Author Archives: ST Editors

Supernova 2012aw Discovered in M95

Posted on April 1, 2012 by ST Editors

Michael Wright and Robert Vanderbei On March 16, 2012, a bright supernova was discovered in M95.  Member Bob Vanderbei wasted no time capturing the image above.  The supernova was around magnitude 13 as of March 21 so it is observable … Continue reading →

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The Astronomy of Shakespeare – Hamlet

Posted on April 1, 2012 by ST Editors

The Bard is noted for his firm grip of history plays such as Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Henry V, etc. While not historically accurate in every respect, they are broadly faithful to the history of the events they portray. He drew … Continue reading →

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Barsoom

Posted on April 1, 2012 by ST Editors

Michael Wright The sci-fi movie John Carter is currently in theatres.  Based on the Edgar Rice Burrough’s novels inspired by Perceval Lowell’s Mars, the movie is about the exploits of a Virginia “gentleman” magically transported to Barsoom where he battles … Continue reading →

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Geometrical Optics and the Hastings-Byrne Refractor: Part II

Posted on April 1, 2012 by ST Editors

John Church Last month I reviewed the “lens-maker’s formula” that allows one to calculate the focal length (the inverse of the “power”) of a thin lens, provided that one knows the refractive index of the glass and the radii of … Continue reading →

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Robotics Research Success at the ISS

Posted on April 1, 2012 by ST Editors

Ken Kremer of Spaceflight magazine, Universe Today & AAAP From March 7 to 9, a combined team of American and Canadian engineers successfully performed groundbreaking robotics research aboard the ISS during first-of-its-kind joint operations between NASA’s new Robotic Refueling Mission … Continue reading →

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From the Director

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

by Ludovico D’Angelo, Director AAA March starts our process for establishing a nominations committee to help choose those within the club who will serve on the next Board of Trustees of the AAAP. If you are interested in leading this … Continue reading →

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From the Program Chair

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

Ken Levy, Program Chair Many thanks to Dr. Paul Steinhardt for our February lecture, “Inflationary Cosmology on Trial”. March heralds the beginning of spring with another not to miss lecture by Dr. Mark Trodden, “Modern Cosmology and the Building Blocks … Continue reading →

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From the Outreach Chair

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

by David Letcher, Outreach Chair We have two star parties this month. The first one is Friday, March 16 at Hopewell Elementary School and the second one is Wednesday, March 26 at Stuart Country Day School. This second party has … Continue reading →

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February 14, 2012 AAAP Meeting

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

Larry Kane, Secretary The meeting was called to order by Director Ludy D’Angelo. Director’s Report: Most of his report is in the Sidereal Times. Secretary’s Report: Nothing to report, but Larry Kane stated he had announcements on another agenda item. … Continue reading →

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Treasurer’s Report

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

by Michael Mitrano, Treasurer Membership for the current fiscal year is has increased to 81, and we are continuing to receive a small number of renewals. If you have not renewed, there is still time. Expenses during the past month … Continue reading →

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AAAP Cover Story in US 1

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

                                                                                                    Bill Murray responded to US 1 reporter’s queries about AAAP resulting in a wonderful February 29 cover story about leap days, AAAP and the State Planetarium where Bill is an astronomy lecturer. If you missed the print edition, the … Continue reading →

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The Rosette Nebula

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

Astrophotography – An Inside Look Years ago I had offered interested members a SIG (special interest group) on getting into astrophotography. Over the last year, I have not been active in imaging. Well, as it is starting to warm up, … Continue reading →

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Snippets

Posted on March 6, 2012 by ST Editors

compiled by Bryan Hubbard NASA’S Chandra Finds Fastest Wind from Stellar-Mass Black Hole Published: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 – 16:33 in Astronomy & Space Astronomers using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory have clocked the fastest wind yet discovered blowing off a … Continue reading →

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