Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

Your Bridge to the Stars

Grants Awarded for CMU and Pitt Students to Assist AAAP Dark Sky Outreach

March AAAP Meeting, 7:30 PM, Friday, March 18, 2016, Carnegie Science Center, Dr. Carles Badenes , Binary White Dwarf Mergers

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Kick-off Carnegie Science Center “Space Out! (Astronomy) Weekend*” at the AAAP March Meeting, 7:30 PM, Friday, March 18, 2016, Carnegie Science Center. The featured guest speaker is Dr. Carles Badenes  from the University of Pittsburgh. Previously another program was announced, but upon that presenter’s unavailibilty AAAP has the good fortune of host Dr. Badenes.

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Dr. Badenes  will talk about binary white dwarfs and what happens when they merge.  A team of astronomers led by Carles Badenes helped to clarify the origins of an important type of exploding star utilizing data from a little-known feature of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-III) .

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[Read more…] about March AAAP Meeting, 7:30 PM, Friday, March 18, 2016, Carnegie Science Center, Dr. Carles Badenes , Binary White Dwarf Mergers

AAAP February Meeting Features Brashear Time Capsule 7:30 PM, Friday, February 12, 2016

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AAAP February Meeting, 7:30 PM, Friday, February 12, 2016 features guest speaker Art Glaser from the Heinz History Center to discuss the contents of the Brashear Time Capsule found during the March 17, 2015 demolition of the John A. Brashear Factory  (Perry South neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). The meeting location is Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214, United States. Carpooling is encouraged to economize parking. For more information and updates check back here as the date nears, AAAP Facebook and look forward to the AAAP February Guide Star Newsletter. Read more about John A. Brashear here.

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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis.

21+Rocket Science Tonight at Carnegie Science Center

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Meet with AAAP president and interested AAAP members tonight January 15, 2016, 6-10 PM, at 21+Rocket Science at Carnegie Science Center.  Just drop in no reservation needed.  Guests may purchase tickets from the CSC website or at the door.  Guests should see CSC for more info. AAAP members can check with the AAAPgh List and or club officers. AAAP supports CSC and holds many of its monthly meetings at the Science Center. This is a great opportunity to share club and astronomy information with the public and to promote the Carnegie Science Center.

Carnegie Science Center plans an unforgetable evening exploring the Space Race and Rocket Science teaming up with the City Theatre to present present scenes from the world premiere of “Some Brighter Distance,” which explores the true story of Arthur Rudolph, a German rocket scientist who helped American win the space race before being cast out of the country. Preview scenes from the play even before its theatrical debut on Jan. 23. Actors will perform under the stars in the Buhl Planetarium; a planetarium show will follow the performance.

Bring your questions for a Q-and-A session with some of the cast and crew and astronomers to learn about this important time in American history.

All that, plus explosive demonstrations in the Works Theater, design and launch your own straw-rocket, ride on the zero-gravity simulator, build a space shuttle glider and in the Science Stage, watch vintage films depicting what people thought space travel would be like in the future.*

Also, if in town earlier in the day enjoy AAAP Member Bill Snyder’s Astrophotography  Exhibit in the Conney M. Kimbo Gallery at the University of Pittsburgh, there from January  11th to 22, 2016. Hours: Monday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday noon–5 p.m.

 

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Updates and additional astronomy and AAAP information on AAAP’s Facebook Page.

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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis.

AAAP Scholarship for High School Seniors

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To promote, improve and encourage the profession of Astronomy, the AAAP will provide an award in the amount of $1000 for High School Seniors who are presently enrolled in either Allegheny or Washington Counties who are planning to study astronomy, physics or mathematics.  Deadline for submission: April 1, 2016

Additional details and the application packet can be found here.

Quadrantids, First Meteor Shower of 2016, January 3-4, 2016

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The Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaks Sunday night into Monday Morning, January 3-4, 2016.  The Waning Crescent Moon should be little interference. Sky shown here is 1:00 AM, Monday January 4, 2016 Quadrantid radiant, is approximately 15 degrees above the horizon (Stellarium screen capture). The Quadrantid radiant is in the corner of a right angle formed by the Big Dipper and bright star Arcturus.  Notice the accompanying meteor showers labeled in aqua and gold: pi Geminids, delta Cancerids, December Leonis Minorids, as well as Comet Catalina  (c/2013 u10), slightly east azimuth 65 degrees.

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As indicated in Accuweather’s  the national weather map thumbnail below for Sunday Dusk through Monday Dawn Pittsburgh local weather is hindered by partial clouds however much of the country in a wide band from Texas through southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond anticipates good viewing.

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AAAP’s Weather Resources indicate those in the Northern and Eastern Greater Pittsburgh Area may have an ideal clear sky opportunity on either side of Midnight.  Considering Pittsburgh weather it can vary.   If you cannot watch the Quadrantid meteors live you can see them with the Slooh Space Camera and with Ustream . The NASA Ustream channel includes a lively commentary by NASA scientists. [Read more…] about Quadrantids, First Meteor Shower of 2016, January 3-4, 2016

Grants Awarded for CMU and Pitt Students to Assist AAAP Dark Sky Outreach

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AAAP Logo - 0314 x 0314 - photo white on black - rev 2Thanks to Alex Gurvich (CMU Astronomy Club President)  and Corinne Hite (Pitt Space Exploration and Astronomy club president) the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP) will have some help promoting the value of dark skies in 2016. Along with their club sponsors and advisers and AAAP leadership they have secured funds to make this happen, Diane Turnshek, CMU and AAAP,  facilitator.  The Sprout Fund “Big Ideas” grant has awarded $1000 towards astronomy outreach at some AAAP 2016 Star Parties and University of Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Observatory has contributed $500. The funds will purchase an International Dark Sky Association (IDA) banner promoting the value of the night sky, light pollution activity kits and a Parashield glare visor for public demonstration. It’s both the first time the these university clubs will be collaborating and the first time they will travel to Wagman Observatory and Mingo Observatory.

Updates and additional astronomy and AAAP information on AAAP’s Facebook Page.

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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis.