Chesmont Astronomical Society

It's really quiet when there's no observing. Maybe time for a joke!

This is getting more interesting by the day:

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/blackhole-view-0903.html

Direct observation will probably never happen by an individual, but it is fascinating to see things like this development.

davel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6aU-wFSqt0

The DVAA guys are talking about this, so I looked at it. Too funny. If you have any interest in particle physics and the LHC, you have to check it out.

Frank

Does anybody have any plans to go out tonight? Looks like the last really good night for a while, and I'm caught up on reading.

I was at DS2 Sunday night, alone, but with the new mount I did pretty well. Tonight, I'm going for globs in Sagittarius, 'cuz they won't stick around forever.

Stargazing with Starmap

Last night I had the 20" out, and found myself looking at Uranus and Neptune, which were the first objects I ever looked at with Paul. I thought about how he liked to track those remote planets down so thought I'd give it a go. They are not very impressive objects visually, but I can understand why it satisfied him to see them - kind of like looking at a faint fuzzy in some regards - the fun is in knowing what you are looking at.

Rob

Dave Mitsky and I are going to SGL-251 tonight. The CSC is predicting 5/5 transparency and only moderate humidity. This will be an all-nighter, with rest (but not camping) at the site before departing the next morning. Should be a great night! Anybody else interested? We will be meeting people at the restaurant in Spring Run at 7:30 if we know you are coming. Post here or give me a call.

Clear skies,

Bob P.