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The Official Publication of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton
Director John Miller (609) 252-1223 jmiller@princetonastronomy.org Assistant Director John Church (609) 799-0723 j.church@mindspring.com Treasurer Program Chairman Michael Mitrano Ludy D'Angelo 609-737-6518 (609) 882-9336 michael.mitrano@worldnet.att.net ldangelo106@comcast.net Secretary Editors Larry Kane Bryan Hubbard and Ira Polans (609) 273-1456 (732) 469-7698 and (609) 448-8644 kane@princetonastronomy.org editors@princetonastronomy.org

Volume 37 From the Director

September 2008

Number 8

It's show time, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome back to the 20082009 meeting season of your AAAP. Our Program Chair has been working throughout the summer to bring you a great lineup of engaging speakers for our meetings. With names like Michael Lemonick, renowned science writer, the very popular Fred Schaaf (you've undoubtedly read his superb columns in Sky & Telescope or read one of his many astronomy books) and the Institute for Advanced Studies' Jonathan Mitchell, kicking off the first three months, this is shaping up to be a terrific year.

transparent. We have had a string of very successful public nights at Simpson Observatory, resulting in a number of new memberships. My thanks to all the AAAPers who consistently bring their support and enthusiasm to these Friday evening gatherings. I see everyone having a great time showing a delighted public constellations and sundry wonders through the 14" SCT and 6.25" Hastings-Byrne refractor. It has proven a substantial benefit to the club, and a really tangible benefit to the community. I do wonder, however, why more of our AAAP members don't visit these interesting and dynamic Friday night astronomy events. These gatherings present members the opportunity to bring their own scopes or binoculars and share observing, swap equipment talk, and get to know their club colleagues (one night, chatting with Don Monticello, I discovered his interest in tennis. We now hit regularly, and he introduced me to a new county league). There are nine Fridays left in the open house schedule. Why not make that commitment to come out for a few of them?

StarQuest 2008--October 24, 25 and 26
This is the AAAPs fund raiser and fun raiser!
Of course, it also is shaping up to be an electrifying political season as well. So, here's a thought: Why not blend the two? The mystery and awe of the Universe, together with the intrigue and excitement of a national political battle. I say we propose to the Obama and McCain campaign management teams a debate, staged right here at Peyton Hall. The topic will be, "Is Pluto A Planet or Not?" What say you, AAAP members? Certainly a subject steeped in controversy and breakfast table chatter; a worthy subject for our two heroes to hone their verbal jousting skills.

You do not need a scope! You do not need any camping gear! You only need to bring yourself and maybe family or friends to have a great time! This is "Beautiful Country" with lots of things to do. Hike, bike, canoe, kayak, attend lectures, read a book under a bucolic tree to name a few. There are good restaurants nearby. More information at: http://www.princetonastronomy.org Look on the left for StarQuest 2008) Or use the application attached to this issue of the Sidereal Times Please sign up for StarQuest 2008--it is your party.
As detailed on the AAAP web site and in this issue of Sidereal Times, Jersey Star Quest 2008 planning is proceeding under full steam. This year's AAAP star party event will be held October 24 & 25, at the

Annual Membership Dues ($40) Are Payable Now--Please Mail or Bring Your Check to the September Meeting
Although the political rhetoric may be obscure and hazy, our local New Jersey skies, of late, have been uncharacteristically


September 2008 request for crystal clear with product vendors to than ever. If you have own a Lexus dealership and would like to donate a new car?), we would like to hear from you. Part of the Star Quest agenda is visiting our observatory and UACNJ facility at Jenny Jump State Park. On August 22nd, Bill Murray led a AAAP expedition to Jenny Jump, to use the club's rarely-used 12.5" Newtonian telescope. Reports were very favorable. I hope Bill's effort has energized interest in this phenomenal telescope and visits to the site occur regularly. To paraphrase The Happenings' 1966 hit­I'll see you in September. Cheers--John Miller, Director Hope Conference Center. We've put in a skies. A number of members are working make the Saturday raffle more valuable any ideas along those lines (perhaps you

Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton exacted. Larry Smith volunteered to be the buyer with the able assistance of Ludy D'Angelo. Help in meal preparation and cleanup will be asked of the members in attendance. Last year the cost was $30 for an adult and $20 for children. After some discussion concerning lowering the price, as the result of having two meals, it was decided keep the price at last years level. The cost to us may be slightly lower. It was suggested that we approach member Freeman Dyson to donate his latest book and sign it for a door prize.

STARQUEST RAFFLE
As we have done in the past, we call on all members to consider providing an item for the Chinese Auction we run during StarQuest. Typically we try to obtain items which perhaps you no longer use, perhaps a spotting scope, an OTA, eyepieces; anything which is either new or in good enough condition to pass as new. Also books on astronomy which you may have are good prizes. This is a great revenue generator for your club and creates a great deal of interest during the run up to the evening's stargazing on Saturday.
John Miller stated that StarQuest will be prominent on our website. The link to the donating Company website will be on the website until StarQuest is over in October. The bunkhouse cost was uncertain and Ludy D'Angelo suggested that we contact the conference center to verify the rates. John Miller offered to call them and try to get the rate we had last year. Promoting StarQuest Email the membership; Contact the major magazines-it may be too late already; Ludy D'Angelo will contact Astronomy Magazine; Contact past attendees; Contact all regional astronomy clubs, especially UNCNJ; Papers in the area; Packet papers; On-line US 1; Rex knows someone at the Hopewell Packet paper that he will contact. Registration fees for StarQuest--The money we made came from the food and raffle tickets. Treasurer's Report provided by Mike Mitrano: We had a $2,400 surplus from last year and we have about $15, 000 in the treasury. We are in good fiscal shape at this point. We mail out eleven copies of Sidereal Times per issue. John Miller questioned the cost of our telephone at the observatory. We have to have a telephone to provide 911 access in an emergency. Mike Mitrano suggested that if the dues cycle ended in June, there was a gap in funding until they paid up in October, therefore people joining in January could be pro-rated for six months and those who paid in June, would be members until a year from the next October 1. The $40 dues will be for one year. Peyton Hall renovations and alternative meeting locations will be definitely needed for September and possibly for October. John Miller will let everyone know as soon as possible. Jenny Jump is scheduled for August 22 and about six people responded to Bill Murray. Vic traded observatory duty with Bill Murray for August 22. The roster on the website is current. Any new member's information should be sent to John Miller so he can update the roster. It was noted that we need to get new keyholders and Rex Parker volunteered to help in the training process. If we cannot, we may not have enough keyholders to fill every Friday night. Page 2

Minutes of Board Meeting of August 5, 2007
Director John Miller called the meeting to order. Star Quest: At the time of the meeting, one prize had been donated for the Chinese raffle, an equatorial tripod and mount, per Bryan Hubbard. We need to have a new roll of raffle tickets, since we ran out of tickets last year and could have sold more of them. John Miller suggested that we need a strategy for obtaining prizes. Rex Parker volunteered to contact OPT and Highpoint Scientific. John Miller will contact Saul Moroz for donations from Burgess Optics. Larry Smith suggested we contact Astronomy and Sky & Telescope magazines to donate some things. He also suggested asking "Barlow Bob" and UNCNJ to donate something. John Miller will contact Rob Gendler and ask for a donation. Larry Smith suggested asking AAAP members to donate items they no longer use. Rex Parker suggested calling Astronomy Technology Today to donate copies of their magazine. Rex Parker suggested that a notice be put into the September issue to be re-run in October Sidereal Times asking for donations of astro equipment. It was suggested that Rob Teeter be contacted and ask for some donation, now that he is back in the business of making telescopes. All of the contacts and responses will be completed by August 23. Each company making a donation will receive a "hotlink" to their corporate website on the AAAP website. It was pointed out that our website gets 5000 hits per month from all over the world. Larry Kane moved that the Board authorize $300 to be made available to spend for prizes, the motion was seconded by Larry Smith A discussion was held concerning food for Star Quest. Larry Smith presented an estimate from last year. Per last year, Friday will be a "BYO." After discussing the number of meals, it was decided to serve a brunch and a dinner to cut down on the amount of time that had to be expended in preparing/serving the meals and the constraints on other activities that serving three meals


Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton Newsletter Ludy D'Angelo presented the speakers confirmed for the upcoming season. Other people at the table offered other names to contact for upcoming meetings. Jeff Bernardis presented a report on Public Outreach and a discussion was held on what and how to ask for donations from schools and other organizations that request our outreach efforts. It was left to Jeff to ask for donations in the manner he feels comfortable. John Miller gave a report on the successful Star Party held in Princeton, next to the library. Rex Parker suggested that we buy broadband filters for the 1.5 and two inch eye pieces. The vote passed the Board. Larry Kane, Secretary

September 2008 as of the fiscal year end.For comparison purposes, you will also see total revenue and expenses for the previous fiscal year and the balance sheet at the end of that year. The AAAP had a strong fiscal year, with revenue exceeding expenses by $2,537. Member dues increased by $360 (9 members) to $4,310 for the year. StarQuest had a surplus of $1,006, and outreach contributions brought in $400. Interest and money market dividend income added $410 to our assets. The observatory was our largest cost, with expenses (net of the proceeds from equipment sale) totaling $2,844. Lecture costs were only $263. Comparison with FY 2007 is difficult because StarQuest did not take place during that year due to the change in its schedule. The Association ended FY 2007 with a cumulative surplus of $14,943. We are in a sound position to begin the coming year's programs. Please let me know if you have any questions about the AAAP's finances. Michael Mitrano, Treasurer
TOTAL 47 4,310 400 438 2,650 7,845 28 25 100 114 43 53 629 21 1,303 987 981 56 56 129 66 242 301 584 5,718 2,127 Prior Fiscal Year Change $ % 100% 9% -33% -45% -100% 100% -100% 32% Current Assets Checking/Savings Checking Money Market Mutual Fund Total Checking/Savings Other Current Assets Facility Deposit Total Other Current Assets Balance Sheet At Jun 30, 07 Jun 30, 08

Treasurer's Report as of June 30, 2008
0B

The AAAP's fiscal year ends on June 30. Below is a statement of revenue and expenses for the year just ended and a balance sheet
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2008 StarGeneral ObservLectures Quest Operations atories 47 4,310 400 0 0 4,757 28 25 100 114 0 0 106 0 0 0 0 50 56 50 0 0 0 0 529 4,228 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 242 0 0 263 -263 0 0 0 438 0 438 0 0 0 0 43 53 0 0 1,303 987 0 6 0 5 0 0 301 584 3,282 -2,844 0 0 0 0 2,650 2,650 0 0 0 0 0 0 523 0 0 0 981 0 0 74 66 0 0 0 1,644 1,006

Ordinary Income/Expense Income Contribution Income Member Dues Outreach Contributions Sale of Equipment Sales of AAAP & Astro Items StarQuest Attendance Income Not Classified Total Income Expense Astronomy Calendars Books and Publications Business License & Fees Contribution Expense Dues and Subscriptions Electricity Equipment Food Gratuities Improvement, Maint & Repair Insurance Location Rental Miscellaneous Post Office Box Postage and Delivery Printing, Reproduction, Folding Prizes Rent Speaker Transp & Meal Expenses Telephone Telescope & Equipment Upgrade W eb Site Expenses Total Expense Net Ordinary Income Other Income/Expense Other Income Dividend income Interest Income Total Other Income Net Other Income Net Income

0 47 3,950 360 600 -200 795 -357 337 -337 0 2,650 266 -266 5,948 1,897

12,206 0 12,206 200 200 12,406

390 14,393 14,783 200 200 14,983

162 -162 -100% 30 -2 -7% 25 0 0% 0 100 100% 125 -11 -9% 81 -38 -47% 566 -513 -91% 0 629 100% 0 21 100% 32 1,271 3,972% 1,447 -460 -32% 0 981 100% 56 0 0% 50 6 12% 185 -56 -30% 334 -268 -80% 111 -111 -100% 1 -1 -100% 408 -166 -41% 301 0 0% 1,015 -431 -42% 79 -79 -100% 5,008 710 14% 940 1,187 126%

Liabilities Current Liabilities Deferred Dues Revenue Total Other Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Equity Retained Surplus Net Income Total Equity

0 0 0 11,416 991 12,407 12,407

40 40 40 12,406 2,537 14,943 14,983

393 17 410 410 4,638

0 0 0 0 -263

0 0 0 0 -2,844

0 0 0 0 1,006

393 17 410 410 2,537

0 393 50 -33 50 360 50 360 990 1,547

100% -66% 720% 720% 156%

From the Program Chair
Greetings everyone, I hope your summer has been wonderful for all of you. This season I hope to bring a wide variety of topics and speakers to our AAAP meetings. I have the following slots filled so far: September, October, November, December, and February. As always, any suggestions the membership may have regarding topics and speakers, please email them to me or talk to me at the meetings. P lease no te, th at wh ile P eyton Hall is still u nd er con stru ctio n, we

The September 9 general meeting will be held at 8:00 P.M. in Friend Center 101 (the auditorium), Princeton University, not Peyton Hall. For Friend Center location and directions visit the AAAP web site or Google, 'Friend Center-Princeton University'
will be meeting at th Our May meeting was have our pre-meeting members, to come out e Friend Center near the Engineering quad.. there if you will recall. We will also continue to dinners. I encourage all of you, especially new to one of the dinners this season. It's a good way

Page 3


September 2008 of meeting the guest speaker and other club members in a more relaxed setting. Experience in astronomy is not required to sit at the table. On September 9, Michael Lemonick, freelance science writer and senior science writer for TIME magazine for 20 years is expected to give a presentation on his experiences. He currently is a guest lecturer at Princeton University. I hope that everyone will enjoy the information he brings to us at our meeting. In October, Fred Schaaf will give a talk titled "The People and the Stars: Dark Skies, Public Outreach, and the International Year of Astronomy" Mr. Schaaf is a contributing editor of Sky and Telescope magazine and has written many books. November brings us Dr. Jonathan Mitchell from the Institute for Advanced Studies. Dr. Mitchell's research currently concentrates on the atmospherics on the Jovian moon Titan. In December, Dr. Jerry Sellwood of speaker. His specialty is the structure formation and their dark matter cont last year, but a snowstorm cancelled be "The Dark Side of the Universe". Rutgers University will be our and evolution of galaxies, their ent. He was scheduled with us our meeting. His talk title will Hubble

Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton

The deadline for the October issue is: Friday September 29, 2008 Send your submissions to: editors@princetonastronomy.org

NASA News...
The battle has been won. When we heard several years ago that no more servicing was expected and Hubble would be decommissioned before the next telescope went into orbit, the uproar could be heard from not only the astronomical community, but all areas of research on which it would have some impact. The date is October 8 2008, and STS-125, Space Shuttle Atlantis will have the honor of doing the final service. This will extend Hubble's life until 2013, by which time the James Webb Space Telescope should be in orbit. The mission will last 11 days repairing and improving the observatories capabilities, including new batteries, gyroscopes and thermal blankets.

In February, Dr. Gino Segre of the University of Pennsylvania will be with us, the topic will be announced later. Please send any comments Ludy@princetonastronomy.org. and suggestions to me at

Ludovico D'Angelo, Program Chair

Interested in keyholder training?
Contact: kane@princetonastronomy.org or by cell phone (609-273-1456)
Solar Sails You may remember that a partnership of The Planetary Society and Cosmos Studios hoped to demonstrate the technology with its Cosmos 1 mission in 2005, but the mission did not make orbit as the launch vehicle failed. It was to have been the first spin-stabilized, free-flying solar sail to fly in space Now two more missions are in the works, Cosmos 2 which is in the design stage at the Russian Space Research Institute. They are also making a study to determine the probable configuration and vehicle for the launch. Once again their goal is a controlled flight under sunlight pressure. The other mission is nearing completion by NASA. NanoSail-D is a small solar sail slated for launch any time now perhaps as you read this issue. A little history here adds an interesting side use of the solar wind. You may remember that Mariner 10, on a trip to Mercury, had a problem when it ran low on the gas used for the attitude control jets. Faced with no control but plenty of sunlight the controllers came up the idea to use it to see if the solar arrays could be used to affect attitude control. Although the amount of pressure exerted by the solar wind was very small, it did demonstrate that it was a practical application, and gave food for thought for possible future missions. Between 2001 and 2005, NASA developed two 20meter solar sails of different design and made by different companies. They were tested on the ground under vacuum conditions, and were considered robust enough for deployment in a one atmosphere, one gravity environment, and scalable to much larger perhaps as much as 150 meters on a side. Meanwhile, NanoSail-D will orbit onboard a SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket, to be launched from Omelek Island in the Pacific Ocean.

Picture This--NGC6853
AKA the Dumbbell Nebula or M27. This planetary nebula lies in the constellation Vulpecula some 1200 ly away. The nebula is a gaseous emission nebula created by a dying star lying at its center. The Dumbbell is an easy small telescope target in semi dark skies. From my home I can see it in my 80mm scope. With the aide of an OIII filter the nebula will become even more apparent for visual observing against a light polluted sky. This is another target that is great for learning to star hop to as one learns the summer night sky. This image took 180+ minutes total time with a modified Canon 350 DSLR through an IDAS LP filter from my yard. The scope used was an Orion ED80 refractor. This final image was reduced and cropped from the original.

Brian Van Liew Page 4

Submitted by Bryan Hubbard


Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton Newsletter

September 2008

Hope Conference & Renewal Center: http://www.camphope.org/ 908-459-4435

JERSEY STARQUEST

Directions to Hope Conference & Renewal Center Hope Center is about 3 hours from Phila, 2 hours from NYC & Reading, and hour or less from Lehigh Valley. 1.5 Hours from New Brunswick From the South & Southeast (Trenton NJ) Take State Road 31 North from I-95 on the north side of Trenton. Follow to its end at US 46 its Butzville, NJ. Turn left (west) on US 46 and at the end of the next light go right (north) onto State Route 519 to the flashing light in Hope. FOLLOW "From Downtown Hope" below From the Southwest (Phillipsburg, NJ) Take State Route 519 North, off of US 57 on the east side of Phillipsburg. Follow 519 North, across US 46 (near Belvidere & Butzville, NJ) to "downtown" Hope NJ marked by a flashing red light. Turn right at this light, continuing on 519 North. FOLLOW "From Downtown Hope" below From the North, Northwest & East (I-80) Take I-80 to Exit 12 in NJ. Exit onto State Road 521 south to Hope. In about two minutes arrive in downtown Hope, marked by a flashing red light. Turn left at this light onto St Route 519 north. FOLLOW "From Downtown Hope" below From Downtown Hope Take State Route 519 North for 1.3 miles from the flashing red light (if you go under I-80, you've gone too far). Turn left onto Ridgeway Ave (you can only turn left) and go .5 mile, passing over I-80. Turn left at the "HOPE CENTER" sign onto the entrance road. The Center office is in the house immediately before the entrance road

PLEASE NOTE: NO WHITE LIGHTS AFTER DUSK. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER DUSK, PLEASE MAKE PROVISIONS TO EXTINGUISH YOUR HEADLIGHTS. PLEASE NOTE: NO GREEN LASER POINTERS


September 2008

Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton

JERSEY STARQUEST
Held at the Hope Conference and Renewal Center, Hope, NJ Beginning at 5 PM Friday, Oct. 24th, 2008 and running through 12 PM Sunday, Oct. 26th Please note: This event will take place regardless of the weather conditions! Featuring Stargazing at a star-filled, dark sky location DOZENS OF ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES IN OPERATION AAAP-sponsored "Deep Sky Observing" contest Free space available for astronomical swap meet Heated cabin accommodations (most with private bath; first come, first served) Ample space for camping & RV's, hot showers for all Saturday full meals Spectacular Raffle & Door prizes Scheduled Lecture Program Intriguing Afternoon Guest Speaker! Other Planned Activities Include Solar Observing (H-alpha) Astrophotography Presentations, Tutorials, and CCD Demo's Field Trip to AAAP Observatory Facility at Jenny Jump State Park Workshop: Learning to Use Your New Telescope Plus Fishing, Volleyball, Basketball, Hiking, Game room Kayaking/canoeing (bring your own) on two lakes and nearby Pequest and Paulins Kill Rivers Registration Fees Camping and RV -- $35.00 per person ($45 after October 10), children (6-12yrs.) $25 Bunkhouse -- $45.00 per person ($55 after October 10), children (6-12yrs.) $35 Children under 6 years of age ­ Free Meals Scrumptious Food Catered by AAAP Chefs, for Saturday ONLY Volunteers needed to help the Chefs Saturday brunch, and dinner: Adult -- 30.00 per person Child (ages 6 ­ 12) -- $20.00 per person ; Children under 6 years of age ­ Free Please send registration form and your check or money order (payable to AAAP) to: Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton Jersey Star Quest 2008 Registration P.O. Box 2017 Princeton, NJ 08543

PRESENTS THE 19TH ANNUAL


Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton Newsletter

September 2008

JERSEY STARQUEST REGISTRATION FORM
NAME ADDRESS ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ EMAIL TELEPHONE CLUB ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

TOTAL NUMBER OF ADULTS IN YOUR PARTY? _______ TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN (Ages 6 ­ 12)? _______ TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OLD? ________ ACCOMMODATION PREFERENCE(S): Note: indoor accommodations are single sex (males in one set of cabins, female in another set of cabins). There are a few accommodations for families that do not want to be split up. This is on a first come, first serve basis. INDOOR _______ TENT _________ RV _________

W ould you like to enter into a "Deep Sk y Observing" contest? ________ W ill you need space to set up an astronomical swap table? ________ FEES: (No charge for children under 6 years of age) $35. $45. $25. $35. $10. 00 00 00 00 00 _________ PER ADULT (camping or RV) _________ PER ADULT (bunkhouse) _________ PER CHILD 6-12 (camping or RV) _________ PER CHILD 6-12 (bunkhouse) _________ (add late fee after October 10)

Meals (Saturday; brunch, and dinner) Meals (Adult) Meals (Child, ages 6 ­ 12) TOTAL ENCLOSED

$30.00 _________ $20.00 _________ ___________________

Please send completed registration form and your check or money order (payable to AAAP) to: Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton Jersey Star Quest 2008 Registration P.O. Box 2017 Princeton, NJ 08543 IMPORTANT ­ We may not be able to accommodate meal requests for registrations received after October 10. Please Note ­ Pets are not permitted at the site. This event will be held regardless of the weather conditions. Sorry -- No Refund for Cancellations received after October 10.


September 2008

Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton

The best way to get to the observatory is to take Interstate 95 South towards Pennsylvania. Then take Scotch road at Exit 3 and proceed north (this amounts to right). Then, at the third traffic light take a left onto the Washington CrossingPennington road (County Route 546). Take this road to the first traffic light and take a right onto Trenton-Harbourton road (County Route 579). Take this road to the first driveway on the left, this is the Phillips Farm/Soccer Field entrance to the park. There is a series of three gates with club combination locks. If the gates are not open, you will need the lock combination to open the gate or be accompanied by a Keyholder member. The Simpson (AAAP) Observatory's phone number is (609) 737-2575.