- Magnificent Orion
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The spectacular parade of planets that marched across the Fall skies has nearly disappeared. Venus and Jupiter set shortly after the Sun. Only that old slowpoke Saturn remains high in the sky. No great comets are visible. The Moon waxes and wanes. Does th... more
- Introducing Myself - How Astronomy became a Life Long Passion
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
More than half a century ago, my Dad took me to visit with an astronomer friend of his. He led us into his back yard and proudly displayed his masterpiece, a beautifully machined eight inch Newtonian telescope. As the last light faded in the West, the fir... more
- A Solar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
On February 26th, southern New Englanders will have a chance to glimpse the last total eclipse visible from the Americas in this century. The eclipse will be total only on the north west corner of South America where it joins the Isthmus of Panama. For ev... more
- Colors of the Stars
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The Moon plays the magician for the third time in less than five weeks. As noted in last month's article, the Moon eclipsed the Sun on February 26th and eclipsed (occulted) the bright star Aldebaran on March 4th. It performs the same trick with the Jupite... more
- Rain Check
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
All right, I'll admit it. Sky gazing during this year's monsoon hasn't been all that it might have been. The rain has forced me to try Plan B for astronomy (the Internet) much more than normal. There are lots of sites on the Internet devoted to Astronomy.... more
- What Time is It?
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Not long ago, a visitor to our observatory asked why we needed three clocks. She could see that the top clock was keeping Eastern Standard Time (EST), but the two lower clocks were out of step. The middle clock was set to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which i... more
- How Many Days in A Year?
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Entry Date: May 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
When I was in fifth grade, my teacher happened to cover both multiplication of fractions and Astronomy at about the same time. When she came to the point of assigning class projects, I was given the task of computing how many days each planet had in its y... more
- Our National Telescopes
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Do you know we all own a small piece of several great telescopes? Until the later half of this century, astronomers had to purchase time on large telescopes. A night's viewing runs as much as $10,000. A young astronomer with a brilliant idea might not be ... more
- Requiem for a Sextant
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Recently I learned that the Naval Academy no longer requires Midshipmen to learn how to navigate with a sextant. Now this venerable tool joins slide rules, chronographs, orreries, astrolabes and many other instruments in technical obsolescence. We no long... more
- Moon Beams and the Speed of Light
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
On September 15th Jupiter reaches opposition when it lines up with the Earth between it and the Sun. This is when the distance between Earth and Jupiter is minimum and Jupiter's apparent size is maximum. One of the sights which amateur astronomers await i... more
- Twinkle Twinkle
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Visitors to Frosty Drew Observatory often say "I guess its an old wives tale, but I've heard that stars twinkle but the planets don't." Well, this folksy wisdom is basically correct. While planets occasionally twinkle, they are far less susceptible to twi... more
- Celestial Directions
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Entry Date: Oct 29, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
We're familiar with three dimensional rectangular coordinates of width, depth and height or symbolically X, Y and Z. Rectangular systems work fine locally but are very unwieldy across large distances on spheres like the Earth. Describing the course of a p... more
- Buying a Telescope
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
As Christmas approaches, people want to know what type of telescope to buy for an aspiring young astronomer. Take it from an old hand, what you buy must have good optics, a sturdy mount and simple controls. Time and again I have watched kids frustrated by... more
- Candles in the Night
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 1998
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
When the distance to a light increases, the brightness of the light drops by the square of the distance. A light moved 10 times farther away will only be 1/100 as bright. We can use a star of known brightness to measure distances across the unbridgeable c... more
- Achilles and the Tortoise
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
With the exception of Pluto, the planets travel in nearly circular concentric orbits centered on the Sun. All sorts of numerical relationships exist between these orbits. For example: p2=a3 says that the square of a planet's period (in years) is the cube ... more
- What's in a Name
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Naming things is a quintessential human activity. By international agreement, a single group, the International Astronomical Union [IAU]has the sole authority to name natural objects in space. The discoverer of a celestial object can influence the name, b... more
- Wild Night Life
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
There is a common misconception that astronomy is a placid avocation akin to sitting on the beach, watching dapper little waves shifting grains of sand to and fro. Well mostly that is true, but other times astronomy is as much bravery and daring do as coa... more
- A Very Ordinary Star - Part I
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Our Sun is an ordinary star, but what does this mean? We have been looking up at the Sun since the beginning, yet it continues to surprise us. Lets take a look at some of the ordinary and extraordinary features of our day star.Stars are born in inter... more
- A Very Ordinary Star - Part II
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
At the beginning of this month, we compared the Sun to other stars using the Hertzsprung Russell Diagram. We saw there was a relationship between luminosity of a main sequence star and any one of the following: spectral color, mass, temperature, or lifeti... more
- An Extraordinary Satellite
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Entry Date: May 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
In April this column covered an ordinary star, the Sun. This month lets review a most extraordinary satellite, the Moon. The Moon's mass is a bit more than 1.2% of Earth's mass. Only one other satellite, Charon, is larger than 0.005% of its planet's mass.... more
- Log, May 14, 1999
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Entry Date: May 14, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday: 47 people. This was a night of spectacular viewing. Visitors brought several very large telescopes including a 20" Obsession. Some of the spectacular sights included viewing of a supernova in a distant galaxy, the planet Pluto, the Whirlpool galax... more
- Log, May 21, 1999
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Entry Date: May 21, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday: 30 people. The occultation of Regulus (Alpha Leonis) by the Moon at 17 minutes after midnight was the centerpiece of this weeks viewing. Heavy rains earlier in the week caused a short in the external circuits causing us to drape orange power cords... more
- Log, May 22, 1999
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Entry Date: May 22, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The platform that will be our base for the new telescope, arrived. It was manufactured according to our rough plans by Joe Brightman, but the end product was anything but rough. It works very well and looks fine. It is sturdy and comfortable. While it doe... more
- Log, May 28, 1999
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Entry Date: May 28, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
19 people. As is so often the case, a full Moon means that relatively little is visible in the sky. Tycho was very evident in any type of telescope or binoculars. Unfortunately almost everything else on the Moon was dazzling and hard to see. Craters were ... more
- Our New Telescope
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Everyone at Frosty Drew Observatory is excited as the installation of our new Meade 16 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope approaches. We hope to have it operational in September. The light grasp of the new telescope is five times our current 7 inch refract... more
- Log, Jun 3, 1999
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Entry Date: Jun 3, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
I made my Rhode Island TV debut on behalf of FDO. He will show up in a 5 minute promo and a half hour "interview". So far, the interview was really a monologue with me welcoming imaginary visitors to FDO. An additional section will be done with some child... more
- Log, Jun 4, 1999
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Entry Date: Jun 4, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. Viewing conditions were quite good this evening. While not as spectacular as May 14th, the lack of Moon light until after midnight, and unusually still air made higher powers practical. A great many Messier Objects were sighted tonight, most wi... more
- Log, Jun 11, 1999
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Entry Date: Jun 11, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18(+8) people. In reviewing the sign in log book at FDO last night, I noticed that a number of people had not logged in. This included the people with the big scopes at the north end of the state. We should try to encourage more people to sign. It helps j... more
- Log, Jun 18, 1999
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Entry Date: Jun 18, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
38 people. The yearly convention of RV vehicles at Ninigret Park was in full swing. When a few RV campers came down to FDO, we sent them away until they rounded up lots more folks. Sure enough, just as dusk a large group of the campers moved down the road... more
- Log, Jun 25, 1999
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Entry Date: Jun 25, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 people. The viewing was nearly nonexistent. A few breaks allowed us to momentarily swing the StarFire onto Venus and the Moon just in time for them to disappear. Mars and Vega were sighted, but we weren't able to see either before the gap closed. In spi... more
- Saros and the Blue Moon
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
If you multiply the days in a year (365.25) by 19 years you will get 6939.75 days. If you multiply the days from in a synodic month [New Moon to New Moon] (29.53) by 235 synodic months you will get 6939.55 days. The two periods almost match. This odd fact... more
- Log, Jul 2, 1999
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Entry Date: Jul 2, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. If worse Summer viewing conditions for viewing exist outside of a named tropical depression, I'll be surprised. We had thunder-fog. We gave up and didn't even open.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 9, 1999
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Entry Date: Jul 9, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Poor weather conditions and the need for the staff to put in unusually heavy hours at FDO kept us from opening.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 16, 1999
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Entry Date: Jul 16, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
On Tuesday I did my monologue on TV channel 13. This repeated several times during the week and was seen by more people than we had ever expected.On Wednesday the Meade 16" arrived. Due to a misconception on my part, we didn't have an unloading crew.... more
- Log, Jul 23, 1999
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Entry Date: Jul 23, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Saturday: We met between 9:30 and 10:00 and began the disassembly of the 12" shell and the StarFire 7". The German mount was disassembled into a variety of parts which we could remove. Then began the sawing of the existing pier. What a job! The pipe is a ... more
- Log, Jul 30, 1999
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Entry Date: Jul 30, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday: Dave, Joe and I met at the dome to try iron out some of the problems we have had with the alignment. It seemed that we never could get better than 2 or 3 degrees off target. We suspected that two star alignment had to be done with all a few minute... more
- Our Wonderful New Telescope
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
You certainly didn't expect me to avoid discussing our wonderful new telescope in the first column after we installed it, did you? We're like fathers with photos of their newborns. Just in case you managed to miss the First Light Celebration at the end of... more
- Log, Aug 6, 1999
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Entry Date: Aug 6, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Tuesday: After reviewing our performance at the First light Party, Joe and I decided to do some practice runs as the basis of a Docents Training Course which we have dubbed Meade LX200 101. In spite of reading and rereading the manuals, the telescope cont... more
- Log, Aug 13, 1999
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Entry Date: Aug 13, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. This was a most disappointing night. Haze and small showers teased us all evening. One group of visitors from Sturbridge hoped to see something when a small patch cleared above our heads. Unfortunately, this was just after one shower and anothe... more
- Log, Aug 20, 1999
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Entry Date: Aug 20, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday: The last glitches that prevented us from using the CCD imager last Friday have been overcome. The radio tower in the northwest was the first successful target. Guess what it looks like a lot of steel girders and supports. Joe was also able to make... more
- Log, Aug 27, 1999
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Entry Date: Aug 27, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Thursday: A power outage caused problems with the dome. When power was restored, the alarm went off and a number of circuit breakers tripped causing one of us to make a quick trip to fix things. All is well but the telescope needs a few alignment fixes.... more
- Will of the Wisps
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The night sky contains more than the familiar stars, galaxies, planets, comets and meteors. It contains odd entities like the new Moon in the old Moon's arms, the gegenschein, the ashen light, noctilucent clouds, the green flash and the Earth's shadow. Th... more
- Log, Sep 3, 1999
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Entry Date: Sep 3, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday: 54 people. The "Rhythm and Roots" concerts in Ninigret Park generated a larger than usual group of people at FDO. For a night that the staff had written off due to poor weather and a concert by C.J. Chenier being held a few hundred yards away, we ... more
- Log, Sep 10, 1999
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Entry Date: Sep 10, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We had a monsoon (with more than 3.5 inches of rain). This was a total washout as we did not even try to open up shop.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 17, 1999
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Entry Date: Sep 17, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Saturday: We scheduled an impromptu work and viewing schedule for this evening once Joe heard how good the weather would be. We sent out notices to everyone who has an e-mail address and contacted two non e-mailers via phone. Several folks had conflicts a... more
- Log, Sep 24, 1999
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Entry Date: Sep 24, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday: 53 people. As we knew, the brightness of the Moon dictated much of our viewing tonight. The air was initially moderately unstable but improved throughout the night. By the middle of the night, there was little or no twinkling in the stars and the ... more
- Log, Oct 1, 1999
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday: Joe and I tried to install the bi-directional dome control remote switches. We didn't have a lot of luck. The connections are a little more complex than we predicted. It was too cloudy to attempt to find the "bug" which caused the scope to drift.... more
- Phases of the Moon
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Do you remember your science teacher's explanation of the phases of the Moon? My fifth grade teacher pulled the blinds down tightly, turned on a spotlight and we all watched as she carried a gray ball around us. Sure enough, we could see the light illu... more
- Log, Oct 8, 1999
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Entry Date: Oct 8, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
37 people. What a frustrating night! An all cloudy night is simply a failure. A partially cloudy night means picking your targets in the gaps. However, a windy partially cloudy night means the clouds move so fast we can't turn the dome fast enough to see ... more
- Log, Oct 15, 1999
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Entry Date: Oct 15, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday: I made a trip to FDO to make sure everything was ready for the people who would be coming to check us out in preparation for Project Comet Chaser. While there I got in a little extra viewing on a very nice night. The LX200 was behaving very well, ... more
- Log, Oct 22, 1999
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Entry Date: Oct 22, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The heavy cloud cover with the threat of thunderstorms, rain and fog kept us home Friday evening. Throughout the evening, breaks in the clouds mocked our decision, but I doubt we could have seen much with blustery conditions. For anyone who was... more
- Log, Oct 29, 1999
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Entry Date: Oct 29, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday: Joe spent a work night and suffered our usual highs and lows. The lows came once again from struggles with the CCD unit. The new release of the Pictor software finally recognizes the electric focuser, but the Auto focus option doesn't, and even co... more
- Project Comet Chaser
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
By now, you have probably seen something about the rocket launch from Ninigret Park on November 18th in the news. Local area students have assembled a payload which is mounted in a rocket that with be launched by a NASA crew of specialists. With luck, thi... more
- Log, Nov 5, 1999
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Entry Date: Nov 5, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
20+ people. The night promised to be ideal, but alas it didn't come close at all. We were supposed to have clearing by 7 or 8 PM and cooler temperatures. Not so - the temperature actually rose and the clouds came and went with the speed of boxcars on a ra... more
- Log, Nov 12, 1999
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Entry Date: Nov 12, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday: We had a work session to install shelving in the metal lockable cabinet.Thursday: Joe and I scheduled a work session to try to collimate the LX200. The sky was gloriously clear and the stars twinkled furiously. Did I say twinkle? Indeed - and... more
- Log, Nov 19, 1999
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Entry Date: Nov 19, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday: In spite of my own calculations which said that I would see less than ten minutes of the transit of Mercury from Southern Rhode Island, I packed up my Questar and solar filters and drove to the beach. The weather was breezy and cold, but the entir... more
- Log, Nov 26, 1999
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Entry Date: Nov 26, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
34 people. Victory was snatched from the weather gods this week. After 5 straight evenings of fog and a couple of days of rain, the skies began clearing Friday afternoon, and by sunset we had beautiful clear, steady skies.This apparently wasn't the c... more
- Log, Nov 30, 1999
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Entry Date: Nov 30, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
... more
- Buying a New Telescope
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Every year we are asked what type of a telescope we recommend for a kids. The answer is always the same, start with binoculars. Binoculars are easy to use and when the child is ready for a bigger telescope, binoculars remain useful. Binoculars start at un... more
- Log, Dec 3, 1999
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Entry Date: Dec 3, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
42 people. Joe arrived early, anxious to get a view of the NOVA in Aquila that was spotted this Tuesday. Estimates predicted the magnitude would approach the 3rd magnitude by tonight. However, I and Joe feel the estimate was too large by around a full mag... more
- Log, Dec 10, 1999
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Entry Date: Dec 10, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Tonight was a total rain out.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 17, 1999
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Entry Date: Dec 17, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
24 people. The evening started out with Joe getting to the dome very early to install some uplevel software. I arrived at 5:20 PM fully expecting to be the first only to find the dome red lit and in operation. Some four leggedy beasties similar in shape a... more
- Log, Dec 24, 1999
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Entry Date: Dec 24, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Christmas Eve: No people. FDO is closed for the holidays. See you again starting January 7th.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 31, 1999
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Entry Date: Dec 31, 1999
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
New Year's Eve: No people. FDO is closed for the holidays. See you again starting January 7th.-Les Coleman... more
- Our Sky in 2000
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Astronomy and calendars came of age together. Most major natural calendar events are reflected in the sky. A year is of course one trip around the Sun. Spring [Mar 20th at 2:36 AM] starts the moment the Sun moves north of the Equator. Summer [June 20th at... more
- Log, Jan 7, 2000
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Entry Date: Jan 7, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Saturday: Joe and Dave made a trip over to the observatory for a viewing session. They report that the weather closed in within an hour after sunset, severely limiting the seeing.Wednesday: Joe and I made it over to the observatory last night to inau... more
- Log, Jan 14, 2000
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Entry Date: Jan 14, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
19 people. Saying that it was cold is like saying the ocean is wet - true but a magnificent understatement. Even with several layers of cross country ski clothing, your truly was forced to retreat into the warmth of the Nature Center. The intense cold cau... more
- Log, Jan 21, 2000
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Entry Date: Jan 21, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
10 people. With apologies to Clement Moore, I think I will sum up tonight's log with:T'was the night after snowfall, when all through the parkAstronomers gathered to wait for the dark,The stars in the sky so gaily did twinkle,While sno... more
- Log, Jan 28, 2000
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Entry Date: Jan 28, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. It was cold but not as positively frigid as last week. Even so, the door was frozen shut, and the front gate frozen open. Joe as usual had arrived first. By the time I had arrived Joe was just putting the finishing touch on some adjustments sug... more
- Star Stuff
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
"We are such stuff as dreams are made on..." Well loath as I am to challenge the Bard on his home turf perhaps "We are such stuff as stars are made on..." is more literally true. I call upon Mighty Orion to attest to this truth. In the Hunter's constellat... more
- Log, Feb 4, 2000
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Entry Date: Feb 4, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 people. Joe went to the dome to put the repaired cable on the scope. The good news is that we've fixed the runaway dec motor problem. The bad news is that the movement in that axis is decidedly spotty. More work on that mechanism is required to get acti... more
- Log, Feb 11, 2000
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Entry Date: Feb 11, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We have a quick quiz for all of you out there. Last night was - a: cold, raw and very foggy b: 100% humidity with chilblains c: a complete gray grismal washout d: all of the aboveAnyone who d... more
- Log, Feb 18, 2000
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Entry Date: Feb 18, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Sunday and Tuesday two people working on LX200 in both cases. Three weeks ago, we had a scare at FDO - thanks to a shoddy soldering job in the cable that connects the drive base to the fork, a short circuit caused runaway movement in the declination axis,... more
- Log, Feb 25, 2000
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Entry Date: Feb 25, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people. In spite of the downpour, three of our stalwarts, Art, Joe and I decided that some work needed to be done at the Dome, so off we went. I got housemaid's knee using a big shop vacuum to clean the dome. You'd be amazed how much dust collects when ... more
- Our Celestial Life List
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
This Spring we are developing an idea to increase interest in our skies. Borrowing and modifying the Life Lists started by our fellow naturalists, the bird watchers, we have created our own version for the skies. Our Life List consists of maps to be label... more
- Log, Mar 3, 2000
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Entry Date: Mar 3, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Monday and Tuesday: Sunspot activity is very high currently. Three major groups and more than a dozen small spots were easily visible through a Questar Solar Filter stopped down to about 40 mm. The changes in the groups over 16 hours is really surprising.... more
- Log, Mar 10, 2000
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Entry Date: Mar 10, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
7 people. At 4, the sky was clear. By 5, it looked like we would have a scattered clouds night. By 6 after we had completed a few housekeeping tasks, clouds were common but thin enough to allow viewing of bright objects [The Moon: Mare Crisium, Mare Fecun... more
- Log, Mar 17, 2000
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Entry Date: Mar 17, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people. A late winter snow / sleet / ice / freezing rain storm really put a crimp in our attempts to use the telescope tonight. If we hadn't made a firm commitment to an interested potential member [Sarah] I doubt that anyone would have come. I know my ... more
- Log, Mar 24, 2000
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Entry Date: Mar 24, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Thursday: Joe and I met at the Dome to try some CCD imaging. We are not so much interested in the pictures as the process. While we took a quick peek at Mars and Jupiter, most of our time was spent with the Trapezium in M42.One annoyance was that our... more
- Log, Mar 31, 2000
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Entry Date: Mar 31, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
86 people. Another spectacular night for FDO. The Moon wouldn't rise until 4:00 AM, so the glare that hampered us at the end of last week's session was not a problem. The weather couldn't have been better - very clear skies were had all night long. There ... more
- The Realm of the Galaxies
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Look north any clear spring evening and you'll find the Big Dipper. Using the ditty "follow the arc to Arcturus and speed onto Spica" trace out a great arc to the south through Arcturus and Spica. Return to the Dipper to use Megrez and Phecda (in the bowl... more
- Log, Apr 7, 2000
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Entry Date: Apr 7, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
[While Les travels the west (hopefully with a scope in the luggage!), Joe handles the log tasks for the week.]Friday: 6 people. The odd mix of clouds with a few clear patches made this evening more of a teaser than anything else. What clear open spot... more
- Log, Apr 14, 2000
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Entry Date: Apr 14, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
36 people. We had a troop of young girl scouts with us throughout the early evening. In addition we had at least one teen who was taking the astronomy elective course over at North Kingstown's high school. Welcome all. We enjoyed having you there even if ... more
- Log, Apr 21, 2000
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Entry Date: Apr 21, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Rain and lightning washed out this Friday. Lets hope for nice weather next week.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 28, 2000
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Entry Date: Apr 28, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people (all staff): You might not believe it but we actually managed to get a little bit of seeing in and around the clouds after a long tease. We did not bother to try to use the 16" telescope because with breaks in the clouds being so few and far betw... more
- Berringer and Uplift Craters
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Entry Date: May 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Last month we made a trip to the Four Corners area. In addition to hiking and viewing magnificent scenery, I made it a point to visit meteor impact sites. I visited the world famous Berringer Crater is about a half dozen miles south of I-70 east of Flagst... more
- Log, May 5, 2000
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Entry Date: May 5, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
12 people. People started arriving about 7:30 when the sky showed signs of clearing, but as soon as one clouds disappated another would boil up. Unstable warm damp air from the north condensed as soon as it hit cold maritime air. We told visitors that we ... more
- Log, May 12, 2000
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Entry Date: May 12, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
9 people. Tonight is one of those reason why people need to look twice before settling in for a long comfortable snooze. The clouds which had deviled us all day dissipated by 9 PM I'll tell you the truth, I doubted we see much of anything except glimpses ... more
- Log, May 19, 2000
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Entry Date: May 19, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. At my last look at the rain gauge we had accumulated almost an inch with no end in sight. So we'll try again next week.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, May 26, 2000
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Entry Date: May 26, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
126 people. What a fantastic night we had with a group of visitors from the Thames Valley Astronomers, a Brownie troop and a Girl Scout troop not to mention more than 70 folks who just showed up. Many of the members had family members show up. We couldn't... more
- A Summer Comet
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Linear 1999 S4 gives some indications that it may be the first visible comet of the 2000s. Look for the comet near the end of the June through early August. In case the name doesn't seem to be quite as euphonious as many comets of yore, blame it on the ad... more
- Log, Jun 2, 2000
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Entry Date: Jun 2, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 People. The evening started out in the middle of a scrumptious sundae composed of a cup of fresh strawberries over a great dollop of strawberry ice cream. Do not interrupt such a repast if you wish to see me at my best. However, that is exactly what hap... more
- Log, Jun 9, 2000
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Entry Date: Jun 9, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. The night started out rather unpromising with a fair number of clouds covering the sky. However, they were thin and occasionally gaps showed through. I met a teacher from Cranston who asked if there was much chance that we'd get a clear shot at... more
- Log, Jun 16, 2000
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Entry Date: Jun 16, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
37 people. The sky was cloudless although the air was very humid before sunset. I moved the telescope over to Mercury and waited until the Sun was safely down before moving the shutter . I expected a fairly big turnout, in spite of the full Moon because o... more
- Log, Jun 23, 2000
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Entry Date: Jun 23, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
49 people. The night started out as acceptable and turned into something memorable. As soon as it was dark enough, Joe turned the scope onto the Ring Nebula [M57] while Les waved the Star Stick of Science madly at the constellations talking his usual non-... more
- Log, Jun 30, 2000
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Entry Date: Jun 30, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
92 people. What a wonderful wonder filled night!! A dark night, clear skies (and oh yes a big brightly lit tent from the Big Apple Circus) plus a large enthusiatic crowd made for an excellent evening. The Big Apple Circus was very obliging by turning off ... more
- Earth's Strange Companion
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Everyone can tell you the name of Earth's satellite - it's the Moon. However I doubt one person in a million could name Earth's companion - Cruithne [pronounced croo-EEN-ya]. Until 1997 no one knew anything about Cruithne until an astronomer named Paul Wi... more
- Log, Jul 7, 2000
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Entry Date: Jul 7, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
68+ people. We had at least 68 names but some of them were written as the "Jones Family" without any indication as to how many folks were in the "Jones Family". I think we were closer to 80 viewers. We had a troop of scouts visit us this week.With th... more
- Log, Jul 8, 2000
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Entry Date: Jul 8, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Addendum to Friday night: Art could scarcely contain his glee as he told Dave, Joe and myself of a phone call his wife had received. Mrs. Camilla Lee of Narragansett had called with an offer of her step father Ryder Henry's Questar telescope. He bought hi... more
- Log, Jul 14, 2000
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Entry Date: Jul 14, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
28 people. This evening was one of the most frustrating types for us. The clouds kept coming and going, teasing us into thinking that we might actually get some observing done. Instead, whenever we identified a clear patch of sky, the clouds would beat us... more
- Log, Jul 21, 2000
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Entry Date: Jul 21, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
23 people. We had visitors from as far away as Minneapolis. They arrived early on their way to a night's lodgings in West Haven but decided they couldn't stay late enough on a night when the skies were so unpromising. We bid goodbye and hoped they would h... more
- Lost in the Stars - Remembering Robert Burnham, Jr.
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Entry Date: Jul 21, 2000
Published Under: Doug Stewart's Columns
Staff members at Frosty Drew Observatory are often asked by guests, students and new members to recommend some good books about observing the heavens. This question usually follows another one: "What kind of telescope should I buy", or "Can I get a goo... more
- Log, Jul 28, 2000
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Entry Date: Jul 28, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
9 people. Common already, enough is enough! Ok Weather, you've made your point. You can make astronomy at Frosty Drew an impossibility. What a spoil sport you are. You are blocking our view of several really exciting things. Astronomers elsewhere (where t... more
- Delta Scorpii Erupts
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Delta Scorpii, the fourth brightest star in the constellation Scorpius has intensified from magnitude 2.3 to 1.9. The star is now so bright that folks familiar with the sky find the Scorpion very much changed.Delta Scorpii (also called Dschubba prono... more
- Log, Aug 4, 2000
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Entry Date: Aug 4, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
53 people. The Seafood Festival was in full swing in the park, so in spite of a cloud cover which grew as the Sun began to set, we had quite a crowd. We had Venus in the scope for a short while and a terribly fuzzy Moon for the better part of an hour and ... more
- Log, Aug 11, 2000
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Entry Date: Aug 11, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Tuesday: 3 Staff. Last Friday the staff was grumbling about the fifth washout in as many weeks. Dave suggested and the rest of the staff agreed that we should meet sometime during the week of August 5-11 for a Clear Virtual Friday Session [CVFS]. CVFS's a... more
- Log, Aug 18, 2000
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Entry Date: Aug 18, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 people. Yes, 6 honest to goodness people actually came down in our standard Friday muck. We couldn't see much except each other. Actually, people viewing was much easier than normal because we had the house lights on full. We showed the telescope [purpo... more
- Log, Aug 25, 2000
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Entry Date: Aug 25, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
82 people. Tonight the sky was clear from horizon to horizon. As the sky became really dark, we could see rich detail in the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy was easily discerned by eye alone. There were a few annoyances. Seeing wasn't rock steady accep... more
- Log, Sep 1, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
59 people. 59 people had a chance to look at at least something but we had to turn away at least another dozen folks after the fog became too thick. We honestly arrived expecting nothing at all but it stayed patch work clear enough for us to fit several f... more
- Hi Down There
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
One of my friends was surfing the Internet when he came upon a series of photographs taken by Air Force that have been turned over to the USGS. Several photographs showed the area around the Frosty Drew Center In Ninigret Park. Not only are the roofs of b... more
- Log, Sep 8, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 8, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Wednesday: 3 staff. The promise of superb clear skies as well as the need to calibrate and practice with the CCD in conjunction with the new digital focuser resulted in a work session. Joe and Doug arrived around 7:30. By the time Les arrived nearly an ho... more
- Log, Sep 9, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 9, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people. So what else is new, its Friday so it must be cloudy. If I could figure some reliable way to get the word out to everyone, I would open the Observatory on the best night of the week rather than Friday. What is worse, a few kids past their bedti... more
- Log, Sep 12, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 12, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. We held our first class this evening. I couldn't believe how rapidly time passed for me. After two hours, several topics I had intended to include had to be omitted. Luckily the star hopping session can be included with another scheduled star h... more
- Log, Sep 15, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 15, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
31 people [by 11:30]: I fully expected the Friday report to be something like "Heavy rain and the threat of severe thunderstorms made cancellation mandatory. There is no hope that the clouds will break so viewing is futile tonight."Howev... more
- Log, Sep 19, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 19, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. We covered the solar system in our second class. It reminds me of that all joke about a one semester college course called the ENTIRE HISTORY of MANKIND. Upon receiving a terrible grade on the final exam, a student complained that he had droppe... more
- Log, Sep 21, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 21, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Joe sent Les an urgent note urging to grab his Questar with the safe solar shields and look at the Sun. The greatest sunspot since 1992 has erupted. This storm, many times the size of the Earth, is amazingly detailed. I've included my sketch. The limb dar... more
- Log, Sep 22, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 22, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
72 people: We covered lots of ground figuratively tonight. We had 72 looking at some 49 different objects. By 3 AM, I decided to leave letting the younger guys spend the remainder of the night. They stayed until just after 4 AM. I was decidedly cold but v... more
- Log, Sep 27, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 27, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 staff: With clear and steady skies overhead Joe and Doug scheduled a work session at the dome to install "Bob's Nobs" (custom sized collimation screws) and to perform a thorough collimation of the 16". Removing the dew shield caused a temporary problem,... more
- Log, Sep 29, 2000
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Entry Date: Sep 29, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
71+ people: There is a [only somewhat fictitious] rumor running around that yours truly races home, grabs an hour of sleep before beginning these log entries. However last night defeated even my best intentions. Not only did I not awake at 5:30 (my normal... more
- Dark Skies
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
While looking at the technology within Frosty Drew Observatory it is easy to forget that our greatest resource after people is our dark skies. Few places in the eastern United States have such consistently dark skies. One very well known science writer cl... more
- Log, Oct 6, 2000
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Entry Date: Oct 6, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We declared a washout at 6:30.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 13, 2000
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Entry Date: Oct 13, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
99 people. Can you say MOON, boys and girls? The Moon was Full last night on October Friday the Thirteenth, an event which will not happen (in October) until until 2083. This piece of trivia is brought to you after a week long set of debates about the sub... more
- Log, Oct 17, 2000
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Entry Date: Oct 17, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Our normal class night was postponed for a board meeting of the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund, Inc. [FDMC]. Many topics were covered concerning the day by day running of both the Nature Center and the Observatory. Both units of the FDMC reported a successful ... more
- Log, Oct 20, 2000
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Entry Date: Oct 20, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
82 people. What a glorious night we had with clear skies, gentle temperatures, and soft or nonexistent breezes. When I arrived later than usual as I expected Art, Dave, Joe and Doug had things well underway. Outside we had a number of visitor and member t... more
- Log, Oct 24, 2000
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Entry Date: Oct 24, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Tonight we held the last class of the FDO Astronomy Class for the year 2000. Some of the folks in the class will be continuing into the docent (our staff) class where they will learn how to run our balky dome and do arcane things like parking and homing t... more
- Log, Oct 27, 2000
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Entry Date: Oct 27, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
0 people. It is so cloudy that I gave up any hope by 5:30 PM. Hope next week is better.-Les Coleman... more
- The Fuzzy Star
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
If you look up into the sky to the east any time after 9 PM on a clear night, you can see the greatest of the constellations Orion the Hunter. While Orion's head and hands are delimited with third and fourth magnitude stars, Orion's torso from his shoulde... more
- Log, Nov 3, 2000
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Entry Date: Nov 3, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
55 people. We had a fairly large number of people for this late in the year. A group of Boy Scouts, another of Cub Scouts and a class of FDO docents in training. Yours truly had to hop from one thing to another and its wasn't until very late in the evenin... more
- Log, Nov 10, 2000
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Entry Date: Nov 10, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Visitors=0. The rain, mist and fog cancelled all viewing. All that happened was our docents attended a training class in the Nature Center. Everyone at FDO hopes next week will be crisp, comfortable and clear. See you next week if possible.-Les Colem... more
- Log, Nov 17, 2000
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Entry Date: Nov 17, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
52 people. wow...Wow...WOW...WOOOOW! DIDJASEETHAT! I'm not sure what type of wildlife makes these strange calls but there was an awfully large number of these cries coming from somewhere just east of the National Wildlife Preserve in Charlestown last nigh... more
- Log, Nov 24, 2000
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Entry Date: Nov 24, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
61 visitors. (Les, our usual scribe, was out of town visiting with family. Joe steps in to write the log this week.) "If you don't like the weather in Rhode Island, just wait a minute." That aphorism proved its truth last night to the st... more
- Log, Dec 1, 2000
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. One of our visitors has set a distance record we believe. Sydney Australia will suffice until we get someone from Perth, or Amsterdam or the Kergulen Islands. The weather report predicted a clear cold night. It certainly started off that way bu... more
- The Leonids
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Normally this series of columns deals with upcoming celestial events but this column about a spectacular event which took place in November above your heads while most of you slept through the night of Friday the 17th into Saturday the 18th. The Leonid Me... more
- Log, Dec 8, 2000
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Entry Date: Dec 8, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. A combination of snow, overcast and bitter cold forced the closing of FDO at 4 PM. We hope to see everybody next week.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 15, 2000
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Entry Date: Dec 15, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people. It wasn't much of a night but three of us held a work session, or rather two of us (Les and Sarah) kibitzed while Joe worked. Outside the night deteriorated from a handful of stars and three bright planets to Aldebaran, Jupiter and Saturn when V... more
- Log, Dec 22, 2000
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Entry Date: Dec 22, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This is getting to be a real bore. We have another wipe out from bands of snow showers which sweep in from the west. They don't add much stuff but it is enough to make any chance to open the dome.On Monday I had a chance to visit Vassar's ... more
- Log, Dec 29, 2000
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Entry Date: Dec 29, 2000
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 people. I arrived a few minutes late to find Neal Overstrom, his wife and two of his friends from Maine with an 8 inch scope in operation. I began to open up to the inevitable dome chatter as it skiped out of its track. Shortly we were ready to start bu... more
- Mars Approaches
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Throughout 2000 Mars was conspicuous by its absence from the evening sky. This year Mars begins a lengthy stay in our evening sky coming nearest to us in June. Mars will be nearer than usual as we pass it this year, a fore runner of 2003 when Mars makes i... more
- Log, Jan 5, 2001
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Entry Date: Jan 5, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 people. Joe and Dave were planning to stop by at the Dome in spite of dire forecasts of soggy white stuff with the propensity of filling the dew shield of our big scope full nto the brim. However they had some work which they wanted to do tonight. I'll ... more
- Log, Jan 7, 2001
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Entry Date: Jan 7, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people. Tonight the shadows of Ganymede and Io crossed the face of Jupiter together forming a very visually interesting event. You can see the image at The double transit occurred while the Great Red Spot [GRS] was turned towards us. Joe and Les arrived... more
- Log, Jan 12, 2001
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Entry Date: Jan 12, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
30 people. Well this is more like it. I arrived early to find Doug waiting. I fully understand why. After a month of horrible weather the first clear Friday night couldn't have been more welcome. In side the dome we found a small puddle of water on the pl... more
- Log, Jan 19, 2001
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Entry Date: Jan 19, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another sodden night with rain, freezing rain and snow coming later. Lets hope next week is better.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 26, 2001
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Entry Date: Jan 26, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
39 people. When Doug and Les arrived, the Sun was still up but we weren't early to catch the Sunset. Earlier in the week we had checked the Dome to find that a large amount of ice and snow had slumped from the Dome in front of the doors and had become a t... more
- Analemma of Time
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Winters, especially cold and snowy winters, get to be a bit of a chore this time of year. Last week while chopping our Observatory Dome free of ice, I began to think of spring and being an astronomer, the analemma of time . I'll bet you've even seen one p... more
- Log, Feb 2, 2001
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Entry Date: Feb 2, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person. A certain miserable west central Pennsylvanian ground hog made his yearly prognostication just in time to wipe out tonight's festivities. Thanks a lot beautiful downtown Punxuatawney - I've had my phill of you and your phat phurry phoolish woodc... more
- Log, Feb 9, 2001
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Entry Date: Feb 9, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. More lousy weather appeared at Frosty Drew this evening. Oh well, rather than just say nothing for the umpteenth time, I decided to examine the logbook to see the good things we've done since we installed the Meade LX200 16" SCT in July of 1999... more
- Log, Feb 16, 2001
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Entry Date: Feb 16, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
7 people. While we certainly could not view anything, we held our (roughly) monthly talk. This one was on the the Life Cycle of Stars. We talked about the early formative stages in a stellar nursery like M42, the middle years when stars are huge nuclear f... more
- Log, Feb 18, 2001
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Entry Date: Feb 18, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 people. After 16 of 18 rainouts this winter, we just couldn't pass up the chance to crank up the 16" SCT at FDO. We declared a "Virtual Friday Night" and sent out the alert to anyone we could reach in time. Six of us showed up including two invited gues... more
- Log, Feb 23, 2001
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Entry Date: Feb 23, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
35 people. Teasing, Wheezing and Freezing - I don't think these were the names of Snow White's little friends but it was a more than adequate description of the weather. The clouds and even a brief snow squall raced across the sky almost faster than we co... more
- Earth's Nonexistant Second Moon
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
While this isn't a dreary polemic against the Internet, there are times that relying on Internet information not only leaves a bit egg on your face but an entire gooey cheese omelet. Last year we had a doomsday scenario about an asteroid which passed so c... more
- Log, Mar 2, 2001
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Entry Date: Mar 2, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
5 people. While no one could call tonight a wonderful clear dark sky, we did manage to get a bit of viewing in. When I arrived, Joe was already showing a couple from Charlestown what the Moon looked like through our 16" SCT. A bit later after using Rigil ... more
- Log, Mar 9, 2001
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Entry Date: Mar 9, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
0 people. For the umpteenth time this winter, weather has forced us to stay at home. @#$%$@*&^%$!!!I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about a few changes in the website which may help you. The weather map has been converted from a ... more
- Log, Mar 16, 2001
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Entry Date: Mar 16, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
0 visitors.Despite a sparkling clear day in southern Rhode Island, FDO did not open. The reason? A massive cloudbank that stretched back beyond Pennsylvania. This time, we did not succumb to Mother Nature's trickster ways, but stayed home and watched... more
- Log, Mar 23, 2001
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Entry Date: Mar 23, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
51 people. Week after week we have been unable to open our doors because of clouds, rain, sleet, and snow. Once again, a weather condition forced us to close - SUN! Yes indeed, sunrise forced us to close up shop but only after eleven hours of wonderful vi... more
- Log, Mar 30, 2001
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Entry Date: Mar 30, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
no people. Heavy rains (up to a half inch per hour) have shut us down this Friday. We will have to postpone our attempt to finish with the last five Charles Messier objects which we haven't managed to sight yet. One of the five can be seen all night: M91 ... more
- Sighting Phobos
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Roughly very two years, the Earth overtakes the planet Mars at what is called an opposition. At oppositions our distance to this small red planet is small. When oppositions occur in summer, Mars is as close while Earth is as far from the Sun as they get. ... more
- Log, Apr 6, 2001
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Entry Date: Apr 6, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
no people. Another washout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 13, 2001
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Entry Date: Apr 13, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
43 people plus a Cub Scout Pack of unknown size. You know, it's not that the weathermen have been inaccurate with their forecasts over the past few months - it's just that as astronomers we haven't cared much for what they've been predicting! At Frosty Dr... more
- Log, Apr 20, 2001
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Entry Date: Apr 20, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people plus a family of 5 who arrived after we had shut down. Well Barry has a theory which is very unsettling if correct. He thinks that I am the cause of cloudy and rainy viewing nights. He may be right. Notice that while I was away while we did have... more
- Log, Apr 27, 2001
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Entry Date: Apr 27, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
35 people. After some committee work by the staff as 6:30, the evening swung into higher gear near 8 PM. Two activities were running - a talk about Galaxies in the Nature Center as well as our normal viewing over in the dome.Months ago Andy, the son ... more
- The Final Four
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Entry Date: May 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
March Madness isn't restricted to tall people with a ball and a basket. Late March and early April is the only time of the year when it is possible to view all 109 valid Messier Objects [MOs] if you are willing to spend an entire night (dusk to dawn) in a... more
- Log, May 4, 2001
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Entry Date: May 4, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
34 people. It has been an FDO tradition to bestow the faintly coveted Smudge of the Week Award" to that celestial object which was least worthy of a second look. We are careful to never award this to any object which has the least redeeming feature. Last ... more
- Log, May 11, 2001
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Entry Date: May 11, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
34 people. Sky conditions were passable but not spectatcular. When Cygnus rose reasonably high the Milky Way was barely discernable. However I would certainly take tonight's sky over last week's misery. Doug has taken to opening while the Sun is still up ... more
- Log, May 18, 2001
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Entry Date: May 18, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
no people. While it was a moonless night and Mars beckoned us with some interesting antics from it bitty moons, the weather locally was heavily clouded and towards midnight we got an onshore fog to make things worse. Hopefully we'll see you next week.... more
- Log, May 23, 2001
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Entry Date: May 23, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Marcie and I attended the dedication of "Spaceport Rhode Island" at the site of the November 18, 1999 launching of the first rocket from New England into space. The event was called Project Comet Chaser and had over 5000 people including 3800 school child... more
- Log, May 25, 2001
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Entry Date: May 25, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. We have been having an absolute downpour for several days so I frankly doubted we'd open at all, but surprize, sursprize the evening started out remarkably clear. Barry had already arrived by the time I made it to the gate. He had his 8" Dobs r... more
- Log, Jun 1, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Memorial Day Weekend-Les Coleman... more
- Rocket Science
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
On November 18th 1999, Rhode Island hosted the first launching of a rocket into space from right here in Charlestown. An attempt named Project Comet Chase was made to intercept the dust trail of Comet Tempel-Tuttle (the source of the bright Leonid Meteors... more
- Log, Jun 8, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 8, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
10 people signed in and 3 looked in and decided to go home immediately. Barry and I [fool]-hardily braved the gathering elements and opened up the Dome. Once everything was running (except the focuser which had drained its 9V battery and the UPS which was... more
- Log, Jun 15, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 15, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
46 people. We started the evening looking at Albireo. We suddenly had the computer reboot and the telescope reset. I was afraid that someone had played with the computer software, but in fact the culprit was a malfunction of the APC Uninterruptable Power ... more
- Log, Jun 16, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 16, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person - me. I mumbled and grumbled all morning looking at the weather maps deciding if we would open. Finally at 4PM I decided that if we didn't open for viewing we'd inaugurate our Saturday Night sessions with a talk entitled "Eclipses, Transits, Occu... more
- Log, Jun 20, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 20, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The dream of having a Sky Theater took a substantial step forward when the Board of the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund authorized enough funds to have architectural plans drawn up. Sky Theaters are hybrid partaking of attributes of a traditional planetarium, a... more
- Log, Jun 22, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 22, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday June 22nd: 18 people. Despite having officially called off the evening's session, the sky was still clear at 7:45, so I knew that people would be coming to FDO despite the fact that fog, clouds and rain were on the way. The clouds were definitely o... more
- Log, Jun 23, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 23, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
no people. Our intent in opening the Observatory twice a week was to double the number of opportunities to display the wonders of the sky. All we managed to do is double the number of rainouts. Yesterday, Joe opened unofficially but the same badweather lu... more
- Log, Jun 29, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 29, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
55 people. What can you do when there is high haze, a bright Moon and too much sky shine? What else, look at bright objects. Mars and the Moon took center stage all night long. The haze has a curious effect, it often produces extremely stable astronomical... more
- Log, Jun 30, 2001
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Entry Date: Jun 30, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. The haze was denser and the air was less stable than Friday, worse yet we could see heavier cloud to the north and condensation of the haze into out and out fog to the south. However considering our luck this year with the weather, tonight cons... more
- The Rest of 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The sky changes in predictable but surprising ways. Lately I have been hearing a lot of visitors to Frosty Drew Observatory asking about the return of Jupiter and Saturn this fall. They were magnificent last fall, but this year they won't really return un... more
- Log, Jul 6, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 6, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
55 people. Well our old friends the Big Apple Circus paid us our yearly visit this week. I had exepected they would open tonight, but they actually will be open Monday through next weekend. Most astronomers grouse [unless the rant, rave and froth at the m... more
- Log, Jul 7, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 7, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
26 people. Saturday was a lot like Friday in turns of weather, only more so - or perhaps less so depending on your point of view. Clouds bedeviled us all evening.Les opened up at 7:00 only to find eight or nine people waiting for the evening. After c... more
- Log, Jul 13, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 13, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
93 people: Due to the large crowds of eager public, the time on the 16" was devoted mostly to observing Mars; everyone wanted to see it and the line stretched out the door of the dome onto the lawn for a couple of hours. This grew a little tiring for thos... more
- Log, Jul 14, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 14, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
32 people. Les was certain that the Friday night crew had gotten the better of the weekend weather, but not so. Except for some scattered clouds which fromed in place near 10:30 and disappated before 11:30 the sky was immaculate. Even at earlist dusk whil... more
- Log, Jul 20, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 20, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
I won't keep reminding you about the newly created Southern New England Stargazers email news group, but for those who missed the announcement this new group formed by several members of the FDO community can be found at: http://snegazers.... more
- Log, Jul 21, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 21, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
126 people. We thought that last night's 76 people (logged in) would be the majority of the visitors, but tonight we had 126 folks log in and I'm sure we missed at least a dozen from the Camporee/Music Festival which was in progress.Truth in advertis... more
- Log, Jul 27, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 27, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
84 visitors. The temperature started out about 70 degrees, falling to the low 50's by dawn. What would turn out to be a rewarding, but most unusual night at FDO started with high expectations. The air was dry, and clear skies were promised for the entire ... more
- Log, Jul 28, 2001
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Entry Date: Jul 28, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 Visitors The temperature started and held in the mid 60s. As this weekend approached, there appeared to be a good chance of another back-to-back clear stretch at FDO. But it was not to be. By 7:30, as Doug arrived to open up, the skies were about 40% o... more
- Star Names
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
As a recent project, I started to trace back the name of the stars to their origins. I limited myself to the names used by to the scientific community. These are derived from peoples who lived around the Mediterranean Sea, although Polynesian, Native Amer... more
- Log, Aug 3, 2001
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Entry Date: Aug 3, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday and Saturday. Overcast skies broken by occasional gaps with thin sunshine and frequent periods of showers and a rumble of thunder or two dominated both days. After we had called off Saturday, I had second thoughts for an hour or so when it seemed t... more
- Log, Aug 10, 2001
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Entry Date: Aug 10, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday and Saturday. Overcast skies broken by occasional gaps with thin sunshine and frequent periods of showers and a rumble of thunder or two dominated both days. We were eagerly awaiting a shower this weekend eagerly but of the meteoric rather than the... more
- Log, Aug 17, 2001
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Entry Date: Aug 17, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
21 people. Had the evening been even one whit worse, we would have adjourned to the Nature Center where Doug had brought an "emergency" back up plan - a really superb mini-documentary first seen on A&E called "Longitude" staring Michael Gambon with a came... more
- Log, Aug 18, 2001
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Entry Date: Aug 18, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people. There undoubtedly have been worse conditions at FDO, and there must have been weirdier glitches with the equipment. But when the conditions were worse I never would have opened and if anything had been more strange in the behavior of the equipm... more
- Log, Aug 24, 2001
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Entry Date: Aug 24, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
104 people. For a wonderful change, skies were clear from horizon to horizon and the Observatory teemed with excited people - in other words exactly what we want. Seeing was quite decent but not as wonderfully stable and clear as 10 days earlier. After th... more
- Log, Aug 25, 2001
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Entry Date: Aug 25, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. With a second successive clear night in the offing (unheard of this summer!) excitement was running high in the minds of astronomers as they convened once again at FDO on Saturday night - the last regularly scheduled public Saturday session for... more
- Log, Aug 31, 2001
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Entry Date: Aug 31, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
8 people. A few people actually showed up in the thickest pea soup fog outside of a a 19th century London novel. The large Rhythm and Roots lights would have made it impossible to see anything but the brightest objects if it had been clear. As it was, the... more
- Celestial Globe
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
At one time or another we have all seen a Globe of the Earth with lines of latitude [measuring an angle from the Equator to the poles] and longitude [measuring an angle east or west of the Prime Meridian running through Greenwich England]. Charlestown, as... more
- Log, Sep 7, 2001
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Entry Date: Sep 7, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. The evening was supposed to start for Joe and Les around 4:30 PM. We had agreed to meet to do something about the outside plugs which have been tripping circuit breakers after every rain and even after particularly heavy dew. Les decided to sto... more
- Log, Sep 14, 2001
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Entry Date: Sep 14, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
7 people (staff). The weather precluded opening the dome, but as previously planned on the first rainy Friday evening, the staff held an informational and organizational meeting at the Nature Center. We discussed the following subjects. The Rhythy... more
- Log, Sep 21, 2001
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Entry Date: Sep 21, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This evening was a rainout. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 28, 2001
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Entry Date: Sep 28, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
4 people. The forecast was for a 50% chance of thundershowers, but FDO remained clear from sunset until about 8:45. Except for a fifteen minute period near the end when three people visited, I had the 16" scope to myself and I made the most of it. Two of ... more
- Mercury - The Legendary Prankster
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
For many people, the most exciting part of Astronomy is the planets. Mercury (called Hermes by the Greeks) was the swiftest of the pantheon of gods and goddesses, wearing winged sandals (and frequently little else). Mercury was always represented as a you... more
- Log, Oct 5, 2001
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Entry Date: Oct 5, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
30 people. Its strange but one person's disappointing sky is another person's wonder. Friday was such a night. The weather which has been parked over the East Coast for four days was on its last hours as cold air to the north moved towards the coast. All ... more
- Log, Oct 12, 2001
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Entry Date: Oct 12, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
50 people. Tonight was one of those nights when we had a very large number of people for most of the evening. With so many people waiting for a turn at the telescope we did not actually go to as many places as average. We hit some old favorites: Mars and ... more
- Log, Oct 19, 2001
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Entry Date: Oct 19, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
19 people. The night started out with high broken clouds. In the southwest, the Moon was a 12% crescent featuring Mare Crisium, Funerius, Petavius, Langrenus and Cleomedes. The plain of Mare Crisium showed ridges from successive lava flows far in the past... more
- Log, Oct 26, 2001
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Entry Date: Oct 26, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people. When I arrived we had a great many thick but low lying clouds. These generate just after sunset and usually disapate by 9 to 10 PM. However, these seemed a bit more sincere than most of the evening clouds. I got a call from a lady with two daug... more
- Venus - Receding Visions
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Last time we talked about the mythology of the innermost planet in the solar System - Mercury. Today we take a step outwards and encounter Venus. There is a classic mythology of the Roman Venus or her equivalent the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite. Most o... more
- Log, Nov 2, 2001
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Entry Date: Nov 2, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
7 people. Clouds prevented any attempt to open to the general public. We did hold the second of our fall series of classes on astronomy. We also performed a civic duty when a misguided fisherman stopped at the Nature Center after trying to find "the beach... more
- Log, Nov 9, 2001
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Entry Date: Nov 9, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
24 People It had been a spectacularly beautiful day around southern New England, but in keeping with our streak of bad luck with the weather, clouds began to gather over Frosty Drew as sunset arrived. Although we had periods with large patches of clear sk... more
- Log, Nov 16, 2001
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Entry Date: Nov 16, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
21 People. Despite weather forecasts calling for "mostly clear" weather, the skies at FDO this Friday started out mostly cloudy and just got worse as the public arrived. We expected clearing eventually (and got it, as you will see) but early guests and th... more
- Log, Nov 23, 2001
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Entry Date: Nov 23, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people Mother Nature was up to her old tricks again this night, as the weather forecast called for "mostly clear" skies for the bulk of the evening. Well, most of southern New England was clear - in fact for Doug and Steve their long drives were clear ... more
- Log, Nov 30, 2001
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Entry Date: Nov 30, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
no people. At 2:37 Les sent out an advisory suggesting that members from distant towns stay at home. He planned to open, but by 5:20 weather was so bad Les simply called the night off. -Les Coleman... more
- Mars - Fact and Myth
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Except for the Moon, only Mars has a surface that we can discern from the Earth. Mars is never very large. Even at its closest we see something no bigger than a basketball a mile and a half away. Imagine some writing on that basketball in a shade of brown... more
- Log, Dec 7, 2001
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Entry Date: Dec 7, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
46 People. A pleasant, though brief, break in the cloudy weather allowed us a very decent evening at FDO. Pesky clouds hampered our view toward the southern horizon, but the rest of the sky remained mostly clear through the early evening. As predicted by ... more
- Log, Dec 14, 2001
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Entry Date: Dec 14, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
5 people. The weather was against us once again. However we did put on our class at 8 PM. After describing the chain of events attendent with 1987SNA - the first naked eye supernova since 1604 we had moved on toward nucleosysnthesis. We were presented wit... more
- Log, Dec 21, 2001
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Entry Date: Dec 21, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. What looked like a very low quality viewing day turned into a very good - almost excellent - viewing night. The sky was literally cloudless and the transparency was exceptional. Even stiff competition with the Moon did not preclude examination ... more
- Log, Dec 24, 2001
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Entry Date: Dec 24, 2001
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 people. After a couple of calls about Christmas Telescopes, I decided to open FDO in spite of heavy overcast and plunging temperatures. I strongly suggest that everyone with a Christmas Telescope (and everyone with a telescope of any era including a few... more
- A Sky Theater
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Since 1988, Frosty Drew Observatory has been open every clear Friday night to the public. We'd like to be able to provide more access but several problems hinder our ability to provide better astronomical education for children and adults in the area:... more
- Log, Jan 4, 2002
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Entry Date: Jan 4, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
68 people. Mr. Glenn Dewell contacted us in December about a possible field trip for students from the Bain Middle School in Cranston. We said sure, and sure enough, they came tonight - some 45 of them. We had set up a brief hello and here is what we are ... more
- Log, Jan 11, 2002
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Entry Date: Jan 11, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people. Les had expected this would be a pro forma "rainout" memo when Les drove over to FDO at 6PM. However by 6:25 when Les met Doug at the Dome, the sky was cloudless. The air was still quite moist but the viewing was at least 5 on our 0-10 scale, a... more
- Log, Jan 18, 2002
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Entry Date: Jan 18, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
26 people. Earlier in the day, the weather forecast was "Clear tonight, with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches." Armed with this baffling prognostication, the staff of FDO assembled unsure of what implement was required to remove "1 to 3 inches of clear" fro... more
- Log, Jan 25, 2002
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Entry Date: Jan 25, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
53 people. We had a large number of folks show up tonight. The sky was free of clouds, but its transparency was not great. Winds and temperature differences made images dance and boil. We played host to Girl Scout Troop 684. By my best count there were 14... more
- Log, Feb 1, 2002
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
no people. Rain and predicted gale force winds caused FDO to cancel its Friday evening session.-Les Coleman... more
- Jupiter King of the Gods and Planets
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Jupiter ("Iuppater" in Latin) was the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Zeus. He is often called the king of the gods, the thunderer, Pluvius (the storm god) but his name translates as either Law ["ius" in Latin] Father ["pater" in Latin]. We get our ... more
- Log, Feb 8, 2002
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Entry Date: Feb 8, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
40 people. Doug and Les agreed to arrive very early in hopes of getting the system up and running while the Comet Ikeya-Zhang was above the horizon. The night promised to have excellent viewing. While it was still twilight, the Milky Way, M42, M45 and a r... more
- Log, Feb 15, 2002
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Entry Date: Feb 15, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
5 people. Five people showed up. One to drop off some lovely photographs and to pick up her negatives, two to do some work on the PC and two came down to actually see something. This nice couple have a two year old whose grandmother came over to baby sit.... more
- Log, Feb 22, 2002
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Entry Date: Feb 22, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people. In spite of arriving early, I was by no means the first person there. Doug and Steve had already opened the Dome and had reinstalled the computer. The odd case of the "slows" and the humming noise in the 3.5 floppy had been repaired. The proces... more
- Log, Mar 1, 2002
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. The weather forecasts all week predicted rain on Friday but by Friday afternoon the predictions moved the actual rain back until after midnight. A nearly full Moon and a good many clouds as well as high overcast made tonight anything but an ast... more
- Light Pollution
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The dark skies above Charlestown was the principle reason for siting Frosty Drew Observatory in the Ninigret Park in 1989. Dark skies are almost nonexistent in the eastern United States. Reconnaissance photos show a light band from Florida well into Ma... more
- Saturn - The Misnamed
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Over the last few months we have recounted the planets, less as astronomical objects but more as their mythic Roman deities. Often there was a reasonable similarity. Mercury is the most fleet-footed god and is the swiftest planet. Venus is the fairest god... more
- Log, Apr 5, 2002
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Entry Date: Apr 5, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. So what else is new? We have scarcely a snowflake all winter, so in April on a night which started as a dark clear cloudless night what sent us scurrying home by 8:15 PM - you betcha - the clouds with their predicted little crystaline hexagons.... more
- Log, Apr 12, 2002
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Entry Date: Apr 12, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Of all the pesky little ideas which plague us one of the most annoying is Daylight Savings Time. Now I don't know about you but every clock I have has a unique method of being advanced and restored. The worst is the clock in my truck. I have to... more
- Log, Apr 19, 2002
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Entry Date: Apr 19, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Tonight was another washout. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 26, 2002
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Entry Date: Apr 26, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
29 people. After a long and discouraging string of rained or clouded out Fridays, the skies finally were clear from start to finish for a whole Friday night at FDO! Some members hadn't been at the dome for two months because of poor conditions, so they we... more
- Uranus - The "Accidental" Planet
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Entry Date: May 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Uranus was the first planet found by telescope. In 1781 William Herschel, a musician by trade but an astronomer by avocation noted a disk shape in Gemini which he assumed was a comet. After carefully plotting its position, he determined it was a planet ra... more
- Log, May 3, 2002
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Entry Date: May 3, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
35 people. The sky was clear all night with a transparency that was good if not great. On our scale of 0 to 10, the night was probably a 6.5. Since our scale is roughly pyramidal, (more 0 and 1 nights than 2 or 3, in turn more than 4 or 5s with only a tin... more
- Log, May 10, 2002
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Entry Date: May 10, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
45 people. The weather forecast was for clear transparent skies and no interfering Moon. I arrived very early to repair the snapped power cord that lead to our digital focuser. That went well. I went over to the Nature Center for a bit and while I was the... more
- Log, May 17, 2002
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Entry Date: May 17, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. On our nearly mythical FDO viewing scale, we managed a 0.124875 tonight. The Moon was visible for short periods as a ghostly glow behind the clouds. Nothing else of the least astronomical interest was visible. I didn't bother to even make the s... more
- Log, May 24, 2002
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Entry Date: May 24, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people signed our logbook, but I think we missed a few. On our highly precise totally subjective scale of seeing, we'd have been hard pressed to reach a two on Friday night. We had a uniform layer of [cirrus?] clouds brightly illuminated by a Moon high... more
- Log, May 31, 2002
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Entry Date: May 31, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday May 31 2002. 4 people. The sky was brilliant tonight - even electrifying. Some of the objects in the sky were at least -15th magnitude. Since none of us were about to tempt fate by staying in the dome while the lightning flashed overhead, any hopes... more
- Neptune - The "Intentional" Planet
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
When William Herschel found Uranus in 1781, other [jealous?] astronomers said it was "accidental", a claim Herschel disputes with substantial reason. The discovery of Neptune on the other hand was certainly no accident but the result of a carefully determ... more
- Log, Jun 7, 2002
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Entry Date: Jun 7, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Due to staffing problems and vacations, the observatory was not able to open this week. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 14, 2002
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Entry Date: Jun 14, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Due to staffing problems and vacations, the observatory was not able to open this week. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 21, 2002
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Entry Date: Jun 21, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Due to staffing problems and vacations, the observatory was not able to open this week.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 28, 2002
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Entry Date: Jun 28, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
26 people. Actually more than 26 people arrived but before everyone could sign in, a vivid lightning display in the west made a hasty departure necessary. It was too bad because the forecast said that it would clear later in the evening. I waited until af... more
- Pluto - A Planet in Name Only
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
How many planets are there? "Nine. Everyone knows that, right?" Well, yes and no. A few years ago the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as "minor planet #1589". The IAU partially relented when the wife of Clyde Tombaugh's [discover of... more
- Log, Jul 5, 2002
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Entry Date: Jul 5, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
86+ people. With a 4th of July 4 day weekend it was hardly a surprize to see a sizeable crowd. In fact I am quite certain that we didn't get everyone's "John Hancock" into the guest book because quite a few folks had set up scopes outside. There was a nic... more
- Log, Jul 12, 2002
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Entry Date: Jul 12, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
50 people. Steve and I (Les) agreed to meet early to check out some thunking noises in the altitude worm gear of the telescope. We know what the problem is, a belt slips, causing the spring loaded motor mount to thunk against the body of the telescope. Th... more
- Log, Jul 19, 2002
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Entry Date: Jul 19, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. A line of very aggressive thunderstorms canceled any chance for a session tonight. I didn't even attempt to go over when the storm could be heard approaching about a half hour before sunset. The sky never really cleared all night although by 11... more
- Log, Jul 26, 2002
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Entry Date: Jul 26, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
22 people. I'll betcha that you think we had another night with nothing doing at FDO. Weren't there a lot of clouds and stuff? Well we certainly had clouds to start and clouds to end, but we actually had about two hours when its was both clear (enough) an... more
- When is a Cow a Cow?
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The very question "When is a Cow a Cow?" is preposterous, yet this is exactly the situation astronomers are in today if you simply change the word cow to planet. We don't demand that an animal must live on a dairy farm before we call it a cow. However we ... more
- Log, Aug 2, 2002
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Entry Date: Aug 2, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We didn't open in the face of a thunderstorm followed by fog. I was planning to go down anyway because of the probable visitors after the Sea Food Festival but a look of stark incredulity on the face of my wife convinced me that this was not a ... more
- Log, Aug 9, 2002
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Entry Date: Aug 9, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
98 people. The weather was on everyone's mind because our Clear Sky Clock predicted that it would become so hazy that viewing would be impossible by 10 or 11 PM. It didn't fail us tonight and we had clear skies until the last of us left for home. However ... more
- Log, Aug 16, 2002
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Entry Date: Aug 16, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Heavy overcast in southern Rhode Island plus a strong storm just a few miles south of the Observatory caused us to cancel tonight at 8 PM. Later in the evening, the sky began to partially clear but it wasn't practical to open this late especial... more
- Log, Aug 23, 2002
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Entry Date: Aug 23, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
44 people. Lets see, no clouds, humidity is reasonable, no fog, temperatures in the upper sixties and low seventies - perfect night for viewing, right? Ooops the Moon is 98% illuminated. This limited our session to basically Venus, Antares, and oh yes, th... more
- Log, Aug 30, 2002
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Entry Date: Aug 30, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Solid overcast at 7 PM meant we did not open tonight, in spite of a large crowd available from Rhythmn and Roots. We couldn't have done much with the bright lights just across the parking lot. -Les Coleman... more
- Meteor Showers and Sporadic Meteors
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
We were very pleased The Rhode Island Monthly Magazine voted Frosty Drew Observatory as the Best Of Rhode Island in the "for free" category. We competed against all other free organizations for this award.Meteors come in two general categories. ... more
- Log, Sep 6, 2002
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Entry Date: Sep 6, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
33 people. What a joy it is to be able to write a log entry that isn't full of complaints about grismal weather. The night was quite good - probably a full 7 or so on the totally subjective FDO scale where 0 is fog to thick to see the heavy rain clouds ob... more
- Log, Sep 13, 2002
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Entry Date: Sep 13, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
112 people. Friday the 13th not withstanding, we had a great turnout tonight. We various Scouting groups including a pair of Cub packs with 29 and 26 attendees (including Moms, Dads, and some brothers and sisters). We several families of a half dozen memb... more
- Log, Sep 20, 2002
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Entry Date: Sep 20, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
47 people. What between the intense moonlight (the Moon was 99.7% full) and excessive moisture which formed whispy clouds, high level haze and patches of really nasty fog viewing was maybe a 3 on the overly calibrated scientifically vapid supercalifragili... more
- Log, Sep 27, 2002
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Entry Date: Sep 27, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Tonight's session was cancelled because of an "Isadore Dunking" performance. Yes I know its a terrible pun but only for that unfortunate minority who get the reference. -Les Coleman... more
- Peeking at Venus
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Venus spends October racing from its point of greatest brilliancy at the start of the month to its dimmest as Venus' dark side faces us at the end of the month. The change is very swift because Venus is closer to us than at any other part of our orbits br... more
- Log, Oct 4, 2002
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Entry Date: Oct 4, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We are batting 1000 this fall, a hurricane remnant on each Friday since fall began and for the next two weeks we cannot open due to being short handed. Bound to be wonderful nights in that case. C'est la vie. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 11, 2002
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Entry Date: Oct 11, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Third week with the remnants of a tropical storm. This is a bit much folks. Enough already.I have some information to pass on. The Frosty Drew Board elected Jim O'Brien as the new president. Some of you know Jim if you have attended the la... more
- Log, Oct 18, 2002
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Entry Date: Oct 18, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed due to under staffing problem.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 25, 2002
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Entry Date: Oct 25, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. The weather forecast was mediocre at best, but by the time I arrived (the official fall and winter opening time is 6:30) I found Steven (hope I spelled it correctly) just finishing up knocking down his gear. It had been tolerable but clouds wer... more
- Log, Nov 1, 2002
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
28 people. After a passing thundershower that cleared the area by 7PM, the sky began to clear. We got a bit of viewing in and then it seemed to close in again but shortly after that the sky became very clear - somewhere between a 7 and an 8 on our scale o... more
- Sundials - A Fun Kid's Project
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Most of the time when we think about astronomy we think about stars, planets, comets and galaxies, and well we should. Maybe we think of the tools of our trade, scopes, instruments, clocks, computers and software. Yet I find it fascinating to consider ... more
- Log, Nov 8, 2002
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Entry Date: Nov 8, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
45 people. In a very real way tonight was a sort of old friends night at FDO. Lots of the regulars, Steve, Art, Ernie and Satish were here plus 40 or so visitors including a group of about 15 Girl Scouts and their families. It is a lot more fun when there... more
- Log, Nov 15, 2002
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Entry Date: Nov 15, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. When I arrived, the sky was rather nice, but chock-a-block full of moonlight. I knew that the weather forecast was for gathering clouds, following by increasing dismal, and finishing up with torrential monsoons. As I write this note, stages one... more
- Log, Nov 17, 2002
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Entry Date: Nov 17, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This was a total rain out. Don't forget that next Friday, November 29th, the Observatory will be closed over the long Thanksgiving Holiday. Best wishes from us for you and your families on Thanksgiving.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 29, 2002
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Entry Date: Nov 29, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The Observatory was closed on the long Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. We hope you had a fine Thanksgiving.-Les Coleman... more
- Windows in the Sky
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
When children are in the Observatory Dome before we have the telescope up and running I usually keep a running patter up. One of my standard questions is "What do you have to be able to do if your house only has one window?" Various answers come back from... more
- Log, Dec 6, 2002
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Entry Date: Dec 6, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
31 people. What should we do on a clear Friday night with the temperature dropping from the freezing point at dusk into the teens by the middle of the night? Hmmmm - I know! Lets go down to Frosty Drew Observatory and watch Les wrestle with frozen equipme... more
- Log, Dec 13, 2002
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Entry Date: Dec 13, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person - just me. Why would an old triscadecaphobe wander on on a night which was obviously destined to be damp, rainy and downright disappointing? Well there were some scouts planing to come down. Several times they have come when the weather suggested... more
- Log, Dec 20, 2002
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Entry Date: Dec 20, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Needless to say, the viewing was sub-par. Rain was intermittently heavy. The remainder of the time it poured. I thought I could see a bit of brightness through the pea soup fog, but it turned out to be a desk lamp on the other side of the room.... more
- Log, Dec 27, 2002
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Entry Date: Dec 27, 2002
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. After a siege of rained out Friday nights we got a breather in the form of a intermittently totally clear and then partially cloudy night. There were always good areas for viewing and one marvelous performer - Saturn. More about Saturn shortly.... more
- Mars in 2003
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The year 2003 will see several significant events in the sky, but almost certainly the premiere event will be the closest approach of Mars to the Earth in 30000 years (in the past or in the future). Mars will be making one of its closest approaches to the... more
- Log, Jan 3, 2003
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Entry Date: Jan 3, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The weather has been its usual miserable self. Nothing boring like a blizzard. Everything has been tossed in together in a stew. I had thought of sending out a "things could be worse" bowdlerization of Clement Moore's famous "A Visit from Saint... more
- Log, Jan 10, 2003
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Entry Date: Jan 10, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
20 people. I arrived very early (about 5 PM) to check out the problems we have been having rotating the dome. The smartest thing I did was bring a bright light that let me really look into the gearbox. It only took a moment to see the problem. All along w... more
- Log, Jan 13, 2003
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Entry Date: Jan 13, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Jim O'Brien (President of the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund [FDMF], FDO's parent corporation), Dick Horstmann (FDMF treasurer), Eric Northup (FDMF builder/contractor and board member) and myself (Les Coleman FDO Director and FDMF board member) attended a regu... more
- Log, Jan 17, 2003
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Entry Date: Jan 17, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
7 people. The "evening" started out rather early for me today, 2 PM. Joe Hartley and I agreed to meet at the dome to try to fix the rotor. Well we made it better, but nothing short of a new 18 foot in diameter gear from Ashe Dome will completely fix the p... more
- Log, Jan 24, 2003
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Entry Date: Jan 24, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people. I have come to suspect that the Moon affects weather in an odd way - clouds form on Friday nights after perfectly clear afternoons inversely with the amount of moonlight. Last night was totally moonless until after 11PM. A layer of mackeral clo... more
- Log, Jan 31, 2003
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Entry Date: Jan 31, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. At 3:40, Les Coleman sent out a note cancelling a session for tonight. Mist, rain and possible freezing rain make it a washout.... more
- The Frigate Bird
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
One of the most frequent requests we get at Frosty Drew Observatory is to point out the constellations. And I'll have to admit that when such a request is not forthcoming we have been known to play pied piper and lead a merry chase about the yard pointing... more
- Log, Feb 7, 2003
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Entry Date: Feb 7, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Early in the afternoon I sent out a message saying that FDO would be closed because of the snowfall. Well that is the case, however by 6:30 PM the snow had stopped and a bright clear sky arrived. Unfortunately, my driveway was buried and I thin... more
- Log, Feb 14, 2003
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Entry Date: Feb 14, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
4 people. Actually the number of people should be 7 because 3 police came by. I managed to set the alarm off trying to open the door and Charlestown's police were there in a short time. I am (1) happy the police responded so quickly and (2) annoyed that I... more
- Log, Feb 21, 2003
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Entry Date: Feb 21, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Heavy cloud cover and a prediction of even heavier cloud cover forced FDO to close this evening. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Feb 28, 2003
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Entry Date: Feb 28, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 people. TANJ! and TANJ! again. In case you don't know what that means it says THERE AIN"T NO JUSTICE! Now I've been patient and persevering. Really I have! Truly I have! However I really do have a beef tonight.Ernie Evans gave me a call in the late... more
- Viewing the Milky Way with Binoculars
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Nothing in the sky better viewed through binoculars than the Milky Way Galaxy [MWG]. Your eye can't gather enough light to see this wonder clearly. Telescopes have too narrow a field of view to give a sense of the galaxy's grandeur. Like Baby Bear's th... more
- Log, Mar 7, 2003
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Entry Date: Mar 7, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person. I've heard a rumor from a usually reliable source that the January Thaw has been postponed until Memorial Day Weekend. Whether my friend's prognostication is true or not, since the beginning of the year, there have been 10 Friday evenings: 1 cle... more
- Log, Mar 14, 2003
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Entry Date: Mar 14, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. All right, I'll be honest. The night wasn't great on any realistic absolute scale, but in comparison with the last 10 weeks it was in the upper 10% at least until clouds rolled in around 9:45. Of course, comparing it to the last 10 weeks is lik... more
- Log, Mar 21, 2003
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Entry Date: Mar 21, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. An inch of rain, fog, heavy clouds and other sundry weather nastiness has forced the closing of the Observatory tonight. Does anyone remember what a clear sky looks like? Sigh..... -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 28, 2003
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Entry Date: Mar 28, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
23 people. The weather forecast indicated that we would have nothing this evening but we got a bit if a break early on. It never was cloudless, but for the first two hours of darkness the sky was tolerable although quick moving clouds obscured our targets... more
- Less is Better
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Previous columns have described details of everything in a telescope except the eyepiece. Far from being the lowly tail end of a scope, an eyepiece is the scope's most complex optical subsystem. We are living in the golden age of eyepieces. We live in an ... more
- Log, Apr 4, 2003
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Entry Date: Apr 4, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I awoke this morning, flipped on the Weather Channel to be greeted with a prediction of a quarter inch of sleet this evening, with additional weather mishmash through tomorrow evening. Needless to say Friday's public night is cancelled and the ... more
- Log, Apr 11, 2003
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Entry Date: Apr 11, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Now many of you know that with my pathetically optimistic personality, I take the occasional glacier, flood and miscellaneous gloom in stride by looking on the brighter side of things but I am enough of an realist to recognize that impenetrable... more
- Log, Apr 18, 2003
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Entry Date: Apr 18, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 people. Jackpot! Huzzah! At last, a night worthy of opening the Observatory. The weather forecast wasn't all the auspicious, with vague threats of assorted nastiness's, the Clear Sky Clock was only a little more cheerful with no thick clouds but a hazy ... more
- Log, Apr 25, 2003
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Entry Date: Apr 25, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. Tonight was very short and certainly not too great. We had a mom with two boys and a contingent from the URI Astronomy classes. Basically, we had three targets we could see: Jupiter and its four Galilean moons, Saturn with glimpses of Titan and... more
- How Far Is It?
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Entry Date: May 1, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
One of the three or four most commonly asked questions at Frosty Drew Observatory is "How far is it?" where "it" might be something in the solar system, an interstellar or intergalactic object. The high school trigonometric techniques for measuring distan... more
- Log, May 2, 2003
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Entry Date: May 2, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Earlier in the day, a Cub Scout leader sent me an e-mail saying that they were canceling the planned trip to FDO tonight. I concurred saying that I didn't hold out much hope. So I got a chance to try out the slashed-circle symbol over the close... more
- Log, May 9, 2003
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Entry Date: May 9, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Astronomical predictions stated that we would be able to view a transit of the planet Mercury across the face of the Sun. Now I have see many astronomical events but transits of Mercury (not to mention the even more infrequent transits of Venus) have elud... more
- Log, May 16, 2003
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Entry Date: May 16, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The sad tale weather history calendar will list tonight as a rain out. Well its not raining but merely heavily clouded. People remind me that we need the rain for crops and plants. These people assume that an astronomer wouldn't also just happe... more
- Log, May 23, 2003
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Entry Date: May 23, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We were [surprise, surprise] closed by weather. I hope the fact that I didn't change the main page to "CLOSED" caused anyone to show up at the Observatory. I find it hard that anyone who knows we are an observatory rather than a planetarium wou... more
- Log, May 30, 2003
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Entry Date: May 30, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
22 people. In the biggest surprise of the 21st century to date, we actually opened on a Friday night and stayed open a reasonable amount. We even had one seasoned veteran set up his lovely great 20 inch scope in our parking area. I manged to get a single ... more
- Log, Jun 6, 2003
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Entry Date: Jun 6, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
39 people. In many ways, tonight was a carbon copy of last week. And since last week was reasonable and we were open that made me very happy. We had several families, including a couple of kids on vacation from Florida. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fu... more
- Log, Jun 13, 2003
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Entry Date: Jun 13, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another rain out, the 14th Friday we didn't even try to open not to mention 5 tries that ended in very premature closings.For everyone's information I have added a highly detailed map of the surface of Mars as it will be seen from Earth on... more
- Log, Jun 20, 2003
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Entry Date: Jun 20, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. Brad Brown and I were talking when Ernie Evans showed up with his usual pessimistic appraisal of the nights viewing. Can't blame Ernie's pessimism, or more correctly realism. On average this year he'd be batting better than 750 and that would g... more
- Log, Jun 27, 2003
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Entry Date: Jun 27, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people. Steve and I stayed around until just after 12 midnight but not because it was so wonderful but because it took us that much time to get a period clear enough to do a proper realignment of the scope. Technically it wasn't cloudy. You could see s... more
- Mars is Coming
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
In June the first of two Mars rovers was launched. While it is on its way, on August 27/28, Earth (near its farthest from the Sun) will pass Mars (which will simultaneously be near its closest to the Sun). The combination means a very close approach of Ea... more
- Log, Jul 4, 2003
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Entry Date: Jul 4, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people. Independence Day was hazy, hot and humid and in spite of a favorable forecast for seeing by the Clear Sky Clock, viewing was miserable. The Sun set a lovely shade of mauve - a color one seldom associates with a G2-III star. People remarked that... more
- Log, Jul 11, 2003
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Entry Date: Jul 11, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The Observatory was closed tonight. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 18, 2003
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Entry Date: Jul 18, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The Observatory was closed tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 25, 2003
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Entry Date: Jul 25, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
77 people. Egads! Gadzooks! And other such exclamations of joy and surprise. At least for a night Mother Nature relented and sent us a wonderful evening. Ay least an 8 or a 9 on the overly calibrated and hyper precise seeing scale. No moon, dark cloudless... more
- Log, Aug 1, 2003
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another rain out in lovely sodden Ninigret Park. Not only are we saturated but the Seafood Festival will be inundated as well. If anyone mentions that this much rain helps the plants, I'll send them over to my favorite local farm market where t... more
- Log, Aug 8, 2003
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Entry Date: Aug 8, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 people. In spite of 4.1 inches of rain in the prior 24 hours, a mist and heavy clouds two of us actually were at Frosty Drew Observatory. I'm turning over the reins to my friend Joe Hartley for an indefinite period while I undergo surgery, treatment and... more
- Log, Aug 15, 2003
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Entry Date: Aug 15, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
88+ people. 88 people went into the dome and signed our log book but I know that others remained outside where several of us had set up telescopes. Hardly a surprise because we had a major hitch in our activities - the dome rotation motor jumped out of tr... more
- Log, Aug 23, 2003
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Entry Date: Aug 23, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
35? people. We really don't know how many folks stopped by and patiently waited for the clearing spell that had been predicted by 8-9 PM. It arrived well after 11PM when we shut down because of lingering lightning flashes and thunder. Joe worked in the do... more
- Log, Aug 29, 2003
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Entry Date: Aug 29, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
It should have been a major event. We should have had lots of folks looking through telescopes at Mars just hours past its closest approach. We should have seen Syrtis Major when Mars first rose followed by Mare Serpentatis and Mare Erythreum. Of course a... more
- Log, Sep 5, 2003
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Entry Date: Sep 5, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
125 peopleFinally.... MARS!After weeks of soggy Friday evenings, we finally had a night that would allow us to view the red planet while it was still fairly close to us. Now all I needed was to get the scope up and running. This took some doing,... more
- Log, Sep 12, 2003
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Entry Date: Sep 12, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
93 peopleOnce again, Mars was the only object observed tonight. It remains spectacular when the seeing is right, showing lots of detail. The image at the right shows the portion of Mars facing ... more
- Log, Sep 19, 2003
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Entry Date: Sep 19, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
FDO did not open due to rain. -Joe Hartley... more
- Log, Sep 26, 2003
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Entry Date: Sep 26, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
37 people. Initial forecasts of a cloudy, drizzly night did not come to pass, and instead we had a glorious, clear Friday night. The forecasts, though, kept most people away and we had substantially fewer visitors than we've had in the past few weeks.... more
- Log, Oct 3, 2003
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Entry Date: Oct 3, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
4 people. This evening, we disassembled the telescope in preparation for its repair. The project started out on shaky footing tonight, when I had to go into the crawlspace and get the packing materials we'd thoughtfully stowed 4 years ago. Trust me, you d... more
- Log, Oct 10, 2003
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Entry Date: Oct 10, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Out until telescope is repaired.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 17, 2003
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Entry Date: Oct 17, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Out until telescope is repaired.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 24, 2003
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Entry Date: Oct 24, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Out until telescope is repaired.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 31, 2003
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Entry Date: Oct 31, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Out until telescope is repaired.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 7, 2003
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Entry Date: Nov 7, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
12 people. Note: Most of this entry was written by Joe Hartley. The last two paragraphs and a two lines elsewhere were tucked in by Les Coleman.After weeks of waiting (and the only clear new moon night in recent memory), we finally got the drive base... more
- Log, Nov 14, 2003
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Entry Date: Nov 14, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
23 people The evening promised to be among the best of the year, with clear skies during the day. Strong winds were blowing, but had subsided from the powerful gusts from the night before.This was the first night that we've been open for viewing sinc... more
- Log, Nov 21, 2003
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Entry Date: Nov 21, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Joe reporting, 61 visitors (Les thinks at least a dozen scouts weren't counted early on). This was the night that made all the cloudy nights, telescope problems and other frustrations worth it.A day that began as grey and damp turned into a spectacul... more
- Log, Nov 28, 2003
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Entry Date: Nov 28, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Thanksgiving Friday. We intended to close but the weather insured we did.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 5, 2003
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Entry Date: Dec 5, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
At least we didn't have a rain-out tonight. Its snowing.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 12, 2003
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Entry Date: Dec 12, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 Visitors After a hectic day at work, I managed to get to the observatory about 6:30, and found a couple of people braving the chill and waiting. The previous weekend's storm had left big drifts near the gates, making it a little difficult to get to the... more
- Log, Dec 19, 2003
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Entry Date: Dec 19, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 staff and no visitors. We are closing out the least satisfactory year Frosty Drew Observatory has ever had. Weather has been a major hindrance. We have only had 12 nights that were reasonably... more
- Log, Dec 26, 2003
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Entry Date: Dec 26, 2003
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed for Christmas -Les Coleman... more
- Moons of the Giants
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
One of the great joys of astronomy is that whatever you learned will soon be replaced by a something better yet. Nowhere has this been more spectacular than what we are learning about the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. There are more of them than we have be... more
- Log, Jan 2, 2004
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Entry Date: Jan 2, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed for New Years Holiday (and the weather as well!).-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 9, 2004
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Entry Date: Jan 9, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
4 people. Well I will admit it was a bit cold (an all time cold record was tied tonight). And it was a bit windy (although rumors that the telescope pads had to be tied down were bit exaggerated). And the Moon was very bright. However it was lovely and cl... more
- Log, Jan 16, 2004
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Entry Date: Jan 16, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. With all the schools closed because of frostbite warnings of ten minutes at school bus stops, we closed the Observatory. While the dome sometimes provides a bit of wind relief, it does nothing for temperatures in the negative digits. I know bec... more
- Log, Jan 23, 2004
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Entry Date: Jan 23, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people - Joe Hartley reporting. The night started for me on my drive to Charlestown as I saw the moon, a day past new, sinking into the west with Venus shining brilliantly above it, bright portents of the evening to come.I arrived at the dome at 6... more
- Log, Jan 30, 2004
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Entry Date: Jan 30, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person. Only Joe came tonight and he had the scope to himself.-Les Coleman... more
- Why Look at Just One Star?
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
This may seem like an odd idea that we spend very little time looking at individual stars at FDO. Some clubs and groups spend a great deal of time looking at individual stars - particularly members of AAVSO [The American Association of Variable Star Obser... more
- Log, Feb 6, 2004
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Entry Date: Feb 6, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Rainout. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Feb 13, 2004
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Entry Date: Feb 13, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
12 people, (reported by Joe Hartley). If proof was ever needed that there are no grounds for triskaidekaphobia, last night can stand as a shining example. The skies were very clear and dark, and the temperature felt balmy at 39 degrees Fahrenheit. With Mo... more
- Log, Feb 20, 2004
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Entry Date: Feb 20, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Cloudy evening cancelled activities.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Feb 27, 2004
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Entry Date: Feb 27, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Unable to open due to lack of staff.-Les Coleman... more
- March - the month of change
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
March as befits the equinox is a month of great change. The calendar steadfastly proclaims that the first three weeks are Winter but my jonquills, snowdrops and daffodills are already pushing up through this barely thawed ground. The sky reflects this cha... more
- Log, Mar 5, 2004
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Entry Date: Mar 5, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 12, 2004
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Entry Date: Mar 12, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
40 people. We had quite a crowd tonight with a number of families and a Cub Scout Den from Ashaway. A lot of folks got a good view of Jupiter and its 4 Galilean Moons. We decided that reports of seeing more than 4 moons were probably an exaggeration by so... more
- Log, Mar 19, 2004
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Entry Date: Mar 19, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Staffing problems forced us to close.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 26, 2004
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Entry Date: Mar 26, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people plus 8 turned away as the weather got bad. In spite of the rather nasty weather gathering to the west, we had quite a few people here this evening. The alignment of the bright planets got quite a play in the local press and this drew several fam... more
- Two Visible Comets
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Predicting comets is rather like predicting the weather - your mileage may vary. However we may have a good chance to see two naked eye comets in the sky during late April and early May this year. Two comets visible to the eye at the same time has not hap... more
- Log, Apr 2, 2004
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Entry Date: Apr 2, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Clouds and mist closed FDO tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 9, 2004
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Entry Date: Apr 9, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed due to rain.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 23, 2004
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Entry Date: Apr 23, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed due to short staff.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 30, 2004
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Entry Date: Apr 30, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people. It must be the end of April because all the URI Astronomy class students have arrived as they do almost every April. It was particularly heavy this year because we have had rainouts and other missing sessions this month. Not the sky was anythin... more
- Venus Transit
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Entry Date: May 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
The orbits of Venus and Earth tilt about three and a half degrees relative to each other. Usually when the Earth, Venus and the Sun line up, Venus as seen from the Earth is a degree or two above or below the Sun. Since the Sun is only a half degree wide, ... more
- Log, May 7, 2004
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Entry Date: May 7, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. Only two objects were bright enough to be visible through the cloud deck which covered FDO all night. And it was really sad because we had a half bus load of junior high kids who had been studying astronomy. The wind was high enough that it ble... more
- Log, May 14, 2004
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Entry Date: May 14, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Fog and heavy clouds made an opening impossible.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, May 21, 2004
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Entry Date: May 21, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. Something weird happened last night - the weather forecast predicted partly cloudy skies deepening to totally overcast. Usually any forecast this grim means monsoons followed by occasional hurricanes but tonight the skies were briefly cloudy at... more
- Log, May 28, 2004
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Entry Date: May 28, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
7 people. At 7:15 PM I sent an e-mail saying that it was still raining at my house (six miles west of the Observatory) and that it looked like a washout. Yet by 8:00 PM the sky above my house was clear and I decided that I'd better scurry over to the Obse... more
- Why Are Most Stars White?
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
People with good color vision acuity can see traces of color in a few of the brightest stars, but most stars appear white. In large telescopes additional stars suddenly take on colors which they lacked to the unaided eye. Pictures of large nebulae in astr... more
- Log, Jun 4, 2004
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Entry Date: Jun 4, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3+7 people. Three stalwarts (Joe, Ernie and Les) arrived. Our principle task was to explain to the seven folks that showed up that there wasn't much hope of seeing anything. This sort of begs the question why we were there. In short because we are hopeles... more
- Log, Jun 8, 2004
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Entry Date: Jun 8, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Many of you wondered if FDO would have a formal Venus Transit event. For various reasons, safety, improper equipment for viewing the Sun, weather and the very early time (prior to dawn), we chose to pass on this event. However some of us decided to strike... more
- Log, Jun 11, 2004
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Entry Date: Jun 11, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
31 people. Tonight started out as one of those awful holes in the clouds but lousy viewing but it transformed itself into something glorious. By 10:30, the sky was something that brought raves - dark, moonless, stable with deep clear contrasts between the... more
- Log, Jun 18, 2004
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Entry Date: Jun 18, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I put up the rainout logo at 5PM tonight. Clouds and mist canceled any attempt for a session. -Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 25, 2004
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Entry Date: Jun 25, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We had another rain, fog and misty night.-Les Coleman... more
- Lighting the Park
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
During a star party some fifteen years ago hosted by George Bliven from the Frosty Drew Nature Center and conducted by Dr. Bill Penhallow an astronomy professor at URI, the idea of creating an Observatory in Ninigret Park was born. While many factors s... more
- Log, Jul 2, 2004
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Entry Date: Jul 2, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Thunderstorms and heavy rains caused a cancellation.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 9, 2004
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Entry Date: Jul 9, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
40+ people. I arrived with the sun still up. The parking lots to the north west of the observatory were filled with people attending the Big Apple Circus which will be visiting Ninigret Park this week. I set up the telescope and turned it to Jupiter just ... more
- Log, Jul 16, 2004
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Entry Date: Jul 16, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
38 people. All right, way to go, let’s hear it for the home team! This is our second week in a row with the kind of skies that made placing the Observatory in Ninigret Park so desirable. While we had a number of rainouts this summer we have also had thr... more
- Log, Jul 23, 2004
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Entry Date: Jul 23, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I waited as long as possible before putting up the "Rainout" logo on our website, but there simply was no chance that the predicted clearing would occur. Clouds covered our area and rain was occurring as close as the Connecticut River. At least... more
- Log, Jul 30, 2004
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Entry Date: Jul 30, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Technically speaking it isn't a rainout but viewing is impossible. Even if the clouds thin, an overcast sky with a full Moon will mean we see little except the Moon without shadows for detail.-Les Coleman... more
- Constellations and Asterisms
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
When we look into the sky at night we tend to group stars seeing stick figures and outlines of various objects. Eighty seven of these groupings have been given more or less official sanction as constellations. Informal groupings are called asterisms. T... more
- Log, Aug 6, 2004
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Entry Date: Aug 6, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. The yearly Seafood Festival was well underway when I arrived near sundown. A spectacular sunset with golds, yellows and russet colors dominated the western sky but of course this means there are clouds about. As I was setting up the telescope, ... more
- Log, Aug 13, 2004
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Entry Date: Aug 13, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The remnants of Tropical Storm Bonnie are over Rhode Island this Friday evening. We are canceling all activities.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Aug 20, 2004
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Entry Date: Aug 20, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 highly over confident person - me. Well, at least I had a few errands I needed to attend to in the Park, so I wasn't totally ridiculous, but my hopes that the occasional clearing I saw at 7 PM would last was shall we say a bit optimistic. The fog rolled... more
- Log, Aug 27, 2004
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Entry Date: Aug 27, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. I told a family in a car and a lady on the phone that I doubted we would actually open tonight, but things improved - somewhat. Heavy hazy humidity and a 94% illuminated Moon made for very bright skies. Several fuzzy objects I normally turn to ... more
- Lagrangian Points
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Columns
Louis LaGrange in the later part of the 18th century was attempting to solve the famously difficult the Many Body Problem - predicting the orbits of multiple objects. We now know that this problem is insoluable except by approximation. LaGrange did dis... more
- Log, Sep 3, 2004
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Entry Date: Sep 3, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
71 people. Rhythm and Roots occupied the area adjacent to the Nature Center, flooding the grounds with a great deal of light. This meant that going after faint fuzzies was out of the question, but it was an excellent night for medium range bright objects ... more
- Log, Sep 10, 2004
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Entry Date: Sep 10, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
22 people. The mosquitoes which have not been active this summer decided to make an appearance. I really had to slather on DEET with its odd odor. We had a very small group of people for such a lovely clear night. We had 17 people inside and 5 amateur ast... more
- Log, Sep 17, 2004
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Entry Date: Sep 17, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Hurricane Ivan's remains are pushing northward making the skies opaque.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 24, 2004
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Entry Date: Sep 24, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
25 people. Tonight was one of those frustrating nights when things could have been nicer if it wasn't for the brightest target in the sky - the Moon. To make things worse, there were enough high clouds and cirrus streamers to make any though of really dim... more
- Log, Oct 1, 2004
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. I don't know where it went, but the log entry kept at the Observatory was missing when I closed up last night. I'm going to have to try to reconstruct what happened from memory. I started out by pointing the telescope at Uranus. There was a bit... more
- Log, Oct 8, 2004
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Entry Date: Oct 8, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. Coathanger map Usually, I keep a running list of what we accomplished. Last week I lost the list and this week, I simply didn't keep it written down. No good re... more
- Log, Oct 15, 2004
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Entry Date: Oct 15, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This was a rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 22, 2004
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Entry Date: Oct 22, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This was a rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 29, 2004
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Entry Date: Oct 29, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This was a rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 5, 2004
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Entry Date: Nov 5, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
12 people. Well if October won't let us view, maybe November will. The night started as mixed clouds and very windy but settled down to a much better than average night. By 10 PM the sky was largely cloudless and quite dry. The turbulent air made seeing l... more
- Log, Nov 12, 2004
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Entry Date: Nov 12, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. At least a small change, the rain out wasn't simply rain. We had snow as well.I hope everyone who gets up early enough to see the eastern sky before the Sun rises has had a chance to watch Venus race by Jupiter and star Porrima (the Roman ... more
- Log, Nov 19, 2004
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Entry Date: Nov 19, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
21 people. Tonight was one of those evenings that I seriously wondered if we would see anything but where it actually improved throughout the evening. When I first arrived a high thin cloud layer allowed the Moon and the bright apex stars of the Summer Tr... more
- Log, Nov 26, 2004
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Entry Date: Nov 26, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
44 people. For a night which Frosty Drew Observatory was originally scheduled to be closed we certainly had a crowd of people. Nick and Jeff were on hand helping out, and Steve Brandt who hasn't been around for a while came with his wife. All in all a ver... more
- Log, Dec 3, 2004
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Entry Date: Dec 3, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
42 people. We were visited by Cub Packs 2 and 6 from West Kingston. Nick and Jeff took over more of the inside duties allowing me to spend more time star hopping. I could see Ernie in the parking lot setting up is telescope. I pointed out the constellatio... more
- Log, Dec 10, 2004
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Entry Date: Dec 10, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Tonight was a complete rainout. If the weather clears over the weekend, and you wake up in the early morning hours, give a gander at Gemini which will be overhead tending towards the western horizon. It will be the radiant for the Geminid Meteo... more
- Log, Dec 17, 2004
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Entry Date: Dec 17, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
20 people (Joe substituting for Les on log duties)The last public night for Frosty Drew Observatory was a cold one, but nice and clear. We were down one staffer, Les, as he was sidelined with a (relatively) minor ailment that did require a little hos... more
- Log, Dec 24, 2004
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Entry Date: Dec 24, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The Observatory was closed as scheduled on Christmas Eve.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 31, 2004
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Entry Date: Dec 31, 2004
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The Observatory was closed as scheduled on New Years Eve.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 7, 2005
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Entry Date: Jan 7, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person. Back in the Fifties there was a television show called "What in the World". An object was shown back lighted creating a silhouette which a panel of bright cultivated people would attempt to guess what it was. Well this was how I felt tonight as ... more
- Log, Jan 14, 2005
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Entry Date: Jan 14, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I hope that the start of the year isn't a model for the rest of the year. So far we are averaging a half person per night. It is of course raining, sleeting and snowing as I write this note.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 21, 2005
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Entry Date: Jan 21, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. Yep, we had 14 people at temperatures that went from a balmy [barmy?] 13 degrees down to -1 by the time we called it a night. The wind was stiff and we spent most of the night limited to parts of the sky that would not allow the wind to sweep i... more
- Log, Jan 28, 2005
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Entry Date: Jan 28, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Illness forced the closing of FDO tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Feb 4, 2005
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Entry Date: Feb 4, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people. Ernie Evans, Joe Harley and Les Coleman showed up for what proved to be a rather odd night at FDO. When Les got there, the southern horizon directly over the ocean was brilliantly illumi... more
- Log, Feb 11, 2005
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Entry Date: Feb 11, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people. What a wonderful night we had. The sky was one of the best in years, we got the equipment running in tip top shape, lots of old friends were there and we had some marvelous viewing. It was easily my personal best night in perhaps two years and ... more
- Log, Feb 18, 2005
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Entry Date: Feb 18, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
22 people. The night started very early for Joe and I. The regularly scheduled meeting of the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund (of which the Nature Center and the Observatory are the functional parts) was held starting at 4 PM. Topics covered updating the by-law... more
- Log, Feb 25, 2005
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Entry Date: Feb 25, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The combination of a prediction of bitter cold, the prospect of having lots of snow to shovel, a predicted 70+% cloud cover and a Moon that is 96% full was too daunting for me to open tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 4, 2005
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Entry Date: Mar 4, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. When I got to the dome I was faced with a block of ice the wedged the door shut. The shovel was inside, but by a lot of kicking and expletives deleted I managed to kick enough away that I could get the second door open. I got the shovel and mad... more
- Log, Mar 11, 2005
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Entry Date: Mar 11, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The snow storm that placed us second in the record books for total yearly snow forced us to cancel.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 18, 2005
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Entry Date: Mar 18, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people.Note: Tonight's log entry created by Joe Hartley.Les and I had been over at the Nature Center for an earlier meeting, so we were in plenty of time to get the scope fired up and aimed over at Mercury. One doesn't think of Mercury as a c... more
- Log, Mar 25, 2005
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Entry Date: Mar 25, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
A combination of a cranky telescope drive that needs some attention by more than a single person and heavy cloud cover until well after opening time forced us to close. For anyone who may have arrived after the sky finally cleared I'm sorry we weren't ope... more
- Log, Apr 1, 2005
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 people Well, we opened tonight, sort of... I'll have to admit we didn't do much. Ernie, Nick and I debated the weather and finally decided as the clouds thickened enough to obscure almost everything beyond the first magnitude that it was hopeless. Sigh!... more
- Log, Apr 8, 2005
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Entry Date: Apr 8, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people A combination of cloudy skies and short staffing forced us to close tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 15, 2005
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Entry Date: Apr 15, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
19 people. Now, most of you folks who know me well would describe me as an eccentric rationalist - someone not likely to let his imagination run away with him no matter how fanciful the stories he tells about the constellations. Yet upon arriving at the v... more
- Log, Apr 22, 2005
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Entry Date: Apr 22, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. A wet weather period is moving in from the West promising showers just after dark settles in and heavy cloud cover. I received several calls today from people asking if we would be open, and in truth I cannot say what will happen much before an... more
- Log, Apr 29, 2005
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Entry Date: Apr 29, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Joe and I debated opening tonight but finally gave in to the encroaching clouds from the south. By 6:30, clouds were thick in the Westerly area and a heavy rain / cloud shield was already over Long Island. It was socked in at my home by dark.... more
- Log, May 6, 2005
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Entry Date: May 6, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. All week long the weather forecast for tonight has deteriorated. I really hoped that we had a chance to open for an hour or two but by 6 PM the weather radar showed intense bands of rain as close as Montauk Point.For reasons which confuse ... more
- Log, May 13, 2005
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Entry Date: May 13, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
44 people. Joe, Ernie, Keith and I showed up fairly early tonight. After four weeks of rainouts we were determined to have a night of it. We had a large number of people show up tonight. It started with a group of about a half dozen young adults who may h... more
- Log, May 20, 2005
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Entry Date: May 20, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
4 people. Joe and I attended a Board of Directors meeting for the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund prior to what should have been the opening of the Observatory. When we got out, the sky was socked in and while we had a little work to do in the Dome we knew that... more
- Log, May 27, 2005
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Entry Date: May 27, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
5 people. What if they gave a totally clear afternoon, beautiful blue skies and a lovely warm evening with no Moon until late? What astronomer wouldn't want this? Well this is what we had until about 7:45 this evening when I had just finished waking up th... more
- Log, Jun 3, 2005
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Entry Date: Jun 3, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Did you ever have the feeling that the powers to be were trying to tell you something? Do you know what a batting average of 409 is? Well, 409 is a great number for a Triple A player to have. That young batter will be in the "show" before you c... more
- Log, Jun 10, 2005
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Entry Date: Jun 10, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. Well I frankly doubted we would open tonight. By 2 PM I had posted the "doubtful" opening picture of the FDO dome with its big question mark and half opened doors and shutter. I told my wife that I expected to be back before 9 PM but wondrous t... more
- Log, Jul 1, 2005
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person. Fog and mist precluded opening up, but I did get some work done cleaning house. We through out a great deal of old paper work, obsolete magazines and useless stuff. We needed the space to install an old computer with some new software to handle ... more
- Log, Jul 8, 2005
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Entry Date: Jul 8, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
8 people. Mediocrity is a three person game whose object is to come in the middle. Somehow, I think the weather was playing a game with me. It wasn't the worst I've ever seen at FDO (in which case I would have gone home early). It wasn't crisp and clear, ... more
- Log, Jul 15, 2005
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Entry Date: Jul 15, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
36 people. I was really surprised at the turnout of people tonight. We are open every Friday that is clear - but tonight was anything but clear. There were breaks in the clouds through which we peered at Jupiter (and its Galilean Moons), Venus and Albireo... more
- Log, Jul 22, 2005
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Entry Date: Jul 22, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
20+ people.There is real excitement in the solar system astronomy community - in fact nothing this exciting has happened since 1930 when Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto. The solar system has a NEW... more
- Log, Aug 5, 2005
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Entry Date: Aug 5, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed due to weather.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Aug 12, 2005
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Entry Date: Aug 12, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Heavy overcast forced us to cancel tonight.--------No one would be happier than I if sciences taught in junior high school included more mathematical examples and rigor but nothing is worse than bad science and false mathematics. Textbook publis... more
- Log, Aug 19, 2005
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Entry Date: Aug 19, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 Person. Well I was there after the Board of Directors meeting but I went home grumbling about the weather when a shower washed out yet another Friday night.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Aug 26, 2005
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Entry Date: Aug 26, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
72+ people. The evening started out with a fair number of broken clouds and cloudy wisps but they evaporated and the sky grew darker and clearer. A fair amount of turbulence remained near the horizon but above 20 degrees the sky was stable and lovely. My ... more
- Log, Sep 2, 2005
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Entry Date: Sep 2, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
42+ people. Something absolutely unprecedented in the annuls of Frosty Drew Observatory for the last two years occurred last night, we actually managed to get two weekends in a row with decent weather. Oh, this weekend wasn't as good as last weekend in te... more
- Log, Sep 9, 2005
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Entry Date: Sep 9, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
42+ people. Tonight was a tease - it looked better to the eye than it was in reality. Early on we had a fair number of clouds, but they broke up quickly. However, the air was saturated with moisture. When it came to closing down, the door of the Observato... more
- Log, Sep 16, 2005
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Entry Date: Sep 16, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Ophelia's outer rain bands soaked the area and forced us to stay closed.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 23, 2005
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Entry Date: Sep 23, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
22 people. The session tonight was almost cancelled because of the heavy early cloud cover but we hung in there and the night improved. It never got really good but at time areas of the sky were decently clear. I tried to get a view of Jupiter but it reso... more
- Log, Sep 25, 2005
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Entry Date: Sep 25, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. What happens on a clear, crisp moonless night with good to excellent seeing and almost no visitors after the first hour or two? Need you ask? We play - and play - and play some more. We would have pulled an all nighter if several of didn't have... more
- Log, Oct 7, 2005
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Entry Date: Oct 7, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy saturated the area with clouds and rain closing FDO.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 14, 2005
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Entry Date: Oct 14, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Three and a half inches of rain overnight forced to stay closed. This was actually worse than Tammy last week.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 21, 2005
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Entry Date: Oct 21, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
5 people. It was a quiet evening at FDO. It started very cloudy but just before I decided to go home, a father and daughter drove up. I was dubious but we tried. Slowly the clouds got a bit thinner and we could look at a few bright objects. We looked at M... more
- Log, Oct 28, 2005
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Entry Date: Oct 28, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Heavy clouds blocked viewing this evening.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 4, 2005
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Entry Date: Nov 4, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. In spite of heavy clouds, Cub Scouts, Moms, Dads and brothers and sisters fro the North Kingstown area came to FDO with gazillions of questions. About all we could see through the haze was Mars but we had fun opening and shutting the dome. So I... more
- Log, Nov 11, 2005
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Entry Date: Nov 11, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
48 people. Mars was the big hitter of the night besides the hard hitting first major frost. We had literally a dozen people look at Mars wrapped up in a blanket. Most of the rest just shivered while old timers Ernie, Nick and I were wrapped in extra layer... more
- Log, Nov 18, 2005
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Entry Date: Nov 18, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. Tonight was almost a duplicate of last week. We looked at pretty much the same things for the same reason - the bright Moon. The Moon's Tycho crater was especially fine. I made a mistake and identified a background star as Deimos. We did see De... more
- Log, Nov 25, 2005
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Entry Date: Nov 25, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. I'll be frank - I closed early. Not some much from "the cold" as "my cold". I lost my voice part way through and even cough drops really didn't help much. We looked at a variety of objects including Mars with Ernie's occulting bar eyepieces. Ma... more
- Log, Dec 2, 2005
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Entry Date: Dec 2, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. A combination of an "iffy" weather forecast with occasional flurries plus the effects of medical treatments this week made opening impossible for FDO this week.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 9, 2005
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Entry Date: Dec 9, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. In spite of a clearing trend after our snow storm, I closed due to excessive "black ice".-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 16, 2005
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Entry Date: Dec 16, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
4 people. After the meeting of the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund Inc., I opened the Observatory. A father and two young daughters were my only visitors. We looked at a number of old favorites and of course the Moon which was as bright as the one Clement Moore... more
- Log, Dec 23, 2005
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Entry Date: Dec 23, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Intermittently cloudy weather and staff illness kept FDO closed tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 30, 2005
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Entry Date: Dec 30, 2005
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
17 people. I got to FDO early with hammer and nails and the intent to make a few minor fixes to some things that had come detached. It went well but I discovered I had a trio of visitors waiting, a Mom, a son and his best friend. I had wondered if anyone ... more
- Log, Jan 6, 2006
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Entry Date: Jan 6, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person- yours truly. Early in the afternoon I put up the "closed" logo on the website due to the forecast and the heavy cloud cover. However by 5:30 PM, the Moon was out brightly at my house and lost of stars were scattered about the sky. So quick like ... more
- Log, Jan 13, 2006
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Entry Date: Jan 13, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. FDO was closed tonight. We expect to be closed next Friday as well.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 20, 2006
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Entry Date: Jan 20, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. FDO was closed tonight due to staff illness.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 27, 2006
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Entry Date: Jan 27, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
54+ people. We had a huge crowd tonight. I am not sure if the busload of kids was included in the number or not but I suspect quite a few of them were not counted and there were more than 40 of them. So the total ranges between 54 (signatures) and 90+.... more
- Log, Feb 3, 2006
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Entry Date: Feb 3, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Just about the most annoying weather is teasing clouds and fog. It looked socked in for the night so I called off the Friday session, but for a while after 8 and until about 10 the sky actually cleared enough so we could have opened. I'm sorry ... more
- Log, Feb 10, 2006
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Entry Date: Feb 10, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
10 people. Well, the afternoon was absolutely clear, and so was the evening. Full of hope, I opened up and noticed a "moon dog", one of those bright halos that are composed of ice crystals around the Moon. I turned the scope towards Saturn just as a coupl... more
- Log, Feb 17, 2006
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Entry Date: Feb 17, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. The wind was fierce all night long. Usually high winds are matched with very turbulent air, but the seeing varied between acceptable to quite good. For example, the Trapezium showed 4 stars... more
- Log, Feb 24, 2006
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Entry Date: Feb 24, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I was unable to open FDO due to illness.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 3, 2006
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Entry Date: Mar 3, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
17 people. Tonight was certainly "The Revenge of the Pesky Problems" night at FDO. Nothing serious but annoying minor glitches abounded. The town plowed the park road but the wind pushed drifts across the road making driving a bit more exciting than it ne... more
- Log, Mar 10, 2006
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Entry Date: Mar 10, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
22 people. The passing of the seasons was most notable last night. It was only last week that the temperature dropped to 16 degrees but tonight it never was chillier than 57. And somehow the sky seems to have jumped another season as well. For the first t... more
- Log, Mar 17, 2006
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Entry Date: Mar 17, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. The night opened with remarkably good seeing. Saturn was crisp, clear and stable. Cassini's Division was clear all the way around. Encke's Division was not visible but the Crepe Ring was quite clear. Titan showed a very tiny disk and was tinged... more
- Log, Mar 24, 2006
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Entry Date: Mar 24, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Clouds kept FDO closed tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 31, 2006
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Entry Date: Mar 31, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
44 people. The operation of the Observatory has begun to swing from its winter mode to its summer mode. This isn't so much what is the sky and what the equipment needs to run but a change in the way people visit us. During the summer we get two crowds, th... more
- Log, Apr 7, 2006
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Entry Date: Apr 7, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed again.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 14, 2006
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Entry Date: Apr 14, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another rainout I'm afraid.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 21, 2006
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Entry Date: Apr 21, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. Earlier in the afternoon, I attended the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund Board meeting for April. The sky was clear and the sun was bright. I had high hopes for the evening. [Then again, several of my buddies have accused me of setting up in a pourin... more
- Log, Apr 28, 2006
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Entry Date: Apr 28, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people. Ernie and some other folks were out in the parking area with telescopes but I never managed to get out there because we had folks in the Dome the whole time. Even before it got dark, I managed to get a 1.9% crescent Moon in the telescope. Norma... more
- Log, May 5, 2006
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Entry Date: May 5, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
29 people. Just a short note to let everyone know we were open this weekend in spite of a layer of high thin clouds and a bright Moon at 58%. As is usual on these bright moonlit nights we seem to get an unusual number of families. We saw Saturn, Jupiter, ... more
- Log, May 12, 2006
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Entry Date: May 12, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Several inches of rain made it impossible to open.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, May 19, 2006
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Entry Date: May 19, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people. Following an afternoon session of the Frosty Drew directors at the Nature Center, I was sure that we would open, but by the time I got home some fifteen miles to the west I was in a thundershower. The upshot was that at various times I posted a ... more
- Log, May 26, 2006
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Entry Date: May 26, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed due to poor weather.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 2, 2006
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Entry Date: Jun 2, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed due to poor weather.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 9, 2006
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Entry Date: Jun 9, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Another rain out.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 16, 2006
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Entry Date: Jun 16, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
23 people. Something truly weird happened this Friday evening - it didn't cloud over or rain. In fact, while the atmosphere wasn't really supper clear (traces of thin wispy cirrus) and a bit unstable, it sure beat anything in the last few months. I was gl... more
- Log, Jun 23, 2006
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Entry Date: Jun 23, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. A half inch of rain and predictions of another two inches forced us to stay closed.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 30, 2006
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Entry Date: Jun 30, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
36 people. I got to the observatory a little early but I didn't get to set up the telescope until late. No I didn't sit down and chat with someone, I found that the Observatory had tripped every circuit breaker in the building and over at the Nature Cente... more
- Log, Jul 7, 2006
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Entry Date: Jul 7, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
24 people. This was a terribly frustrating night. Clouds all but hid the sky but in that lies the frustration. They didn't quite close the sky off. We could get glimpses of the Moon and Jupiter interspersed with pale gray disks lacking all detail. On any ... more
- Log, Jul 14, 2006
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Entry Date: Jul 14, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
51 people. The Big Apple Circus is at Ninigret Park this Friday. This makes for larger than usual crowds and more light than normal. I don't begrudge the Circus its week of lights since it is a major supporter of the Park. However it does limit what we ca... more
- Log, Jul 21, 2006
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Entry Date: Jul 21, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Clouds and a late thunderstorm kept FDO closed.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 28, 2006
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Entry Date: Jul 28, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Clouds and a late thunderstorm kept FDO closed. Funny, isn't the prior two sentences exactly what I said last week?-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Aug 4, 2006
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Entry Date: Aug 4, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people signed in but I think there were more especially after the Seafood Festival was over. The Seafood Festival illuminated the Observatory with banks of light that made viewing almost anything dimmer than the 4th magnitude impossible. Add to that a ... more
- Log, Aug 11, 2006
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Entry Date: Aug 11, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
78 people. Last night was prime time for the Perseid Meteor Shower. Actually, the best of the shower was due to arrive around 3-4 AM when yours truly was in his beddy bye. And after the Moon (89%) arose, even the early meteors were largely invisible. None... more
- Log, Aug 18, 2006
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Entry Date: Aug 18, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
64 people. Simply put, this was the finest viewing night I've seen at Frosty Drew Observatory in years. It was a dark moonless night, with stable dry air and a telescope that operated well once we took a few minutes to get a great two star alignment. We w... more
- Log, Aug 22, 2006
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Entry Date: Aug 22, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Miss Victoria's Ears Make Jumping Shockingly Uncomfortable Near ===?===August 22, 2006 is now being called the "The Day We Lost Pluto". Essentially, the definition of a planet by an IAU committee chaired by Owen Gingerich has been decisively... more
- Log, Aug 25, 2006
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Entry Date: Aug 25, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We had a rainy cloudy afternoon and evening.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 1, 2006
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Can you say "Ernesto", boys and girls? Tropical rain storm cloud shield forces us to close tonight.We will remain closed Friday September 8th because we'll will not have adequate staffing to open. We hope to reopen the following Friday, Se... more
- Log, Sep 8, 2006
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Entry Date: Sep 8, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We had inadequate staffing to allow us to open tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 15, 2006
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Entry Date: Sep 15, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 22, 2006
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Entry Date: Sep 22, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. Come on world - give us a break. The day was reasonably clear and it was a totally moonless night - so you'd think that we get some sort of viewing in. Well we did get some sort of viewing in - about the worst possible. Yuccch! As I said to Ern... more
- Log, Sep 29, 2006
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Entry Date: Sep 29, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
25 people. If you had looked out at noon around here, you wouldn't have given much chance that we'd have a halfway decent night at the Observatory but by sunset the sky was almost cloudless. The Moon was just a bit shy of being a half moon and was fairly ... more
- Log, Oct 6, 2006
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Entry Date: Oct 6, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Heavy clouds, sprinkled with occasional gaps made opening impossible.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 13, 2006
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Entry Date: Oct 13, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
22 people. We had over 20 people last night but fewer than half of them ever really got to see much. We had a spectacular sunset with increasing clouds. Ernie and I hung around and were later joined by Nick. Ernie had heard that the weather was going to c... more
- Log, Oct 20, 2006
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Entry Date: Oct 20, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. All through the day it was extremely overcast and wet, but it cleared about an hour after our nominal opening time. I was unable to open in any case due to an inner ear condition which causes vertigo and precludes me driving to FDO.-Les Co... more
- Log, Oct 27, 2006
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Entry Date: Oct 27, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
5 people. Unlikely as may seem yours truly and four guests showed up last night. The cloud cover that preceded the Saturday storm (already 3.5 inches of rain) was forming. However four objects could be seen, Vega and Deneb overhead, the Moon in the southw... more
- Log, Nov 3, 2006
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Entry Date: Nov 3, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
17 people. This was the first truly frosty night at the Observatory this year. I was bundled up against the cold but I must be getting soft because I never really felt warm. There was an extremely bright Moon (93% Full) which managed to bring the sky brig... more
- Log, Nov 10, 2006
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Entry Date: Nov 10, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
44 people. It must be November, because the Cub Scouts are back. Each year just after Halloween, some of the local Cub Scout packs have an astronomy night at Frosty Drew. The first of the packs arrived tonight and we are expecting another two packs next w... more
- Log, Nov 17, 2006
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Entry Date: Nov 17, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
46 people. I could almost repeat last week's report. Lots of Cub Scouts again [boy do they ever have enthusiasm], we saw pretty much the same things [Uranus and Titania, M15 a globular cluster, M57 the Ring Nebula in Lyra, and Albireo]. Since a great many... more
- Log, Nov 24, 2006
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Entry Date: Nov 24, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed for the Friday after Thanksgiving.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 1, 2006
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Heavy rains closed the Observatory.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 8, 2006
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Entry Date: Dec 8, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
38 people. I am well aware that the Sun has not reached its northern limit in its yearly progress but old man Winter attacked one and all at Frosty Drew last night. I was dressed in what I was sure would be excessive layers and I was heartily glad for eve... more
- Log, Dec 15, 2006
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Entry Date: Dec 15, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We'll last night was a case in point that shows why we need the Sky Theater. The predictions varied - local weather forecasts said clearing by midnight at Providence. The Clear Sky Clock said "au contraire" - we will have clearing by 7 to 8 PM.... more
- Log, Dec 22, 2006
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Entry Date: Dec 22, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Heavy clouds and then heavy rains made opening impossible.We plan to open Friday December 29 weather permitting. Saturn is back during normal hours.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 29, 2006
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Entry Date: Dec 29, 2006
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. I actually had my doubts about tonight but it turned out to be pretty good given the fact that we had a three quarters full Moon trying it hardest to wash the sky out. What more than made up for the Moon was the tranquility of the air. I was ab... more
- Log, Jan 5, 2007
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Entry Date: Jan 5, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
It was a rainout of course. So I spent the time making a number of changes to the website. You will discover if your are so inclined that the Logbook has a new format which allows the log to operate successfully across the New Year's holiday. It also chan... more
- Log, Jan 12, 2007
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Entry Date: Jan 12, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
63(+) people: Comet McNaught is really putting on a show far beyond earlier expectations. For the past few days it has been just above the horizon at sunset. I haven't been able to see the entire comet because of clouds on the horizon but some of my frien... more
- Log, Jan 19, 2007
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Entry Date: Jan 19, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. Well, we have had a major glitch at Frosty Drew Observatory which will keep us from using the Meade 16" for a while. The dome's shutter simply will not open (or I suppose close). When I tried to open this Friday, it simply made a humming noise ... more
- Log, Jan 26, 2007
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Entry Date: Jan 26, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Well, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we have a pretty good idea by talking to the manufacturer that the dingus which is keeping the shutter dome from moving is a 145-175 microfarad starting capacitor. After several false st... more
- Log, Feb 2, 2007
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Entry Date: Feb 2, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person. We actually opened but when no one came before 8:30 when I left. From annoyed emails, it seems that several people came later but I didn't stay in the bitter cold.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Feb 9, 2007
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Entry Date: Feb 9, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
12 people. Well, we actually opened for about a dozen people. We couldn't open the dome again, but we hauled out our Questar and saw some interesting things in a small scope. One spectacular event was the brightening of the famous star Mira in Cetus. Norm... more
- Log, Feb 16, 2007
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Entry Date: Feb 16, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 people. Well, we actually opened but only Ernie and I were there. Ernie had brought his new 11" Celestron Telescope. I had the Observatory's small but excellent Questar 3.5 set up if anyone came. One car did drive past the Observatory, and I toggled the... more
- Log, Feb 23, 2007
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Entry Date: Feb 23, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Hopefully no people. I hope that not too many people showed up Friday evening for a Frosty Drew Observatory session. A medical emergency on Thursday left me in the ER until Saturday without access to the Internet.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 2, 2007
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Entry Date: Mar 2, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
8 people. What with an unexpected hospital stay and sundry matters, we have made no progress on repairing the dome shutter. So this Friday we had an outdoors session with small telescopes. I have rarely seen a damper night. BY the time I wrapped up and we... more
- Log, Mar 9, 2007
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Entry Date: Mar 9, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
8 people. We had a nice session even with the inability to open the dome shutter. We combined viewing with small telescopes with an indoor session with slides and animations. Ernie reported that he was happier with his new 11 inch telescope as he begins t... more
- Log, Mar 16, 2007
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Entry Date: Mar 16, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. A combination of snow, rain, sleet, fog, flooding and general unpleasantness closed us down tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 23, 2007
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Entry Date: Mar 23, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I canceled about 5:30 based on heavy clouds and a forecast that was negative. Sigh, by 8 the clouds had thinned enough to see the Moon and brighter stars. Too late to change our collective mind.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Mar 30, 2007
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Entry Date: Mar 30, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. Ernie and I arrived early to get the dome motor down. The motor, gear box, clutch and support structure weighs quite a bit and is coated with grease. Sort of a heavy slippery yet easily damaged gadget. Yeehah! It took longer than I expected but... more
- Log, Apr 6, 2007
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Entry Date: Apr 6, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Heavy clouds blocked the skies tonight.On the good side of things, we seem to have the shutter motor repaired at long last. It is now running on the floor, and hopefully it will run when it is reinstalled. There was a broken connection bet... more
- Log, Apr 13, 2007
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Entry Date: Apr 13, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
28 people. I want to thank everyone who helped with the repair of the dome shutter. It turned out to be a MUCH larger job than I had expected, and a lot more complex. As Joe Hartley and Ernie Evans can attest, the dome motor, gear box and transmission is ... more
- Log, Apr 20, 2007
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Entry Date: Apr 20, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. The weather forecast for astronomers put out by the Canadian Weather Service suggested nearly ideal conditions for viewing along coastal New England. [The US Weather Service does not provide any such information]. However the air was relatively... more
- Log, Apr 27, 2007
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Entry Date: Apr 27, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people, it will come as no surprise that we were closed during the past 24 hours of rain, fog and clouds.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, May 4, 2007
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Entry Date: May 4, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
It must be getting to be spring because lots more people are starting to show up at the Observatory. However, I'd like to take this time to suggest two precautions - an extra layer of clothing and an application of DEET. We had several kids dressed as the... more
- Log, May 11, 2007
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Entry Date: May 11, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
I put off the cancellation as late as possible because both the Clear Sky Clock and the local weather forecasters were saying that the cloud cover would clear before too late. Perhaps they are right and the clouds were gone but I couldn't tell because the... more
- Log, May 18, 2007
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Entry Date: May 18, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, May 25, 2007
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Entry Date: May 25, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
45 People. I confirmed a scientific observation last night that was a first for me while running the telescope at Frosty Drew. It is this.In any violent confrontation between members of the species "canis latrans" and "mephitis mustelidae", it is ... more
- Log, Jun 1, 2007
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Well, we opened last night, sort of. It only cleared for a short enough time to view Saturn and frankly it wasn't anything to get excited about seeing. However it was an interesting evening for me. I was talking with people who write for two newspapers. I... more
- Log, Jun 8, 2007
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Entry Date: Jun 8, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. It wasn't a washout but the fog and clouds were thick enough so finding the Observatory was a challenge. On a brighter note, we seem to have passed the final hurdle in starting construction on the Sky Theater with the approval from the Fire Mar... more
- Log, Jun 15, 2007
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Entry Date: Jun 15, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
24 people. A clear Friday Night - a thing which has almost been an oxymoron this year. The viewing wasn't great, with a thin layer of high clouds but at least we could see things including a few faint fuzzies. Venus was both brilliant and very definitely ... more
- Log, Jun 22, 2007
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Entry Date: Jun 22, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. I arrived early at FDO for a board meeting. I left home in a wild rainy squall, only to find Charlestown bright and clear. Shortly after I arrived, a sun shower dampened the deck but by 7:30 we were socked in with clouds. Since I couldn't get t... more
- Log, Jun 29, 2007
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Entry Date: Jun 29, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
9 people. Well nine folks stopped by but no one managed to see anything. A patch of clear skies just above the northwestern horizon teased us all night. By 9 PM even the most optimistic of weather believers (me!?) had to admit that seeing was something le... more
- Log, Jul 6, 2007
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Entry Date: Jul 6, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This was one of those nights which frustrate me greatly - a possibility of clearing but one where radar showed yet another storm moving northwest to southeast across Connecticut. I decided to pull the plug on the night's activities a little aft... more
- Log, Jul 13, 2007
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Entry Date: Jul 13, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
30+ people. This was one of those nights which frustrate me greatly - a possibility of clearing but one where radar showed yet another storm moving northwest to southeast across Connecticut. Yipes! Weird! Holy Cow! Isn't that exactly what I wrote last wee... more
- Log, Jul 20, 2007
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Entry Date: Jul 20, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
39 people. Well the weather wasn't great (until 11:30 PM) because we were always playing games with the clouds but we had a fine bunch of people at the Observatory. We saw Venus (a thin crescent), Saturn (briefly as it set), Jupiter and the Moon. We also ... more
- Log, Jul 27, 2007
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Entry Date: Jul 27, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
About 25 people. It was bright and clear as I left my house in Westerly. I paralleled Route 1 on Route 92 to avoid the Friday evening beach traffic until I reached Dunn's Corners when I drove south before I turned towards Ningret Park. Halfway down this r... more
- Log, Aug 3, 2007
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Entry Date: Aug 3, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
When I arrived at FDO last night, the Seafood Festival was in full swing. Unlike the Big Apple circus which takes pains to direct its lights away from the Observatory, the lights of the Festival flooded the area last night making it all but impossible to ... more
- Log, Aug 10, 2007
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Entry Date: Aug 10, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Heavy rains kept us closed tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Aug 17, 2007
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Entry Date: Aug 17, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
I really expected to open FDO tonight but the clouds which were forecast to dissipate did exactly the opposite. I could hear distant thunder rumbling and it began to rain almost exactly when we should have opened. Grrrrrrr.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Aug 24, 2007
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Entry Date: Aug 24, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
60 people. Well, tonight was win some, break even on some and lose some at Frosty Drew.In the clear win some category, was the new software package and computer upgrades that I tried out with the big scope last night. I included many security upgrade... more
- Log, Aug 31, 2007
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Entry Date: Aug 31, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
8 people. Rhythm and Roots was just across Park Lane from the Observatory tonight but their bright lights didn't cause any problems. Heavy clouds rolled in after sunset. I had a few chores to do including installing some additional software on the Laptop ... more
- Log, Sep 7, 2007
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Entry Date: Sep 7, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
36 people. Its been an eventful week for FDO. On Wednesday Arline Fleming (Journal Staff Writer) and Kathy Borchers (Photographer) a large heartwarming piece with some great pictures about me came out in the Providence Journal's South County section. It m... more
- Log, Sep 14, 2007
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Entry Date: Sep 14, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. This was a rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 21, 2007
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Entry Date: Sep 21, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
38 people. Well, I got to FDO early (4:30 PM) to do some maintenance work and attend a Frosty Drew Memorial Fund Board of Directors meeting. Clear as a bell. Even though it was daytime, I could see Jupiter in the big scope easily although its moons were h... more
- Log, Sep 28, 2007
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Entry Date: Sep 28, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
At least 45 people (see below). I arrived at Frosty Drew Observatory with a hammer and a can full of small nails. Bang, bang, bang; tap, tap, tap and I managed to get a whole bunch of things back where they were supposed to be. The lighted cord which illu... more
- Log, Oct 5, 2007
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Entry Date: Oct 5, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
I arrived at Frosty Drew Observatory with the sky bright, sunny and only puffy clouds to interfere. The temperature was 69 but as the Sun set, the temperature dropped and fog formed everywhere. I stayed hoping it would clear but it was hopeless. I hope no... more
- Log, Oct 12, 2007
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Entry Date: Oct 12, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
28 people. It was a fine but windy night at FDO. The Moon set with the Sun so that by 6:30 the only lights in the sky were stars, nebulae clusters, planets, and oh yes a few meteors, satellites and airplanes. The air was dry enough and clean enough that s... more
- Log, Oct 19, 2007
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Entry Date: Oct 19, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Tonight was a rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 26, 2007
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Entry Date: Oct 26, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Tonight was a rainout. Keep a lookout for the comet in Perseus. It is as bif as the Moon now.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 2, 2007
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Entry Date: Nov 2, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Hurricane Noel may have been downgraded to "an extra tropical depression but it was depressing enough to wash out our Friday night.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 9, 2007
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Entry Date: Nov 9, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Are we ever going to get a clear Friday?-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 16, 2007
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Entry Date: Nov 16, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Something truly weird happened tonight - we had clouds that actually went away. Perhaps I am overstating the case but it has been weeks since we have had a good night at FDO. It was cold and windy but the viewing was better than average although not rock ... more
- Log, Nov 23, 2007
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Entry Date: Nov 23, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed for Thanksgiving.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 30, 2007
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Entry Date: Nov 30, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
35+ people. I wish I had a count of the people but the groups that came just named the groups and not how many people were in the groups. My guess is about 35-40.People often ask me what is the best time of the year to see the sky. Often they assume ... more
- Log, Dec 7, 2007
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Entry Date: Dec 7, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. FDO was closed due a mixture of sleet, freezing rain and snow.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 14, 2007
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Entry Date: Dec 14, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people. Since we are going to be closed for the Christmas and New Years Holidays (Friday December 21 and 28), and since last week was a washout, I really wanted to open tonight but it was far from satisfactory. At times we couldn't even see the Moon le... more
- Log, Dec 21, 2007
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Entry Date: Dec 21, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed for Christmas Holiday-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 28, 2007
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Entry Date: Dec 28, 2007
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Closed for New Years Holiday-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 4, 2008
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Entry Date: Jan 4, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. What a weird night! The air was saturated with moisture and the sky switched from completely clouded over to clear as the temperature went down and then back up. This condition is called adiabatic clouding. Warm moist air was pushing in from th... more
- Log, Jan 11, 2008
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Entry Date: Jan 11, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
3 people. First of all we really were not open, and we didn't do any sky viewing so you didn't miss anything unless looking at clouds is your thing. The sky occasionally cleared for a brief period but even at 10:00 as I headed home, I ran into yet another... more
- Log, Jan 18, 2008
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Entry Date: Jan 18, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
52 people. The sky was in a very unusual condition last night - it was actually transparent!! We could actually see those tiny little lights that we used to call stars. Oh yeah, the Moon was out in a fat gibbous phase, but so were Mars, and M35, and Praes... more
- Log, Jan 25, 2008
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Entry Date: Jan 25, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
30 people. What a night! As Francine and I opened up, the sky was basically dark down to the horizon except for patches above Providence/Warwick and the Casinos diametrically opposite. The air while not perfectly stable was better than I have seen it for ... more
- Log, Feb 1, 2008
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
2 people. Frosty Drew Observatory was closed due to driving rain. Francine and Les used the downtime to hone skills with the PC, the telescope's computer and various software packages. At least that was the plan but about a hour after we got there while i... more
- Log, Feb 8, 2008
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Entry Date: Feb 8, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
13 people. At 4 in the afternoon, Francine gave me a call saying that she guessed the evening was off since it was snowing in Providence. This came as a surprise to me because as I sat at the desk answering the phone call, I was in full sunshine. I consid... more
- Log, Feb 15, 2008
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Entry Date: Feb 15, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
27 people. Francine Jackson and I got to the Observatory quite early last night because the International Space Station (ISS) was due to make a pass over the Observatory just after 6 PM. The Space Shuttle is close by on a servicing and crew exchange missi... more
- Log, Feb 22, 2008
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Entry Date: Feb 22, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Snow cancelled tonight's session.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Feb 29, 2008
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Entry Date: Feb 29, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
8 people. What could be better than a moonless night with highly stable seeing? Well for one thing it would be nice if the clouds stayed away more than two and a half hours. Needless to say, they didn't. We got hit about 8 or 8:15 by clouds which were the... more
- Log, Mar 7, 2008
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Entry Date: Mar 7, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We are attempting to form a consensus as to why it seems to rain on Friday nights. Suggestions to date include (1) telescopes are hydroscopic, collecting moisture, (2) a plot by black suited gentlemen with sunglasses to hide construction on the... more
- Log, Apr 4, 2008
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Entry Date: Apr 4, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We've been having a series of rainouts while I've been away leaving Francine to wonder if somehow I managed to drag the good weather into the southern hemisphere. Well if I did, I haven't the foggiest (or rainiest or whatever-iest) idea how I d... more
- Log, Apr 11, 2008
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Entry Date: Apr 11, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The week after I got back from South America, where among other things I viewed Omega Centauri [OC], Ernie Evans sent me a stunning article. OC has long thought to be a globular cluster in spite of its very great size. It turns out that OC is a... more
- Log, Apr 18, 2008
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Entry Date: Apr 18, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Well we had a pretty fine evening tonight. We had a fairly large turnout. Only 32 folks signed the logbook but Francine and I are sure that at least 60 folks were here.The objects we viewed were the Moon {kind of hard to avoid!}, Saturn and several o... more
- Log, Apr 25, 2008
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Entry Date: Apr 25, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
12 people. Well we really tried but the weather just would not cooperate with us. It was clear all day but just enough of a cloud layer built to ruin any chance of seeing anything. Still we had quite a nice time talking about science both with the half do... more
- Log, May 4, 2008
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Entry Date: May 4, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. A total rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, May 9, 2008
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Entry Date: May 9, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
As I told Francine, I was attacked by a galloping mildew. If we didn't have rainy weather every Friday, I suspect we wouldn't have any weather at all.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, May 16, 2008
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Entry Date: May 16, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Rain and more rain. Now I'm also a gardener and I truly love the natural world, but does the necessary rain ALWAYS have to fall on Friday night?We are still going to try for Omega Centauri over the next four Fridays. I've let the Charlestown Police k... more
- Log, May 23, 2008
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Entry Date: May 23, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Finally, finally, finally we have a clear Friday night with no Moon until near closing. Francine and Les were there early setting up and planning out the night. We very much wanted to see Omega Centauri, the object that for several centuries has been clas... more
- Log, May 30, 2008
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Entry Date: May 30, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
It was beautiful all day and remained so until just about opening time. By 7:30 the sky was totally overcast and things only got worse with a line of nasty thunderstorms by morning. This was the storm line than trashed Nebraska yesterday.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 6, 2008
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Entry Date: Jun 6, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We were closed due to weather.The weather forecast predicted morning fog and mist. My rain gauge collected 1.48 inches of what most have been "fog and mist" if the weather forecasters are to be believed. All I know that if they ever report... more
- Log, Jun 13, 2008
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Entry Date: Jun 13, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
45 people. Well it was Friday the Thirteenth but in spite of triskaidekaphobia it was a pretty nice night. Yes the Moon was up but so were scads of kids having a great time. Happy kids make up for all the other slight problems like mediocre seeing conditi... more
- Log, Jun 20, 2008
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Entry Date: Jun 20, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. We opened partially to let some girls from Illinois at least see the scope. It was cloudy but we managed to get about a half hour clear enough to get some rather poor views of Saturn and Mars. We closed a bit early due to weather and the Open H... more
- Log, Jul 4, 2008
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Entry Date: Jul 4, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
We were closed on Independence Day this year.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 11, 2008
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Entry Date: Jul 11, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
34 people. Well it was clear all day, and we knew we?d get a fair sized crowd with the Big Apple Circus. However as soon as the Sun set, the drop in temperature to the dew point brought out adiabatic clouds all over the sky. I put a small table out to hol... more
- Log, Jul 18, 2008
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Entry Date: Jul 18, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Emergency closing. Sorry folks, I was supposed to handle Friday night this week but food poisoning made me too ill to do anything - even post the closing.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 25, 2008
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Entry Date: Jul 25, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
43 people. Well we had an excellent night for a change. The Moon did not interfere until the closing hour. The sky was very dark for most of the night. We did have a bit of moisture and a few clouds collected into puff balls late in the evening but genera... more
- Log, Aug 1, 2008
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday August 1, 2008 40 people. The Sea Food Festival was in full swing when I arrived this evening. Francine had been there long before me, manning a booth for the Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory at the festival. I had the telescope up and run... more
- Log, Aug 8, 2008
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Entry Date: Aug 8, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
20 people. Oh the joys of trying to decide to open or not. Around 5PM, Francine called me (Les) asking how the weather was in Westerly. She lives upstate. "Fine", I say. "Well, it is raining here" she responded. I looked at the Weather channel and while t... more
- Log, Aug 15, 2008
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Entry Date: Aug 15, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I had to stop by the Observatory tonight in any case but Francine and I decided at around 5PM that any attempt to open tonight would be futile if not downright dangerous. There was a line of strong thundershowers less than 35 miles away. It was... more
- Log, Aug 22, 2008
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Entry Date: Aug 22, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
147 people. What a huge crowd Francine had to manage the week that Les decided to take off for Darkest Downeast. And to make things more annoying, the computer inside the telescope and the computer holding the targeting information decided to play games. ... more
- Log, Sep 5, 2008
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Entry Date: Sep 5, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
21 people. All day we wondered what the skies would be during the night. Frankly the forecast was doubtful. If this sounds like the opening two lines of last week's logbook entry, score one for a perfect memory. However the evening didn't work out exactly... more
- Log, Sep 12, 2008
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Entry Date: Sep 12, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The weather simply has not cooperated with us tonight. The weather radar shows showers varying from misty to downpours over a 10 state area.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Sep 19, 2008
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Entry Date: Sep 19, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
38 people. We had a really exciting night tonight with the occultation of many stars in the Pleiades (M45) by the Moon. It isn't very common to be in exactly the correct spot on the world to see the ... more
- Log, Sep 26, 2008
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Entry Date: Sep 26, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Another rainout in the rainiest September in recorded history.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 3, 2008
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Entry Date: Oct 3, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
32 people. What do the constellations Fornax, Grus, Microscopium, Phoenix, Sculptor and Cetus have in common? Well quite a bunch of things. First of all they are all constellations which are low on the horizon at Frosty Drew, they tend to be hidden most o... more
- Log, Oct 10, 2008
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Entry Date: Oct 10, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Although we had hoped to observe Venus tonight, it was just too low in the southwestern sky for the telescope to maneuver to, but Jupiter, as ever, was its usual beautiful sight. We also called a momentary halt to the observing to watch the International... more
- Log, Oct 17, 2008
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Entry Date: Oct 17, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The night started with clouds causing Jupiter to peak in and out, but everyone who came was able to view it, although a couple visitors did have to wait for a clear section of sky. After changing the telescope to the Lagoon Nebula, we all ran out for a l... more
- Log, Oct 24, 2008
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Entry Date: Oct 24, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Once again, the clouds came very early in the evening, allowing just a few people the chance to barely view Jupiter; there were also a couple of its Galilean satellites visible, but only for about every other observer. Despite conditions, seven guests we... more
- Log, Nov 7, 2008
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Entry Date: Nov 7, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. It is still misty after an inch and a quarter of rain.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 14, 2008
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Entry Date: Nov 14, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another washout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 21, 2008
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Entry Date: Nov 21, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
33 people. It was bitterly cold with a wind that was all but certain to drive everyone but Francine, Ernie and I inside where there is coffee and hot chocolate, and goodies too numerous to mention. Did I say certain to drive people away? Well a few hardy ... more
- Log, Nov 28, 2008
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Entry Date: Nov 28, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
20+ people. Francine and I really think we had more folks than the 20 which were listed but only that many signed in. It may seem like a minor thing but we really do need to keep track of who is there because this helps us establish our value to the commu... more
- Log, Dec 5, 2008
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Entry Date: Dec 5, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
6 people. Effectively tonight was a washout. We opened but very quickly the clouds covered everything except the Moon which was a pale and very sad looking affair.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Dec 12, 2008
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Entry Date: Dec 12, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. We had an update on the progress of the Sky Theater. We are a little behind the original schedule because excessive rains have made moving trucks and construction gear in the yard slow because of deep mud. We had tentatively expected to open ne... more
- Log, Dec 19, 2008
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Entry Date: Dec 19, 2008
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Heavy snows closed the Observatory tonight. We plan to be open, weather permitting December 26th and January 2nd.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 2, 2009
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Entry Date: Jan 2, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I really hate the type of night we had this Friday. The weather reports conflicted and I wasn't sure if we would get any seeing or not. I held off making a no go decision until after 6PM although I had put up the doubtful opening much earlier i... more
- Log, Jan 9, 2009
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Entry Date: Jan 9, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
32 people. Sorry for the late posting of this week's logbook but I had to leave early Saturday for a five day trip to New York City. We had a nearly full Moon this week, and since the Moon was so bright, we chose to insert the polarizing filter. Since we ... more
- Log, Jan 16, 2009
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Entry Date: Jan 16, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
11 people. Well we "opened" but the telescope refused to come out of its mid winter hibernation. I wouldn't have been surprised if it was cold and creaky, but the computer inside the telescope's base was frozen. It had been minus 6 the night before and it... more
- Log, Jan 23, 2009
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Entry Date: Jan 23, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Well we opened but were distressed to learn that the problem we had last week with the telescope was more serious than first suspected. We felt last week that it was merely cold which caused the problems in the telescope's "computer". However t... more
- Log, Jan 30, 2009
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Entry Date: Jan 30, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. The weather was bad (in fact we had snow by 7:15) but we held a work session to try to "fix" our Meade LX200 16" telescope. This is just a heads up to let you know that the mysterious problem with the telescope is fixed. Bob Napier and his wife... more
- Log, Feb 6, 2009
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Entry Date: Feb 6, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
9 people. Francine and Les have decided that we are not going to remain open when the weather drops into the single digits no matter how clear it is. The strain on the equipment is just too much and it is getting increasingly difficult to get part for our... more
- Log, Feb 13, 2009
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Entry Date: Feb 13, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
31 people. Just when we were all but sure that the fates had decided they had it "in" for Frosty Drew Observatory, guess what happened? A wonderful night! The Moon came up late (just before closing) meaning we had dark skies. The day and night temperature... more
- Log, Feb 20, 2009
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Entry Date: Feb 20, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
31 people. It was a good evening tonight with better than average viewing but a really ferocious wind blew all night. Both Les and Ernie had equipment damage to their own stuff as gusts of wind blew over tripods holding equipment. I don't have a report on... more
- Log, Mar 6, 2009
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Entry Date: Mar 6, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. We had a disagreement between various forecasting services we use to determine if FDO should be open. Usually the best service is Clear Sky Clock which tailors its forecasts to astronomy. It said that seeing would be great. Accuweather was pred... more
- Log, Mar 13, 2009
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Entry Date: Mar 13, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
14 people. We had an enthusiastic if rather small gathering tonight. The forecasts were glowing for the evening. Unfortunately, "glowing" turned out to rather too literally true. Light reflected from Foxwoods and the cities to the north. By 10 PM Francine... more
- Log, Mar 20, 2009
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Entry Date: Mar 20, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
18 people. Francine and Les both had to attend a Frosty Drew directors meeting and so we couldn't be sure if we would open or not. Frankly at 5 PM, things were very doubtful but they improved to the point where the sky was clear if not particularly stable... more
- Log, Apr 3, 2009
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Entry Date: Apr 3, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. I often take a nap on Friday afternoon so that I can stay up until midnight at FDO. And even though I very much doubted that I would be going, this is what I did Friday afternoon. It wasn't much of a nap. About twenty minutes into my snooze, th... more
- Log, Apr 10, 2009
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Entry Date: Apr 10, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another rainout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Apr 17, 2009
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Entry Date: Apr 17, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
55 people. What if they gave a mild evening with clear skies on a Friday night? Well, at least in Charlestown you'll get loads of people wanting to look through our telescope. We actually began viewing Saturn before the sky stopped being a nice blue. You ... more
- Log, Apr 24, 2009
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Entry Date: Apr 24, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
108 people. We had an ideal night, lots of often delayed Scouting groups and this simply meant we had a really large group. One person said that one of the larger SUV's looked like a clown car because people kept getting out and more kept getting out. I d... more
- Log, May 8, 2009
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Entry Date: May 8, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
The forecast for tonight gave Francine and Les a good deal of doubt. In fact, the weather was marginal from 8 to about 10 with thin haze becoming increasingly dense clouds. With the Moon rising early, this meant the sky was abnormally bright. We could see... more
- Log, May 15, 2009
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Entry Date: May 15, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
I was at Frosty Drew early this week for a Board of Directors meeting. It was warm and sunny without a cloud in the sky. And all through the night there never was a "cloud in the sky" but there surely was one on the GROUND! The air was saturated all day l... more
- Log, May 22, 2009
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Entry Date: May 22, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
20 people. Well we had a score of people including two toddlers who seemed to be enjoying themselves. One little guy was fascinated by the laser pointer making a bright wiggly mark on the pavement. When he tried to pick up the bright dot it flashed on his... more
- Log, Jun 5, 2009
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Entry Date: Jun 5, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Same as last week, no people. Bad weather kept us closed tonight.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jun 12, 2009
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Entry Date: Jun 12, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
15 people. What if they gave a storm and no bad weather came? They told us and told us and told us that it would be lightning and thunder but the only cloud was the Milky Way! I was over at Frosty Drew setting up for the Sky Theater Grand Opening on Sunda... more
- Log, Jun 19, 2009
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Entry Date: Jun 19, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
17 (disappointed) people. As Henry Higgins said "I'm just an ordinary man. One who never could, never would let an insulting remark escape his lips." Poor Henry went on to explain in great detail about "Let a woman in your life…" We'll he was reasonably... more
- Log, Jul 3, 2009
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Entry Date: Jul 3, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Twenty-nine people came to the first opening of the Observatory in several weeks, because of the unbelievably terrible weather conditions. As it was, the weather forecasts were all different, from perfect sky to a night full of thunder showers, but the ni... more
- Log, Jul 10, 2009
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Entry Date: Jul 10, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Almost six dozen people came into the Observatory, some from the Big Apple Circus, which was also in the Park. They were shown Saturn, which, every week slides lower and lower into the western horizon; soon, it will be lost in the glare of the Sun. While ... more
- Log, Jul 17, 2009
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Entry Date: Jul 17, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Rain started by 7:30.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jul 24, 2009
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Entry Date: Jul 24, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
16 people. Several times throughout the late afternoon, Francine and I debated what we should do about opening. The weather forecasts ran the spectrum from marvelous to horrendous. Yet as we almost always do, we chose to assume the best and by the time we... more
- Log, Jul 31, 2009
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Entry Date: Jul 31, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Rain started in the afternoon and didn't let up until after 11 PM.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Aug 14, 2009
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Entry Date: Aug 14, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
60+ people. We couldn't get a good count of people last night with folks wondering in and out from the Seafood Festival but there were about 60. They showed up early (in fact, while the sky was still bright blue) but soon after the Sun really set thin clo... more
- Log, Aug 21, 2009
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Entry Date: Aug 21, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
68 people. We had a large crowd this Friday and why not? The sky really behaved itself in a most delightful fashion. The Moon didn't rise until after midnight, the air while damp wasn't cloudy, and the contrast was high allowing naked eye detection of det... more
- Log, Aug 28, 2009
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Entry Date: Aug 28, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Fog and dense clouds kept FDO closed tonight.A personal thought from Les Coleman: This has been a particularly hard financial time for many of us including the Frosty Drew divisions. While we have had very good luck with our major donors i... more
- Log, Sep 4, 2009
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Entry Date: Sep 4, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Although the evening began rather cloudy, we welcomed 110 people into the Observatory, the number helped by the Rhythm and Roots Festival; however, with the bright festival lights in the north and west, and the day-after-full Moon brilliance overpowering ... more
- Log, Sep 11, 2009
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Entry Date: Sep 11, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Another very rainy and thundery Friday. We'll try again to open next week.... more
- Log, Oct 2, 2009
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Entry Date: Oct 2, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday Oct 2, 2009. 1 person - Les. Earlier in the day, Francine and I knew that it would be a washout but I went over to the Observatory because I needed to make some hardware repairs that really can't be done when folks are trying to get a look see thro... more
- Log, Oct 9, 2009
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Entry Date: Oct 9, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another Friday washout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 16, 2009
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Entry Date: Oct 16, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another Friday washout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Oct 23, 2009
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Entry Date: Oct 23, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another Friday washout.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 13, 2009
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Entry Date: Nov 13, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Another complete washout - this time from the nor'easter spawned by the remnants of TS Ida.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Nov 20, 2009
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Entry Date: Nov 20, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
107 people. We had people everywhere last night, and no wonder. We have had so many washouts that we have built a huge backlog of folks wanting to get down to the Observatory. Luckily, the sky, and Jupiter in particular, put on a real show.Jupiter ha... more
- Log, Dec 4, 2009
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Entry Date: Dec 4, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
1 person. Poor Francine! She called Les earlier in the day to ask how viewing was in southern Rhode Island. He said that it was "iffy" but that he himself would not be over that evening because he was feeling under the weather. She chose to open. Sigh! Ab... more
- Log, Dec 11, 2009
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Entry Date: Dec 11, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
12? people. We really didn't get a good count of the folks who showed up last night but I think there were about a dozen. We had put up a warning that intense cold and winds might force us to close early as it did. Some of it was because of equipment whic... more
- Log, Dec 18, 2009
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Entry Date: Dec 18, 2009
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
10 people. We had a small group show up this very cold night. Cold as it was inside, Ernie had set up outside and was there after Francine and Les had left. We will be closed on Christmas (Friday December 25) and New Years Day (Friday January 1).-Les... more
- Log, Jan 1, 2010
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2010
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. We were closed for the holidays at Christmas and New Years. Coincidentally, the weather would have left us closed as well.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Jan 8, 2010
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Entry Date: Jan 8, 2010
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
No people. Francine and Les debated opening in spite of overcast, refreezing and suggestions by the weather prognosticators that there was a 10% chance of snow or mixed precipitation at night. As it turned out, the sky actually cleared over the early even... more
- Log, Jan 22, 2010
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Entry Date: Jan 22, 2010
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Two people and an inquirer. Francine and Les decided that the very on again off again nature of the night's weather made activating the alternate Sky Theater program reasonable. We're not sure why but no one showed up except a single person who really did... more
- Log, Jan 29, 2010
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Entry Date: Jan 29, 2010
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
With a temperature around 7, and wind chill of negative something, the seeing was dreadful. A family of three came, and the Moon and Mars were like something underwater. Even though the skies do look halfway okay, the telescope, in addition to magnifying ... more
- Log, Feb 5, 2010
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Entry Date: Feb 5, 2010
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Weather and a chance of serious snow if the Mid Atlantic Blizzard edged north kept us closed.-Les Coleman... more
- Log, Feb 26, 2010
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Entry Date: Feb 26, 2010
Published Under: Leslie Coleman's Log
Friday night began with snow. No people came. Things look a little better for viewing next week. Keep looking up.-Les Coleman... more
- Midland Mall Remembrance
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Entry Date: May 1, 2011
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
You may be thinking that my editors somehow switched the title of my monthly astronomy column with that of another columnist. What connection could there possibly be between astronomy and the once grand experiment called the Midland Mall? Well, those of y... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: Jun 3, 2011
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Finally, last night we had a classic Frosty Drew brilliantly clear sky night. June is one of our best months for observation at Frosty Drew and last night great. We started off with a beautiful waxing crescent moon and Saturn. Later we moved to m104, m5, ... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2011
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night we had a slow start with some clouds that briefly cleared for about 1.5 hours and gave us some great views of Saturn. Though around 10:15 the clouds returned. Many variables were in place last night for a spectacular night of observation so we ... more
- August Meteor Shower to be Mooned Out and Observing the Last Quarter Moon
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2011
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Anyone with even a casual interest in astronomy knows that sometime during the summer we are treated to a fine display of shooting stars. This meteor shower is perhaps the most well known and the most widely observed because more folks are outdoors dur... more
- Reason for the Season - The Autumnal Equinox
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2011
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
September—finally! The end of a brutally hot and humid summer. Well, not exactly. Meteorology-wise, the summer months include June through August. Astronomy-wise, this year summer began at 1:16 p.m. on June 21st (summer solstice) and doesn’t end un... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: Sep 2, 2011
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night we had a spectacular night of observation. The observatory stayed open till about 4:30am Saturday morning and we had a steady stream of visitors from the Rhythm and Roots festival all night long. We also had some fascinating views of Vesta, Com... more
- October Meteor Showers
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2011
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
When is the last time you remember observing a decent display of shooting stars? Either the weather or a bright Moon has conspired to prevent us from indulging in this simple and inexpensive aspect of amateur astronomy. Perhaps you took advantage of th... more
- Poor Prospects for November’s Meteors
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2011
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Here’s my update on last month’s Draconid meteor shower on October 8. First the good news: the mini-storm predicted by a Canadian astronomer did present itself. The bad news: not here in Southern New England. Europe was forecast to observe possibly... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: Nov 4, 2011
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night we had a great night of observation. We had about 40 people come out despite the warning and possible closure due to wind. A number of visitors brought out their personal telescopes and imaging equipment resulting in a diverse availability of o... more
- Pleasure at the Telescope: Observing Jupiter
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Entry Date: Nov 15, 2011
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Since we lost Saturn to worthwhile telescopic viewing at the beginning of September when it sank below the western tree-line, we’ve had no bright planets to observe during a reasonable hour. Yes, in recent months you could have observed Jupiter, as w... more
- Meteor(ocre) Prospects for the Geminid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Dec 1, 2011
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Last month I reported on the mini-storm for the Draconid meteor shower on October 8 over Europe. We saw little or no activity here. I still had hopes for the Orionids on the night of October 21-22. Unfortunately as the time approached the midnight hour... more
- Meteor Shower Prospects for 2012 and Other Astronomical Highlights
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
It seems like my meteor reports for 2011 read more like meteorological summaries. The weather was absolutely horrible. Not only did it spoil most of the shooting star displays that were not already affected by interfering moonlight, but extensive and p... more
- Observing the Planet Venus
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
If your commute takes you in a westerly direction, you may have wondered what that brilliant object in the sky was back in December. At first you might have thought it was the landing lights of a plane making its approach to Green State Airport. When i... more
- Sky Object of the Month – Febuary 2012 Asteroid 433 Eros
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Last November, astronomers were treated to a fly-by of the near-earth asteroid 2005 YU 55. An 11th magnitude object, 2005 YU 55 raced across the sky at an astounding rate of one degree every 10 minutes. Viewing the event required a telescope of 6-inch ape... more
- Sky Object of the Month – March 2012 Variable Star R Leonis
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
On the evening of March 1, 1918, a young Ohio farm boy trained a small refracting telescope towards the variable star R Leonis. He estimated its brightness, later forwarding the information to the American Association of Variable Star Observers. It was th... more
- Marvelous Mars
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
What immediately pops into your head when I mention Mars? If you had asked me back in the sixth grade (1964-65), I would have answered H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, for it was then that I first read that great science fiction novel about Martians i... more
- Sky Object of the Month – April 2012 Double Star Gamma Leonis - Algieba
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
One of the finest double stars in the spring sky – indeed, in all the heavens – is gamma () Leonis. Its proper name, Algieba, comes from the Arabic Al Jabbah (The Lion’s Mane). Discovered by William Herschel in 1782, Algieba is compri... more
- Astronomical Events Determine Easter Observance
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Entry Date: Apr 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
The motion of the heavens is a precise clock and calendar that can be used to determine when to celebrate special events. One doesn’t have to observe the sky for too long a period of time to notice the cyclic phases of the Moon, or the changing posit... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: Apr 6, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night we had a good turn out at the Observatory, 55 people signed out guestbook, though I would say we had double that number present. We started the night with a good view of Venus. After, we swung over to Mars but increasing atmosphere made observa... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: Apr 13, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night we had a fantastic night of observation. We stayed at the observatory immersed in the breath taking views of the dark Charlestown skies. We started our night with a 40% waning crescent Venus. We then skipped Mars in favor of viewing Saturn and ... more
- Sky Object of the Month – May 2012 Porrima – a binary star in Virgo
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Entry Date: May 1, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Compiling a list of the finest double stars for backyard telescopes is always a work in progress. The list is forever in flux, because many showpiece double stars are binary systems that periodically close to the point where they can’t be resolved by... more
- Transit of Venus: A Rare Astronomical Event
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Entry Date: May 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Eight years ago in 2004, astronomers and lay people around the globe were anxiously waiting for a very unique astronomical phenomenon to occur. In fact, this event was so rare that no one then alive had observed it before. The last time it had occurred... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: May 18, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night was a truly classic Frosty Drew night. With no Moon and clear skies overhead the public and astronomers alike were mesmerized by all the fantastic planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters that were visible.We started the night out wit... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: May 25, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night the usual cloudy Friday night conditions returned to the park. The night started out with cloudy skies which quickly turned to extremely dense fog making navigation out of the park difficult.Francine Jackson gave her talk on the upcoming T... more
- Saturn, the “Recruiter”
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
A writer always needs a good headline to entice the reader to sit up and take notice. And I’m sure several of you surely did so when you read the above title. Any one with even a little knowledge of mythology knows that Saturn was the Roman god of ag... more
- M5 (NGC 5904) – Globular Cluster in Serpens
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Entry Date: Jun 1, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Much astronomical hoopla has been made about the June 5th Venus transit – and rightfully so. But what happens after that, when post-Venus Transit Depression sets in? I can’t think of a better cure than a telescopic trip to the globular cluster M5.... more
- The Transit of Venus 2012 Log
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Entry Date: Jun 5, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
On June 5, 2012 we setup our telescope, cameras, streaming servers, projectors, and monitors to view the event of the century. The last transit of Venus we will ever see.This final Transit of Venus in our lifetime is now past. We were diligent i... more
- The Transit of Venus 2012
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Entry Date: Jun 10, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
The Transit of Venus 2012 is the last time in our lifetime we will be able to witness this event. As usual the New England skies banned us from having a great view of this last in a lifetime event.At the last 5 minutes before the Sun dropped bel... more
- Public Night Log
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Entry Date: Jun 15, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Last night we had a fantastic night of observation at Frosty Drew. The sky remained cloud free all night with acceptable seeing (atmosphere) conditions, plus the mosquitoes were surprisingly quite tolerable.With the Summer Solstice only a few da... more
- Astronomical Potpourri in July
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
What’s shorter than a fuse on a Fourth of July firecracker? This column! During the last couple of months my columns have been fairly lengthy to inform the reader adequately about special astronomical events. July is a relatively quiet month astronom... more
- Sky Object of the Month - The Lunar X and V
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Entry Date: Jul 1, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
The moon – what a royal pain in the butt! For a week or so around its full phase, the moon floods the nighttime sky with a natural form of light pollution, frustrating experienced backyard astronomers who try in vain to view faint deep-sky objects. I... more
- Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks in August
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
The upcoming Perseid meteor shower of August is the most widely observed meteor shower of the year. This ranking is because families are spending more time outdoors during the summer season, enjoying cookouts, camping, or any other assortment of late e... more
- M22 – Globular Cluster in Sagittarius
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
What’s the most spectacular globular cluster in the northern sky? Most backyard astronomers would pick the Great Cluster M13 in Hercules. If you wish to view the finest globular cluster visible from the entire New England sky, however, you’ll have ... more
- Rhythm and Roots 2012 Log
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
This past weekend we opened both Friday and Saturday nights from dusk till dawn for the annual Rhythm and Roots festival. Ever since I started operating the Frosty Drew 16” telescope the Rhythm and Roots festival has always been a good omen for us in... more
- Autumnal Equinox and Observing the Outer Solar System
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Entry Date: Sep 12, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Thank goodness summer is almost over. Autumn, or fall, begins on September 22 at 10:49 am EDT. For most of the country, 2012 has been a very hot and dry year. And for us in southern New England, we’ve had more than our fair share of heat, humidity, a... more
- “The Coathanger” – Asterism in Vulpecula
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Entry Date: Sep 12, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
If you slowly scan the southern part of Vulpecula (the lower left part of the accompanying finder chart) with binoculars or rich-field telescope, you’ll come across a remarkable asterism comprised of 10 stars arranged in the distinct form of a coatha... more
- NGC 6934 - Globular Cluster in Delphinus
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Entry Date: Oct 10, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
October sees the demise of the summer Milky Way and its swarm of globular clusters centered on the constellation Sagittarius. A few, notably M15 in Pegasus, lag behind to grace our autumn skies. Another of these stragglers is NGC 6934 in Delphinus. Thi... more
- October Meteor Shower Prospects
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Entry Date: Oct 10, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I can’t tell you how discouraged I am when I’ve written about an upcoming astronomical event, only to have it spoiled by cloudy skies. The latest event to suffer this fate was the 2012 Perseids, scheduled to peak during the early morning hours of S... more
- 2012 Orionid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Oct 21, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On the morning of October 21, 2012 the Orionid meteor shower peaked with a descent display of fast moving, green meteors. Below are photographs of meteors we captured at the Observatory during the meteor shower.-Scott... more
- Public Observation Night
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Entry Date: Oct 26, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Tonight's forecast is calling for anything from mostly clear skies to mostly cloudy skies. We will open the observatory tonight at 6:30 with views of the 91% waxing gibbous Moon and a visible passing of the International Space Station. Later we will di... more
- Meteors and Planet Pairings for November
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Entry Date: Nov 6, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
As the late sunsets of summer (along with the heat, humidity and hazy skies) came to an end, my astronomy associates and I welcomed in the fall season. The biggest plus is that we can begin our observing sessions at a much earlier time in the evening. ... more
- Struve 2816 and 2819 – Triple and Double Stars in Cepheus
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Entry Date: Nov 6, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
There’s something hypnotic about a double star – two gleaming points of light shining bravely through the surrounding darkness. A triple star is even more mesmerizing. Place a double star and triple star in the same eyepiece field, and the visual e... more
- The Beaver Moon - November's Full Moon
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Entry Date: Nov 6, 2012
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Columns
As the swamps began to freeze, settlers looking to stay warm during the winter would set traps along them, to try to catch the full, soft, fluffy beaver, who were looking to prepare their winters' naps; this is why the Full Moon of November is called... more
- Gamma (γ) Arietis – Double Star in Aries
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Entry Date: Dec 3, 2012
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
I'm a double star aficionado; my sky gazing motto is “double stars are twice the fun!” Unlike the “faint fuzzies” most backyard astronomers prefer, double stars aren't hidden by light pollution or bright moonlight. They aren't the exclusive pro... more
- The Long Night Moon - December's Full Moon
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Entry Date: Dec 3, 2012
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Columns
With the winter season beginning this month, the nights are the longest, and the days slowly begin to get colder. As such, we celebrate both the Full Cold Moon and the Full Long Night Moon. And, because we also celebrate the holiday season at this ... more
- Doomsday 21, 2012 Down for the (Long) Count?
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Entry Date: Dec 3, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
It's difficult to know exactly when the alleged Mayan doomsday prophecy drivel started. I've had an interest in the Mesoamerican cultures of Central America for many decades, so I was aware of their advanced calendar system. However, in all my studies ... more
- Promising Prospects for December’s Geminid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Dec 7, 2012
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Mild comfortable nights of observing are now behind us. As we approach the Winter Solstice on December 21 at 6:12 a.m. (the earliest date and time for this astronomical event since 1896), our days grow shorter while the nights grow longer. Amateur astr... more
- Geminid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Dec 15, 2012
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This is a collection of photos captured at Frosty Drew during the annual Geminid Meteor Shower, which occurs overnight December 13-14th. The Geminids are the best regular display of meteor activity per year, and can bring upwards of 120 meteors to the sky... more
- Quadrantid Meteor Shower 2013
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Entry Date: Jan 2, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The first meteor shower of 2013, the Quandrantid Meteor Shower, will take place overnight tonight (January 2-3, 2013) starting shortly after 11:00 p.m. and peaking around 3:00 a.m.. Estimates for this year put the expected meteor count up to 80 per hou... more
- NGC 7662 – Planetary Nebula in Andromeda, the “Blue Snowball”
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Entry Date: Jan 5, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
What could be a more appropriate telescopic destination for a wintry night in January than the “Blue Snowball?” More formally known as NGC 7662, the Blue Snowball is a beautiful planetary nebula located in Andromeda. Discovered by William Herschel ... more
- 40 Eridani - Triple Star in Eridanus
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Entry Date: Feb 14, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
This month, we travel 16.5 light years to the remarkable triple star 40 Eridani (aka Keid and omicron2 Eridani). This system merits must-see status by virtue of the fact that one of its members is the most easily-seen white dwarf in the night sky. Trek... more
- A Few February Favorites
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Entry Date: Feb 14, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Perhaps you received a telescope during the holiday season and you've been anxious to see what kind of detail it can provide of various astronomical objects. While the winter months can be a difficult time of the year to observe from southern New Engla... more
- Messier 101: Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major
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Entry Date: Apr 4, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
One of the best examples of a star-hop is the one that takes us from Mizar (the middle star in the Handle of the Big Dipper) to the face-on spiral galaxy M101. It’s a fortuitous situation because, were it isolated, M101 might be one of the more diffi... more
- April Lyrids Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Apr 4, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
For those of us who reside in the northern hemisphere, the spring season provides only one decent meteor shower to watch shooting stars streak across the sky. While not as productive as the August Perseids or the December Geminids, the annual Lyrids me... more
- URI Planetarium - What more do you need?
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Entry Date: Apr 4, 2013
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Columns
Nestled quietly on the corner of Upper College Road and Engineering Row is a unique little building resembling a silo stepped on by the Jolly Green Giant. Many students who pass by this building have no idea they are looking at one of the most modern pla... more
- Binary Star: Iota Cancer
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Entry Date: Apr 11, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
During this month of April, light traveling across the galaxy for 329 years shines at us from the top of the dim constellation Cancer. This light originates from the binary star, Iota Cancer. This fantastic binary star, though tough to see naked eye fr... more
- Friday April 19, 2013 Weekly Happenings
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Entry Date: Apr 19, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Tonight's forecast is calling for clouds, high winds, and a thunderstorm. This will likely keep the observatory closed tonight. Fret not, tomorrow evening Frosty Drew Observatory will be celebrating Astronomy Day 2013 and the skies look great! So come ... more
- Friday April, 19, 2013 Weekly Note
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Entry Date: Apr 19, 2013
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Log
Skies don't seem very good for this evening at Frosty Drew, but, we will be open an extra night this week: Saturday, we will be joining much of the rest of the astronomical community to celebrate Astronomy Day, a chance for everyone to come and enjoy t... more
- Weekly Note
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Entry Date: Apr 26, 2013
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Log
Tonight’s sky seems to be promising for observing – all we have to do is hope we don’t have incredible wind gusts as we’ve have had recently – and the observatory will be open, beginning at dusk, which you might have noticed is coming later ... more
- Weekly Happenings
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Entry Date: Apr 27, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Yesterday, the first lunar eclipse of 2013 took place. The partial lunar eclipse started at 2:03 p.m. and ended at 6:11 p.m. making the eclipse not visible to New England sky watchers. Being that this was a partial lunar eclipse, most observers were no... more
- Messier 104 – the “Sombrero Galaxy” in Virgo
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Entry Date: May 1, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
One of the more noteworthy examples of an edge-on spiral galaxy bisected by a dark dust lane is M104, the Sombrero Galaxy. The nick-name arises from the galaxy’s resemblance to the traditional Mexican headwear, the bright nuclear bulge forming the ha... more
- Saturn Now Visible in May’s Early Evening Sky
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Entry Date: May 1, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
If you have any rudimentary knowledge about astronomy and are like most people, anytime someone mentions the planet Saturn the first image that pops into your head is a planet with an extensive system of rings surrounding it. This sixth planet from the... more
- Binary Star: Algieba (Gamma Leonis)
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Entry Date: May 1, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that May is upon us, the familiar winter constellations are quickly setting to the west with all the great spring constellations quite visible overhead. Among the spring constellations is the well know constellation Leo (the Lion). This month we wi... more
- Weekly Note
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Entry Date: May 3, 2013
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Log
As of this afternoon, skies for Frosty drew still look fairly good, so it is likely the telescope will be open for observing tonight. Remember, though: Because sunset occurs rather late, the opening is rather late, after 8:30 P.M. Jupiter will be a ... more
- Weekly Happenings
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Entry Date: May 3, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
May is here and May is galaxy month! During the month of May the Virgo Galaxy Cluster can be found high in our skies and in a very visible spot for observation. The Virgo Galaxy Cluster is a huge cluster of 1300 – 2000 galaxies which make up the hear... more
- 2013 Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: May 8, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This past weekend (April, 4-5) the Eta Aquarid meteor shower took place. Being this meteor shower is a rather small meteor shower for northern sky watchers, we had about an hour of much meteor activity. From 3:00 - 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning the sky lit up ... more
- Weekly Happenings
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Entry Date: May 10, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Tonight's weather is calling for increasingly cloudy skies with a chance of showers. The super thin crescent moon will set at 8:36 leaving, what would have been, very dark skies for a great night of observation. We will attempt to open the observatory ... more
- Weekly Happenings, May 17, 2013
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Entry Date: May 17, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
This week we move into the last month stretch leading up to the Summer Solstice. The summer solstice marks the first day of the summer season and is the longest day of the year. As we approach the summer solstice, observatory opening times become quite... more
- Weekly Note - May 17, 2013
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Entry Date: May 17, 2013
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Log
We at Frosty Drew can't believe that we are having two anniversaries this year. The Frosty Drew Nature Center was begun in 1983, and was followed five years later by the Observatory. We are planning later in the year to celebrate these milestones, an... more
- The Best Stargazing in New England?
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Entry Date: May 30, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
New England spring has set in once again and with New England spring comes the dismal weather forecasts that we all to quickly forget while experiencing spring fever. These long spells of classic New England sky-induced depression are all too common th... more
- Nu (ν) Scorpii - A Double-Double Challenge
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Entry Date: Jun 3, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
I first met nu (ν) Scorpii in the summer of 1971. Using a 3-inch f/10 reflector and magnifying power of 60X, I saw the same wide (41 arc-second) magnitude 4.2 and 6.6 double star that the German astronomer Christian Mayer had discovered nearly two cen... more
- Previewing June’s Evening Skies
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Entry Date: Jun 3, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Though the month of June does provide much more reasonable temperatures for amateur astronomers to enjoy their hobby, most of us do not welcome the summer months. Why? The sky doesn’t get sufficiently dark for deep sky objects (galaxies and nebulae) ... more
- Binary Star: Xi Bootes
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Entry Date: Jun 3, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
June is a fantastic time of the year to observe the night sky. The bright Sagittarius arm and galactic center of the Milky Way Galaxy rise early like an approaching storm from the southeast. The starscape at this point has switched to summer mode featu... more
- Solar Observation at Frosty Drew Observatory
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Entry Date: Jun 7, 2013
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
A warm and very hearty welcome to everyone, especially newcomers to astronomy who may be feeling intimidated by the depth of knowledge and expertise of our contributors and the Rhode Island astronomy community. Herein is offered a monthly look at the U... more
- Weekly Happenings: June 7, 2013
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Entry Date: Jun 7, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
Tonight's forecast is calling for heavy rain, thunderstorms, and wind with gusts up to 24mph compliments of Tropical Storm Andrea. The super thin 1% crescent moon will set tonight at 7:23 bringing on the New Moon tomorrow. With post tropical storm cond... more
- Weekly Happenings, June 14, 2013
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Entry Date: Jun 14, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
This coming week the summer solstice will happen marking the start of summer, the first quarter moon will take place this weekend as we progress towards the full moon later this month, and the International Space station has added a live video and audi... more
- Weekly Happenings, June 21, 2013
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Entry Date: Jun 21, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
This morning at 1:04 EDT the Summer Solstice took place making today the first day of Summer. Aside from the summer solstice this weekend, the “Supermoon” or full lunar perigee will be visible all weekend. Again, the sun is sparking with flares fro... more
- Weekly Happenings, June 28, 2013
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Entry Date: Jun 28, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
This past week many awesome things space has happened. Among many, NASA launched a new solar observatory to help further unravel the mysteries of the closest star to Earth. Three planets capable of supporting alien life were found around the same star!... more
- Solar Observation at Frosty Drew Observatory
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Entry Date: Jul 3, 2013
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
One problem all Rhode Islanders share is constantly hearing our beloved state referred to as a unit of measurement. Rhode Island natives learned in the hallways of elementary school from classmates speaking in hushed tones that 257 Rhode Islands’ fi... more
- Treasures of the Summer Milky Way
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Entry Date: Jul 7, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Last month I lamented the fact that during the summer months amateur astronomers have to wait so long before darkness falls before we can begin our observing sessions. However, as the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” For once twil... more
- M80 – Globular Cluster in Scorpius
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Entry Date: Jul 10, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
From last month’s featured object, the challenging double-double nu (ν) Scorpii, we dip 4 arcminutes south and slightly east to a point roughly midway between Antares (α Scorpii) and Graffias (β Scorpii). The small 7th magnitude fuzzball we encoun... more
- Planetary Nebulae
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Entry Date: Jul 10, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This gallery will feature shots of planetary nebulae that have been imaged at Frosty Drew Observatory or by members of our astro-geekary.A planetary nebula, better known as a transitioning white dwarf, is the last stage of a small to medium size... more
- Weekly Happenings, July 12, 2013
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Entry Date: Jul 12, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
This summer the skies have taken a huge turn for the worse. After the fantastic observing conditions this past spring, we were really hoping for a great summer. Fear not, New England kicked back into craptastic mode and we are back into endlessly cloud... more
- Dobsonians and Longboards
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Entry Date: Jul 16, 2013
Published Under: Tom Abbott's Columns
Reading the title of this article, you are probably wondering, what possibly a Dobsonian and a Longboard have in common. Furthermore, you might not even be sure what either of the two are. So with that in mind, I will start with the latter and will the... more
- The Day the Earth Smiled
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Entry Date: Jul 19, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Today, an event is taking place that will open the eyes of humanity (again) to the reality of our place among the cosmos. This event will be, at the same time, humbling and awesome. For better or worse, this will be a day to remember. 23 years ago a si... more
- That's Here, That's Home, That's Us!
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Entry Date: Jul 21, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This is the first raw image that has come back from the NASA Cassini spacecraft. This is the photo that was taken of Earth on Friday July 19, 2013. In this photo Earth is illuminated by sunlight with the Moon standing out brightly just below Earth. ... more
- Perfect Prospects for Perennial Perseids
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Entry Date: Aug 7, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Traditionally the August Perseid meteor shower is one of the best shooting star displays of the year. However, here in southern New England we haven’t observed a decent performance by this annual shower for I don’t know how long. While a bright Moo... more
- NGC 6826 - the Blinking Planetary
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Entry Date: Aug 13, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Backyard astronomers are familiar with the tactic of using averted vision to capture faint detail in deep-sky objects. A sideward glance allows photons to fall on the light-sensitive region of the retina, rendering the invisible visible. The effect of ... more
- Perseid Meteor Shower of 2013
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Entry Date: Aug 15, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
The Perseid meteor shower of 2013 is setup to be fantastic. Here are a collection of photos taken at Frosty Drew Observatory of the 2013 Perseids.... more
- Light is Awesome
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Entry Date: Aug 15, 2013
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
Light is awesome. It’s something we take for granted every day; we certainly don’t stop and think about it often or try and define it. Let’s give light its due and take a few minutes to understand some things about it.Simply stated, light ... more
- Observing Neptune in 2013
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Entry Date: Aug 19, 2013
Published Under: Jim Hendrickson's Columns
Our solar system's eighth and outermost planet Neptune reaches opposition on August 27, meaning that it is at its nearest position to us and therefore this is the best time of the year to observe it. Technically speaking, an opposition is when Earth co... more
- Weekly Happenings - August 23, 2013
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Entry Date: Aug 23, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
As summer starts winding down and the new school semester looms on the horizon we start gearing up for my favorite season, Autumn. Though leaf peeping anxiety and early autumn haunts are brewing, we still have a good chunk of summer ahead as well as so... more
- Binary Star: 61 Cygni - The Flying Star
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Entry Date: Aug 26, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
With Summer well under way the beautiful Summer Triangle asterism is hanging high overhead. The summer triangle, made up of the three bright stars Deneb, Vega and Altair, is full of many fascinating objects, considering the bright Milky Way cuts right ... more
- NASA LADEE
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Entry Date: Sep 6, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of photos of the NASA LADEE launch on September 6, 2013.... more
- Sunrise, Sunset
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Entry Date: Sep 10, 2013
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
I fashion myself a crepuscular mammal; alert and active at dawn and dusk, I gain inspiration from the subtle interplay of the changing light at the ends of the day. Be it hopeful anticipation as the rising sun infuses the sky with its warm radiance, o... more
- September Sky Bites and Potential Observing Hazards
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Entry Date: Sep 20, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
More times than not my column starts out as a weather report. It makes sense. Unless we have clear skies we can’t observe the heavens with the naked-eye or with our telescopes. This fact is lost on some folks who visit the local observatories during ... more
- Fly Me to The Moon
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Entry Date: Oct 7, 2013
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin (1930- ) became the first men to land on the Moon. Earth’s multitudes sighed a collective sigh of relief when the scratchy transmission, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The ... more
- Preparing for Comet ISON - Part 1
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Entry Date: Oct 17, 2013
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
In my January preview of astronomical highlights for 2013, I noted the predictions for a “Comet of the Century” to grace our skies in November and December. Descriptions like “as bright as a Full Moon” and “may possibly be seen even in broad ... more
- NGC 6946 – Spiral Galaxy in Cepheus
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Entry Date: Oct 22, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
A mere 40 arcminute hop from last month’s Sky Object (the open cluster NGC 6939) takes you 5000 times deeper into space to the face-on spiral galaxy NGC 6946. NGC 6946 was discovered by William Herschel on the same night – September 9, 1798 – tha... more
- A Constellation I Have Learned
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Entry Date: Nov 7, 2013
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
Modern astronomers recognize 88 constellations, covering the entire sky, in both northern and southern hemispheres. Some constellations have their beginnings in relatively recent times, such as the southern hemisphere's Telescopium, named in 1751, depi... more
- NGC 7331 – Spiral Galaxy in Pegasus
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Entry Date: Nov 14, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
What would the Andromeda Galaxy look like were it 20 times more distant? To find the answer, we need look no further than the spiral galaxy NGC 7331 in Pegasus. In size (a 130,000 LY diameter) and mass (300 billion suns), NGC 7331 is essentially a twin... more
- Comet S/2012 S1 ISON
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Entry Date: Nov 15, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
A collection of photographs taken at Frosty Drew Observatory of the highly anticipated Comet C/2012 S1 ISON in late 2013.... more
- Zodiacal Light Returns to Frosty Drew
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Entry Date: Dec 2, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past six years at Frosty Drew I have heard the tales of old, about how the fabled zodiacal light used to be visible in the skies over Charlestown, Rhode Island – home to Frosty Drew Observatory. These tell-tales usually end with sad faces an... more
- Comet C/2013 R1 Lovejoy
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Entry Date: Dec 6, 2013
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Comet C/2013 R1 Lovejoy was a surprise comet that was identified on September 7, 2013. Lovejoy's identification was buried in the media avalanche caused by the highly anticipated Comet C/2012 S1 ISON. Recently after its identification, Lovejoy became quit... more
- NGC 891– Spiral Galaxy in Andromeda
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Entry Date: Dec 11, 2013
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Last month, we turned our attention to the spiral galaxy NGC 7331 to get an idea what the Andromeda Galaxy (which is similar in size and structure) might look like were it 20... more
- Remembering Carl Sagan
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Entry Date: Dec 12, 2013
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
As a young man on a cross country road trip/relocation to San Francisco, I stood on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, mesmerized and lost in the sublime. "I can't believe she dragged me 2,000 miles to look at a hole in the ground," a harried, sweating... more
- Meteor Shower Prospects for 2014
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Entry Date: Jan 2, 2014
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
It happened about 28 years ago when I turned 33. Some cosmological constant in the universe changed. It wasn’t noted by any scientist, but my perception of the passage of time was altered somehow. A week passed by as if it were a single day. A month ... more
- Bob's Aurora Borealis
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Entry Date: Jan 15, 2014
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
Bob liked to talk about one thing and one thing only: the aurora borealis. He could tell you anything you could ever possibly want to know about the northern lights, and then some. He might go on for hours in his monotone voice, if allowed. His know... more
- Happy Perihelion!
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Entry Date: Jan 16, 2014
Published Under: Francine Jackson's Columns
This has got to be one of the trickiest, and most confusing times of the year. As we here in the north are struggling to stay as warm as possible, we are experiencing what to many is not possible: Being as close to the Sun as the Earth can be.... more
- Gamma Ceti - Double Star in Cetus
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Entry Date: Jan 29, 2014
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
We open the New Year with a double star that's as easy to split as it is to pronounce its Arabic name, Kaffaljidhma. We'll simply refer to it by the Bayer designation, gamma (γ) Ceti. Discovered by the German-Russian astronomer F. G. W. Struve in 1825... more
- Comet Lovejoy meets Venus
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Entry Date: Feb 4, 2014
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
I had driven down to Point Judith, ostensibly to look for Comet Lovejoy. The previous week, Comet ISON, which the media had heralded as a possible comet of the century, dominated the conversation during Thanksgiving dinner. Hopes were raised that it wo... more
- Diamonds Upon Black Velvet
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Entry Date: Feb 4, 2014
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane!! No, it’s a bull!!! Taurus the Bull, that is. Taurus is an easy constellation to find, and it has several objects of interest for stargazers equipped with only binoculars or a small telescope.... more
- Sunspot Count Project Challenge for Science Teachers
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Entry Date: Mar 6, 2014
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
General knowledge of basic science concepts and processes is severely lacking among students of all ages in the United States. What I learned in grade school back in the 60s is unfamiliar to many university level students today. This educational dispar... more
- Open Cluster and Planetary Nebula in Puppis
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Entry Date: Mar 6, 2014
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
There’s a saying that goes, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.” In the case of the planetary nebula NGC 2438, “you can’t see the nebula for the stars.” NGC 2438 lies within the northern portion of the open cluster Messier 46 and is ... more
- A December’s Winter Night
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Entry Date: Mar 11, 2014
Published Under: Mark Sweberg's Columns
The deep, dark and incredibly cold winter’s night had begun. It was going to be a good one. It was 7pm, and already a steady stream of visitors was making its way to the sixteen-inch telescope in the dome, and a line was forming outside. This... more
- Frosty Drew Observatory
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Entry Date: Mar 15, 2014
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
A collection of photographs taken of the Frosty Drew Observatory, grounds, and facilities.... more
- Double or Nothing
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Entry Date: Mar 19, 2014
Published Under: Tom Abbott's Columns
On those beautiful nights when the sky is transparent, the atmosphere is calm and the Moon is bright; many a seasoned astronomer will keep their telescopes indoors. To me, they are missing out on a chance to see some of nature’s most spectacular cele... more
- A Guide to the April 15, 2014 Total Lunar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Apr 8, 2014
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Is this time of the year a little too “taxing” for everyone? Well, I’ve got the perfect astronomical event to help you relax. On April 15, stargazers here in Southern New England will have an opportunity to observe a total lunar eclipse. Though t... more
- Jupiter’s Ghost – Planetary Nebula in Hydra
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Entry Date: Apr 23, 2014
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
From Puppis and the planetary-within-a-cluster combination of NGC 2438 and M46, we move eastward and further south to the solitary planetary nebula NGC 3242. It gets its nickname “Jupiter’s Ghost” because its angular size and slightly oval shape ... more
- Can You Say Camelopardalids?
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Entry Date: May 5, 2014
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
The majority of the meteor showers we observe these days are centuries old. Some of the displays, like the Perseids and the Geminids, put on a good annual show. Then there are the minor showers that only produce ten or less meteors per hour at best. Th... more
- M108 – Barred Spiral Galaxy in Ursa Major
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Entry Date: May 15, 2014
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Not far from the Big Dipper “bowl” star Merak (β Ursae Majoris) are two Messier objects - the edge-on spiral galaxy M108 and the planetary nebula M97. M108, discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781, is nearer to Merak, lying just 1.5 degrees to its s... more
- Weekly Happenings - May 23, 2014
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Entry Date: May 23, 2014
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is celebrating the 5th anniversary of its launch on June 18th. LRO is responsible for many of the awesome high resolution photos of the Moon we have been seeing in the news these past few years. So as a celebra... more
- Magnificent Saturn
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Entry Date: Jun 10, 2014
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
“One of the first things that persons unaccustomed to astronomical observations ask to see when they have an opportunity to look through a telescope is the planet Saturn. Many telescopic views in the heavens disappoint the beginner, but that of Satur... more
- The Owl - Planetary Nebula in Ursa Major
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Entry Date: Jun 12, 2014
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Last month, we paid a visit to the spiral galaxy M108. I promised to feature its neighbor, the planetary nebula M97, this month. Did you take a sneak peek? I don’t blame you. Just 3/4 degree southeast of M108, M97 can be glimpsed in the same low-powe... more
- ENCELADUS: A World of Ice
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Entry Date: Jul 12, 2014
Published Under: John Weaver's Columns
Enceladus (en-SELL-ah-dus) is one of the many moons of the planet Saturn and by far one of the most interesting objects within our solar system. It features a strikingly pale surface – a thick covering of ice. But scientists are now speculating that ... more
- Binary Star: Ras Algethi (Alpha Herculis)
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Entry Date: Jul 21, 2014
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Summer break is here and what a great time to be looking to the sky. July brings warm, late nights with the beautiful wisps of the Milky Way galaxy hanging high overhead. The BBQ is ripping, the beach is hopping, what better way to end a great summer d... more
- CYGNUS: Swan of the Night Sky
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Entry Date: Aug 5, 2014
Published Under: John Weaver's Columns
Dominating the summer sky, Cygnus is one of the largest constellations and one of the most recognizable. Comprised of about nine stars, the pattern of Cygnus follows as a swan in flight. Go outside a few hours after dark and look towards the east. You ... more
- Messier 22 – Globular Cluster in Sagittarius
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Entry Date: Sep 16, 2014
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
On early evenings in September, the constellation Sagittarius arches above the southern horizon, its rich deep-sky treasures accessible to those of us who inhabit mid-northern latitudes. One of the more spectacular of these cosmic splendors is the glob... more
- A Busy Month for Astronomy Enthusiasts
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Entry Date: Oct 13, 2014
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Many amateur astronomers look forward to the cooler and less muggy days of fall, which occurred back on September 23. The Sun sets earlier and earlier each night, allowing us to begin our observing sessions during the early evening hours. While this Oc... more
- NGC 40 - Planetary Nebula in Cepheus
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Entry Date: Nov 18, 2014
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Our November deep-sky target, NGC 40, could be featured any month of the year. Just 17.5 degrees from the North Celestial Pole, it’s circumpolar from mid-northern latitudes. But it’s during mid autumn that NGC 40’s parent constellation Cepheus ri... more
- Comet Q2 Lovejoy - A New Year Comet
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Entry Date: Dec 20, 2014
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Among all the awesome things happening during the start of the Winter season and the coming New Year, we have an excellent addition coming to the Northern Hemisphere sky this Winter. Comet C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy) will be rising higher every night for all o... more
- Happy Winter Solstice 2014
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Entry Date: Dec 21, 2014
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 6:03 p.m. EST the Winter Solstice will occur, marking the start of the Winter season. The Winter Solstice is the point when Earth's axis is most inclined away from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere and most incli... more
- Christmas Morning
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Entry Date: Dec 22, 2014
Published Under: Tom Abbott's Columns
What a strange title for an astronomy article you are probably thinking. Perhaps it’s another opinion about the Star of Bethlehem; was it a comet, supernova, maybe a conjunction of several planets or is the whole event just a myth. Although that woul... more
- The Oceans of Enceladus - Life in our own solar system?
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Entry Date: Dec 29, 2014
Published Under: John Weaver's Columns
Earlier this year I wrote an article describing Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus. Recent findings from the Cassini probe, a car-sized spacecraft orbiting the ringed-planet Sa... more
- 2014 - A Year For Humanity
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Entry Date: Dec 30, 2014
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
As we continue to revel in our holiday frivolities and make last minute preparations for the close of 2014, I start to reflect on the year as a whole. What awesome things have humans accomplished in 2014? What moments will define 2014 once it is passed... more
- Astronomical Highlights for 2015
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Entry Date: Jan 5, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I always look forward to writing my January column because it previews a variety of astronomical events for the upcoming year. Yearly astronomical almanacs, both hard copy and Internet, can be referenced to find the best highlights amateur astronomers ... more
- Struve 817 – Double Star in Orion
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Entry Date: Jan 7, 2015
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
I’m a big fan of “off-the-beaten-path” sky objects. One of my favorites is the little-known double star Struve 817 - the 817th double star catalogued by the German-born Russian astronomer F. G. W. Struve during a survey conducted between 1824 and... more
- Comet C/2014 Q2 Lovejoy
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Entry Date: Jan 18, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Comet C/2014 Q2 Lovejoy was identified by Terry Lovejoy on August 17, 2014 and is considered a "long period" comet. En route to the Sun, Lovejoy passes Earth on January 7, 2014 at 43,600,000 miles distant. Then on January 30, 2014, Lovejoy achieves per... more
- Venus in 2015
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Entry Date: Jan 21, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you noticed that super bright star in the Western sky just after sunset which appears to rise a little higher with every passing night? Well that is certainly not a star! It is actually the planet Venus. The brightest natural object in the sky aft... more
- Asteroid 2004 BL86 - A Close Encounter
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Entry Date: Jan 24, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday January 26, 2015 a rather large asteroid will cruise past Earth at quite a close distance. So close, that it will mark the closest pass of an asteroid this size for the next 13 years! Though this passing will be super close, doomsayers are in... more
- Friday Stargazing Journal
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Entry Date: Jan 24, 2015
Published Under: Brian Kelley's Log
I thought tonight's viewing was far better than I expected. When I arrived just before 7:00 PM, clouds were covering much of the sky with the Moon visible and popping in and out of cloud cover. The same was true with the rest of the sky with Jupiter, Come... more
- Observing the Winter Circle
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Entry Date: Feb 2, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I’m sure many of you can recognize a few of the major constellations in the night sky. Many of these star patterns have come down to us from the dawn of the earliest civilizations. Before light pollution began to diminish our view of the heavens, eve... more
- NGC 1501: Planetary Nebula in Camelopardalis
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Entry Date: Feb 11, 2015
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
While Go-to technology has gained popularity with backyard astronomers who like to key their telescopes on a sky object with the push of a button, I prefer the no-frills star-hop mode of cosmic travel. Star-hopping lets me see enjoy celestial scenery I... more
- Ceres is About to Get A Lot Bigger
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Entry Date: Feb 16, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On January 25, 2015 an awesomely mind blowing image was captured. The NASA DAWN mission, en route to dwarf planet Ceres, captured the highest resolution photo of the dwarf planet since the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) captured a view in 2004. Many of u... more
- Dwarf Planet Ceres Has A New Satellite
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Entry Date: Mar 7, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 7:39 a.m. EST Friday March 6, 2015, the NASA Dawn spacecraft; which has been navigating the Asteroid Belt for the past 3.5 years, successfully acquired orbit around the closest dwarf planet to Earth, Ceres. Like the common story goes, the Dawn missi... more
- Geek Alert - Today is Pi Day!
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Entry Date: Mar 14, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Geek alert! Today (March 14, 2015) is Pi (𝜋) Day! When formatting the date, on this day, with a single digit month and day, and a 2 digit year (not Y2K compliant) separated by decimal points, you get: 3.14.15, which is the first 5 digits of Pi (3.14... more
- Reason for the Season(s)
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Entry Date: Mar 16, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Folklore tells us that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. While March is meteorologically a spring month, here in New England and other mid-latitude locations throughout America, it is still cold and snowy when it commences and much m... more
- Novae & Supernovae
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Entry Date: Mar 30, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Here are a series of photos we have captured at Frosty Drew Observatory showcasing Supernovae.... more
- Astronomical Events Determine Easter Observance
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Entry Date: Apr 6, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Last month we explored the reason for the seasons. The motion of the heavens is a precise clock and calendar that can be used to determine when to celebrate special events. One doesn’t have to observe the sky for too long a period of time to notice t... more
- NGC 3115 Lenticular Galaxy in Sextans
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Entry Date: Apr 15, 2015
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
Some of the finest deep-sky objects are bypassed because they lie in star-poor regions of the sky. Such was the case with our February “Sky Object of the Month,” the planetary nebula NGC 1501 in Camelopardalis. It’s also the situation with NGC 31... more
- Lyrid Meteor Shower 2015
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Entry Date: Apr 21, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
During the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 22nd and Thursday, April 23rd the peak of the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower will taking place. Add in that the thin crescent Moon will set early in the evening on both nights and we are setup for perfect ... more
- May’s Planet Parade
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Entry Date: May 8, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
The significant snow cover that blanketed our local region this past winter is now just a bad memory (though it is highly likely some snow piles may still remain). Seagrave and Ladd observatories were closed for months, and even those astronomers who h... more
- Messier 98 - Spiral Galaxy in Coma Berenices
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Entry Date: May 11, 2015
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
This month, we journey to the edge-on spiral Messier 98, located near the westerly border of the Coma-Virgo Galaxy Cluster. M 98 and its neighbor galaxies M 99 and M 100 were discovered by Pierre Mechain on the night of March 15, 1781 and confirmed by ... more
- The Sun
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Entry Date: Jun 13, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This gallery will feature photographs of our nearest star taken by Frosty Drew Observatory or our members and enthusiasts.... more
- Quasars: The Limits of the Universe
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Entry Date: Jun 17, 2015
Published Under: John Weaver's Columns
Known now for only a little more than half a century, these mysterious objects have captivated and driven astronomers to explore further from Earth than ever before. Quasars are thought to be the violent centers of the earliest galaxies. Our own Milky ... more
- Messier 3 - Globular Cluster in Canes Venatici
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Entry Date: Jun 30, 2015
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
As May gives way to June, backyard astronomers begin to anticipate the arrival of summer’s globular clusters, and with good reason. The globular-laden constellations Ophiuchus, Scorpius, and Sagittarius are beginning to show up in the early evening s... more
- An Encounter with Pluto
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Entry Date: Jul 13, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
UPDATE: The NASA New Horizons spacecraft successfully performed the Pluto flyby maneuver at 7:50 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 14th. During the flyby, New Horizons was in communications black out and phoned home as planned at 8:53 p.m. EDT on the same day,... more
- The Original Lord of the Rings
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Entry Date: Jul 13, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
If you have any rudimentary knowledge about astronomy, anytime someone mentions the planet Saturn the image that immediately pops into your head is a planet with an extensive system of rings. This sixth planet from the Sun is magnificent to observe wit... more
- Perseid Meteor Shower is Set to Dazzle
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Entry Date: Aug 5, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On July 17th the much anticipated Perseid Meteor Shower began. Producing many fireball meteors and an overall dazzling display, the Perseid shower is one of the most known meteor showers of the year. Though still out of the peak period, we are seeing a... more
- Thunderstones of August
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Entry Date: Aug 10, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Rocks have been falling from the sky since the Earth coalesced out of the solar nebula 4.6 billion years ago. At the dawn of civilization, early cultures believed their gods were responsible, hurling these projectiles at the populace for some transgres... more
- Perseid Meteor Shower 2015
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Entry Date: Aug 18, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Thursday, August 13, 2015 the annual Perseid Meteor Shower peaked over Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Continuing for the next three days, the Perseids mesmerized hundreds of sky watchers that descended to the Frosty Drew campu... more
- Stargazing and Sudoku
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Entry Date: Aug 19, 2015
Published Under: Tom Abbott's Columns
Finding a star or constellation for that matter, is allot like playing Sudoku. You start with the easier ones first and move on to the more difficult ones as your skill increases. Also like Sudoku, you start with your knowns, before you move on to your... more
- Occultation of Aldebaran
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Entry Date: Sep 3, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
As the Moon orbits the Earth once every 29.5 days, each day it moves eastward in our sky at 12.2 degrees per day. It may not be obvious to most people, but along the way the Moon’s disk covers and uncovers stars as it passes in front of them. And bec... more
- “Shine Off” Harvest Moon: The Total Lunar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Sep 24, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
While casual stargazers with small to moderate telescopes still observe the Moon and planets, more advanced amateur astronomers today concentrate their efforts on imaging “faint fuzzies” like galaxies, clusters and nebulae. They require a dark sky ... more
- Messier 2 – Globular Cluster in Aquarius
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Entry Date: Oct 6, 2015
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
October can be a depressing month for the globular cluster aficionado. Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Ophiuchus and their treasure trove of globular clusters have ridden off to the west, leaving us with the barren-looking skies of autumn.But all is ... more
- A Morning Dance of the Planets
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Entry Date: Oct 17, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you noticed the fabulous dance the planets have been putting on in the early morning sky lately? Over the past month; Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and now Mercury, have been hanging out together in the early pre-dawn sky. Though Mercury will only be stic... more
- NGC 7009 - The Saturn Nebula
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2015
Published Under: Glenn Chaple's Columns
An entry in my astronomy logbook dated October 6, 1977 reads, “I finally notched a real stinker!” No, it wasn’t one of the skunks that occasionally stroll across my back yard while I’m outside observing. My notes continue, “After numerous att... more
- Conjunctions
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Entry Date: Nov 8, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Conjunctions happen when planets, stars, the Moon and other celestial objects appear to align from Earth's view point and form familiar shapes. These alignments are not that uncommon and happen quite frequently though out the year. This is a collection of... more
- November Highlights
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Entry Date: Nov 9, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I love the cool nights of November. The hazy skies of late summer are gone, and amateur astronomers can begin their evening observing sessions after dinnertime, courtesy of earlier sunsets.But just as we are gradually growing accustomed to short... more
- 2015 Leonid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Nov 17, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tuesday night, November 17th and overnight into the 18th, the annual Leonid Meteor Shower will peak. Producing upwards of 15 meteors per hour, the Leonid shower will put on a meager, yet notable display of shooting stars and often confuses casual sky w... more
- Harvest Moon Eclipse 2015
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Entry Date: Nov 24, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
The Total Lunar Eclipse of September 27, 2015 was a spectacular event at Frosty Drew Observatory. The eclipse itself happened during the Harvest Moon, which is the full Moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox; as well as the Supermoon, which is the closes... more
- A Gem of a Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Dec 2, 2015
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Usually I’m complaining about the weather and how it affects our astronomical observations in southern New England. However, local stargazers were more fortunate during the second half of this year.The annual Perseid meteor shower back in Augu... more
- The Occultation of Venus
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Entry Date: Dec 7, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
UPDATE: (2015.12.08 09:20) Clouds thinned out and cleared just in time for a fabulous view of the occultation at Frosty Drew Observatory. See below for photos and a video of the occultation from Frosty Drew.--------------------------------------... more
- Occultation of Venus 2015
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Entry Date: Dec 8, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Monday, December 7, 2015 at 12:45 p.m. EST the 14% crescent Moon occulted the 68% gibbous Venus. Though clouds had prevailed most of the day, skies cleared just in time to catch the occultation in the Frosty Drew 16" telescope. Here are the shots. -Sco... more
- 2015 - A Fabulous Year for Science
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Entry Date: Dec 30, 2015
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
As 2015 comes to a close, reflections on the past year become quite frequent over the course of my day. Though every year always feels like a year of amazing scientific achievements, I think 2015 may actually stand out a bit. As usual so many awesome t... more
- Astronomical Highlights of 2016
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Entry Date: Jan 4, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I can’t believe I’m writing about astronomical prospects for the year 2016. I can remember a time when I thought 2001 was far into the future. That future turned out a bit different than the one portrayed in the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey” (t... more
- Meteor Shots
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Entry Date: Jan 6, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
We capture many photographs of meteors at Frosty Drew Observatory. Most of the time we will have a gallery to showcase all shots from a specific meteor shower. This gallery will feature meteor captures that do not fit elsewhere. ... more
- 2015 Frosty Drew Classic 5K
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Entry Date: Jan 27, 2016
Published Under: Holly Eaves's Media
The 6th annual Frosty Drew Classic 5K happened on May 2, 2015 on a beautiful springtime Saturday morning. Here are some photos of the race shot by Frosty Drew volunteer photographers.... more
- Globular Clusters
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Entry Date: Jan 27, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of Globular Cluster photographs taken at Frosty Drew Observatory.A globular cluster is a spherical collection of stars that orbits a galactic core as a satellite. Globular clusters are very tightly bound by gravity, which gives them... more
- Evidence for the Existance of Planet Nine
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Entry Date: Feb 4, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
January 2016 brought a very compelling announcement that blasted through the astronomy community. Evidence has been discovered for a ninth planet in the Solar System. Though no direct discovery of the object has been made, the evidence for the existenc... more
- James Webb Space Telescope Mirror Assembled
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Entry Date: Feb 8, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 saw the last mirror segment of the primary mirror on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) installed. This marks a huge milestone on the journey to build the most powerful space telescope ever built. The telescope that will ... more
- Andromeda, the Chained Lady
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Entry Date: Feb 15, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I’m sure many of you can recognize more than just a handful of constellations. Even in moderately light polluted skies a knowledgeable observer can easily locate and identify Ursa Major (Big Dipper asterism), Orion or Scorpius. Many of our northern h... more
- 100 Years Later, Gravitational Waves Detected
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Entry Date: Feb 18, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On the morning of February 11, 2016, the announcement that took the astrophysics world by storm was set loose. Gravitational waves have been directly detected. This discovery, again, proves how spot on Einstein's view of the cosmos was when he predicte... more
- Nature Center Changes Spring 2016
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Entry Date: Feb 29, 2016
Published Under: Susan Delfs's Log
Thank you for all your support at recent Nature Center events. We had a high turnout for both of our Owl Prowls, and more and more families are coming to Critter Club on Saturdays. We’re so excited that you all are interested in our programs!F... more
- Living in Space for One Year
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Tuesday, March 1st, the first International Space Station (ISS) residents to complete one year in space will return to the weight of regular Earth gravity. The two residents to complete the one year in space are American astronaut Scott Kelly and Ru... more
- Prime Time for Observing Jupiter
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Entry Date: Mar 21, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
It’s been a few months since any of the naked-eye planets have been visible during convenient evening hours for casual stargazers. From mid-November into early 2016, amateur astronomers who wished to view Venus, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and a brief and... more
- Planet: Jupiter
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Entry Date: Mar 30, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of photographs taken at Frosty Drew or by Frosty Drew astronomers, enthusiasts, or public submission that showcase the largest planet in our solar system; Jupiter.... more
- What Are Black Holes?
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Entry Date: Apr 7, 2016
Published Under: John Weaver's Columns
We've all heard about black holes. From science fiction to bizarre news stories and beyond, myths and misconceptions have circulated popular culture since their discovery. But what are they?Before we can answer that question, we need to understa... more
- April Astronomy Highlights
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Entry Date: Apr 13, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Though March winds are supposed to bring April showers, I for one am looking forward to milder temperatures and clear skies as the Sun continues its northward journey through our sky, culminating with the Summer Solstice in June. Unfortunately a welcom... more
- The Transit of Mercury
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Entry Date: Apr 27, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Save the date! On Monday, May 9, 2016 an amazing event is coming to the skies over New England. Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, will visibly pass in between Earth and the Sun. This is called the transit of Mercury and it will be a sight to see!... more
- Transit of Mercury 2016
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Entry Date: May 11, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
The fabulous Transit of Mercury happened on Monday, May 9, 2016. Frosty Drew Observatory was open for the entire event which ran from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. We had clouds for the first few hours, which cleared to beautifully sunny skies. Here are a collect... more
- Mars Blazes Into Opposition
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Entry Date: May 20, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you noticed how bright Mars has been getting with every passing night? That is because Mars is closing in on opposition, which will happen on May 22, 2016, when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit when Mars is on the opposite side of Earth tha... more
- Binary & Multi Star Systems
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Entry Date: Jun 10, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Binary stars and multiple star systems are comprised of two or more stars that share a gravitational equilibrium and orbit around that gravitational center. Many of the stars we see when we look to the night sky are actually the combined light of multi... more
- Juno - A New Satellite of Jupiter
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Entry Date: Jun 30, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On the night of July 4, 2016, the NASA Juno spacecraft will fire its main engine, inserting itself into a polar orbit around Jupiter. Tasked with an impressive checklist of science awesomeness, Juno will attempt to reveal the origins and evolution of t... more
- Astro Humor and July Meteor Showers
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Entry Date: Jul 4, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
A neutrino walks into a bar… and keeps right on going.I’ve loved cartoons and jokes for about as long as I can remember. There’s a scrapbook of cartoons somewhere in my attic that I had cut and pasted (literally) from magazines in my colle... more
- 2016 Perseids are Ready to Rock
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Entry Date: Jul 29, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Remember that amazing meteor shower that happens in August? That is the Perseid Meteor Shower and it started on July 17th, making now the time to plan where you will be for the August 12-13th shower peak. Meteor activity will continue to increase as we... more
- A Shower of Comet Dust
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Entry Date: Aug 1, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Some events by their nature require advance planning. Weddings, anniversary celebrations and vacations are just a handful of activities everyone has had to prepare for well ahead of the scheduled date. Well, astronomers have very unique sky events that... more
- Perseid Meteor Shower 2016
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Entry Date: Aug 12, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of photographs we captured of the Perseid Meteor Shower in August 2016 at Frosty Drew Observatory.... more
- Proxima b - A Close Earth-like Planet
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Entry Date: Aug 26, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Wednesday, August 24th brought the announcement that the Pale Red Dot campaign, using European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescopes, has in fact discovered a planet in the habitable zone around Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Solar System. N... more
- Darkest Skies in Southern New England
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Entry Date: Sep 7, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
It's the best kept secret in/of ____________. You've all heard the phrase before. Just fill in the blank. It would be hard to believe there are any secrets in Rhode Island, the smallest state in the Union. But it is true because native Rhode Islanders ... more
- November Skies Have Something for Everyone
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2016
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
“Looking at the stars always makes me dream, as simply as I dream over the black dots representing towns and villages on a map. Why, I ask myself, shouldn’t the shining dots of the sky be as accessible as the black dots on the map of France?” —... more
- Happy Winter Solstice 2016
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Entry Date: Dec 21, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 5:44 a.m. EST the Winter Solstice will occur, marking the start of the Winter season. The Winter Solstice is the point when Earth's axis is most inclined away from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere and most in... more
- A Comet for the New Year
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Entry Date: Dec 30, 2016
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you heard the recent buzz about the “New Year’s Eve Comet” in the media? Maybe a friend or family member told you about a blazing bright comet that will light up the sky beside the Moon on New Year’s Eve? Well the comet is Comet 45P/Honda-... more
- Astronomical Highlights of 2017
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Entry Date: Jan 4, 2017
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Ever since I became interested in astronomy in the early 1970s I was aware of a total solar eclipse that would cross the United States diagonally from Oregon to South Carolina. Well, as of January 1 that spectacular event will be a mere 233 days away o... more
- Stars
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Entry Date: Jan 6, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of photographs shot at Frosty Drew Observatory of stars. With so much interest in capturing deep sky objects, stars generally go overlooked in astrophotography. Though many of the bright stars visible in our night sky are quite beautiful and ... more
- Jupiter Returns for 2017
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Entry Date: Feb 1, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you noticed the two bright stars that have been rising around midnight for the past month? If you’ve been watching, you have certainly observed that the top star has been changing its position relative to the bottom star. That’s because the to... more
- Starry Nights of February
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Entry Date: Feb 13, 2017
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Winter can be a challenge to amateur astronomers in southern New England. The weather can be very snowy, or the temperatures can be so low that even I need some special incentive to venture outdoors to observe. However, if Mother Nature can provide us ... more
- Seven Earth-like Planets - 40 Light Years Away
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Entry Date: Feb 27, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Wednesday, February 22nd the discovery of seven Earth-like planets orbiting a red dwarf star that resides 40 light years distant, was announced. Though we frequently hear about Earth-like exoplanet discoveries, this one is the first time we have ide... more
- Welcome Spring
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Entry Date: Mar 18, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This morning - Monday, March 20th at 6:28 a.m. EDT, the Ecliptic, which is the path the Sun takes through the sky, will intersect with Earth's celestial equator. This intersection is the Vernal Equinox which will mark the end of winter and the start of... more
- The Moon
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Entry Date: Apr 19, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This album features images taken of the Moon from Frosty Drew Observatory or images of the Moon taken by Frosty Drew Members.... more
- The Only Home We've Ever Known
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Entry Date: Jun 5, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On February 14, 1990, astronomer Carl Sagan directed the Voyager 1 spacecraft to turn around and capture a photograph of the Earth from a distance of 3.7 billion miles. The captured photograph is the famous Pale Blue Dot image. I recently revisited the... more
- Planet: Saturn
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Entry Date: Jul 7, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This gallery will feature photographs of the planet Saturn taken at Frosty Drew Observatory or by our members and contributors.Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and is indistinguishable with it's bright, prominent ring system. ... more
- The Red Light District…
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Entry Date: Aug 2, 2017
Published Under: Tom Abbott's Columns
Is a term I use, when referring to the area surrounding an observatory or any other area where telescopes are in use. This term should in no way be confused with the red lights of bordellos, found throughout the world. Yes both use red lights, but for ... more
- You Don't Have Eclipse Glasses? Who Cares!
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Entry Date: Aug 18, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
With the celestial event of the year only days away, the United States is in full out freak-out mode. A last minute cram to gear up for the day has commenced and makers of solar paper optics have propelled far into the black as excitement mounts for th... more
- Great American Solar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Aug 25, 2017
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Monday, August 21, 2017 the Great American Solar Eclipse happened over Frosty Drew Observatory. Though not a total eclipse at our location, we experienced a fabulous 66.5% partial eclipse. The eclipse began at 1:27 p.m. and continued until 4:01 p.m., w... more
- Super Blue Lunar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Feb 5, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
During the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 31, 2018 a fabulous total lunar eclipse occurred over the western half of the United States. In New England, we missed the total eclipse stages, though penumbral eclipse as well as a few minutes of p... more
- Astronomical Potpourri for May
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Entry Date: May 1, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I never tire of observing “burning rocks” falling from the sky. While these remnants of comets or pieces of asteroids really do not burn as such, they do disintegrate due to friction as they slam into Earth’s dense atmosphere at supersonic speeds... more
- Weekly Happenings - May 5th
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Entry Date: May 5, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- Weekly Happenings - May 19th
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Entry Date: May 20, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- June is for Jupiter
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Entry Date: Jun 4, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Recently there’s been a drought of naked-eye planets to observe. Although amateur astronomers had been able to sneak a few peeks of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars between midnight and dawn during spring, inclement weather once again limited their observat... more
- Observatory Log - Friday, June 8, 2018
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Entry Date: Jun 9, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Log
The Summer Stargazing Nights event on Friday, June 8, 2018, brought another example of how variability in weather forecasts, favor Frosty Drew Observatory. While forecasts called for partly cloudy conditions, we had practically no clouds present for mo... more
- Weekly Happenings - June 20, 2018
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Entry Date: Jun 20, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- Stunning Saturn Shares Summer Sky
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Entry Date: Jul 2, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Since the beginning of the year I’ve been touting the prime-time return of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. Last month I provided an observer’s guide to Jupiter. Bright Jupiter continues to be easily observable during July, starting out the month about 35... more
- Weekly Happenings - July 7, 2018
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Entry Date: Jul 7, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- Weekly Happenings - July 21, 2018
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Entry Date: Jul 23, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- Picture Perfect for the Perseids
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Entry Date: Aug 2, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
If the sky is clear on the night of August 12-13 (Sunday night – Monday morning) I suggest you plan on selecting a dark sky location from which to observe the annual Perseid meteor shower. The Perseids are the second best display of shooting stars, r... more
- The Perseids Are Ready to Rock
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Entry Date: Aug 8, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Remember that amazing meteor shower that happens in August? That is the Perseid Meteor Shower and it started on July 17th, making now the time to plan where you will be for the August 11-13th shower peak. Meteor activity will continue to increase as we... more
- Sagittarius, the Archer
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Entry Date: Sep 3, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
The last few months have been an observing bonanza for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike. Jupiter returned to a late evening sky, followed by Saturn and then more recently Mars. The local observatories have provided great views of these d... more
- Weekly Happenings - July 15, 2018
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Entry Date: Sep 15, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- Still Time to Observe Mars and Saturn
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Once again the Perseid meteor shower of August locally succumbed to bad weather. For a few days before and after the peak night of August 12-13 the skies above southern New England were hidden by persistent clouds. These days being an amateur astronome... more
- Weekly Happenings - October 26, 2018
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Entry Date: Oct 26, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- What’s Up … in the Sky for November
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Entry Date: Nov 3, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
The first event we need to concern ourselves with is setting our clocks back one hour to Eastern Standard Time (EST) at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 4. Remember the phrase “spring ahead and fall back/behind?” While this is not an astronomical occu... more
- Open Star Clusters
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Entry Date: Nov 7, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of photographs taken at Frosty Drew Observatory showcasing open star clusters.Open Star Clusters are groupings of a few thousand stars that were all formed from the same molecular cloud. Our galaxy has open clusters scattered everyw... more
- Gear Up for the Geminid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Dec 6, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Overnight December 13-14th, gear up for a fabulous night of shooting stars and frigid temps as the fabled Geminid Meteor Shower peak is coming to the skies over planet Earth. Producing upwards of 120 meteors per hour under perfect conditions, sky watch... more
- An Early Holiday Treat for Stargazers
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Entry Date: Dec 10, 2018
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
As the year advances into the month of December, sunrise times occur much later in the morning, while sunset times occur much earlier. Here in southern New England the latest sunrise is around 7:13:09 a.m. on January 2, whereas the earliest sunset is a... more
- Comet 46P/Wirtanen
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Entry Date: Dec 14, 2018
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Comet 46P/Wirtanen was the brightest comet of 2018. A short period comet, 46P orbits the Sun once every 5.4 years. In 2018, comet 46P made a fabulously close pass to Earth, the closest of the century! On December 12, 2018, 46P experienced perihelion (c... more
- Meteor Shower and a Lunar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Jan 3, 2019
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Happy New Year everyone. I can’t believe another year has come and gone. While 2018 is a blur in this stargazers’ mind, I do unfortunately recall how weather conditions thwarted many of our observing sessions. After experiencing similar past depres... more
- Gear Up for A Total Lunar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Jan 12, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Overnight Sunday, January 20 – Monday, January 21, 2019, a fabulous Total Lunar Eclipse is happening over North and South America. In Southern New England, we will have a perfect view of the event, with maximum eclipse happening almost due south! Thi... more
- Astronomical Highlights for 2019
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Entry Date: Feb 4, 2019
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Last month’s column focused on the Quadrantid meteor shower and the total lunar eclipse. Today I will preview some of the other astronomical highlights for 2019.Believe it or not, Mars is still visible during early evening hours. Unfortunately... more
- Wolf Moon Eclipse 2019
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Entry Date: Feb 14, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On January 20-21, 2019 overnight, a fabulous Total Lunar Eclipse occurred. One of the best eclipses in decades to come to New England, the entire East Coast USA was setup for perfect viewing. The eclipse began at 9:36 pm EST, January 20th and ended at ... more
- The Event Horizon of a Black Hole
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Entry Date: Apr 15, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) announced that they had captured the first image of the shadow that is created by the event horizon of a black hole. Essentially a photograph of a black hole that shows more than just the ... more
- Weekly Happenings - June 19, 2019
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Entry Date: Jun 19, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Weekly Happenings is a weekly digest of current events and happenings in astronomy and science, either local or worldwide. This is the place to grab a quick astro-fix to settle your anxiety about space or perhaps to woo your friends with your astro-pro... more
- Celebration of Space - July 12, 2019
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Entry Date: Jul 12, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Tuesday, July 9, 2019, the Sun, Earth, and Saturn aligned, with Saturn being placed on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This is called the Opposition of Saturn, and places us in the best time to catch a view of Saturn. Now that opposi... more
- Celebration of Space - July 19, 2019
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Entry Date: Jul 19, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Though at Frosty Drew Observatory, we are celebrating the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing Anniversary tonight, the actual anniversary date is tomorrow, Saturday, July 20th. This was the day that humans first stood on another world! The Apollo 11 Lunar Module (... more
- Celebration of Space - July 26, 2019
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Entry Date: Jul 26, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Wednesday night (July 24, 2019) at 11:03 pm a fabulous fireball meteor was visible in the southern sky, heading from the southeast → northwest. The fireball was spotted by hundreds of people in the Northeast US and Canada, including Frosty ... more
- Celebration of Space - August
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Entry Date: Aug 9, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The annual Perseid Meteor Shower peak will be blazing the skies overnight August 12-13, 2019. Though meteors will be visible, do not expect the 100+ meteors per hour that the shower usually brings. This is because the bright 93% waxing gibbous Moon wil... more
- A New Statistic For Earth-like Exoplanets
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Entry Date: Aug 28, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past several years, exoplanet hunting has become all the rage, and rightfully so! Are we alone in the Universe? That is a powerful question, possibly one of the most game changing questions of our existence. It is the question that drives so m... more
- Celebration of Space - August 30, 2019
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Entry Date: Aug 30, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Hey K-12 teachers and educators, did you know that your students have a chance to name the Mars 2020 rover? Starting this past Wednesday, August 28, 2019, the contest to name the Mars 2020 rover is on. Until November 1, 2019, each student in your class... more
- Celebration of Space - September 6, 2019
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Entry Date: Sep 6, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that Labor Day weekend has passed, and the summer tourism season is winding down, we start to think on the autumn skies and some of the fabulous celestial events we have lined up for us. Autumn 2019 is certainly no celestial sleeper, with numerous ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 13, 2019
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Entry Date: Sep 13, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight’s Full Moon, which occurs at 12:33 am ET, is the closest Full Moon to the Autumnal Equinox, which occurs at 3:50 am ET on Monday, September 23, 2019. That makes tonight’s Full Moon, the annual Harvest Moon. Though the September Full Moon is... more
- Celebration of Space - September 20, 2019
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Entry Date: Sep 20, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
If you have a chance to step outside tonight, be sure to catch a fabulous view of the International Space Station passing overhead. Starting at 8:00 pm in the SW, the ISS will become visible, eventually passing overhead and into the ENE sky before pass... more
- Celebration of Space - September 27, 2019
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Entry Date: Sep 27, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that autumn is upon us, that summertime view of the night sky, the one that shows off the fabulous view of the Milky Way Galactic Nucleus, is beginning to fade off into the western horizon early in the night. Though bright views of the Milky Way ma... more
- October Meteor Showers
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2019
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
If recent events during the last few months are any indicator, Chicken Little may have been right. The sky is falling. The sky is falling. Back on July 24 at approximately 2:44 a.m. EDT, a soccer ball-sized meteor entered the Earth's atmosphere above L... more
- Celebration of Space - October 4, 2019
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Entry Date: Oct 4, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
With only one week left of evening passes of the International Space Station (ISS) over the US for the current cycle, now is the time to get out and catch a fabulous view. Numerous excellent passes will be happening this week over the Northeast. Here a... more
- Celebration of Space - October 11, 2019
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Entry Date: Oct 11, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
In one month from today, on Monday, November 11, 2019, Mercury will reach inferior conjunction, which is when Mercury orbits in between Earth and the Sun. Even though this happens about 4 times per year, this particular inferior conjunction is quite sp... more
- A Transit of Mercury for Veterans Day
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Entry Date: Oct 17, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, November 11, 2019, Mercury will reach inferior conjunction, which is when Mercury orbits in between Earth and the Sun. Even though this happens about 4 times per year, this particular inferior conjunction is quite special. On that date, Merc... more
- Celebration of Space - October 18, 2019
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Entry Date: Oct 18, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, October 20, 2019, Mercury will reach the point in its orbit around the Sun where it is at maximum eastern elongation as it applies to Earth. This means that Mercury will be at tangent in the Eastern Quadrature when using Earth as th... more
- Celebration of Space - November 1, 2019
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Entry Date: Nov 1, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past several weeks, the annual Taurid meteor showers have been ongoing. Comprised of two separate showers, the South Taurid Meteor Shower and the North Taurid Meteor Shower, both showers are produced by comet 2P/Encke, and have different peak ... more
- A Transit of Mercury Update
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Entry Date: Nov 8, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The second big celestial event of 2019, the first being the fabulous Total Lunar Eclipse that occurred on January 20th, is upon us!... more
- Celebration of Space - November 15, 2019
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Entry Date: Nov 15, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This weekend, the peak of the annual Leonid Meteor Shower will occur. Happening overnight Saturday-Sunday, November 16-17th the Leonids usually bring an increase in regular meteor activity by an additional 15 meteors per hour. Though this year we will ... more
- Transit of Mercury 2019
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Entry Date: Nov 15, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Monday, November 11, 2019 (Veterans Day), a fabulous Transit of Mercury occurred. The event happened in the morning hours, locally starting at 7:39 am and continuing until 1:07 pm. We had clear skies for nearly the entire event, with only the last 1... more
- Celebration of Space - November 22, 2020
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Entry Date: Nov 22, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming week, we’ll have numerous opportunities to catch a fantastic dance of the planets in the SW dusk sky as Venus and Jupiter, which have been progressively getting visibly closer, will pass by each other. Every night this weekend and coming ... more
- Celebration of Space - November 29, 2019
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Entry Date: Nov 29, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The 2019 year at Frosty Drew has been a fantastic year of smiles, gasps, and thousands of stars. We kicked off the year with a fabulous ... more
- Celebration of Space - December 6, 2019
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Entry Date: Dec 6, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday and Wednesday, December 10 and 11, 2019, conjunctions will continue. This time it will be Venus and Saturn that are putting on a celestial dance. About 30 minutes after sunset on each night, step outside and look to the SW. You will... more
- Celebration of Space - December 13, 2019
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Entry Date: Dec 13, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight, December 13, 2019, the annual Geminid Meteor Shower will peak. Usually producing an increase of up-to 150 meteors per hour in regular meteor activity, the Geminid shower is the best shower of the year. This year we have the bright 98% waning g... more
- Celebration of Space - December 20, 2019
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Entry Date: Dec 20, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Thursday, December 26, 2019, a stunning annular solar eclipse will occur. Sadly, this event will not be visible for residents of North America, though you can catch it online. The eclipse will start over Saudi Arabia and continue over India... more
- Celebration of Space - December 27, 2019
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Entry Date: Dec 27, 2019
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow evening, Saturday, December 28, 2019, step outside about 30 minutes after sunset (sunset: 4:20 pm EST) and look to the Southwest. Venus and the super thin 7% waxing crescent Moon will be sitting about 2.5° apart as they put on a stunning cele... more
- Celebration of Space - January 3, 2020
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Entry Date: Jan 3, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Even though clouds and rain will wreak havoc on most of the eastern US’s plans to observe the annual Quadrantid Meteor Shower peak, anybody with clear skies can rock the shower! The Quadrantids are a product of a potential fragment of the shattered c... more
- Celebration of Space - January 10, 2020
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Entry Date: Jan 10, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 2:23 pm EST today, January 10, 2020, the Full Wolf Moon will occur. This is the first Full Moon of the 2020’s, and like last year it will bring with it a lunar eclipse. Last year we experienced a fabulous ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 17, 2020
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Entry Date: Jan 17, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Starting tomorrow evening, Saturday, January 18, 2020, the International Space Station (ISS) will return to the evening skies over the USA, specifically the Northeast, offering up visible passes nearly every night through February 10th. Though notable ... more
- Constellations
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Entry Date: Jan 24, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This gallery will feature photos captured at Frosty Drew Observatory showcasing constellations.... more
- Celebration of Space - January 24, 2020
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Entry Date: Jan 24, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last Friday (January 17, 2020) we wrote a bit about Comet C/2017 T2 PANSTARRS (Comet T2), with the hopes of catching a first view of it at the observatory that night. Well, the skies were quite fabulous and we did catch a beautiful view of the comet in... more
- Celebration of Space - January 31, 2020
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Entry Date: Jan 31, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, Rhode Island lost one of its bright stars when Professor Emeritus William Penhallow returned to the Earth. Prof. Penhallow was a graduate of Brown University who became the professor of physics and astronomy at the Unive... more
- Celebration of Space - February 7, 2020
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Entry Date: Feb 7, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday morning, February 9, 2020 at 2:35 am the Full Snow Moon will occur, which is the Full Moon for February. Some news outlets are raising a bit of buzz about this full lunar phase by calling it a supermoon. Though at Frosty Drew Observatory, we ... more
- Celebration of Space - February 14, 2020
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Entry Date: Feb 14, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Gear up for a year of fantastic views of the planets, because 2020 will be the year of many stunning planetary conjunctions. As a result of Earth’s orbit and the orbits of the other planets in the Solar System, we periodically see planets appear quit... more
- Celebration of Space: February 28, 2020
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Entry Date: Feb 28, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
As we continue into year 2020, we have been pretty beat on the comet front. Better stated, we have been pretty beat for the past year on the comet front, with 2020 continuing that trend. We’ve had okay views of Comet C/2019 T2 PanSTARRS, and it’s b... more
- Celebration of Space - March 6, 2020
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Entry Date: Mar 6, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you ever dreamed about being an astronaut? Daydreamed about going to sleep for the last time with the convenience of gravity before embarking on an ISS expedition? Maybe you just reached for the sky and said “This is for me...”. Well now is yo... more
- Celebration of Space - March 13, 2020
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Entry Date: Mar 13, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday, March 18, 2020, fabulous conjunctions of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and at times the Moon, commence. This isn’t the first conjunction this year involving these bright objects, though conjunctions will become much more frequent this... more
- Supernova Deferred (for now)
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Entry Date: Mar 25, 2020
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
As 2019 came to a close, the news media sensationalized a story about Orion’s bright star Betelgeuse. The headlines were certainly designed to get one’s attention. Betelgeuse was about to go supernova. However, the star’s behavior was really old ... more
- Celebration of Space - March 27, 2020
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Entry Date: Mar 27, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
So your stuck at home with the kids (or the parents), and you just need an out! Well here are a bunch of cool STEM projects that you can do with your kids (or with your parents) that can get you outside and having fun! Compliments of NASA, build and la... more
- Celebration of Space - April 3, 2020
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Entry Date: Apr 3, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On April 3, 2020, the fantastic conjunction of Venus and the Pleiades that has been happening all week, will come to a climax, with Venus visibly joining the Pleiades. Though Venus and the Pleiades get into conjunction quite often, tonight will bring V... more
- Easter Observance Determination
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Entry Date: Apr 8, 2020
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Many religious celebrations are determined by astronomical circumstances. Easter is no exception. But because our secular calendar is not in sync with the motion of the heavens, Easter can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. The general ... more
- Celebration of Space - April 10, 2020
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Entry Date: Apr 10, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, April 12, 2020 is the date of Easter for this year. Regardless of how you feel about the Easter holiday, we are sure you have noticed that it doesn’t fall on the same day each year, like many of the other yearly holidays. This is ... more
- April Lyrids Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Apr 15, 2020
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
It’s been a while since Mother Nature has afforded us a decent display of shooting stars. Clouds or bright moonlight have often conspired to prevent us from watching “burning rocks” falling from the sky. However, on the night of April 22-23, betw... more
- Celebration of Space - April 17, 2020
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Entry Date: Apr 17, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday morning, April 22, 2020 the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower will peak. Bringing with it an increase in regular meteor activity by about 18 meteors per hour, the Lyrids are not very active. Though this shower ends the long 3.5 month lul... more
- Surviving Social Distancing
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Entry Date: Apr 30, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
We are currently living in the reality of social distancing with isolation measures designed to curb a new contagion that posses a risk to much of the population. This has made life a bit difficult with the anxiety levels of many rising to new heights.... more
- Celebration of Space - May 1, 2020
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Entry Date: May 1, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
During the morning hours on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, the annual Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower will peak. Bringing with it an increase in regular meteor activity by around 40 meteors per hour, the Eta Aquarrids are a good shower to observe. Now that rate is u... more
- May's Mooned-out Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: May 2, 2020
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
I always look forward to observing a good display of shooting stars. I’ve watched countless “burning rocks” plummet through the Earth’s atmosphere in the 45 years I’ve been an amateur astronomer. The experience doesn’t get old, except perha... more
- Solar Minimum Endures
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Entry Date: May 5, 2020
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Since my last update on the Sun’s Deep Minimum persistence, sunspot activity on the solar disk continues to be low. Here is the data for the last five years:Year Spotless Percentage Days2019 281 77%... more
- Celebration of Space - May 8, 2020
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Entry Date: May 8, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last Friday we mentioned Comet C/2020 F8 SWAN, the new comet that is making serious waves in the comet lull of late. Well since last Friday, Comet SWAN has continued to brighten, undergoing what appears to be another outburst. Outbursts happen when th... more
- Celebration of Space - May 15, 2020
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Entry Date: May 15, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Starting Thursday, May 14, 2020 the International Space Station (ISS) returned to the evening sky over the US, specifically the Northeast. This brings back fabulous passes of the ISS over our region in the evening hours for the next three weeks. Additi... more
- Milky Way Galaxy
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Entry Date: May 18, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Frosty Drew Observatory and Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island (where Frosty Drew Observatory resides) have a remarkably dark sky overhead and the Milky Way galaxy is mesmerizing to look at there on clear, moonless nights.This gallery wi... more
- Celebration of Space - May 22, 2020
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Entry Date: May 22, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 4:33 pm ET, the first crew supported launch from the United States to occur since the last launch of the Shuttle missions on July 8, 2011, is happening. This launch will occur on SpaceX hardware and will launch fr... more
- Planet: Venus
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Entry Date: May 29, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Venus is the second planet from the Sun in the Solar System. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, we have to look towards the Sun to catch a view. Consequently, we see Venus in phases. Depending on the side of the Sun that Venus is placed during its orbit ... more
- Celebration of Space - May 29, 2020
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Entry Date: May 29, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, the SpaceX Demo-2 launch was scrubbed due to inclement weather. The next launch window opens on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 3:22 pm ET. The launch will happen on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket vehicle, which will carry the Dragon ... more
- Celebration of Space - June 5, 2020
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Entry Date: Jun 5, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Today, June 5, 2020 at 3:13 pm ET the full lunar phase occurs. The June Moon is called the Strawberry Moon due to the strawberry harvest that starts in the month of June. Additionally, a penumbral lunar eclipse will occur during this full lunar phase, ... more
- Celebration of Space - June 12, 2020
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Entry Date: Jun 12, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past couple of weeks, Jupiter and Saturn, which will be in conjunction for most of the year, have started to rise before midnight. This makes viewing a bit more accessible to those who are not up at 3:00 am. As we continue to move towards the ... more
- Celebration of Space - June 19, 2020
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Entry Date: Jun 19, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 5:43 pm ET, Earth will reach the point in its orbit where the Northern Hemisphere is at maximum tilt (23.4°) towards the Sun. This is the Summer Solstice, and marks the first day of summer in the north. On the Su... more
- Celebration of Space - June 26, 2020
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Entry Date: Jun 26, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 4:18 pm ET today (June 26, 2020) SpaceX will launch another set of Starlink satellites into orbit. This launch will include modified Starlink satellites, addressing recent causes for concern in the astronomy community due to how unexpectedly bright ... more
- Celebration of Space - July 3, 2020
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Entry Date: Jul 3, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow morning, July 4, 2020 at 7:35 am ET, Earth will reach the point in our orbit when we are the furthest from the Sun for the year. This is called Aphelion and happens due to a slight deviation from a perfect circle in our orbit. This deviation i... more
- Celebration of Space - July 10, 2020
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Entry Date: Jul 10, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On July 3, 2020, Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, cruised past the Sun at a mere distance of 27,391,909 miles, called Perihelion. We speculated that the comet had a good chance of breaking up due to the intense solar radiation that close to the solar corona. W... more
- Celebration of space - July 17, 2020
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Entry Date: Jul 17, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week, Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE became easily naked eye visible in the evening sky. At Frosty Drew Observatory we have had a difficult time catching a view of Comet NEOWISE in the morning pre-dawn sky due to clouds and fog of late. But this pas... more
- Comet F3 NEOWISE
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Entry Date: Jul 17, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This gallery will feature images captured of Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, which was visible to the unaided eye in July 2020. This was the first clearly visible naked-eye comet in the Northern Hemisphere since Comet C/1995 O1 Hale-Bopp in 1997. Images in this ... more
- Celebration of Space - July 24, 2020
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Entry Date: Jul 24, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Thursday, July 23, 2020, Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, which has been putting on a fabulous show for Northern Hemisphere sky watchers, passed Earth at its closest approach to us. On this date, Comet F3 NEOWISE was at a mere distance of 64,313,189 ... more
- Celebration of Space - August 7, 2020
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Entry Date: Aug 7, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
We often plan a rather large event for the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, though due to the current pandemic we have modified our plans for the 2020 Perseid shower event. We will host two consecutive events. One on Tuesday, August 11 and another on Wedn... more
- Celebration of Space - August 14, 2020
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Entry Date: Aug 14, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past autumn and early winter (2019), we noticed a significant dimming of the bright red supergiant star, Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion. Being that Betelgeuse is the leading known supernova candidate in the Milky Way Galaxy, this had everyb... more
- Celebration of Space - August 21, 2020
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Entry Date: Aug 21, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight, Friday, August 21, 2020 is the 500th event we have held at Frosty Drew Observatory since we modernized our public outreach operations in 2012. Frosty Drew Memorial Fund, Inc., which is the parent organization that oversees the Frosty Drew Obse... more
- Celebration of Space - August 28, 2020
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Entry Date: Aug 28, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Step outside tonight, Friday, August 28, 2020 to catch Saturn, Jupiter, and the waxing gibbous Moon in conjunction. The Moon will be situated about 1.75° below Jupiter, with Saturn hanging out about 7° to the east, forming a thin triangle in the sky.... more
- Celebration of Space - September 4, 2020
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Entry Date: Sep 4, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Saturday, September 5, 2020, Mars and the waning gibbous Moon will put on a fabulous celestial dance for Earth-bound sky watchers, as the Moon visibly passes within 0.5° of the red planet. Since the Moon orbits Earth inclined 5.1° to the ecliptic ... more
- Mara DeCesare - Our 2020 Summer Intern
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Entry Date: Sep 11, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that the summer 2020 season at Frosty Drew Observatory has come to an end, we are back to our regular Stargazing Nights events. Though it was a rather interesting and unprecedented summer season at Frosty Drew Observatory, I feel we were able to su... more
- Celebraton of Space - September 18, 2020
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Entry Date: Sep 18, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 9:31 am EDT, Earth will reach the point in our orbit where we are neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun. This is the Autumnal Equinox and marks the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Those ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 25, 2020
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Entry Date: Sep 25, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week, awesome views of the International Space Station (ISS), passing over the US during the evening hours, resumed. Continuing until October 4, 2020, evening views over our region will continue. Though this past week had the best views of th... more
- Celebration of Space - October 2, 2020
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Entry Date: Oct 2, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last night, Thursday, October 1, 2020, the NG CRS-14 (ISS resupply) launch from Whallops Flight Facility in Virginia was scrubbed. The next launch window opens at 9:16 pm ET tonight (October 2, 2020). The launch will carry 8,000 lbs of research, crew s... more
- Mars - The Red Planet
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Entry Date: Oct 9, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of photos take at Frosty Drew Observatory that showcase Mars, our other planetarly neighbor.... more
- Celebration of Space - October 9, 2020
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Entry Date: Oct 9, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Earth made its closest approach to Mars for Mars’ 687 day orbital period, at a distance of 38.6 million miles. Usually, this happens during opposition of an outer planet, though with Mars, this is not always the ca... more
- Celebration of Space - October 23, 2020
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Entry Date: Oct 23, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Overnight Tuesday, October 20 – Wednesday, October 21, 2020 the annual Orionid Meteor Shower peaked. Though a notable meteor shower, the Orionids do not bring the intense increases in meteor activity that we see from the Perseids, Geminids, or Quadra... more
- Halloween Happenings - October 30, 2020
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Entry Date: Oct 30, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 2:00 am, New England returns to Eastern Standard Time. This is when we set our clocks back one hour. A good mnemonic to remember which way to adjust your clock is: “In fall, fall back one hour. In spring, sprin... more
- Celebration of Space - November 6, 2020
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Entry Date: Nov 6, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Starting one year ago, during December 2019, Solar Sunspot Cycle 25 started. The new cycle always starts during Solar Minimum, which is a period of practically no sunspot activity on the solar photosphere (surface of the Sun). Last month it was declare... more
- Celebration of Space - November 13, 2020
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Entry Date: Nov 13, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past several nights, Comet C/2020 M3 ATLAS has been showing off fantastic views as it passes through the constellation Orion. The comet is currently visible in small backyard telescopes, and possibly binoculars when viewing under dark sky cond... more
- Celebration of Space - November 20, 2020
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Entry Date: Nov 20, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Early this month, Frosty Drew Observatory was featured on the South County Tourism Council’s podcast – The Wavelength, which was released yesterday. We spoke about some of our upcoming events, work we do, constellations, Pluto, and operations durin... more
- Thanksgiving for 2020
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Entry Date: Nov 25, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The general US tradition for this coming week is to think about your life and find gratitude for the better parts of your life. Considering the reputation that 2020 has garnered, it may seem difficult to find gratitude in your thoughts of the past year... more
- Diffuse Nebula
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Entry Date: Nov 27, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
Diffuse nebulae are nebulae illuminated by both reflected star light and light from gas ionization in the nebula. This album is a collection of photos taken at Frosty Drew Observatory showcasing various diffuse and reflection nebulae. ... more
- Celebration of Space - November 27, 2020
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Entry Date: Nov 27, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past week and a half, the International Space Station (ISS) has put on a stunning display of evening passes over the United States. Here in New England, we have had several nights of clear sky conditions, making for a beautiful addition to our... more
- Celebration of Space - December 4, 2020
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Entry Date: Dec 4, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming December 21st, the Winter Solstice will occur, but that’s not the only awesome event happening that day. Even more exciting is a stunning conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, called The Great Conjunction. On that evening, Jupiter will visib... more
- Celebration of Space - December 18, 2020
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Entry Date: Dec 18, 2020
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Sunday – Monday, December 13-14, 2020 the annual Geminid Meteor Shower peak occurred. A slow starter due to clouds, the Geminids really took off after 10:00 pm. Though not the best display we have seen of the Geminid shower, this year was c... more
- 2020 - A Year We Will Not Forget
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Entry Date: Jan 1, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past month, I have been thinking a lot on the year 2020. I have heard that it was a terrible year for many, and that we all can gladly kiss it goodbye. I do not doubt that it has been a very hard year for many people, for different reasons. Bu... more
- Astronomical Highlights for 2021
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Entry Date: Jan 2, 2021
Published Under: David Huestis's Columns
Happy New Year everyone. I can’t believe it is 2021! Happy 50th Anniversary to my fellow 1971 graduates of North Smithfield High School. Perhaps later this year we will be able to celebrate this milestone in our lives. For now, I will focus on some o... more
- Celebration of Space - January 8, 2021
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Entry Date: Jan 8, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that the Moon is waning well into the early morning sky and quickly approaching the new phase on January 13, 2021, super dark sky conditions are returning to our region. Especially over more of the rural areas that are less affected by light pollut... more
- Celebration of Space - January 15, 2021
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Entry Date: Jan 15, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that we are entering the final month leading up to the NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance rover’s arrival at Mars, online excitement is starting to buzz. The mission of Mars 2020 is astrobiology, which deals with the origins and ancient evolution of lif... more
- Celebration of Space - January 22, 2021
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Entry Date: Jan 22, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last week, the International Space Station (ISS) commenced evening passes over the United States, specifically New England. Each night we have been subject to spectacular views of the ISS passing over. Well amazing evening passes continue this weekend ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 29, 2021
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Entry Date: Jan 29, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
After a couple weeks of fabulous evening passes of the International Space Station (ISS), sighting opportunities will continue through the weekend and next week. Though the ISS passes over our location several times per day, not all passes are visible ... more
- Celebration of Space - February 5, 2021
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Entry Date: Feb 5, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past few weeks, the International Space Station (ISS) has been putting on quite a show for US sky watchers, with beautiful evening passes that are easy to see and family friendly time wise. Though all good things come to an end, and the amazin... more
- Celebration of Space - Perseverance Rover
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Entry Date: Feb 18, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming week set some time aside to get engaged with the many events surrounding the landing of the Mars Perseverance rover. Starting on Tuesday, February 16th, news conferences will kick off. These conferences will cover everything from the rover'... more
- Celebration of Space - February 26, 2021
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Entry Date: Feb 26, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
After the successful landing of the NASA Perseverance Rover on Mars, all of us back here on Earth have been gifted with a constant stream of amazing photos, videos, and audio of the red planet. Initial reports and testing are showing that the rover is ... more
- Celebration of Space - March 5, 2021
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Entry Date: Mar 5, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week, the NASA James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) completed its final functional performance tests. These tests, among others, tested the electronics and mechanics of the observatory as it applies to the stresses of launch. Results confirmed t... more
- Celebration of Space - March 12, 2021
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Entry Date: Mar 12, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
For those that sleep at night, this coming Sunday morning, March 14, 2021 at 2:00 a.m. you will be robbed of one hour of sleep, as we advance our clocks from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Though controversial, moving to ED... more
- Celebration of Space - March 19, 2021
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Entry Date: Mar 19, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 5:37 a.m. EDT (tomorrow morning), Earth’s equator will intersect with the ecliptic (the path the Sun takes across the sky) marking the Vernal Equinox, and the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. At this time the... more
- Photo Prints
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Entry Date: Mar 31, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A gallery of all astrophotos available for print purchase. All photos are printed on either a metal substrate or acrylic glass. Most are printed at 12x18. Details about each print are available in the description attached to the photo.... more
- Celebration of Space - April 16, 2021
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Entry Date: Apr 16, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week, during a high-speed spin test of the Ingenuity Mars helicopter, which accompanied the Perseverance Rover to Mars, experienced an unexpected shutdown due to a fail safe mechanism designed to detect issues and shutdown related processes t... more
- Celebration of Space - April 23, 2021
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Entry Date: Apr 23, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Thursday, April 22, 2021, the Earth-facing sunspot group – AR2816, erupted in a spectacular C-Class solar flare, spewing a coronal mass ejection (CME) towards Earth. Just to be clear, a C-Class flare is not massively significant and doesn't... more
- Celebration of Space - April 30, 2021
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Entry Date: Apr 30, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past several weeks, we have been experiencing a new occurrence during our Stargazing Nights event at Frosty Drew Observatory, and I think it is important to note that during the springtime at Frosty Drew we are operating in a down-season capac... more
- Celebration of Space - May 7, 2021
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Entry Date: May 7, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On April 29, 2021, China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) launched the core module of its new modular space station. The core module, named Tainhe, is the first component of the larger Tiangong Space Station, which will be assembled in space in... more
- Celebration of Space - May 14, 2021
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Entry Date: May 14, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, May 17, 2021, Mercury will achieve Maximum Eastern Elongation. This happens when Mercury reaches the point in its orbit where it is at tangent on the western side of the Sun when viewed from Earth. In non-geek terms, that means Mercury is at... more
- Celebration of Space - May 21, 2021
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Entry Date: May 21, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday, May 26, 2021, A Total Lunar Eclipse will occur for a large part of planet Earth. This happens when the Moon orbits into and through Earth’s primary shadow called the Umbra. Considering that the Moon orbits Earth inclined 5.1° ... more
- A Sunrise Solar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Jun 4, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Thursday, June 10, 2021 a fabulous Annular Solar Eclipse will occur for the extreme Northern Hemisphere. New England is too far south to experience the annular eclipse, but a stunning partial eclipse will be visible at sunrise. That is if the weathe... more
- Solar Eclipse 2021
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Entry Date: Jun 11, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Thursday, June 10, 2021 a spectacular sunrise solar eclipse occurred over New England. The eclipse started at 4:12 am, before sunrise at our location, and became visible with the rising sun at 5:12 am. Maximum eclipse, for our location, occurred at ... more
- Celebration of Space - June 11, 2021
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Entry Date: Jun 11, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Thursday morning, June 10, 2021, we experienced a fantastic sunrise solar eclipse in New England. Frosty Drew Astronomers Derek Schacht and Scott MacNeill were set up about 0.25 miles apart at Point Judith, Rhode Island. We had telescopes fitted wit... more
- Celebration of Space - June 18, 2021
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Entry Date: Jun 18, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 11:32 pm ET, Earth will reach the point in its orbit where the Northern Hemisphere is at maximum tilt (23.4°) towards the Sun. This is the Summer Solstice, and marks the first day of summer in the north. On the Sum... more
- Celebration of Space - June 25, 2021
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Entry Date: Jun 25, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Save the Date! Next Saturday, July 3, 2021, Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will celebrate the holiday weekend by bringing back our super popular Celebrate the Milky Way event. These are the nights that we think will bring the best views of ... more
- Celebration of Space - July 2, 2021
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Entry Date: Jul 2, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, July 4, 2021, Mercury will achieve Maximum Western Elongation, which is when Mercury arrives at the point in its orbit where it is at tangent for Earth-bound observers. What this means in basic terms is that Mercury will be at its h... more
- Celebration of Space - July 9, 2021
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Entry Date: Jul 9, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Monday, July 5, 2021 Earth reached the point in our orbit where we were at our furthest from the Sun for the year. This is called Aphelion and places Earth at 94,510,886 miles distant from the Sun. We often hear about aphelion and perihelion ... more
- Celebration of Space - July 16, 2021
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Entry Date: Jul 16, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Evening passes of the International Space Station will continue this week over our region. With the cloudy sky of late, stunning views have been a little difficult to see, though passes are still happening if you find yourself under a clearer sky. Addi... more
- Celebration of Space - July 23, 2021
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Entry Date: Jul 23, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 10:37 pm on Friday, July 23, 2021 the July Full Moon will occur. Commonly referred to as the Buck Moon, the July Moon is the second full lunar phase in a series of four lunar phases this summer (2021). The name of the July Moon comes from North Amer... more
- Celebration of Space - July 30, 2021
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Entry Date: Jul 30, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This weekend is a huge weekend for Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center. It all starts tonight with our Summer Stargazing Nights event, continuing tomorrow afternoon with our first annual Inspire, Discover, Enlighten, and Awe (IDEA) Expo Fundrais... more
- Gear Up For the Perseids
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Entry Date: Aug 6, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday night, August 11, 2021, the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower will begin. Bringing with it an increase in regular meteor activity by upwards of 100 meteors per hour, the Perseid shower is one of the year’s best. As we have state... more
- Celebration of Space - August 13, 2021
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Entry Date: Aug 13, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week the fantastic Perseid Meteor Shower came to a peak. It was a tough couple of days with very uncomfortable conditions and the primary peak night completely fogged out. Historically speaking, the Perseid peak occurs during a difficult time... more
- Celebration of Space - August 20, 2021
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Entry Date: Aug 20, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 8:02 am the August full moon will occur. We call the August Moon either the Full Green Corn Moon or the Full Sturgeon Moon. Of which, both work for New England. If taking an August drive outside of the urban and s... more
- Celebration of Space - August 27, 2021
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Entry Date: Aug 27, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you noticed the bright star that has been hanging around the southeast sky during the evening hours lately? Well that’s not a star, it’s actually the largest planet in the Solar System. Jupiter is so big that even at a distance of 374 million ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 3, 2021
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Entry Date: Sep 3, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday, September 5, 2021, Venus and the bright blue star Spica, which is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, will put on a fantastic conjunction, which has been building up over the past few nights. Spica, also known as Alpha Virgo is th... more
- Celebration of Space - September 10, 2021
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Entry Date: Sep 10, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you seen Jupiter’s four Galilean Moons in a telescope before? They are easily visible on the sides of Jupiter when observing with even a small telescope. Each of the four moons are unique in their own way and are some of the largest moons, as we... more
- Celebration of Space - September 17, 2021
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Entry Date: Sep 17, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 3:21 pm EDT, Earth will reach the point in our orbit where we are neither tilted towards or away from the Sun. This is the Autumnal Equinox and marks the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Those... more
- Celebration of Space - September 24, 2021
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Entry Date: Sep 24, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Summer through early winter is meteor watching season on planet Earth, with several meteor showers occurring, there is always something happening in the sky. In 2021, we have seen a nice increase in regular meteor activity out at Frosty Drew during the... more
- A Celebration of our Meade LX200 EMC Telescope
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Entry Date: Oct 1, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past several years at Frosty Drew Observatory, we have been discussing the inevitable replacement of our aging Meade LX200 EMC 16 inch Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope, which resides inside the observatory dome. The environment in Ninigret Park, h... more
- Celebration of Space - October 8, 2021
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Entry Date: Oct 8, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
As twilight wanes tonight, October 8, 2021, the annual Draconid Meteor Shower will peak. Not the most active shower, the Draconids usually bring an increase of around 5 meteors per hour to regular meteor activity. Though the Draconids have a reputation... more
- Celebration of Space - October 15, 2021
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Entry Date: Oct 15, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Thursday, October 21, 2020, during the morning hours, the annual Orionid Meteor Shower peak will occur. Bringing with it an increase of about 20 meteors per hour to regular meteor activity, the Orionids are somewhat of a sleeper. Add in tha... more
- Celebration of Space - October 22, 2021
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Entry Date: Oct 22, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The big day has arrived! After years of planning, grant writing, purchasing, and preparing, the new observatory telescope is about to be installed. Three weeks ago we hosted our Last-light Celebration for our existing Meade LX200 16 inch telescope, giv... more
- Celebration of Space - October 29, 2021
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Entry Date: Oct 29, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Of all the awesome lore, activities, and culture surrounding Halloween, it’s worth noting that October 31st is also an astronomical holiday. One of the four Cross-Quarter days of the year, Halloween marks the approximate midpoint between the Autumnal... more
- Frosty Drew PlaneWave CDK600
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Entry Date: Nov 5, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This is a running collection of photographs of the new Frosty Drew Observatory telescope, a PlaneWave CDK600 24 inch telescope. This telescope was installed on Saturday, October 23, 2021 and is the result of years of planning, writing, developing, and ... more
- Celebration of Space - November 5, 2021
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Entry Date: Nov 5, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Overnight last night, the annual Southern Taurid Meteor Shower peaked, bringing with it a meager increase of 5 meteors per hour in regular meteor activity. But it’s not the peak rates that make the Taurid meteor showers awesome, it’s the fireball m... more
- Celebration of Space - November 12, 2021
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Entry Date: Nov 12, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last week we wrote about Comet C/2021 A1 Leonard, and the prospects for it to become naked-eye visible in the early morning sky. Well comet Leonard continues to increase in brightness, and will likely become easily visible in binoculars and small teles... more
- Celebration of Space - November 19, 2021
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Entry Date: Nov 19, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that the new PlaneWave CDK600 24 inch telescope is operational, we are ready to point it to the sky and see what the cosmos has to offer. Over the remainder of November and the first half of December, we will be hosting our First Light Celebration,... more
- Celebration of Space - November 26, 2021
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Entry Date: Nov 26, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Overnight tonight (Friday, November 26, 2021) the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Solar Orbiter spacecraft will make a super close fly-by of Earth. In doing so, the Solar Orbiter will perform a gravity assist maneuver to modify its orbit to direct it t... more
- Celebration of Space - December 3, 2021
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Entry Date: Dec 3, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Every year, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) completes a photographic set of the outer Solar System planets, called the Hubble Grand Tour. The planets that HST will photograph are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The point of the Grand Tour photo ... more
- Celebration of Space - December 10, 2021
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Entry Date: Dec 10, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Monday, December 13, 2021 and lasting until sunrise on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 the annual Geminid Meteor Shower peak will occur. Hands down the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids can bring upwards of 200 additional meteors per ... more
- Celebration of Space - December 18, 2021
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Entry Date: Dec 17, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow night, Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:38 pm the Moon will arrive at the point in its orbit around Earth where it is on the opposite side of the Earth than the Sun. We call this Superior Conjunction, which is also known as the Full Moon. The... more
- Celebration of Space - December 24, 2021
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Entry Date: Dec 24, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Finally, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) appears to be slated for launching into space. JWST has been plagued with launch delays, budget overages, communications issues, as well as several hang ups along the way. Initially scheduled for launch in... more
- 2021 - A Beautiful Year For Frosty Drew
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Entry Date: Dec 31, 2021
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
As we ride through the last 24 hours of 2021, at Frosty Drew we are closing out another spectacular year! 2021 has been another rough ride for many and we empathize with the situations that many find themselves in. At Frosty Drew Observatory and Scienc... more
- Celebration of Space - January 7, 2022
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Entry Date: Jan 7, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight, January 7, 2022, Mercury will reach the point in its orbit around the Sun where it is at maximum eastern elongation with Earth. What this means is that Mercury will be at its highest point in the evening sky, after sunset, for its current orbi... more
- Celebration of Space - January 14, 2022
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Entry Date: Jan 14, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, January 17, 2022 at 6:51 pm EST, the January full Moon will occur, bringing with it copious amounts of moonlight that will light up the potentially snow-covered Southern New England landscape. The January full Moon is also known as the Full ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 21, 2022
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Entry Date: Jan 21, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, January 24, 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will arrive at its orbital destination, the second Lagrange point (L2), which is just under 1 million miles beyond the Moon. At 2:00 pm EST James Webb will fire its thrusters, inserting... more
- Viewing The International Space Station
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Entry Date: Jan 26, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Periodically throughout the year, the International Space Station (ISS) becomes visible in the evening sky, offering up stunning opportunities to view bright nightly passes for a few weeks. The ISS orbits planet Earth once every 93 minutes at a 51.6° ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 28, 2022
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Entry Date: Jan 28, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, January 24, 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) fired its onboard thrusters for a period of nearly 5 minutes, increasing the travel speed of the observatory by 3.6 miles per hour, allowing for the observatory to successfully assume a... more
- Celebration of Space - February 4, 2022
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Entry Date: Feb 4, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) front, optical alignment of the 18 mirror segments that make up the primary telescope mirror began this past week. This allowed the JWST mission team to observe the first photons of light collected by the telesc... more
- Celebration of Space - February 18, 2022
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Entry Date: Feb 18, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Earlier this month, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) captured its first photons. Producing the first image captured by the new telescope. The image it captured was certainly not a hint of the amazing things to come, as the image was just a calibra... more
- Celebration of Space - February 25, 2022
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Entry Date: Feb 25, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 12:38 pm, the New Moon will occur. This happens when the Moon orbits in between Earth and the Sun, also known as “conjunction”. During this time the side of the Moon in direct sunlight is the opposite side of the Moon... more
- Celebration of Space - March 4, 2022
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Entry Date: Mar 4, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
You may have noticed this past week that the month of February ended, as usual, on the 28th day of the month. Meaning that 2022 is not a leap year. The last leap year occurred in 2020, and the next one will happen in 2024. Everyone generally accepts th... more
- Celebration of Space - March 11, 2022
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Entry Date: Mar 11, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 2:00 am, we will switch our clocks from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is the same as Atlantic Standard Time (AST). Over the years the issue of changing our clocks twice per year is often ... more
- Celebration of Space - March 18, 2022
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Entry Date: Mar 18, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 3:21 am ET this morning, Friday, March 18, 2022, the Moon reached the point of opposition in its orbit around Earth. This is also known as the Full Moon. This full phase occurred with the Moon at a distance of 234,021 miles from Earth. Which places ... more
- Celebration of Space - March 25, 2022
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Entry Date: Mar 25, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Friday, April 1, 2022, the annual 401 Gives campaign happens. This is a day to support your favorite non-profit organizations in Rhode Island. The event is organized by the United Way of Rhod... more
- Galaxies
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Entry Date: Apr 5, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
When we look up at the night sky, pretty much everything we see with our unaided eyes exists as part of the Milky Way galaxy, the galaxy we reside in. Containing around 200 billion stars, the Milky Way galaxy is not only vast, but rather invisible from... more
- Celebration of Space - April 8, 2022
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Entry Date: Apr 8, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight, the First Quarter Moon will rise. This principle phase allows for interesting views along the lunar terminator, which is the line that separates the daytime area from the nighttime area. This is where the best features are visible because sunl... more
- Celebration of Space - April 15, 2022
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Entry Date: Apr 15, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 2:58 pm, the April Full Moon will occur. The April Moon carries the moniker – The Full Pink Moon. This is because of all the blooms we start seeing this time of the year as springtime sets in. Specifically, the April Mo... more
- Celebration of Space - April 22, 2022
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Entry Date: Apr 22, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Early this morning, Friday, April 22, 2022, the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower peaked. We did not put out a lot of info about the Lyrids this year because the shower is not usually very active and we had the bright waning gibbous Moon in the sky this morni... more
- Celebration of Space - April 29, 2022
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Entry Date: Apr 29, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 4:31 pm, the April New Moon will occur. This is the time of the lunar month that the Moon reaches conjunction, which is when the Moon orbits in between Earth and the Sun. It is an alignment of the three objects, wh... more
- Celebration of Space - May 6, 2022
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Entry Date: May 6, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Starting at 9:00 pm, Sunday, May 15, 2022, and continuing overnight into the morning hours of Monday, May 16, 2022, a stunning total lunar eclipse is happening, and Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center is ready to rock the night! A lunar eclipse ... more
- Celebration of Space - May 13, 2022
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Entry Date: May 13, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday night, May 15, and lasting until the morning hours on Monday, May 16, a fabulous total lunar eclipse will be coming to the US. In New England, we are set up for a perfect eclipse, so of course the weather will be the playground bully... more
- Flower Moon Eclipse 2022
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Entry Date: May 20, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Sunday - Monday, May 15-16, 2022 a fantastic total lunar eclipse came to North America, with the New England area falling into the best region for visibility. It was cloudy, and foggy for the entire event over Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Cen... more
- Celebration of Space - May 20, 2022
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Entry Date: May 20, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday – Monday, May 15 – 16, 2022, a stunning total lunar eclipse occurred over much of North America, with New England falling into one of the best regions to view the event. Unfortunately, fog and clouds obscured the view for many people arou... more
- Celebration of Space - May 27, 2022
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Entry Date: May 27, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Overnight, Monday – Tuesday, May 30-31, 2022, a special meteor shower may occur, and with it could come dozens of meteors per second. The shower is the Tau Herculid Meteor Shower, and the cause of the shower is the comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 (S... more
- Celebration of Space - June 3, 2022
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Entry Date: Jun 3, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that we are within a few weeks of the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, noctilucent clouds (NLCs) have returned to the late twilight sky for northern locations. NLCs are the highest clouds that can form in Earth’s atmosphere and are a p... more
- Celebration of Space - June 10, 2022
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Entry Date: Jun 10, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) front, everything continues to be awesome. Though in late May 2022, the observatory sustained a larger-than-expected meteor strike. Now JWST is obviously built with the expectation that tiny (dust-sized), fast m... more
- Celebration of Space - June 17, 2022
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Entry Date: Jun 17, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 5:14 am ET, Earth will reach the point in its orbit where the Northern Hemisphere is at maximum tilt (23.4°) towards the Sun. This is the Summer Solstice, and marks the first day of summer in the north. On the Sum... more
- Celebration of Space - June 24, 2022
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Entry Date: Jun 24, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow night, Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am, Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will host our first Celebrate the Milky Way event of summer 2022. These are the nights that we think visitors will get the best view of the M... more
- Celebration of Space - July 8, 2022
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Entry Date: Jul 8, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
After more than a decade of waiting, the moment has finally arrived. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will release the first collection of science images that it has captured! The big day will be Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Images will be released sim... more
- Celebration of Space - July 15, 2022
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Entry Date: Jul 15, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the first science images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) were released to the public. Expectations were very high and the images certainly did not disappoint! The images that were released showcased a... more
- Celebration of Space - August 5, 2022
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Entry Date: Aug 5, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow, Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will host its second annual Inspire, Discover, Enlighten, and Awe (IDEA) Expo Fundraiser. This is a day to learn about the history and future of Fro... more
- Celebration of Space - August 12, 2022
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Entry Date: Aug 12, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, August 14, 2022, Earth will reach the point in our orbit where Saturn will be on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. We call this opposition, and it places Saturn in best viewing for the year. During opposition, Saturn will ris... more
- Celebration of Space - August 19, 2022
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Entry Date: Aug 19, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week a rather unexpected outburst of meteor activity occurred in the constellation Aquarius. The outburst is possibly a new meteor shower resulting from a comet that was discovered by Charles Messier (founder of the famous Messier Catalog of ... more
- Celebration of Space - August 26, 2022
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Entry Date: Aug 26, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Monday, August 29, 2022 at 8:33 am, the launch window will open for Artemis 1, the mission that will bring humans back to the Moon. Though this launch will not be a crewed mission, meaning no humans will be on board the crew capsule. The go... more
- Celebration of Space - September 2, 2022
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Entry Date: Sep 2, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
A Change is Happening to our Stargazing Nights Events:Starting next Friday, September 9, 2022, and continuing into the New Year, our weekly Stargazing Nights events will require ticketed registration for visitors to gain access to our camp... more
- Celebration of Space - September 9, 2022
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Entry Date: Sep 9, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last week, we hosted our last Summer Stargazing Nights event for summer 2022. We wrote about how we are changing our registration / ticketing model for Stargazing Nights events starting tonight, which will see ticket availability open the Monday before... more
- Celebration of Space - September 16, 2022
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Entry Date: Sep 16, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 9:04 pm ET, Earth will reach the point in our orbit where we are neither tilted towards or away from the Sun. This is the Autumnal Equinox and marks the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Those who... more
- Celebration of Space - September 23, 2022
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Entry Date: Sep 23, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, September 26, 2022, Earth will arrive at the point in our orbit around the Sun where we are aligned with the Sun and Jupiter. This will place Jupiter on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun, and is called the Opposition of Jupiter, which ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 30, 2022
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Entry Date: Sep 30, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Thursday, September 29, 2022, the NASA Juno Mission, which has been in orbit around Jupiter for the past six years, made a super close flyby of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa. This is the first close flyby of Europa since the NASA Galileo spacecraft z... more
- Celebration of Space - October 7, 2022
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Entry Date: Oct 7, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 4:55 pm ET, the October full Moon will occur. Sometimes considered the Harvest Moon, the October full Moon is the first full Moon for autumn 2022. The closest full Moon to the Autumnal Equinox is the Harvest Moon,... more
- Celebration of Space - October 14, 2022
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Entry Date: Oct 14, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight, October 14, 2022 around 9:30 pm, the waning gibbous Moon and Mars will put on a beautiful conjunction, with Mars sitting about 2.5º below the Moon. As we move towards Mars’ opposition on December 8, 2022, which is when we will orbit in betw... more
- Celebration of Space - October 21, 2022
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Entry Date: Oct 21, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On October 23, 2022, the Frosty Drew Observatory will celebrate the first anniversary of our new PlaneWave CDK600 telescope in the Observatory dome. Over the past year we have been busy calibrating and optimizing the new device, which became fully oper... more
- Celebration of Space - November 4, 2022
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Entry Date: Nov 4, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Monday, October 31, 2022, was Halloween, which is a cross quarter day. Cross quarter days are the halfway points between the equinoxes and the solstices, and vice-versa. Other cross quarter days are Groundhog Day in February, May Day in May, ... more
- Beaver Moon Eclipse 2022
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Entry Date: Nov 10, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Tuesday, November 8, 2022 a fantastic total lunar eclipse came to North America, with the New England area experiencing the first half of the eclipse, due to Moon set and sunrise happening locally during the total eclipse stage. It was crystal clear... more
- Celebration of Space - November 11, 2022
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Entry Date: Nov 11, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight is Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, and the forecast for heavy rain and high winds will keep us closed tonight. We will usually host a cloudy night program on nights with inclement weather, though the remnants of ... more
- Celebration of Space - November 18, 2022
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Entry Date: Nov 18, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 1:47 am, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) successfully launched the Orion capsule from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Which is part of the larger Artemis mission. This launch is an uncrewed test flight to the... more
- Celebration of Space - December 2, 2022
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Entry Date: Dec 2, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 11:10 pm, the Moon will orbit into a position where it will be on the opposite side of the Earth than the Sun. We call this opposition, but you have, more commonly, heard of it as the Full Moon. The December ... more
- Celebration of Space - December 9, 2022
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Entry Date: Dec 9, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday, December 13, 2022, the annual Geminid Meteor Shower peak will occur. The Geminid peak is the best meteor shower peak of the year, bringing with it upwards of 150 meteors per hour in addition to regular meteor activity. The peak wil... more
- Celebration of Space - December 16, 2022
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Entry Date: Dec 16, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Sunday, December 11, 2022, the NASA Artemis 1 mission was successfully completed when the Orion crew capsule arrived back on Earth. The Artemis 1 mission launched on November 16, 2022 from Kennedy Space Center, FL. Once the Orion module separ... more
- Celebration of Space - December 30, 2022
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Entry Date: Dec 30, 2022
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday, January 4, 2023, the annual Quadrantid Meteor Shower will peak. The first meteor shower of the year, and the last meteor shower of the viewing season, the Quadrantid peak is also one of the best meteor displays of the year, bring... more
- Celebration of Space - January 13, 2023
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Entry Date: Jan 13, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 6:10 pm EST on January 6, 2023, the January full Moon happened. Notably, the January full Moon usually occurs during the time that the Moon is at its furthest point from Earth, called Apogee. In 2023, the January lunar apogee occurred at 4:20 am EST... more
- Celebration of Space - January 20, 2023
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Entry Date: Jan 20, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, January 22, 2023, Venus and Saturn will arrive at their closest visible point in the ongoing conjunction that has been happening. Now that Venus has orbited past superior conjunction (opposite side of the Sun than Earth) it has recl... more
- Celebration of Space - January 27, 2023
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Entry Date: Jan 27, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last week, on January 20, 2023 the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) eclipse season began. Eclipse season happens twice per year for SDO, and will last about 3 weeks in length. During this time the SDO spacecraft, which observes the Sun in multiple wave... more
- Comets
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Entry Date: Feb 3, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
A collection of photos taken at Frosty Drew Observatory showcasing comets. Comets are not as regular from our northern latitudes as those in the southern hemisphere get to experience.... more
- Celebration of Space - February 3, 2023
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Entry Date: Feb 3, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 1:31 pm, the Moon will reach the point in its orbit where it is on the opposite side of the Earth than the Sun. We call this opposition, but you have probably heard it called The Full Moon. Like the full Moon of January,... more
- Celebration of Space - February 17, 2023
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Entry Date: Feb 17, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, February 20, 2023 at 3:09 am, the Moon will arrive, in its orbit, in between the Sun and Earth. We call this “conjunction”, but you may better know it as the New Moon. On the day of the New Moon, the Moon will rise and set with the Sun, ... more
- Celebration of Space - March 03, 2023
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Entry Date: Mar 3, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 7:43 am ET the March Full Moon will occur. Carrying the moniker, the Full Worm Moon, this full Moon will be the last full lunar phase of winter. The Worm Moon gets its name from the wet conditions that persist during this ... more
- Celebration of Space - March 10, 2023
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Entry Date: Mar 10, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that the winter season is coming to a close, and the Vernal Equinox is less than two weeks away, the days are certainly getting longer, making this the time of the year that we switch our clocks from Standard Time to Daylight Time, commonly referre... more
- Celebration of Space - March 17, 2023
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Entry Date: Mar 17, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, March 20, 2023, at 5:25 pm ET, Earth will arrive at the point in our orbit where we are neither tilted towards or away from the Sun. This is the Vernal Equinox, and marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Equinox is Latin f... more
- Celebration of Space - March 31, 2023
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Entry Date: Mar 31, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 1, 2023 is the annual 401 Gives fundraiser in Rhode Island. It is a day for Rhode Islanders to support Rhode Island non-profits that are making an impact in our communities. The event is organized by the United Way of Rhode Is... more
- Celebration of Space - April 14, 2023
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Entry Date: Apr 14, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Starting tomorrow, April 15, 2023, the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower will begin. The first meteor shower of the meteor viewing season, the Lyrid shower often surprises viewers, if conditions are optimal, and in 2023, they are certainly optimal.The ... more
- Celebration of Space - April 21, 2023
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Entry Date: Apr 21, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, April 23, 2023, during the morning hours, the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower will peak, bringing with it an increase in regular meteor activity by upwards of 20 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, in true 2023 fashion, forecasts are callin... more
- Celebration of Space - May 5, 2023
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Entry Date: May 5, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 1:37 pm ET this afternoon, Friday, May 5, 2023, the Moon will orbit into a position where it is on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. We call this opposition, but you probably call it the full Moon. During this time, the entire daytime side of... more
- Celebration of Space - May 12, 2023
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Entry Date: May 12, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Starting yesterday, May 11, 2023, the International Space Station (ISS) has returned to the annual period when all passes of the station, from dusk to dawn, are visible. This happens every year around the Summer Solstice, and is a result of the Norther... more
- Celebration of Space - May 19, 2023
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Entry Date: May 19, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 11:56 am ET this morning (Friday, May 19, 2023), the Moon will orbit into a position where it ends up in between the Earth and the Sun. Astronomers call this Conjunction, but everyone else calls it the New Moon. On this day, the Moon rose with the S... more
- Celebration of Space - May 26, 2023
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Entry Date: May 26, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow night, Saturday, May 27, 2023, starting at 8:30 pm, the first collaboration of Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center with the Charlestown RI Dark Sky Advocates will happen, in a jointly hosted star party event. The theme of the event is t... more
- Celebration of Space - June 2, 2023
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Entry Date: Jun 2, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11:44 pm, the Moon will once again orbit into a position where it is on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. Astronomers call this opposition, but everyone else calls it the Full Moon. During the full Moon, th... more
- Celebration of Space - June 9, 2023
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Entry Date: Jun 9, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Have you noticed the crazy wildfire smoke over our region this past week? Well that is compliments of some huge wildfires happening in Quebec. Even though the smoke makes the air unsafe, blocks our view of the sky, and doesn’t smell that great; there... more
- Celebration of Space - June 16, 2023
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Entry Date: Jun 16, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 12:39 am ET, the Moon will arrive at the point in its orbit around Earth, where it passes in between Earth and the Sun. Astronomers call this Conjunction, but nearly everyone else calls it the New Moon. On the day ... more
- Celebration of Space - June 23, 2023
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Entry Date: Jun 23, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Evening passes of China’s space station – Tiangong will wrap up over the next few nights. Even though Tiangong is not as bright as the International Space Station, it is still a very impressive sight as it passes over. Here are the remaining passes... more
- Celebration of Space - June 30, 2023
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Entry Date: Jun 30, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Monday, July 3, 2023 at 7:41 am, the Moon will arrive at the point in its orbit where the side we see ends up in full sunlight. This will only happen when the Moon arrives at opposition, which is when the Moon is on the opposite side of Ear... more
- Celebration of Space - July 7, 2023
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Entry Date: Jul 7, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Every summer, the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will host a limited special event series called Celebrate the Milky Way. The Frosty Drew campus is located in Ninigret Park, which is the darkest spot in Southern New England, and one of the ... more
- Celebration of Space - July 14, 2023
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Entry Date: Jul 14, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, July 17, 2023 at 2:33 pm ET, the Moon will orbit into a position where it arrives between the Earth and the Sun, this is called conjunction, or better yet, the new Moon. On Monday, the new Moon will rise and set with the Sun, giving resident... more
- Celebration of Space - July 28, 2023
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Entry Date: Jul 28, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 2:33 pm ET, the Moon will orbit into a position where it arrives on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun, keeping the Moon in full sunlight all night long. This is the full Moon, but more scientifically it is ... more
- The Perseid Meteor Shower
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Entry Date: Aug 4, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Next Friday night, August 11, 2023, the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower will begin. Bringing with it an increase in regular meteor activity by upwards of 100 meteors per hour overnight Saturday, August 12-13. As we have stated in the past, observing ... more
- Celebration of Space - August 11, 2023
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Entry Date: Aug 11, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This weekend the annual Perseid Meteor Shower peak is happening. The Perseid Meteor Shower is probably the third best meteor shower of the year, but because it happens during the warm summer nights, it is certainly the most popular. In 2023, forecaster... more
- Celebration of Space - September 1, 2023
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Entry Date: Sep 1, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Sunday, August 27, 2023, Earth arrived at the point in our orbit where Saturn was on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This is called the opposition of Saturn, and places Saturn into the best viewing for the 2023 viewing season. ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 8, 2023
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Entry Date: Sep 8, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 9, 2023, Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will host our annual Inspire, Discover, Enlighten, and Awe (IDEA) Expo fundraiser. Due to the dismal weather forecast, we will be canceling our on site activities. Though... more
- Celebration of Space - September 15, 2023
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Entry Date: Sep 15, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 2:50 am ET, Earth will reach the point in its orbit where we are neither tilted towards or away from the Sun. This is called the Autumnal Equinox, and hails the start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere. On ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 22, 2023
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Entry Date: Sep 22, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, September 24, 2023, will be a big day for asteroid research when the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-Rex) mission drops a sample of the large asteroid, 101955 Bennu, ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 29, 2023
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Entry Date: Sep 29, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Early this morning, Friday, September 29, 2023, at 5:58 am ET, the Moon arrived at the point in its orbit where it is on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This is the full Moon, which is scientifically referred to as Opposition. During the full ... more
- Celebration of Space - October 6, 2023
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Entry Date: Oct 6, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 11:00 am, NASA will host the unveiling of the sample captured from asteroid 101955 Bennu, which the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft dropped off in the Utah dessert a couple of weeks ago. The sample was collected on Octo... more
- Celebration of Space - October 13, 2023
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Entry Date: Oct 13, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 14, 2023 will bring a stunning annular solar eclipse to the United States. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is not close enough to Earth to block the entire Sun from our view. This will leave a ring of Sun around the ... more
- 2023 Solar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Oct 14, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse occurred over the Americas. Over Rhode Island, we saw a maximum eclipse of 19.11% partial eclipse. Clouds and rain were with us on that day and we had okay views of the first half of the eclipse thro... more
- Celebration of Space - October 20, 2023
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Entry Date: Oct 20, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Last Saturday, October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse happened over the Americas. In Rhode Island, we saw this event as a 19.11% partial solar eclipse. At Frosty Drew’s event, clouds were persistent and annoying, though we were able to spot the e... more
- Celebration of Space - October 27, 2023
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Entry Date: Oct 27, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 4:24 pm ET, the Moon will arrive, in its orbit, on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. We call this “opposition”, but better yet, just call it the full Moon. The October full Moon carries the moniker, T... more
- Celebration of Space - November 3, 2023
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Entry Date: Nov 3, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Today, November 3, 2023, Earth has arrived, in our orbit, between the Sun and Jupiter, placing Jupiter on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This is the opposition of Jupiter, and makes tonight the best night to observe Jupiter in a telescope. To... more
- Celebration of Space - November 10, 2023
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Entry Date: Nov 10, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Monday, November 13, 2023, Earth will reach the point in our orbit around the Sun, where Uranus aligns on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. We call this the “Opposition of Uranus”, and places Uranus into the best telescope viewin... more
- Celebration of Space - November 17, 2023
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Entry Date: Nov 17, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Overnight tonight into tomorrow morning, Friday-Saturday, November 17-18, 2023, the annual Leonid Meteor Shower will peak, bringing with it an increase in regular meteor activity by about 15 meteors per hour. Even though it will be cloudy tonight, you ... more
- Celebration of Space - November 23, 2023
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Entry Date: Nov 24, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past several months we have been writing about new potential developments in Ninigret Park, which is home to Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center. The leadership in town that are supporting these developments, highly favor lighting Ninig... more
- Celebration of Space - December 15, 2023
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Entry Date: Dec 15, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Due to the proximity of the winter holiday, the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center will remain closed on Friday, December 22, 2023, and will open next on Friday, December 29, 2023 for our final Friday Stargazing Nights event for 2023. Be sure t... more
- Celebration of Space - December 29, 2023
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Entry Date: Dec 29, 2023
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
As we quickly approach the close of the 2023 year, we usually think of all the great things that occurred for us at Frosty Drew over the course of the year. Sadly, 2023 was a rather difficult year at Frosty Drew. When speaking among our team, the year ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 5, 2024
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Entry Date: Jan 5, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On December 30, 2023, the NASA Juno spacecraft, which has been orbiting and studying Jupiter for the past several years, performed a close flyby of the Galilean Moon Io. During this flyby some of the best images of the volcanic moon were captured. ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 12, 2024
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Entry Date: Jan 12, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, January 14, 2024, step outside during late twilight (around 6:00 pm), and catch a stunning view of Saturn and the super thin 16% waxing crescent Moon in conjunction. The view will happen over the SW horizon, where the Moon will sit ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 19, 2024
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Entry Date: Jan 19, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 4:30 pm, the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund will host the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. This is a chance for Frosty Drew to plan out our year. Topics of the meeting will include new projects and expansion... more
- Celebration of Space - February 2, 2024
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Entry Date: Feb 2, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Today, Friday, February 2, 2024 is Groundhog Day. Many people associate this day with the humorous story of a groundhog in Pennsylvania emerging to see its shadow or not. But Groundhog Day is actually an astronomical occurrence. It is one of the four c... more
- Celebration of Space - February 16, 2024
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Entry Date: Feb 16, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tonight, February 16, 2024, starting about 45 minutes after sunset, the first quarter Moon and the Pleiades open star cluster (Seven Sisters) will put on a stunning celestial dance as they will be in conjunction within 1.5° visibly of each other. Bein... more
- Celebration of Space - February 23, 2024
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Entry Date: Feb 23, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Tomorrow morning, Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 7:31 am EST, the February full Moon will occur. This happens every 29.5 days, when the Moon orbits into a position around Earth where it arrives on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This is an al... more
- Celebration of Space - March 1, 2024
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Entry Date: Mar 1, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that March is officially here, we are in the last days of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Even though your mind may be either still fixated on winter storms, or daydreaming about open windows and beach days, the springtime brings a lot of intere... more
- Celebration of Space - March 8, 2024
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Entry Date: Mar 8, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday morning, March 10, 2024, Daylight Savings Time (DST) will kick in. The springtime DST time change is the rougher one as those who sleep at night will lose one hour of repose. A good reminder of which way to shift your clocks: “In the spring... more
- Celebration of Space - March 15, 2024
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Entry Date: Mar 15, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:07 pm ET, Earth will arrive at the point in our orbit where we are neither tilted towards or away from the Sun. This is the Vernal Equinox, and marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Equinox is Latin ... more
- Celebration of Space - March 22, 2024
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Entry Date: Mar 22, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, March 25, 2024 at 3:02 am ET, the Moon will yet again arrive at the point in its orbit around Earth where it is aligned with the Earth and Sun. This is the full Moon, and places the Moon on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. On this ni... more
- Celebration of Space - March 29, 2024
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Entry Date: Mar 29, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Monday, April 1, 2024, the annual 401 Gives fundraiser is happening in Rhode Island. It is a day for Rhode Islanders to support Rhode Island non-profits that are making an impact in our communities. The event is organized by the United Way of Rhode ... more
- Safely Observe The Solar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Mar 30, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
In the United States, solar eclipses do not happen as frequently as they do around the world, and Americans get super hyped about the prospect of viewing the Moon pass in front of the Sun. Though viewing a solar eclipse will be quite memorable, safety ... more
- The Great American Solar Eclipse
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Entry Date: Apr 5, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Monday, April 8, 2024 at 2:23 pm ET, the Moon will orbit into a position where it is between the Earth and the Sun. This is called the new Moon, and will bring the darkest night for the 29.5 day lunar synodic period. On April 8th, the Moon ... more
- Total Solar Eclipse 2024
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Entry Date: Apr 12, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a stunning total solar eclipse occurred from Texas through Maine, bringing fantastic views to everyone along the path aside from Rochester, NY. The Frosty Drew Astronomy Team was set up along the path of totality across the na... more
- Celebration of Space - April 12, 2024
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Entry Date: Apr 12, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that the fantastic total solar eclipse that occurred on Monday, April 8, 2024 has passed, the intense flood of images onto the web has commenced. Nearly everywhere you look online there are photos of the eclipse. At Frosty Drew, our Astronomy Team ... more
- Celebration of Space - April 19, 2024
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Entry Date: Apr 19, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 9:56 am ET, the Moon will orbit into alignment on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This is the full Moon, and brings with it the brightest nighttime period of the 29.5 day lunar synodic period. Now that w... more
- Celebration of Space - Friday, May 3, 2024
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Entry Date: May 3, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Saturday night – Sunday morning, May 4-5, 2024, the annual Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower peak will occur. The Eta Aquariids are usually a slow mover, and at Frosty Drew, we have historically been left out in the dew with little to no meteor ... more
- Celebration of Space - Friday, May 10, 2024
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Entry Date: May 10, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week, a huge sunspot group rotated onto the side of the Sun that faces Earth. The group is designated AR 3664, and is large enough to be seen with your leftover eclipse glasses from the April 8th solar eclipse. When sunspots are on the side o... more
- Aurora Borealis
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Entry Date: May 17, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
The Aurora Borealis, also known commonly as The Northern Lights, are a phenomenon that occur around the Earth's north and south poles. Though occasionally a geomagnetic storm is strong enough to bring the Aurora closer to the mid latitudes. On May 10-1... more
- Celebration of Space - May 17, 2024
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Entry Date: May 17, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 9:56 am ET, the Full Flower Moon of May will occur. On this day, the Moon will rise with the setting Sun, and set with the rising Sun, keeping the Moon above the horizon for the entire nighttime period. Now that we are in t... more
- Celebration of Space - May 31, 2024
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Entry Date: May 31, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past week, sunspot group AR 3664 – now re-designated as AR 3697, has returned to the side of the Sun visible from Earth. What makes this so notable is that AR 3664 is the sunspot group that triggered the amazing Aurora Borealis views of May 10-1... more
- Celebration of Space - June 7, 2024
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Entry Date: Jun 7, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Back in March, we wrote about the prospects of a naked eye visible nova in the constellation Corona Borealis (CrB) involving the very dim star T CrB. That was nearly three months ago, and half of the time given for the nova to likely occur. Well we sti... more
- Celebration of Space - June 14, 2024
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Entry Date: Jun 14, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 4:51 pm ET, the height of late sunsets and summertime bliss will occur when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the Northern Hemisphere is at maximum tilt, 23.4°, towards the Sun. This is the Summer Sol... more
- Celebration of Space - June 21, 2024
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Entry Date: Jun 21, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
At 9:11 pm ET this evening, June 21, 2024, the Moon will orbit into a position where it becomes aligned with the Earth and Sun, on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This is the full lunar phase or full Moon. The June full Moon is of particular i... more
- Celebration of Space - July 7, 2024
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Entry Date: Jul 5, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Being that the new Moon occurs tonight, July 5, 2024 at 6:59 pm ET, we are in store for some of the best views of the Milky Way at Frosty Drew. Ninigret Park, which is home to the Frosty Drew campus, is the darkest spot in Southern New England, and one... more
- Celebration of Space - July 19, 2024
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Entry Date: Jul 19, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 6:20 am ET, the Moon will arrive on the opposite side of the Earth than the Sun. This last happened 29.5 days ago, and is known as the full Moon. During the full Moon, the Sun, Earth, and the Moon, are in alignment... more
- Celebration of Space - August 2, 2024
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Entry Date: Aug 2, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Thursday, August 1, 2024 was the celebration of Lammas. Even though the day has religious implications, the date itself is astronomical as it is a cross quarter day. These days mark the midpoint between the Solstice and Equinox, and vice vers... more
- Celebration of Space - August 16, 2024
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Entry Date: Aug 16, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Monday, August 19, 2024 at 2:29 pm ET, the Moon will orbit into alignment with the Earth and the Sun on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. This will place the side of the Moon that we see in direct sunlight. This is the full Moon, and... more
- Celebration of Space - September 6, 2024
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Entry Date: Sep 6, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, September 8, 2024, Earth will arrive at the point in our orbit where Saturn will be aligned with Earth and the Sun, with Saturn being on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. We call this the opposition of Saturn, and it places S... more
- Celebration of Space - September 13, 2024
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Entry Date: Sep 13, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10:37 pm ET, the Moon will orbit into the opposite side of Earth and the Sun. This is the full Moon, and occurs every 29.5 days (Synodic period). Even though this happens regularly, the September Moon in 2024 ... more
- Celebration of Space - September 20, 2024
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Entry Date: Sep 20, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 8:44 am ET, Earth will reach the point in its orbit where we are neither tilted towards or away from the Sun. This is called the Autumnal Equinox, and hails the start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere. On th... more
- Celebration of Space - September 27, 2024
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Entry Date: Sep 27, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past week, Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (Comet A3), has continued to brighten, and as of this morning (September 27, 2024), the comet is visible to the naked eye in the predawn sky. Of course, not for us in Southern New England, because t... more
- Celebration of Space - October 10, 2024
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Entry Date: Oct 11, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Now that Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS (A3), has passed perihelion (its closest approach to the Sun), the comet is wrapping up an orbit in between the Earth and Sun, and quickly moving into our evening sky. ... more
- Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
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Entry Date: Oct 18, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This gallery will feature images captured of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which was visible to the unaided eye in October 2024. This was the brightest visible naked-eye comet in the Northern Hemisphere since Comet C/1995 O1 Hale-Bopp in 1997. Images... more
- Celebration of Space - October 18, 2024
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Entry Date: Oct 18, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Save the Date! Frosty Drew presents: A Night with a Comet, an event tailored to viewing Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS. $5 per person over four years of age. St... more
- Celebration of Space - November 15, 2024
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Entry Date: Nov 15, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This afternoon, Friday, November 15, 2024 at 4:30 pm ET, the Moon will arrive in alignment with the Earth and the Sun. This alignment is known as opposition, and places the Moon on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun, keeping the side of the Moon t... more
- The Orion Nebula Rings in the Holiday
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Entry Date: Dec 5, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The Holiday Season is descending upon us in full swing snugly-puppy mode, bringing with it warm thoughts of seasonal festivities and cold nights reveling in the winter time starscape. With the frequent lapse in memory that winter actually happens in Ne... more
- Celebration of Space - December 13, 2024
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Entry Date: Dec 13, 2024
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 4:03 am EST, the full Moon of December will occur. The full Moon occurs when the Moon orbits into a position on the opposite side of Earth than the Sun. At this position, the side of the Moon that we see is in direct sun... more
- Celebration of Space - January 10, 2025
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Entry Date: Jan 10, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past several months, Venus has been rising higher in the western sky after sunset, as well as growing brighter. Venus reached Maximum Eastern Elongation yesterday, Thursday, January 9, 2025, which is when Venus and Earth reach the point in the... more
- Lunar Occultations of Mars
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Entry Date: Jan 17, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Media
This is a collection of images captured by Frosty Drew Astronomers of Lunar occultations of Mars. An occultation occurs when an object that is closer to Earth visibly overtakes an object that is further away. Since the Moon orbits Earth inclined 5.1º to ... more
- Celebration of Space - January 17, 2025
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Entry Date: Jan 17, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This past Monday, January 13, 2025, we had a stunning view of the lunar occultation of Mars, which occurs when the Moon passes in between our view of Mars. At Frosty Drew we ... more
- Dressing for All-Night Winter Stargazing
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Entry Date: Jan 24, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
As the New England late-autumn sets in, and with it, the cooler temps of winter, stargazing starts to sound a bit relentless and the idea becomes as remote as a sunny day at the beach. Though the cold temperatures and potentially snowy landscape can be... more
- Celebration of Space - February 7, 2025
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Entry Date: Feb 7, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 5:00 pm, the Frosty Drew Memorial Fund will host the annual meeting of the Board of Directors. This is a chance for Frosty Drew to plan out our year. Topics of the meeting will include new projects and expansions of o... more
- Celebration of Space - February 28, 2025
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Entry Date: Feb 28, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Over the past week, the calls and write-ins have started again about “The Great Planetary Alignment”. It’s astounding to me how many news sources actually publish information about this, being that it isn’t true. This is a social media hoax, ju... more
- Celebration of Space - March 7, 2025
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Entry Date: Mar 7, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
This coming Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:00 am, the switch to Daylight Savings Time (DST) kicks in. A good way to remember which way to adjust your clocks is this: “In the fall, fall back one hour. In the spring, spring ahead one hour.” This means th... more
- Celebration of Space - March 14, 2025
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Entry Date: Mar 14, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
The Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost lunar lander, which successfully landed in the Mare Crisium region on the Moon on March 2, 2025, was set up and ready to capture the view. I have limited knowledge of the Blue Ghost mission and Firefly Aerospace, but t... more
- Celebration of Space - April 11, 2025
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Entry Date: Apr 11, 2025
Published Under: Scott MacNeill's Columns
Today, April 11, 2025, marks 55 years since the launch of the Apollo 13 mission. This mission is infamous due to the catastrophic failure of an oxygen tank onboard after 55 hours in space. The resulting rupture resulted in the mission performing an orb... more