January 2010

January 8: Monthly Meeting

Having a Front Row Seat to Stellar Cataclysms

Scott Tracy

My part of the talk will focus going over the basics of “doing variables” - how star charts are acquired and visual comps are made, and reported. I will briefly mention how this data can be accessed on the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) website. My focus will be dwarf novae, and not a long laundry list of intrinsic and extrinsic variables (though those will be mentioned as offerings on the broad menu of variable star observing opportunities). I will be showing some shots of my observatory as well as AAVSO information. I will also discuss the CCD and photometry that AAVSO observers do as well.

January 8: Monthly Meeting

My Backyard Connection to the Universe

Gerry Dyck

My talk to Skyscrapers is called “My Backyard Connection to the Universe.” It outlines the work I do for the AAVSO and highlights several exciting times when my observations have been important to professional observers. I hope it might inspire one or more members to follow my footsteps.

Iway Bridge Light Pillar Should Be Shut Down

Iway Bridge Light Pillar Should Be Shut Down

: By Jim Hendrickson
The new Iway Bridge in Providence features many dozens of high intensity lights pointing vertically, straight up into the sky, drastically increasing light pollution over a large swath of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Narragansett Bay.

Omicron Ceti (Mira, the “Wonderful”)

: By Glenn Chaple
Last month, we looked at the prototypical eclipsing binary beta Persei (Algol). This month, we turn to another prototype, the classic long-period variable (LPV) omicron Ceti.

Meteor Showers of 2010

: By Dave Huestis
I always look forward to preparing this column on the meteor shower prospects for the upcoming year. Prior to conducting my research on these annual shooting star displays I usually have no clue as to what the basic observing conditions will be, such as Moon phase and time of peak activity. Only after I have consulted up to six sources of information can I report to you if the new year will be like that old Wide World of Sports opening: “the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.”

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