, we had another Looking Up! Virtual Star Party, held with the usual suspects. You can catch up on the stream by clicking the following link from our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloAstronomy/videos/764959110750534/

Mars was big this event due to its close opposition. Dan and Mike P., both on-location at BAA’s Beaver Meadow Observatory, and Patrick, observing from Pennsylvania, got in on the fun. See if you’re able to pick out some famous Mars details in the images (and click to make them larger!)

We also had quite a few presentations this time around — Paul M. started us off by going over some useful astronomy terms, including an explanation of why Mars was looking so good, then Dan did a presentation on the evolution of telescopes throughout history. Later on we had presentations from our president Mike H. on Mars itself as well as a very informative discussion of nebulae featuring some beautiful imagery from Pat.

As always, we featured live astrophotography too. Below are some excellent images from Ernie of the Double Cluster and M31 that were wonderful to see appear live as he took them. If you inspect M31 on the right, take a closer look to try to find two other galaxies (hint, they may look like large or elongated stars.)

Dennis also captured a stunning live view of the North America Nebula overhead — I think the contrast between darkness and interstellar dust on the right-hand side is especially beautiful! Also, here’s another planet that Dan and Mike P. were able to show us — this time, our more distant neighbor, Uranus, and 4 nearby moons. The brightness is greatly exaggerated to enhance visibility.

If you’ve been to BAA live events in previous years, you may know that we normally don’t hold any monthly star parties at the observatory during the late fall and winter. However, due to the success of the streams so far, I’m happy to say that we’ll be holding virtual events for at least a few more months. Luckily, the setup for live astrophotography means that most members can stay warm in their own homes no matter how bad it gets outside. We hope that during the upcoming months, you’ll continue to be able to join us remotely as we take advantage of this unique opportunity. Keep an eye out here and on the BAA Facebook page for event announcements, and also keep looking up!

October Upcoming Event – Looking Up! Virtual Star Party (10/17/20)

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Hi all,

We’re having another virtual stargazing event with Penn Dixie, the Explore & More Children’s museum, and the Williamsville Space Lab Planetarium this Saturday, October 17th, at 8:30PM. Members from these organizations will be there showing telescopic views and discussing fun astronomical topics. If the weather holds, we should have some nice views of Mars at this event due to the recent opposition, so if you want to hear about Mars, this is the event for you. Everything will be livestreamed on our Facebook at this link, and will also be posted on our Youtube channel if you’d prefer to watch there. Hope to see some fellow Mars enthusiasts!

–Emilyann

Member News – Martian Photographs and Solar Awards

Posted on October 11, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Today in BAA member news:

Dan Marcus captured a great image of Mars on October 5th from the club’s C14 telescope at the Beaver Meadow Observatory. Click on the image below to see it close-up. Several famous Martian features are clearly visible:

As you may have heard or seen yourself, Mars is currently super close to earth, with its opposition happening on October 13th. It’s been high in the sky every October night so far, with a faint reddish light. I got a good look at it myself visually a few nights ago, and it’s worth seeing if you haven’t already! More info about Mars’ close approach can be found here on EarthSky: https://earthsky.org/tonight/mars-closest-to-earth-october-6

(Click the picture above to go to the RMG website and see it at a higher resolution!)

Also, Alan Friedman recently won an international award for solar astrophotography. His image, titled “Ultraviolet,” netted him the Highly Commended prize in the Our Sun category at the Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, held by the Royal Museums Greenwich. If you are a member you’ve probably seen Alan’s great images on the forum. You can also see many more at his website, and be sure to go to RMG’s website too to see it full size in their gallery. Congrats to Alan — it’s a beautiful picture, and a great honor to have the BAA represented at this competition.

October 2020 Online General Meeting

Posted on October 6, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Hi all,

This Friday, October 9th at 7:00PM will be the date of our next monthly general club meeting. The invitation has already been sent out, so please check your email for the Zoom invitation, which was sent on 10/4.

This month, we’ll be having a talk from Dr. Warren Marcus on the future of lunar exploration. Please find the summary below:

Returning to the Moon – Lessons Learned From the Past for Future Missions

-by Warren S. Marcus PhD, MPH

The return of manned missions to the Moon. What we have learned since Apollo about technical aspects of the trip and the Moon itself. How this time it will be different and why.

Looking at lessons learned from recent Earth lunar robotic missions and space travel initiatives. Is such a trip practical and what are the benefits and investments risks in such an endeavor.

Dr. Warren will also discuss the human dynamic including physical and mental health. How to prepare humans for such ventures and proving an infrastructure that maximizes potential for a positive outcome for the trip.

Don’t miss this enlightening talk — if you didn’t get the invitation email, please reach out to Mike Humphrey or another club member so that you can join.

Instructions on joining a Zoom meeting can be found at this link: https://www.buffaloastronomy.com/may-2020-online-general-meeting/ I will be out in Central NY this weekend but might still be able to pop in — it should be a good time! See you there.

–Emilyann

International Observe the Moon Night 2020

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Hi all,

This past Saturday (September 26th) the BAA participated in NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night, a yearly celebration that aims to unite lunar observers to enjoy of one of Earth’s best known astronomical sights. Like all of our current public events, this was simultaneously livestreamed through Zoom to our Facebook and Youtube pages. If you wish to watch the stream, you can do so below:

https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloAstronomy/videos/637438593482542/

Dennis kicked off the program with a sweet activity for young astronomers at home (I won’t spoil it, watch for yourself!) and then gave a presentation on humanity’s history with our moon, as well as what may lie for us beyond. Paul M. from Penn Dixie also provided a wonderful introduction to the Moon and answered some interesting questions (When do lunar eclipses happen? What’s a supermoon?) in his talk:

Then, we moved into the mostly observational section of our event, with BAA members demonstrating live views. Dan, who was out at the observatory broadcasting live from our club scope, gave us a wide-field view. Pat C. was able to show and discuss some of the historical Apollo landing sites (and also speak a little bit about why you can’t see the flag on the moon!) Feel free to click to get a closer look:

Our president Mike showed a unique way to experience the Moon through touch — by having it 3D printed! And I ended up getting some images of the Moon myself through my smartphone camera with a NexYZ phone mount. We also discussed individual features, including the Tycho and Clavius craters, and a mysterious monthly apparition called the X:

Last but certainly not least, here are some awesome images from Phil, taken as a video with with his Dobsonian telescope. Definitely click on these to get up close! If you listen to the Facebook presentation, you should be able to pick out some areas that we mentioned:

Overall, it was an awesome time with something for everyone. Hopefully we will be able to hold this again next year, but with in-person visitation at our observatory or another public location. Regardless, enjoy the images and stream, and keep looking up!

Last Night’s Looking Up!

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Dennis Bartkowiak

Another Successful “Looking up! – Virtual Star Party”

I hope you were able to join us last night for a fun virtual star party. In case you were unable, you can watch it below

We were able to see some great images and here is an image of Mars taken by Patrick Crants.

After the live session, we were talking to Patrick about some imaging stuff and found something for him to try out using his camera lens. Here are his results from several test images he made with sample times of less than 30 minutes for testing. It looks like the technique worked. Let us know what you think…

September Upcoming Event – Looking Up! Virtual Star Party (9/19/20)

Posted on September 16, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Hi all,

Hope everyone has been well. We’re having another virtual stargazing event with Penn Dixie, the Explore & More Children’s museum, and the Williamsville Space Lab Planetarium this Saturday, September 19th, at 8:00PM. Members from all organizations will be there showing telescopic views and discussing fun astronomical topics. Hopefully the weather will be good, but it has been noted that the skies right now (even in New York) are hazy due to smoke from the current wildfire situation in California. Even if we have trouble viewing due to this unfortunate circumstance, it should still be a good time, and you can join in when we go live by checking the Facebook event page here. Hope to see you there, and keep looking up!

Calling All BAA Members — Presentations Wanted!

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Hi all,

Hard to believe we’re already in August. Not only are the nights growing longer from the Summer Solstice (finally!) but we are about ready to have some more BAA club meetings. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the remainder of our monthly meetings will be held online, instead of our usual spot at Buffalo State. However, the change to Zoom gives us an opportunity to change up the format. We’re currently looking for interesting presentations from members that could be held during the online meetings.

What did you do this summer with regards to astronomy?
Have you started any cool astronomical projects?
Have you learned anything interesting about astronomy recently that could be shared with your fellow members?

If these questions apply to you, please email Mike Humphrey and mention what you would like to present. It would be optimal if you have a computer and could show a Powerpoint presentation or Word document with the content of your talk during the Zoom meeting.

Our next online club meeting will be September 11 — information on how to join will be posted closer to the meeting date. I hope that in the meantime some excellent and informative presentations are developed. See you then!

—

Emilyann

Our next Looking Up event – Virtual Stargazing with BAA and Wilson Star Search 8/15/2020

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Dennis Bartkowiak

Join us for our next Looking Up event. We are combining our traditional public night with the Wilson Star Search and long time Wilson resident and BAA member Steve Smith. Join us for some astronomical fun and sailing into the cosmos. This event will be held no matter what the seeing conditions so mark your calendars now and join us at 8:30pm on Saturday 8/15/2020. Check out the information on Facebook.

July Upcoming Event – Virtual Stargazing with Penn Dixie (7/18/20)

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Emilyann Kerr

Hi all,

Hopefully everyone has been beating the heat so far this July! We are going to have our first virtual stargazing event of the month with Penn Dixie, the Explore & More Children’s museum, and the Williamsville Space Lab Planetarium tomorrow night, July 18th, at 8:30PM. As you may have heard already, comet C/2020 F3 (also known as NEOWISE) has been making appearances in the early morning and evening skies. It will depend on members’ horizon (and clouds of course) but perhaps a BAA member will have some live views of that during the stream. (Scroll down a bit or click here if you want to see some phenomenal comet photography that our members have already made, and learn how to see the comet yourself.) You will be able to watch the stream on Penn Dixie’s Facebook page here.

If you are a BAA member and would like to show a view through your telescope, help answer questions from the public, or present on astronomical topics, please contact Ernie Jacobs or reach out in the Members forum. I won’t be able to make this one, but will definitely catch the live stream afterward (one benefit of doing events virtually!) Hope that lots of people can make it.