<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN"> <html> <head> <title>IAAS Monthly Astronomy Newsletter</title> <META NAME="KEYWORDS" CONTENT="amateur radio, KI0AR, ham radio, satellites, Astronomy, planets, Planets, Moon, IAAS, International Association for Astronomical Studies, Astronomy Newsletter, Burness Ansell, Astronomy Club, iaas, ki0ar, Yahoo club, astronomical, astronomical data, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, comets, astronomical lexicon, Astronomy Magazine, meteor showers, Moonlink, MGS, Mars Global Surveyor, amateur radio nets, Star Carnival, AMSAT, Colorado AMSAT net, Colorado Astronomy, Colorado Astronomy Net, JPL, Solar System Ambassador"> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META NAME="author" CONTENT="Created by B. F. Ansell, III: text, html and graphics by B. F. Ansell, III-IAAS bfa3@worldnet.att.net"> <META NAME="copyright" CONTENT="Copyright 2005 -- IAAS"> <META NAME="resource-type" CONTENT="document"> <META NAME="description" CONTENT="Monthly Astronomy Newsletter provided as a service to the local community by the International Association for Astronomical Studies."> <META NAME="distribution" CONTENT="global"> </head> <!-- written using TextEdit - by Burness Ansell, December, 2005 --> <body bgcolor=#000000 text=#00ffff link=#ffff00 vlink=#ff00ff background="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/n5775ansell.jpg" bgproperties="Fixed"> <h1 align=center>Astronomy News for the Month of January 2006</h1> <hr> <center> <font size=4>&nbsp; &nbsp; This newsletter is provided as a service by<br> <a href="http://iaas.home.att.net"><i>The International Association for Astronomical Studies</i></a><br>located in Denver, Colorado. The astronomical data presented here is <br>not only useful in Colorado but in other parts of the world as well. <p> Downloadable version of the <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/jan06.doc">newsletter</a> in MS Word format.</font> </center> <p> <center><a href="index.html">Visit the Home Page of KI&Oslash;AR</a> </center> <p> <p align="center"><font size=+2>You are visitor number </font> <img src="/cgi-bin/counter.gif?fg=255,255,255&bfa3; bg=43,0,205&amp;counter_1" img ALT="Astro Counter"> <font size=+2> to this page. Thank you!</font></p> <hr> <!---start of code---> <center> <p> <a href="http://callisto.guestworld.tripod.lycos.com/wgb/wgbsign.dbm?owner=ki0ar"> <font size=+1>Sign My Guestbook </font></a> <a href="http://GuestWorld.Tripod.Lycos.com/"> <img src="http://guestworld.tripod.lycos.com/GuestWorldbutton.gif" height="31" width="87" border ="0" img alt="Guestbook by GuestWorld"></a> <a href="http://callisto.guestworld.tripod.lycos.com/wgb/wgbview.dbm?owner=ki0ar"> <font size=+1> View My Guestbook</font></a> </center> <!---end of code---> <hr> <center> <table border=0> <tr> <td> <p align=center> <table border=4><tr><td colspan=2> <center><font size=+1><b>Subscribe to the<br>IAAS Monthly Astronomy Newsletter</b><br> <a href="mailto:astronews-request@freelists.org?subject=subscribe"><b>SUBSCRIBE</b></a></font></center><br> <font size=-1>Read important subscription notes <a href="#subs">below</a>.</font><br> <font size=-1><a href="http://www.freelists.org">Freelists.org</a></font> </td> </table> </p> <p align=center> <td align=center> <!-- Begin Mind It Box --> <form method=GET action="http://minder.netmind.com/mindit.shtml"> <table border=2 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 bgcolor=#005599> <tr> <td align=center colspan=2> <font face=arial,helvetica size=-1 color=#ffffff> <b>Receive email when this page changes</b></font> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <input type=text value="Enter email address" name="EMAIL" size=20></td> <td rowspan=2> <input type="image" src="http://www.netmind.com/html/mindit.gif" border="0" width="76" height="28"> <br><font face=arial,helvetica size=-2 color=#ffffff><center> <b>Click Here</b></center></font> </td> </tr> <tr valign=top> <td colspan=1 align=center> <font face=arial,helvetica size=-2 color=#ffffff><b> Powered by Netmind </b></font> </td> </tr> </table> <input type=hidden value="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astro.html" name="REDIRECT"></form> <!-- End Mind It Box --> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <hr> <center> <h2>An Open Invitation</h2> <h3>For amateur radio and scanner enthusiasts, when in the Denver metro area, please join the Colorado Astronomy Net on the <a href="http://rmrl.hamradios.com/">Rocky Mountain Radio League</a> repeater on a frequency of 146.94 MHz on Tuesday nights at 7 PM local time.</h3> <hr> <h2>Special Notice to Denver, CO area residents and visitors to the area:</h2> <h3>The Plains Conservation Center in Aurora hosts Star Parties the third Saturday of every month weather permitting. Visit <a href="http://www.plainsconservationcenter.org">http://www.plainsconservationcenter.org</a> for more information and directions.</h3> </center> <hr> <table border=0 align=center> <tr> <td align=center><A HREF="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/front.html"> <IMG border="0" SRC="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/ssaplogo2a.jpg"></A></td> <td align=center><h3>&nbsp;Excerpts from JPL mission updates are provided as a public service as part <br>of the JPL Solar System Ambassador / NASA Outreach program.<p><Font size=2>For special JPL programs and presentations in your area visit the JPL Solar System Ambassador web site.</font><br><font size=-1>(Click on the logo to link to the JPL SSA home page.)</font></h3></td> <tr> </table> <hr> <font size=+1> <b><a name="newsletter">In this Newsletter...</a></b> <ul><i> <li><A HREF="#moon">Moon</a> <li><A HREF="#planets">Planets</a> <ul> <li><a href="#highlight">Planetary Highlights</a>, <a href="#mercury">Mercury</a>, <a href="#venus">Venus</a>, <a href="#earth">Earth</a>, <a href="#mars">Mars</a>, <a href="#jupiter">Jupiter</a>, <a href="#saturn">Saturn</a>, <a href="#uranus">Uranus</a>, <a href="#neptune">Neptune</a>, <a href="#pluto">Pluto</a> </ul> <li><A HREF="#events">Astronomical Events</a> <ul> <li><a href="#showers">Meteor Showers</a>, <a href="#comets">Comets</a>, <a href="#occultations">Occultations</a>, <a href="#eclipses">Eclipses</a>, <a href="#asteroids">Asteroids</a> </ul> <!-- <li><A HREF="#other">Other Items of Interest</a> --> <li><A HREF="#missions">Planetary/Lunar Exploration Missions</a> <li><A HREF="#mars-missions">Mars Missions</a> <li><A HREF="#slinks">Links and Other Space News</a> <li><A HREF="#lex">Astronomical Lexicon</a> <li><A HREF="#ut">Universe Today </a> <li><A HREF="#refs">Acknowledgments and References</a> <li><A HREF="#subs">Subscription Information</a> <li><A HREF="http://bfa3.home.att.net/archives.html">Newsletter Archives</a></i> <li><A HREF="http://bfa3.home.att.net/ham.html">Items of Special Interest to Ham Radio Operators</a> <li><A HREF="http://iaas.home.att.net/index.html">IAAS News</a> <li><A HREF="http://bfa3.home.att.net/links.html">Web Sites of Interest</a> </ul> <p> Background screen credits: <a href="http://www.noao.edu/outreach/aop/observers/n5775.html">NGC 5775</a> - Imaged March 21/22, 2001 using the 16" Kitt Peak Visitors Center telescope as part of the <A HREF="http://www.noao.edu/outreach/aop/">Advanced Observing Program</a>. <p> <hr> <!-- DO NOT USE 09, 25, 27, 28 --> <img alt=01 day moon" src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/Moon/moon_01.jpg" Align=right width=200 height=253> <h2><a name="moon">The Moon</a></h2> <h3>Phases</h3> <ul> <li>New Moon on the 29th. <li>1st Quarter Moon on the 6th. <li>Full Moon on the 14th. <li>Last Quarter Moon on the 22nd. </ul> <p> <h3>Apogee/Perigee</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#perigee"><i>Perigee</i></a> on the 1st, 224,781 mi. from Earth. <li><a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#apogee"><i>Apogee</i></a> on the 17th, 252,205 mi. from Earth. <li>Perigee on the 30th, 222,313 mi. from Earth. </ul> <p> <h3>Moon/Planet Pairs</h3> <ul> <li>The Moon passes 7&#176 south of Venus on the 1st. <li>The Moon passes 1.3&#176 north of Mars on the 8th. <li>The Moon passes 4&#176 north of Saturn on the 15th. <li>The Moon passes 0.6&#176 north of Spica on the 21st. <li>The Moon passes 5&#176 south of Jupiter on the 23rd. <li>The Moon passes 0.02&#176 north of Antares on the 25th. <li>The Moon passes 12&#176 south of Venus on the 27th. </ul> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a><p> <hr> <h2><a name="planets">The Planets</a></h2> <h3><i><a href="http://bfa3.home.att.net/planrpts.html">Planetary Reports</a> generated by "<a href="http://www.bisque.com">TheSky</a>" software. These reports provide predicted data for the planets for the first of each month for the current year. The rise and set times for the Sun and the Moon for each day of the month are also included in the reports.</i></h3> <h5><i>(All times are local unless otherwise noted.)</i></h5> <table border=0 cellpadding=20 cellspacing=8> <tr> <td colspan=2 width=100%><a name="highlight"><font size=+1><b> <font size=+2>P</font>lanetary <font size=+2>H</font>ighlights for <font size=+2>J</font>anuary</b></a> - Saturn is at it's best this month, reaching <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#opposition"><i>opposition</i></a> on the 27th. Mars continues to grace us with it's presence in the evening skies as well. For those early risers, Jupiter continues to be a spectacular sight in the early AM hours. Venus leaves the evening sky and returns to the morning sky this month.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/mercury.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="mercury"><b><font size=+2>M</font>ercury</b></a> - Is in <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#superior conjunction"><i>superior conjunction</i></a> with the Sun on the 26th. Mercury is barely visible above the eastern horizon early in the month. A clear, flat, southeastern horizon is needed to spot Mercury this month. Mercury rises around 6:22 am on the 1st. Mercury shines at <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#magnitude"><i>magnitude</i></a> -0.7 on the 1st.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/venus.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="venus"><b><font size=+2>V</font>enus</b></a> - Is in <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#inferior conjunction"><i>inferior conjunction</i></a> with the Sun on the 13th returning to the morning sky later in the month. Look to the west soon after sunset during the first week of the month or to the east before sunrise during the last week or so of the month to spot Venus. Venus sets at 6:21 pm on the 1st. Venus rises about 5:09 am by the end of the month.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/Earth_Moon.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="earth"><b><font size=+2>E</font>arth</b></a> - Is at <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#perihelion"><i>perihelion</i></a> (91.4 million miles from the Sun) on the 4th.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/mars.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="mars"><b><font size=+2>M</font>ars</b></a> - Sets about 2:50 am on the 1st and about 1:45 am by month's end. Mars is in the <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#constellation"><i>constellation</i></a> of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Aries.html">Aries</a> this month. Mars shines at magnitude -0.6 on the 1st and dims to magnitude 0.2 by the 31st.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/jupiter.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="jupiter"><b><font size=+2>J</font>upiter</b></a> - Can be spotted in the early morning this month. Jupiter rises at 2:49 am on the 1st and about 1:07 am by month's end. Jupiter is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Libra.html">Libra</a>. Jupiter shines at magnitude -1.9.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/saturn.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="saturn"><b><font size=+2>S</font>aturn</b></a> - Is at opposition on the 27th. Saturn rises around 6:56 pm on the 1st and about 4:41 pm by month's end. Saturn is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Cancer.html">Cancer</a>. Saturn shines at a magnitude of 0.2.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/uranus.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="uranus"><b><font size=+2>U</font>ranus</b></a> - Sets at 9:23 pm on the 1st and about 7:28 pm by month's end. Uranus is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Aquarius.html">Aquarius</a> and shines at a magnitude of 5.9.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/neptune.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="neptune"><b><font size=+2>N</font>eptune</b></a> - Sets at 7:43 pm on the 1st and about 5:38 pm by month's end. Neptune is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Capricornus.html">Capricornus</a> and shines at a magnitude of 8.0.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/pluto.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="pluto"><b><font size=+2>P</font>luto</b></a> - Rises about 5:46 am on the 1st and about 3:48 am by month's end. Pluto is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Ophiuchus.html">Ophiuchus</a>. Pluto shines at magnitude 14.0. As always, good luck at spotting this one.</font></td> </tr> </table> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <hr> <h2><a name="events">Astronomical Events</a></h2> <table border=0 cellpadding=20 cellspacing=8> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/meteor.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="showers"><b><font size=+2>M</font>eteor Showers</a> <p> The Quadrantids</b> - This <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#meteor shower">shower</a> is generally visible between December 28 and January 7, with a very sharp maximum of 45 to 200 meteors per hour occurring during January 3 and 4. The meteors tend to be bluish and possess an average magnitude of about 2.8. <p> For more information about Comets and Meteor Showers, visit Gary Kronk's <a href="http://comets.amsmeteors.org/">Comets & Meteors Showers</a> web page.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/Comet_NEAT.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="comets"><b><font size=+2>C</font>omets</a> <p> C/2005 E2 (McNaught)</b> - This 10th magnitude comet is passing through the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Aquarius.html">Aquarius</a> and into Pisces by the end of the month. Visibility actually improves this month but the best time to view this comet will be after the 16th when the Moon will not hinder viewing. <p> For information, orbital elements and ephemerides on observable comets, visit the <a href="http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/Ephemerides/Comets/index.html">Observable Comets</a> page from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. <p> For more information about Comets and Meteor Showers, visit Gary Kronk's <a href="http://comets.amsmeteors.org/">Comets & Meteors Showers</a> web page.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><!-- <img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/lunar_eclipse.jpg"><br> --> <img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/solar_eclipse.jpg"><br> <!-- <img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/annular_eclipse.jpg"> --></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="eclipses"><font size=+2>E</font><b>clipses</a></b> <p> No <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#eclipse"><i>eclipse</i></a> activity this month.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/moonstar.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="occultations"><b><font size=+2>O</font>cultations</a></b> <p> <a href="http://lunar-occultations.com/iota/iotandx.htm"><img alt="IOTA Logo" src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/iota.gif" Align=right width=180 height=189 border=0></a><p> More information on <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#occultation"><i>occultations</i></a> can be found by clicking the IOTA logo.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/asteroids.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><a name="asteroids"><b><font size=+2>A</font>steroids</a></b> <p> <h5><i>(From west to east)</i></h5> <ul> <li>Psyche is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Taurus.html">Taurus</a>.<p> <li>Juno is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Orion.html">Orion</a>.<p> <li>Vesta is at <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#opposition"><i>opposition</i></a> on the 5th in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Gemini.html">Gemini</a>.<p> <li>Metis is in the constellation of <a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations/Leo.html">Leo</a>.<p><li>Information about the Minor Planets can be found at the <a href="http://www.minorplanetobserver.com/">Minor Planet Observer</a> web site.<p> </ul> </font></td> </tr> </table> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <!-- <hr> <h2><a name="other">Other Items of Interest</a></h2> <ul> </ul> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> --> <hr> <h2><a name="missions">Planetary/Lunar Exploration Missions</a></h2> <h5><i>(Excerpts from recent JPL mission updates)</i></h5> <table border=0 cellpadding=20 cellspacing=8> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/cassini.jpg"></td> <td><b><font size=+2>C</font><font size=+1>assini - December 27, 2005 - Cassini Caps off Year with Titan Flyby </b> <p> "The Cassini spacecraft wrapped up this year's whirlwind tour of Saturn's many moons with a Titan rendezvous on Dec. 26. Raw <a href="http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/images/image-details.cfm?imageID=1935">images</a> are now available." <p> <a href="http://ciclops.org">Cassini Imaging Team</a> <p> For the latest mission status reports, visit <a href="http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.cfm">Cassini Mission Status</a> web page. The speed and location of the spacecraft along its flightpath can be viewed on the <a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/cassini/today/">"Where is Cassini Now?"</a> web page.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/dimpact.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><font size=+2>D</font><b>eep Impact - No new news since November 28, 2005 - Science Team Continues Data Analysis</b> <p> "In the past month, the science team has continued with its data analysis of Deep Impact's encounter with comet Tempel 1. Detailed computations are required to convert a picture made up of raw data numbers returned from space into an image containing numbers of physical meaning. This process is called calibration. <p> It is carried out by observing stars of known light output, or radiance, and scaling the value of that output to the known quantity of radiation produced by the star. This is like synchronizing your watch, so that everyone has the same time reference. In this case the reference is to a scale of energy output. We have updated our calibration numbers using the most recent data taken just before and after impact. We have made improvements in subtraction of the background signal that exists in every electronic detector so that we can analyze the signal from the comet and not the noise from the camera's detector. With the known value of the star expressed in units of energy, we then determine the energy released from the comet. Ken Klaasen and other team members have been working hard on this." <p> For the latest mission status reports, visit <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/deepimpact">http://www.nasa.gov/deepimpact</a> and <a href="http://deepimpact.jpl.nasa.gov/">http://deepimpact.jpl.nasa.gov/</a>.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/stardust.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><b><font size=+2>S</font>tardust</b> - December 21, 2005 - NASA Prepares for Return of Interstellar Cargo</b> <p> "NASA's Stardust mission is nearing Earth after a 2.88 billion mile round-trip journey to return cometary and interstellar dust particles back to Earth. Scientists believe the cargo will help provide answers to fundamental questions about comets and the origins of the solar system. <p> The velocity of the sample return capsule, as it enters the Earth's atmosphere at 28,860 mph, will be the fastest of any human-made object on record. It surpasses the record set in May 1969 during the return of the Apollo 10 command module. The capsule is scheduled to return on Jan. 15." <p> Stardust LPSC 2004 Abstracts<br> "Abstracts of the Stardust science results from the Comet Wild 2 encounter are now available here (Adobe Acrobat reader required): <A href="ftp://www.lpi.usra.edu/pub/outgoing/lpsc2004/full07.pdf">ftp://www.lpi.usra.edu/pub/outgoing/lpsc2004/full07.pdf</a>" <p> For more information on the Stardust mission - the first ever comet sample return mission - please visit the <a href="http://stardust.jpl.nasa.gov">Stardust</a> home page. </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/nasa.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><font size=+2>P</font><b>ast, Present, Future and Proposed JPL Missions</b> - <a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions">http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions</a><p> Visit <a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/">JPL's mission pages</a> for current status.</font></td> </tr> </table> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <hr> <h1> <img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/marsx.gif"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a name="mars-missions">Mars Missions</a> </h1> <table border=0 cellpadding=20 cellspacing=8> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/marsglobalsurveyor.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><b><font size=+2>M</font>ars Global Surveyor - No new news since September 12, 2005 - Happy 8th Birthday, MGS</b> <p> "Mars Global Surveyor wins the title of the oldest spacecraft currently in operation at Mars! The spacecraft's lasting success has enabled scientists to capture repeating weather phenomena and new, fresh insights revealing Mars as an active planet." <p> <b>Mars Global Surveyor Images</b> - December 22-28, 2005 <p> "The following new images taken by the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) on the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft are now available: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2005/12/22">Copernicus Dunes</a> (Released 22 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2005/12/23">Outcrops in Aram</a> (Released 23 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2005/12/24">Lonely Crater</a> (Released 24 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2005/12/25">Richardson Dunes</a> (Released 25 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2005/12/26">Buried Craters</a> (Released 26 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2005/12/27">Mars at Ls 341 Degrees</a> (Released 27 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/2005/12/28">Herschel's Dunes</a> (Released 28 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://www.msss.com/mars_images/moc/index.html">All of the Mars Global Surveyor images are archived here.</a> <p> </ul> Every six months, a new suite of MGS MOC data are archived with the NASA Planetary Data System (<a href="http://pds.jpl.nasa.gov/">PDS</a>). <p> Information about how to submit requests is online at the new Mars Orbiter Camera Target Request Site, at <a href="http://www.msss.com/plan/intro">http://www.msss.com/plan/intro</a>" <p> Newly-released MOC images can be seen in the <a href="http://www.msss.com/moc_gallery/">MOC Gallery</a>, a web site maintained by Malin Space Science Systems, the company that built and operates MOC for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA.<p> Mars Global Surveyor has completed its eighth year orbiting the red planet. MGS reached Mars on 12 September 1997. The first MOC images were obtained on 15 September 1997.<p> Visit the <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html#MGS"><i>MGS</i></a> pages at <a href="http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/index.html">http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/index.html</a>. There are over 200,000 images of Mars from the MGS, check out the newest <a href="http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/msss/camera/images/">MGS images</a> of the surface of Mars. </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/mars-odyssey.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><b><font size=+2>M</font>ars Odyssey Orbiter - No new news since November 24, 2005 - Odyssey Celebrates Two Mars Years In Orbit Around the Red Planet!</b> <p> Ice Beneath Mars Is Asking, "Can You Hear Me Now?" - Oct 24, 2005<p> "What could have been dismissed as "just static" in a radio signal is actually an echo from Mars that might reflect the shape of hidden ice and rock structures beneath the martian surface." <p><b>Mars Odyssey THEMIS Images</b><br> Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) web site: <a href="http://themis.asu.edu/">http://themis.asu.edu/</a><p> December 26-30, 2005 <p> The following new images from the Mars Odyssey spacecraft are now available: <ul> <li><a href="http://themis.la.asu.edu/zoom-20051226a">Wind and Water?</a> (Released 26 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://themis.la.asu.edu/zoom-20051227a">Ganges Features</a> (Released 27 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://themis.la.asu.edu/zoom-20051228a">Dissected Surface</a> (Released 28 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://themis.la.asu.edu/zoom-20051229a">Windstreak</a> (Released 29 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://themis.la.asu.edu/zoom-20051230a">Polar Layers</a> (Released 30 December 2005)<br> <li><a href="http://themis.la.asu.edu/latest.html">All of the THEMIS images are archived here.</a> </ul> <p> The Odyssey data are available through a new online access system established by the Planetary Data System at: <a href="http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/"> http://starbrite.jpl.nasa.gov/pds/</a>" <p> Visit the <a href="http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/odyssey/index.html">Mars Odyssey Mission</a> page. </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/mer-low-angle.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><b><font size=+2>M</font>ars Exploration Rover Mission (Spirit and Opportunity)</b> - December 29, 2005</b> - <p> <b>Spirit Status: On 'Horseback'</b> - <i>sol 695-702, Dec 29, 2005</i> <p> "Spirit is healthy. The rover drove 8.3 meters (27 feet) and perfectly positioned itself in front of a rock informally named "Comanche." Spirit performed work with the instruments on the robotic arm on a target called "Horseback" at Comanche. The rock abrasion tool's brush was only partially successful in making contact with Horseback, so the team moved the robotic arm to different target informally called "Palomino." Spirit performed a successful brushing and continued with more investigations using the other instruments on the robotic arm." <p> <b>Opportunity Status: Evaluating Arm Positions</b> - <i>sol 675-681, Dec 22, 2005</i> <p> "This week the Opportunity Instrument Arm Anomaly Team continued investigating the safety of different arm positions. The intent is to determine the safest position to leave the arm while the vehicle drives to new locations. The original position for the arm while driving was to tuck it underneath the rover, hooked on a small pin. This leaves the partially failed shoulder azimuth joint at 90 degrees to the direction of travel. If the arm stuck in this position we would be unable to use the arm. <p> The current plan is to investigate different versions of driving with the instrument arm's "elbow" sticking out towards the front of the vehicle, with the arm's instrument cluster above the solar panels. From that position the instrument arm could still be used without using the suspect azimuth joint. The variations include leaving the instrument cluster in mid air, or resting one or another instrument on different portions of the rover for stability. <p> These different positions are being evaluated on the test rover at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. Meanwhile, on Mars, Opportunity is continuing to use the arm and its instruments to investigate rocks within its reach. The rover has also been acquiring images for a 360-degree, multi-filter panorama of "Erebus Crater." <p> <a href="http://marsoweb.nas.nasa.gov/landingsites/">Landing sites</a> <p> Visit the <a href="http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html">Mars Exploration Rover<a/> page. </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/mro-space.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><b><font size=+2>M</font>ars Reconnaissance Orbiter</b> - No new news since November 18, 2005 - Mars-Bound NASA Craft Tweaks Course, Passes Halfway Point</b> <p> "NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter successfully fired six engines for about 20 seconds today to adjust its flight path in advance of its March 10, 2006, arrival at the red planet. <p> Since its Aug. 12 launch, the multipurpose spacecraft has covered about 60 percent of the distance for its trip from Earth to Mars. It will fly about 40-million kilometers (25-million miles) farther before it enters orbit around Mars. It will spend half a year gradually adjusting the shape of its orbit, then begin its science phase. During that phase, it will return more data about Mars than all previous missions combined. The spacecraft has already set a record transmission rate for an interplanetary mission, successfully returning data at 6 megabits per second, fast enough to fill a CD-ROM every 16 minutes." <p> More information about the mission is available online at <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/mro">http://www.nasa.gov/mro</a>. </font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top align=center width=15%><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/mars-4.jpg"></td> <td><font size=+1><b><font size=+2>M</font>ars Missions Status</b> <p> New Mars missions are being planned to include several new rover and sample collection missions. Check out the <a href="http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/">Mars Missions</a> web page and the <a href="http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/">Mars Exploration</a> page. </font></td> </tr> </table> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <hr> <h2><a name="slinks">Links and Other Space News</a></h2> <h5><i>(If you have a link you would like to recommend to our readers, please feel free to submit it.)</i></h5> <ul> <li><font color=red><b>**NEW**</b></font>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cloudbait.com">Cloudbait Observatory, Guffey Colorado</a> - Submit your fireball reports here. Interesting, knowledgeable site.<br> <li>"<a href="http://www.bisque.com">TheSky</a>" Astronomy Software by Software Bisque.<br> <li><a href="http://home.t-online.de/home/h.umland/">A Short Guide to Celestial Navigation</a><br> <li><a href="http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html">Astronomy Picture of the Day</a><br> <li><a href="http://encke.jpl.nasa.gov/">Comet Observation Home Page</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations.html">The Constellations and Their Stars</a> - Good site for finding out more about the 88 constellations and their associated stars.<br> <li><a href="http://www.denverastrosociety.org">Denver Astronomical Society</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.ericsblacksuneclipse.com">Eric's Black Sun Eclipse website</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.groovyadventures.com">Groovy Adventures</a> - Unique adventures and vacations including astronomy related vacations.<br> <li><a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/front.html">JPL Solar System Ambassador Program</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/solar-system-experience/">JPL Solar System Experience</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.mystarslive.com/">My Stars Live</a> - Interactive Star Chart<br> <li><a href="http://science.nasa.gov/">NASA Science News</a><br> <li><a href="http://ncastro.org/">Northern Colorado Astronomical Society</a><br> <li><a href="http://pauldunn.dynip.com/solarsystem/">Our Solar System</a> - Excellent site to learn about our solar system.<br> <li><a href="http://www.skyandspace.com.au/public/home.ehtml">Sky and Space</a> Astronomy from Down Under - The Southern Hemisphere's first astronomy and space magazine.<br> <li><a href="http://space.com">Space.com</a> - Interesting space and astronomy articles.<br> <li><a href="http://www.space.com/spacewatch/sky_calendar.html">Sky Watch Calendar</a> at Space.com<br> <li><a href="http://www.spacelinks.com/SpaceCareers/?mail">Space Careers</a><br> <li><a href="http://spaceflightnow.com/">Spaceflight Now</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.spaceweather.com">Space Weather</a> - Check out what the sun is doing as seen from space.<br> <li><a href="http://www.idcomm.com/personal/n0vse/">The Colorado AMSAT Net</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.news-journalonline.com/Space.htm">The Daytona Beach News-Journal - Space News Page</a><br> <li><a href="http://www.the-solar-system.net">The Solar System in Pictures</a> and a <a href="http://www.moon-phases.com/">map of the moon</a>. Interesting site with lots of images and even quizzes. Good educational tool. <li><a href="http://www.universetoday.com">Universe Today</a><br> </ul> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <hr> <h2><a name="lex">Astronomical Lexicon</a></h2> <font size=+1>Definitions of <a href="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/astrolex.html">astronomical terms.</a> Many of the astronomical terms used in this newsletter are defined here. <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <hr> <h2><a name="ut"><img src="http://home.att.net/~bfa3/Graphics/utrocketlogo.jpg"></a></h2> <script language="JavaScript" src="http://www.universetoday.com/html/syndicate/ut.js?4889"></script> <p> <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <hr> <h2><a name="refs">Acknowledgments and References</a></h2> Much of the information in this newsletter is from <a href="http://www.astronomy.com/">Astronomy&reg; Magazine</a> (Kalmbach Publishing), JPL mission status reports, the Internet, "Meteor Showers - A descriptive Catalog" by Gary W. Kronk, Sky & Telescope web pages (S&T),and other astronomical sources that I have stashed on my book shelves. <p> The author will accept any suggestions, constructive criticisms, and corrections. Please feel free to send me any new links or articles to share as well. I will try to accommodate any reasonable requests. Please feel free to send questions, comments, criticisms, or donations to the email address listed below. Enjoy! <a href="#newsletter">Return to <i>Top</i></a> <hr> <h2><a name="subs">Subscription Information</a></h2> <ul> <li> - Users may subscribe to the Astronomy Newsletter Email list by sending email to <a href="mailto:astronews-request@freelists.org?subject=subscribe">astronews-request@freelists.org</a> with 'subscribe' in the Subject field OR by logging into the Web interface.<br><font color=ff0000>Please use an email address that will accept emails from the freelists site. If you do not receive your confirmation after you have subscribed, your email provider may not accept emails from freelists. It is best to subscribe using a home email address as opposed to a work email address.</font> <p> <li> - Users can unsubscribe from the list by sending email to <a href="mailto:astronews-request@freelists.org?subject=unsubscribe">astronews-request@freelists.org</a> with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field OR by logging into the Web interface. <p> - Email Newsletter archives - <a href="http://www.freelists.org/archives/astronews/">http://www.freelists.org/archives/astronews/</a> <p> <li> - Full documentation of the online administration system is available at <a href="http://www.freelists.org/help/">http://www.freelists.org/help/</a>. We encourage you to get the most out of the web interfaces, and we encourage subscribers to do the same. 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