October 2020
October 2020 President’s message
By Steve SiokHello everyone,
Welcome to October! The highlight of this month is AstroAssembly. This year our annual event is unlike any we have held before. But, we are determined to enjoy our “Skyscraper Christmas” and to add new memories.
AstroAssembly was first held in August of 1952. It rained all day for the first time in 30 years. No event was held in 1953 or 54. Although I cannot prove it, I wonder if the completion of the meeting hall in 1954 gave our members the impetus to make AstroAssembly an annual event. It provided a place to shelter in case of rain and to enjoy talks illustrated with films or slides and even old fashioned lantern slides. Stellafane was a fine mentor. Our own Charles Smiley was keynote speaker at the very first Stellafane in the 1920s.
Our predecessors were an analytical bunch. After that first deluge in 1952, it was determined that the first weekend in October was the most likely to be rain-free and temperate, based on a study of the records at the National Weather Station at Hillsgrove airport.
Astroassembly has always been an event for friendships. Old friends get to meet and catch up on each other’s projects, observing, family lives and trips. It affords people the opportunity to become acquainted with new folks and to make new friendships. It is a casual day with a daytime cookout and an evening banquet. It also has its own quirks – as in the AstroBakeoff.
Well, things will be slightly different this year. We look forward to listening to our three experts and the individual perspective each brings to the topic of Astro-imaging. As we go from speaker to speaker, we will span the times zones of the United States. So sit back, relax and enjoy our program. Cook yourself a hamburger and a hot dog and pretend that you are on Peeptoad Road.
The second celebration this month is the opposition of Mars, when it is closest to the Earth. I hope that most of you have already had a chance to view it as it gets larger and surface details become more distinct, whether you are viewing and drawing your observations or imaging and stacking your photographs. Many of you may have fond memories about observing Mars. In the anteroom, there are two composite sketches of the planet drawn by amateur astronomer Mike Mattei in the 70s. Also, there was a great talk given by member Al Hall as he described his detailed sketches as Mars approached and then receded from opposition. My best Mars memory is my own trip to Seagrave during an October opposition. I arrived on Halloween night, locked the gate and all the doors, opened the dome and observed Mars at 300 power with the Alvan Clark telescope while Orson Wells “War of the Worlds” played on the radio.
So welcome to October. I hope you all experience some fine memories and observing.
Steve Siok
President, Skyscrapers Inc.
Welcome & Introduction
Astrophotography contest voting begins. Submit your photo before Friday, October 2 at 12:00 EDT.
The World at Night
Babak TafreshiBabak Tafreshi spent the past two decades photographing surreal scenes of the night sky in all continents, an adventurous journey to the wonders of Earth under the stars. The work documents the last remaining starry skies on the planet to increase public awareness on values of natural night environment for all species. Together with his international group of 40 other dedicated nightscape photographers in The World at Night project, they also produce images. Many are classic single-exposure photographs that represent fundamentals of practical astronomy and are used world-wide by educators, science journalists and communicators. In his recently released book, The World at Night, the work of the entire group is presented with behind-the-scene stories and information that connects the Earth and sky.
Interpreting Astronomical Images: The Choices and Aesthetics That Go Into Making Images
Adam Block
The Process of Choosing What and How to Image
Travis RectorProfessional observatories regularly release images to share recent scientific discoveries, demonstrate new technologies, and share the wonders of space. But how are these images made? Do they accurately show what these objects really look like? Are the colors real? Why do some astronomy images dazzle while others leave us flat? Astronomy has a rich tradition of using color photography and imaging, for visualization in research as well as for sharing scientific discoveries in formal and informal education settings (i.e., for "public outreach.") In the modern era, astronomical research has benefitted tremendously from electronic cameras that allow data and images to be generated and analyzed in a purely digital form with a level of precision not previously possible. Advances in image-processing software have also enabled color-composite images to be made in ways much more complex than with darkroom techniques, not only at optical wavelengths but across the electromagnetic spectrum. And the internet has made it possible to rapidly disseminate these images to eager audiences. Alongside these technological advances, there have been gains in understanding in how to make images that are scientifically illustrative as well as aesthetically pleasing. In my talk I will discuss the techniques behind making color-composite images as well as examine the factors we consider when doing so, whether for data visualization or for public release.
Social Hour & Astrophoto Contest Results
Observe the Skies Near Mars
: By David Prosper
Full Moons of October
: By Jim Hendrickson
Phosphine in the Atmosphere of Venus
: By Francine Jackson
