Author: Thomas Kimber

A SUPERNOVA MAY BE COMING TO OUR SKIES

A double star known as V Sagittae in the constellation Sagitta has been identified as a candidate to trigger a  Type Ia supernova that could be as bright as the moon.

  • The system’s setup: V Sagittae is a binary system where a white dwarf is pulling mass from a larger companion star.
  • The process: This “cannibalistic” act of mass transfer creates an accretion disk and causes the white dwarf to heat up and grow in mass.
  • The impending explosion: The white dwarf is approaching the Chandrasekhar limit (of 1.4 solar masses), the point at which its internal pressure can no longer support its own weight against gravity. Once this limit is reached, it will trigger a Type Ia supernova.
  • The timeline: While the exact date is uncertain, a major event is expected to occur around the end of the 21st century, possibly around 2083. However, recent studies suggest it could happen sooner, with a potential nova outburst in the coming years.
  • The visibility: The supernova is expected to be extremely bright, potentially shining as brightly as the full moon and visible even in the daytime from Earth.
  • The significance: This event would provide a unique opportunity for astronomers to study the violent death of a binary star system directly. 

This constellation is situated between the constellations Cygnus and Aquila.

For a deeper explanation of what is happening, see this video from SPACE.com 

Tom Kimber – News

 

NEW SEESTAR S50 IMAGES

Paul Bartlett took some photos of celestial objects with his S50 SEESTAR. He then processed the photos with Siril, GraXpert, GIMP and StarNet++ (all free programs).

NGC6888 Crescent Nebula
M16 Eagle Nebula
IC1396 ElephantTrunk Nebula
NGC6946 Fireworks Galaxy
NGC6992 Eastern Veil

And for members interested in the other equipment that you might check out for borrowing, see this list HERE. If you are a member and interested in a loan of any equipment in the above list, reach Paul Bartlett  at this email address: 1948paul.bartlett@gmail.com

Tom Kimber – News

Keep looking up!

A STAR IS BORN, AND THEN….

Do you know the ” Curse of Iron” with respect to a star? 

Club member Patrick Hayes delivered a fascinating presentation on the life cycle of a star. His was the first presentation of the night at the SAG Star Party held at the Stratford Museum Friday, March 21. This was followed by Paul Bartlett’s presentation on the 15 Guide Stars of the Night Sky throughout the Seasons. Dr. Michael Burn’s wrapped up with a talk where he answered questions about the Universe.

(15 GUIDE STARS OF THE NIGHT SKY THROUGH THE SEASONS AND THE WINTER HEXEGON AND SUMMER TRIANGLE)

Fusing atoms is what generates energy for a star. With each fusion process beginning with hydrogen fusing into helium, energy is released.

This process continues in a star with each new fusion producing a new atom reflected in the periodic table. This fusion continues until  two silicon atoms fuse together into an iron atom.

As Patrick explains, “Iron doesn’t produce energy when it fuses, it absorbs energy”.

Do you know what comes next? Click HERE to view the presentation (A Star is Born and Then…)

Following the talks, attendees went outside the museum where two SeeStar S50 telescopes were operated to view the night sky. 

Many thanks to Patrick and to presenters Paul Bartlett and Michael Burns as well. And to Patrick and to Ken Roberts for operating the telescopes.

Megan Patterson of the Stratford Museum was very pleased with the night. The museum donated $150 to the Stratford Astronomy Group.

Tom Kimber – News

 

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

 

Sun

The night sky in the Stratford area was crystal clear last night and early Friday morning and all eyes were turned toward the eclipsing Moon.

Ken Roberts took this photo as the Moon was exiting its total phase in the early hours Friday, March 14.  He used the Seestar Z50 astrophotography Smart scope (for background on this scope and another ZWO smart telescope, click HERE).

As Ken points out, locating the Moon is not always as easy to”zero in on” as one might think. He says, “Upon starting, the S50 could not “goto” the Moon.
I asked it to goto another object (M100).
Then it knew its orientation and could goto moon”.

We will have some Z50 smart telescopes on display at the Friday, March 21 Star Viewing Party. Come. out and see for yourself.

Tom Kimber – News