The Eyepiece
 
Published by the Neville Public Museum Astronomical Society Volume 10 Issue 03, March 1998
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
March at a Glance: Page 1 
New Member Welcome Mat: Page 1 
March in Detail:  Page 1 
A Look At Our Past: Page 2 
Down the Road:  Page 4 
Eyepiece Features:  Page 5 
Map to Neshota Park: Page 7		 MARCH AT A GLANCE 

11th: Monthly Meeting-Constellations 
21st: Barlow Planetarium Grand Opening  
25th Astronomy Day Planning Meeting  
25th: NEWSTAR Monthly Meeting 
28th: 10th Annual Messier Marathon 
 
 
NEW MEMBER WELCOME MAT 

     The month of February brought us another addition to the membership list.  Joining were Don & Liz Stewart, W8923 North Lake Road, Vulcan, MI 49892. 
     Welcome to the club Don & Liz! 

MARCH IN DETAIL 

MONTHLY MEETING 
     Our March monthly meeting will be on Wednesday March 11th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Neville Public Museum.  This month our topic is Constellations and the talk will be given by Wayne Kuhn and Steve Wicker.  Hope to see you there. 

BARLOW PLANETARIUM GRAND 
OPENING 
     The University of Wisconsin-Menasha Center (and home of NEWSTAR) will be having grand 

 opening ceremonies the week of March 16th.  NEWSTAR will be there all week helping out, and the NPMAS will be there on Saturday the 21st to man a table with general astronomy and club information.  Contact Don DeWitt at 405-8534 for more details. 

ASTRONOMY DAY PLANNING 
MEETING 
     We will be having another Astronomy Day planning meeting on Wednesday, March 25th at 6:30 p.m.  Once again we will meet at Don & Katrina DeWitt’s house.  Call us at 405-8534 for details and directions. 

NEWSTAR MONTHLY MEETING 
     Due to the Barlow Planetarium grand opening, the NEWSTAR monthly meeting will be on Wednesday, March 25th from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the University of Wisconsin, Menasha Center. 

MESSIER MARATHON 
     Our 10th annual Messier Marathon closes out the month on Saturday, March 28th.  Please see articles in the EYEPIECE FEATURES section of this month's newsletter for more details. 
 
A LOOK AT OUR PAST 

STANDING IN THE SHADOW 
     I woke on the morning of February 26th and opened the shade of my hotel room and was instantly in shock.  It was raining-the first time that the island of Curacao had rain since November.  Not exactly the best way to start out the day of a rare total solar eclipse. 
     I suppose I should back up a little bit though and talk about the rest of the trip.  We arrived in Curacao late on Friday the 20th and by the time we got to the hotel and settled in, we retired from the long plane flight. 
     Saturday we got a chance to explore the downtown area.  We all got excited as Ted Kordes pulled out his GPS unit and got our exact location.  Confident we wouldn’t get lost, we proceeded to board the bus and ride the two blocks downtown-far enough not to even register a change in Ted’s GPS unit. 
     The group, which consisted of George and Kathy McCourt, Ron Parmentier, Ted & Kathy Kordes and their sons Eric & Jon, Katrina and myself started to explore the downtown area and decided to meet at the “Iguana Cafe” at noon.  Meanwhile, Brian Dickson was at the hotel getting certified to scuba dive. 
     A plethora of shops and restaurants resided in the downtown streets but the one thing that I though was most interesting was the foot bridge that crossed the harbor.  It was a floating bridge that swung from one side of the harbor to the other as a whole-not the typical bridge you find here that opens in the middle. 
     After spending most of the day in the downtown district we went back to the hotel and started figuring out where to go for dinner.  We decided on a restaurant called Fort Waakzaamheid. 
     Arriving at the restaurant we heard “local” music which we assumed was part of the sound system.  As the owner greeted us warmly and showed us to our outdoor table overlooking the island, we realized the music was coming from the streets below as the locals were getting floats ready for the next days “carnival”.  An absolutely wonderful meal followed along with great conversation, rum drinks and coffee. 

      Sunday was a more laid back day as most of the town took to the streets for “Carnival”.  A truly unique experience that brings together the tourists and locals sampling music, food and beverages of all different varieties while waiting for the parade to pass by.  The celebration lasted for most of the day.  Monday was a holiday on the island and most things were closed but we had other dragons to slay.  The group went for a ride on a 90’ wooden sailing ship.  Under engine power we journeyed to Spanish Bay about an hour away. 
     Weighing anchor at Spanish Bay, we were given the opportunity to swim and snorkel or just relax by the beach or on the boat.  Once again, a nice lunch was provided before we set the sails and let the wind steer us back to where we came from in the first place. 
     Tuesday morning and early afternoon found some of us taking the bus on a short tour of the island's distillery, a plantation and caves.  Others ventured back to the downtown district for more shopping, and still more did some snorkeling at the hotel’s beach front.  The island once again quieted down in the late afternoon as the final “Carnival” got underway.  This time it lasted well into the evening with fireworks ending the celebration at midnight. 
     On Wednesday, Katrina and I took a long tour of the island and we saw some of the many sites and terrain the island has to offer. 
     This brings us back to Thursday, the day of the eclipse.  By the time we were finished showering, the rain had stopped but it was still very cloudy out.  We all boarded the bus to the eclipse site and were on our way.  As we got closer to our site, the sky started to break up and by the time we had our equipment set up, 
there was not a cloud to be seen.  Everybody was now breathing a sigh of relief. 
     It is hard to describe a total solar eclipse.  Really, it is something you need to experience.  Your senses are going crazy as there are a thousand different things going on around you.  I will end this article with the thoughts and words of a few club members that were there. 
   BRIAN DICKSON: 
     Seeing my first eclipse was more than anything I could have ever expected.  Rain had greeted us as we got up in the morning 
 
(Continued from page 2) 
so it was good to see the sky clear up. Everyone's excitement was build as Totality approached, with the darkened sky putting a surrealistic sense of wonder. 
     Ron and I watch the eclipse from the side of a hill as the rest of the crew stayed down below taking photographs and looking through their eclipse filters as the sun was almost completely consumed by the moon now.  The sky to the west was now getting extremely dark as if a massive storm was approaching, with second contact still a minute away we were able to see Venus gleaming off to the right side of the sun. 
     Totality about to descend upon us the sun disappeared in the brilliant glow of the diamond everyone talks about, I was blasted away with an image of total beauty.  Then staring straight at where the sun should be there was now a black hole in the middle of the sky with the brilliant corona blazing all around it. 
 
     Mercury and Jupiter were obvious straddling both sides of the black hole, Venus now the most brilliant thing in the sky.  I was overwhelmed by this feeling of awe and beauty, unlike anything I had ever seen or felt before.  I wanted to shout and scream by was overtaken by the moment and just stood there with my mouth open. 
     As I looked around the area all the house lights in the area had come on and there was a sunset spanning the entire horizon.  I looked around to see if I could see any stars, but the only other object I could find was Saturn shining out over the ocean to the north. 
     It is a feeling I could never truly explain to anyone who hasn't experienced it.  As totality was about to end I could see the bright beading of light around the limb of the moon and then suddenly the diamond was blazing away on the opposite side of the sun!  Feeling totally 		 exhilarated but disappointed that the three fastest minutes in my life were now over, I rushed back to be with the G.B. crew to find out their reactions. 
     Those few minutes are burned into my brain now, leaving a lifetime of memories.  I want to see another one well before the next eclipse here in the US in 2017!  It is an incredible event that everyone should see at least once in their lives. 
   KATHY KORDES: 
     Feelings are hard to sum up, but maybe the word “WOW” explains it. Ted and I went to Hawaii in 1991, but had clouds for totality.  This time the view was perfect, but short.  I’m not the astronomer in the family, but this event is fantastic.  Most of the pictures you see the eclipse show just the sun and moon, but it was amazing when the planets started popping out.  Someone shouted out that Venus was visible before totality.  Then during totality, we could see Jupiter and Mercury.  I was operating the video camera and kept zooming in and out so you could also see the planets.  I also looked naked eye once in a while, which is breathtaking. 
     I also had a great time at Curacao.  It was our first international trip and turned out to be a great experience.  Half of our carry-on luggage was lost for two days, but things did get better.  The people were nice, the weather was warm, but some of the prices were high.  We probably could have spent a few more days there.  We did a bus tour and sail boat ride, but there were still more parts of the island to see.  We also did some snorkeling, but seemed to run our of time quickly. 
   JONATHAN KORDES: 
     The eclipse was awesome!!  I can’t explain it all in words.  I was disappointed that Mom and Dad couldn’t see the eclipse in Hawaii, but I think that it is better seeing totality for the first time with family.  I was impressed when Jupiter and Mercury came out during totality, but Venus was pretty cool before totality.  I liked the shadow bands that we saw on the towels.  I will never forget the eclipse!! 
   ERIC KORDES: 
     What I liked best about the eclipse is probably the diamond effect and the shadow bands.  I also liked the way the sky got darker slowly and then all of a sudden it got really dark and the stars and planets came out.  It was weird to look at the sun and see Mercury and Venus. 
 
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I learned a lot about the eclipse, like when to look and how the shadow bands came to be.  If I had the chance I would like to go see another eclipse. 
   GEORGE MCCOURT: 
     As someone who has seen three total solar eclipses (1979,1991,& 1998), my reaction each time was the same. The essence of a total solar eclipse is not what you see but what you experience!!  Words simply cannot describe the emotions, excitement, and sense of power. I can only compare it to the witnessing of the birth of my two children.  Photographs, videos, magazine articles, and verbal descriptions can only prepare you for what you will see. As the saying goes, "you had to be there" to experience it.  Don't miss the next one!! 
   KATRINA DEWITT: 
     While I looked at many pictures, read many articles and books and listened to other people retell their past experiences, it was not enough to prepare me for what I saw, what I encountered. 
     Being at our site for several hours before anything was to take place, I decided to explore the surroundings and wait for the event to begin.  After some time I remember someone yelling “FIRST CONTACT”, but I wasn’t too excited.  After all, I did see the annular eclipse in 1994 and knew what was happening. 
  
     As the sun was getting covered, my excitement was growing.  After all, I traveled nearly 2500 miles to see this.  As totality drew near, I became a little nervous.  Everyone was yelling to look for Baileys Beads and the Diamond Ring, not to mention watch for shadow bands.  The decreasing of light and all 		 the planets and stars popping out, I wanted to see it all, but I had no idea what to look at and when. 
     I did miss the Bailey’s Beads.  However, I did see the elusive shadow bands and the Diamond Ring was fantastic.  As was the darkness I was suddenly plunged into.My first view of totality overtook me.  I saw the prominences though the binoculars, the corona sweeping away in some beautiful arcs and at that point, I began to cry with awe. 
     Being my first eclipse, I wanted to take it all in, so I put the binoculars down and sat and looked around me.  I took in the deep twilight we were washed in and noticed the bluish-silver glow that accompanied it, along with the color variances near the horizon.  I took time to observe the people-some just looking, others busy with their photos.  Then I took time just to look at totality with my eyes.  All this in the course of three short minutes. 
     I remember George asking me if I thought a total eclipse was something that needed to be described or experienced for people to understand it’s power.  After seeing an event that many people never will, an event people long ago were terrified to witness, I realize my thoughts, my reactions and those of the people around me, it truly is an event that needs to be experienced personally to even begin to describe it. 
 
DOWN THE ROAD 

FERMI LAB FIELD TRIP 
     The field trip to Chicago and the Fermi Lab is on Saturday, April 18.  There will be two options for you to think about. 
     Option 1 is a day trip where you leave Saturday morning, take the tour and head on back.  Option 2 has you staying overnight at The Hampton Inn and taking in a tour of the Shedd Aquarium on Sunday. 
     The Fermi Lab tour if free but the tickets to the Shedd Aquarium are $10.00 per person.  The cost of the hotel is $69.00 and you can have up to 4 people in the room, which breaks it down to about $18.00 per person. 
     We passed around a sign-up sheet at the January and February meetings and want to confirm the final numbers at the March meeting. 
 
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If you want to go but can't make it to the meeting, call Don or Katrina DeWitt at 405-8534 so we can get you on the list.  We will call you with car pooling instructions and maps to get there as soon as we have them. 

EYEPIECE FEATURES 

BOOK CORNER 
     Instead of a book review, I presented "Gadgets & Stuff for Astronomy” at the February meeting.  It was a look at some of the accessories available to make our hobby easier.  Here is a recap of the items: 
     Table: Coleman 24” x 48” folding table, lightweight aluminum, adjustable height (22" and 28”).  Luggage type handle.  $33.00 to 39.00 at most department and sporting goods stores. 
     Bright Star Atlas:  Ten black and white maps with 9060 stars to magnitude 6.5  Six seasonal constellation finder charts.  600 deep sky objects.  Laminated, good starter atlas $9.85 from Sky Publishing through NPMAS. 
     Sky Atlas 2000 Chart Carrier:  For field or desk edition.  Protects from dew, holds all 26 charts, opens up flat.  Zippered pocket for accessories.  $17.95 from Sky Publishing through NPMAS. 
     Sky Atlas 2000 Data Scale:  Lets you quickly determine star magnitudes, angular distances, and telescopic fields down to one degree.  Telrad “bullseye” and magnifier. $7.15 from Sky Publishing through NPMAS. 
     Head Band & Flashlight:  Great for setting up and tearing down your astronomy gear.  Keeps both hands free.  Need to cover lens of flashlight with red tape.  $8.00 for flashlight. 
     Nightwriter Pen:  A combination pen and flashlight for logging your midnight observations.  Takes two AA batteries, comes with extra ink refill.  $10.95 from Orion Telescope Center. 
     Long Reach Gooseneck Flashlight:  Clips to your picket, books or equipment.  Also stands alone.  9” neck bends and stays in position.  Focusing lens, takes two AA batteries.  $16.95 from Orion Telescope Center. 

 Starlight:  Red LED flashlight with two light bulbs, thumb wheel brightness control, and 20” neck strap.  The work horse for the astronomer.  Takes one 9 volt battery.  $22.45 from Sky Publishing through NPMAS. 
     Anywhere Clock:  Large, easy to read LCD digits.  Can be mounted with self adhesive tape.  Detachable from base.  One year battery life.  Displays time and date.  $7.99 from Radio Shack. 
     Eye Patch:  Yes you’ll look like a pirate.  Allows your facial muscles to relax and steady your vision.  Enhances your concentration.  $3.95 from Orion Telescope Center. 
     Black Fabric:  Thin enough to breath through preferable.  Large enough to fold over for maximum light blockage.  $1.00 per yard at Walmart, $5.00 per yard for thicker styles. 
     NEW Messier Card:  Redesigned and updated.  Lists positions, sizes, and magnitudes for all 109 Messier objects plus 20 more.  Optional laminated finish.  $3.55 from Sky Publishing through NPMAS. 
     Caldwell Card:  The 109 Caldwell objects.  All sky map on one side, positions, sizes and magnitudes on the other.  Laminated.  $4.45 from Sky Publishing through NPMAS. 
     Since I will be co-presenting March’s meeting topic, Constellations, with Steve Wicker, there will not be a book review in March.  At the April meeting I will review The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide. 

MESSIER MARATHON UPDATE 
     March 28 and the Messier Marathon are fast approaching.  If you have not already done so, mark your calendars, then come to Neshota Park.  There was a complete write up in last month's newsletter so I will just go over the basics. 
     You are encouraged to bring along your favorite desert or any other dish you can think of and help make this a “potluck” party.  We want several people to volunteer to make chili this year instead of one person being burdened with it so if you would like to make up a batch. please contact Katrina or Don DeWitt at 405-8534.
 
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     Remember, you don’t have to own a telescope to come out.  It’s a great opportunity  for you to look through many different scopes if you happen to be in the market.  We will also have the club’s 10 inch Dobsonian there for you to use. 
If you are going to observe in a marathon fashion, you should be there, set up and ready to observe by 6:15 to 6:30 p.m..  There will be observing forms provided for all. 
     Remember, this is a party so come on out even if it is cloudy.  Once again members of NEWSTAR and the Sheboygan Astronomical Society are invited to come out also.  A map to Neshota Park appears on page 7 of this 
newsletter.  We are planning for a big turn out and we hope to see you there! 

RULES FOR THE MESSIER MARATHON 

1) A special certificate will be given to everyone who observes 5 or more Messier Objects. 

2) Gold stars will be placed on the certificate for every 10 objects observed after the initial 10 objects. 

3) All objects must be located by the star 
hopping method to be eligible for a certificate.  You may use setting circles but will not receive a certificate. 

4) The NPMAS will provide you with a list containing a suggested observing sequence.  You can also make you own list if you prefer. 

5) You will be required to write down the time you observed the object.  

6)  All observations must be made in either a telescope or binoculars to be eligible for a certificate. 
     Please note that these rules are for the people that want to observe in a marathon style.  You are not required to observe in a marathon style, nor are you required to stay all night.  This is meant to be a fun event so good luck to everyone and above all else, HAVE A GOOD TIME!!!

 MORE SCENES FROM THE ECLIPSE