For a deeper dive into Black Holes and the science behind their existence, you can view the information here. This is provided by the Perimeter Institute located in Waterloo, Ontario
For a perspective on the South Pole Telescope (SPT) and the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project, click here.
Tom Kimber – News
When the Artemis II moon mission launches in April, a Canadian astronaut will be ready for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. How does he feel about this? Read this story by science journalist Amanda Buckiewicz, published in CBC News, to find out.
Click this link for a peek at the planned flight path trajectory.
Tom Kimber – News
You can click here for a review of the December 2 meeting
We had two presentations by club members:
Tom Kimber – News
You can now use an app to spot and track the International Space Station (ISS) using your phone. To find out how, see Jeff Spy’s article in SPACE.com by clicking here.
Tom Kimber – News
SPACE.com Reference Editor Daisy Dobrijevic shows you how to spot and track the STARLINK Satellite train using your phone. To find out how, click here.
Tom Kimber – News
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.
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
Sixteen years back, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen joined the elite company of astronauts training for a Moon mission. Find out what it has been like to train for this once-in-a-life-time Moon mission by reading this story by science journalist Nicole Mortillaro published in CBC News.
Tom Kimber – News
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).
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!
Perched on a high, flat-topped mountain in Chile, the Vera Rubin Observatory has released its first images. See this link to the Vera C Rubin website.
Tom Kimber – News
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
