Poetry Contest

Posted on March 7, 2013 by ST Editors
Poetry Contest
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From the Director

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ST Editors

Ludovico D’Angelo, Director

We had a fairly low key Board meeting on the 15th of January. Other than the Board, only a few members attended. I think this was the lowest attended Board meeting in quite a while. We did discuss several things that are included in the Board Minutes in this issue. The New Observatory Committee and 50th Anniversary Committee have held meetings and are making progress toward the tasks they have been given. There will soon be a proposed plan, and budget, for the proposed new observatory. If the Board approves, the plan and budget will go out to the membership for a vote.

The anniversary dinner may be in the beginning of May. It was assumed that there would be no regular meeting that month, but May is our annual meeting. Voting for the new Board will be then so we will need to hash that out in some way.

We will have a change in our meeting this coming month. We will meet in Peyton Hall on Monday, February 4th. This change was made to allow our guest speaker to give his presentation. We will not meet on the second Tuesday so please mark your calendars.

Jim Poinsette has volunteered once again to head the nominations committee. If you are interested in helping out in this effort, please contact him. I will not be Director next year, and as I understand, the current Assistant Director will not be on the Board next year so that leaves at least two spots open. It is important that if you care about the direction of the club and our future as a club, that you step up and help lead, or recommend someone you know in the club that would make a good leader.

Its cold outside, so keep warm and we will see you on Monday, February 4th in Peyton Hall at 8:00 p.m.

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From the Program Chair

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ST Editors

Kate Otto, Program Chair

Dr. Jim Green

Dr. Jim Green

Our next meeting will be on Monday, February 4, at 8:00 p.m. in Peyton Hall on the Princeton University Campus. Our speaker this month will be Dr. Jim Green, who will present a lecture entitled “The Revolution in Planetary Science.”

Fifty years ago NASA had launched its first successful planetary spacecraft. Virtually everything we knew about the solar system, up to that time, came from ground-based telescope observations or the analysis of meteorites. NASA literally invented planetary science that allowed us to reveal many of the wonders of the solar system. This talk will give a brief glimpse of this fantastic journey.

As Director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division since 2006, Dr. Green is eminently qualified to discuss the latest discoveries about our Solar System. He received his Ph.D. in Space Physics from the University of Iowa in 1979. Since then, he has headed several data centers responsible for providing scientists with rapid access to data, other scientists, and NASA computers and information. While at Goddard Space Flight Center, Dr. Green was a co-investigator and the Deputy Project Scientist on the Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) mission. He has written over 100 scientific articles about the Earth’s and Jupiter’s magnetospheres and over 50 technical articles on data systems and networks. Dr. Green has received numerous awards including the 1988 Arthur S. Flemming award for outstanding individual performance in the federal government and Japan’s 1996 Kotani Prize in recognition of his international science data management activities.

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From the Outreach Chair

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ST Editors

David Letcher, Outreach Chair

Community outreach opportunity: On Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM AAAP Members are invited to set up their telescopes on the playground and share their expertise at Mill Lake School’s annual Astronomy Night. This event is for the benefit of second grade students and their families, with middle school students presenting a variety of space centers and activities along with more than eight teachers. Pizza and sandwiches with hot and cold beverages will be served. The event is held regardless of the weather. Mill Lake School is located at 115 Monmouth Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. While optimum night sky viewing conditions rarely present themselves at this event, the children always learn in a fun way and gain an appreciation of space study. Interested persons may call Member and Principal Dr. Lynn Barberi.

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January 8, 2013 AAAP Meeting Minutes

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ST Editors

by Mary Hays for Secretary Michael Wright

The meeting was called to order by Director Ludy D’Angelo at 9:30 p.m.

Committee Reports:

New Observatory Feasibility Study Committee :– Discussion centered on progress of preliminary work.  Committee composed of five volunteers.  Currently looking at:

  1. Approval Plans – Jurisdiction Hopewell. Currently Hopewell seems positive in supporting the effort.   No State involvement if local accepts responsibility.  Will need Construction approval, Planning Board approval, Zoning Board, etc. Things to be considered – Dept. Environmental Protection – Wetlands.
  2. Affordability

Treasurer’s Report:  Mike Mitrano reported that those members who have not renewed will be sent a notice that their membership has lapsed.

Observatory:  Gene Ramsey reported that the Observatory weathered the winter storms well.  Access to the observatory is now impaired because two of the gates were damaged.  Park Security has put a chain on one of the gates that the Observatory Keyholders do not have a key for.  There is no access from Church Road.  The second gate is very difficult to maneuver.

Three members will be starting Keyholder training in the near future.

Upcoming Star Party:  There will be a star party at Hopewell Elementary on Jan. 17th.  6:30 -8:30.  Ludy asked Gene to inform David Letcher of this arrangement.  Members are invited to bring their scopes.  One member suggested that any time the association sponsors a star party, that we have the association’s information brochure to give to the participants.

Website:  John Miller reported that the website has been updated with a new club roster on 12/13/12.  Also, speaker /meeting information is now highlighted in a blue box for easy recognition.

Program Chair:  Kathleen Otto reported that the association has an opportunity for Jim Green, Director of Planetary Science, NASA to speak on February 4th.  There was discussion on whether arrangements could be made in time (room availability, news releases, notification to membership) to change the normal meeting night to one week earlier. Ludy provided Kathleen with Princeton University contact information re: room requests.  Also it was discussed whether the currently scheduled February guest speaker should be asked if she would be willing to change her speaking date to May, or whether there should be a second Feb. meeting on the regularly scheduled evening.  There were varied opinions and a concern was expressed that the association wanted to offer all speakers an interested audience. By having two speakers in one month, some members may have to choose between the two evenings. Final consensus was to have just one meeting, that being on Feb. 4th, if all arrangements could be made.

Kathleen also mentioned that plans for the association’s 50th anniversary are moving forward, and that anyone interested in helping with the activities should contact her.  One idea is to have a poetry contest.

Nominations Committee:  Ludy asked for a volunteer to form a committee to select a slate of candidates for the upcoming elections in May. Jim Poinsett volunteered to head the committee. Nominations close in April.  Anyone interested in running for office should contact Jim Poinsett.

To summarize, terms are for one year.  There are typically three Board of Director’s meetings per year. Elected officers are Director, Assistant Director, Secretary (Membership), Treasurer, Program Chair.

New Business:
Bill Murray suggested that the association plan some type of viewing for the March appearance of the PANSTARRS Comet.

Ludy adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

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January 15, 2013 AAAP Board of Trustees Meeting

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ST Editors

by Michael Wright, Secretary

Attendees:
         Ludy D’Angelo, Director
         Jeff Bernardis, Assistant Director
         Michael Mitrano, Treasurer
         Michael Wright, Secretary
         Kate Otto, Program Chair
         Surabhi Agarwal, ST Co-editor
         William Murray

The meeting was called to order by Director Ludy D’Angelo.

  1. Treasurer’s Report:  Michael Mitrano reported that the club had a surplus of approximately $1000 for 2012 and currently has approximately $23,000 in its accounts.  Dues reminders will be going out to delinquent members soon.
  2. Observatory: Gene Ramsey was not in attendance.  Jeff Bernardis reported that the observatory was not damaged during Hurricane Sandy.  Gene has removed the duct tape that he used to seal openings, which worked well. The park staff is still cleaning and repairing damage around the park from the storm.  Access is open from the soccer fields; however, the gate at Brick Yard Road is still broken.  The park staff has temporarily barricaded the gates.  Whether AAAP should offer to repair the gates was discussed, but not decided.  The consensus was that access from Church Road via Brick Yard Road should be a priority and open before the public nights begin in April.
  3. Secretary’s Report / Sidereal Times:  Michael Wright said that the deadline for Sidereal Times will be about one week early because the next meeting will be on Monday, February 4 instead of the second Tuesday. He will send out a reminder.  Likewise the press release will go out earlier than usual.
  4. Outreach Report:  David Letcher was not in attendance.  Jeff Bernardis said there is an upcoming star party at Hopewell Elementary School.
  5. UACNJ/Jenny Jump Observatory:  Michael Mitrano reported that UACNJ submitted a request for AAAP’s renewal and dues.  He asked whether he should submit the renewal because AAAP will be closing our observatory at Jenny Jump.  Ludy said that decision has not been made yet and should not be made until the plans for second observatory at Washington-Crossing are approved by the membership.  What to do with the 12” refractor was discussed.  Bill Murray said that many members like this scope because the optics are better than the C14.  The mount is very old.  If the club wants to dispose of the scope, he would like the opportunity to refurbish it.
  6. Observatory Donation:
    1. Michael Mitrano reported on the plans to construct a second observatory at Washington-Crossing to house the donated equipment.  The committee appointed to plan the installation is Michael Mitrano, Jim McHenry, Eric Kaufman, Jim Poinsett, and Ira Polans.
    2. Michael presented sketches showing the location of the proposed observatory within the leasehold boundaries and an elevation of the structure.  Ludy said the boundaries are shown incorrectly and should be corrected based on the lease documents. The preferred site is on the northwest side of the existing building to have the best sky views and avoid obstructing the existing observatory.
    3. Michael explained the process for obtaining approvals to build the structure.  The committee has contacted the park administration, NJDEP and Hopewell Township and received favorable responses.  A building permit will be required. The presence of wetlands needs to be checked.
    4. The building size and materials were discussed.  A round building is difficult to build economically out of brick or block, so the committee is investigating other options such as an octagonal building.  Ludy suggested another roll-off roof.  Michael said the ultimate goal is to have an automated observatory, which would not be possible under a roll-off roof.  Bill volunteered to check at NEAF for other solutions.  The structure will be too small for public observing so a video feed from the scope to another location would be needed.  Internet access would have to be brought in.  The park currently has DSL.  Verizon would probably charge a lot to bring in FIOS broadband because of its isolated location.
    5. Ludy said that the donor offered the donation about one year ago.  AAAP needs to tell him when we will accept the donation; however, the membership has to vote to accept the donation first.    An estimate for the observatory is needed before the issue can be put before the membership.
  7. Super Science Saturday: Bill announced that it will be held on May 4, 2013.
  8. 50th Anniversary Dinner: Kate Otto said that the committee visited IAS on January 9.  IAS is holding May 11 and June 8 for us.  They have excellent facilities for the event. The plan is to have a dinner, a program with a prominent speaker, and observing.  (May 9 is new moon.) The theme is “Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future.”  The committee is considering giving awards such Lifetime Achievement and/or Longevity.  Surabhi Agarwal is contacting caterers for quotes.  So far the quotes range from $40 to $100 per person.
  9. Program Chair:  Kate Otto said that Jim Green, NASA Planetary Science Division Director, will be February’s speaker.  The meeting is moved to February 4 to accommodate his schedule.  She would like to take him to nice restaurant in Princeton, so various options were discussed.  No decision was made.  The speakers for the rest of this season are as follows:
             March – Michael Lemonick
             April – Rachel Somerville of Rutgers, or Clayton Myers of PPPL
             May – Board elections, 50th anniversary dinner, speaker to be determined
             June – Planetarium program in Trenton
  10. Picnic:  The consensus was that we should hold the picnic again this year.
  11. Bill pointed out that PANSTARRS comet will reach mag. -1 and be visible in the evening sky in about five weeks (third week of Feb. 2012).  When comet Hale-Bopp caught the public’s attention, about 600 people tried to visit the observatory.  While Washington Crossing will not be open for public observing, we should plan on a public observing event.  Various locations were discussed.  Adequate parking and visibility of the northwest horizon are priorities. The soccer fields at Washington Crossing seemed the best location.
  12. Ludy announced that Jim Poinsett will be chairing the nomination committee again this year.  Nominations should be submitted to Jim before the April meeting.  Elections will be at the May meeting as required by the constitution.
  13. AAAP was contacted by a reporter doing an article for Inside New Jersey (the Star-Ledger’s magazine).  Surabhi was interviewed, and the article about women in astronomy will be in the April issue.
  14. No date was set for the next Board meeting.  Ludy will call the next meeting as needed.

Ludy adjourned the meeting.

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Treasurer’s Report

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ST Editors

Michael Mitrano, Treasurer

Member renewals are coming in slowly.  A mailing to those who have not renewed was sent in late January.  Expenses in the past month – aside from our annual insurance renewal – have been minimal.  At this point in the year, we have a small surplus.

On a cumulative basis, our surplus is about $22,000.

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Curiosity Discovers Hydrated Mineral Veins on Mars

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ST Editors

by Dr. Ken Kremer, AAAP, Spaceflight Magazine & Universe Today

Curiosity

Curiosity found widespread evidence for flowing water in the diverse scenery in this photo mosaic from the edge of Yellowknife Bay on Sol 157 (Jan 14, 2013). The rover will conduct 1st Martian rock drilling operation at the “John Klein” outcrop, at center. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Ken Kremer/Marco Di Lorenzo

NASA’s Curiosity rover hit the science jackpot by discovering widespread further evidence of multiple episodes of water flowing over Mars billions of years ago when the planet was warmer and wetter, scientists announced at a media briefing in mid-January 2013. The watery evidence comes in the form of water bearing mineral veins, cross-bedded layering, nodules and spherical sedimentary concretions.

Researchers said Curiosity found lots of evidence for mineral veins inside fractured rocks littering the highly diverse Martian terrain, using her 10 science instruments. Veins form when liquid water circulates through fractures and deposits minerals, gradually filling the insides of the fractured rocks over time.

Sometime in late January/early February, the rover will carry out history’s first ever drilling inside a Martian rock. A powdered sample will then be delivered to the robots duo of analytical chemistry labs (CheMin & SAM) to determine its elemental composition and ascertain whether organic molecules are present.

The drill target area is named “John Klein” outcrop, in tribute to the deputy project manager for Curiosity at JPL who passed away in 2011. See our new Sol 157 photo mosaic herein by Ken Kremer & Marco Di Lorenzo showing the exact spot where Curiosity has driven to drill directly into the John Klein outcrop and the mineral veins.

The white colored veins were discovered using the cameras and ChemCam laser firing spectrometer where Curiosity is currently investigating around a shallow basin called Yellowknife Bay. ChemCam found elevated levels of calcium, sulfur and hydrogen. Hydrogen is indicative of water. The mineral veins are probably comprised of calcium sulfate, which exists in several hydrated (water bearing) forms.

The newly found veins appear quite similar to analogous veins discovered in late 2011 by NASA’s Opportunity rover, Curiosity’s older sister, inside Endeavour crater and nearly on the opposite side of Mars. See my Opportunity vein mosaic featured at APOD on Dec. 11, 2011.

Read Ken’s Universe Today story and see his Sol 132 Curiosity photo mosaic featured at NBC News.
Outreach by Ken Kremer: “Curiosity and the Search for Life on Mars – (in 3-D)” – The Pines: Whiting, NJ, Feb. 12, 7 PM and Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Center: Titusville, NJ, April 28, 1:30 PM.

Please contact Ken for more info or science outreach presentations.
Email: kremerken@yahoo.com website: www.kenkremer.com
http://www.universetoday.com/author/ken-kremer/

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A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Posted on January 6, 2013 by ST Editors

by Surabhi Agarwal, Co-editor

The calendar is ready to flip over to 2013. Another year in the books, full of wonderful moments in space news. Some of the more memorable moments came when NASA’s rover Curiosity landed safely on the surface of Mars and began sending back astonishing pictures of the red planet. The year 2012 also saw the space shuttle era come to a close after flying 135 missions and helping to construct the International Space Station. The twin GRAIL spacecrafts Ebb and Flow were launched together in September 2011. Their mission to measure and map moon’s gravity field was completed successfully this December.

We start the New Year by looking forward to a new era of space flight with Orion, America’s next generation spacecraft. Heaven knows which distant planetary bodies will be explored next. Orion will serve as the exploration vehicle that will have the capability to carry humans to great distances, sustain the crew during long voyages and provide safe re-entry from deep space.

Jenny Greene, assistant professor of astronomy at Princeton University

Jenny Greene, assistant professor of astronomy at Princeton University

We launch back out into the galaxy with a lecture on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. in Peyton Hall on the Princeton University Campus by Princeton Astrophysics Professor Jenny Greene’s “Tiny but Powerful: the Smallest Super massive Black Holes.”

Jenny Greene is an assistant professor of astronomy at Princeton University. She studies super massive black holes and the galaxies in which they exist. Professor Greene did her undergraduate work at Yale and graduate work at Harvard. In her spare time, she teaches algebra to inmates in New Jersey state prisons, as part of a large volunteer initiative run by Professor Knapp of Princeton Astrophysics.

See you on January 8 at 8:00 p.m. in Peyton Hall.

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From the Director

Posted on January 6, 2013 by ST Editors

Ludovico D’Angelo, Director

At our last meeting, we had a lengthy discussion of observatory possibilities for Jenny Jump and Washington Crossing State Park. This discussion was an advancement of previous discussions concerning a possible donation to the club of a dome and equipment to make an “automated“ observatory. The end result was the formation of a committee to explore and possibly implement the construction of a new observatory in addition to the one at Washington Crossing. Thank you to those members who volunteered to participate in this venture.

There are still problems with access to our observatory at Washington Crossing after hurricane Sandy. As it seems that some gates are broken and we need to resolve several issues before we can get back into the park. We hope to have an update at our next meeting.

Our next board meeting will be on January 15th, 2013 at 7 P.M.  Anyone who would like to attend, please contact me.

Our next regular meeting will be Tuesday, January 8th at 8 PM in Peyton Hall.

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