STflR FllGHT

STAR NIGHT '74

Hosted By

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada(Edmonton Center)

and

The Queen Elizabeth Planetarium

Chairman

Amateur Astronomy

Professional Astronomy

Telescope Building

Graphics

Cover Design

Brochure

Publicity

Printing

Dr. Gary Prideaux

Mr. Franklin Loehde

Dr. Douglas HubeDr. Jack Winzer

Mr. Barry Arnold

Mr. Eric Peterson

Mr. Anthony Whyte

Mr. Paul DeansMrs. Kay Edwards

Mr. John Hault

Edmonton Parks &Recreation

WELCOME

The Queen Elizabeth Planetarium and the RoyalAstronomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Centre,welcome you to STAR NIGHT '74.

STAR NIGHT is presented to familiarize Edmon-tonians with the facilities available at theirPlanetarium and also to inform them of the work ofEdmonton's amateur and professional astronomers.The organizers of STAR NIGHT '74 are well aware thatthe general public is very much interested in thesky and its mysteries and that their curiosity isoften not satisfied by newspapers and television.With our literature, displays, audio-visual presen-tations and telescope demonstrations we of theplanetarium and the R.A.S.C. hope to answer thequestions some people may have and to whet the curi-osity of other people. We hope to demonstrate toyou that astronomy need not be an expensive or dif-ficult hobby but can be, in fact, a very rewardingand enjoyable pastime.

AMATEUR OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY

The amateur astronomer is in the unique position ofbeing able to make a substantial contribution to ourunderstanding of the universe by working with the pro-fessional in a great many observational fields. Manyof these fields require little or no sophisticated e-quipment. The following is a list of observationalfields in which the amateur astronomer can becomeactively involved.

NAKED-EYE ASTRONOMY1. Meteor Counts: Acting individually or in groups

amateurs can aid the professional by makingcounts of meteor appearances during knowntime periods. The sighting of especiallybright meteors or fireballs are valuable ifthe time of the event is recorded, the pos-ition of the meteor's path with respect tothe stars, its brightness and if any soundsare heard. Recovery of the meteorite may bepossible.

2. Aurora Borealis: This observational field isespecially suited to Edmonton Observers. Thetime of the display, its elevation abovethe horizon and the forms and colours presentshould be noted.

3. Solar and Lunar Eclipses:4. Nova Search: Special areas of the sky are regu-

larly checked for the appearance of new ex-ploding stars.

BINOCULAR ASTRONOMY1. Comet Search: Generally the northern horizon

during the spring, summer and fall seasonsis examined for comets that are too close tothe sun for more southerly observers.

2. Variable Stars: Many stars periodically changetheir brightness and so are checked againstfixed magnitude stars.

TELESCOPIC ASTRONOMY1. Variable Stars: The most advanced observational

field for the amateur.2. Comet Search: As above but with telescope enabling

much fainter comets to be seen or discovered.3. Lunar Occultations:

a) Solid: The timing of an eclipse of astar by the moon requires a telescope,stopwatch and shortwave radio.

b) Grazes: The spectacular disappearanceand reappearance of a star "skirting" themountains of the moon.

4. Lunar Observing: A systematic search of the lunarsurface for unusual features by sketchingor photographing.

5. Planetary: Drawings are made of the surface andatmospheric features of the planets.

6. Sunspots: A daily count is made of sunspots andsunspot groups.

RADIO ASTRONOMY; The universe can be heard as well as seen.

AMATEUR TELESCOPE MAKING

Amateur telescope making is as old as the telescope itself.Early astronomers made their own instruments because theywere the first to make telescopes. Few of the scientificpioneers did not make some contribution to telescope optics.Galileo, Christian Huygens and Isaac Newton worked in hte17th century. The Herschel's, William and John, were themost celebrated astronomers and telescope makers of the18th and 19th centuries. The largest telescope of the19th Century was the Earl of Rosse's seventy-two inch andthat telescope is still the largest ever used solely forvisual observation.

Reflectors prior to 1860 had mirrors of speculum metal, analloy of tin and zinc, which is brittle and of low reflect-ivity. Silver on glass mirrors were first made by Liebegand the introduction of these mirrors increased the effic-iency of reflectors by 2^ times due to the high reflectivity

of silver. After that time rapid advances in glass-making technology and in optical testing brought agreat improvement in telescope performance. The mostsignificant modern development for the amateur has beenaluminizing for mirrors in place of silver which neededrenewing every 3 to 6 months. Aluminum films are goodafter even 5 years.

Amateurs in the past have led the professional telescopemaker in standards of precision and performance. Manyof the finest opticians started making telescopes asamateurs and found themselves doing better work thanthe professionals of their day. It is true today as wellthat if one wants a nearly perfect telescope it must bebuilt by oneself. Only an amateur can afford the timerequired to obtain the necessary precision. Amateurstoday construct the complete range of telescope types,refractors, reflectors, compound reflectors, lens-mirror combinations and Schmidt telescopes. Beginnersat telescope making most often construct Newtonianreflectors as their first effort. Six to eight inchesis average size and these are convenient sizes to work.Kits which contain everything needed are available butif more than one telescope is contemplated it is betterto buy materials separately. In any case, time is thelargest investment in telescope making and no one shouldexpect to finish a telescope quickly. Books on thesubject are available in the libraries and should beconsulted before beginning.

The sixth President of the United States is cred-ited with the rather astonishing statement that one canjudge the culture of a nation by the condition of itsastronomical observatories.

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

Many pleasing celestial photographs may be obtainedwithout resorting to telescopes, super lenses, tracking de-vices and other pieces of equipment usually associated withastrophotography. A good camera, a sturdy mount and a ju-dicious selection of a film can result in many interestingphotographs of various heavenly happenings. Following is abrief summary of ideas dealing with simply astrophotography.

Although almost any type of camera can be used, one withan adjustable shutter and the ability to take a time expos-ure photo is best. Since the widest range of commercial filmsare in 35 mm format, an instrument which will take this typeof film is preferred. While opportunities for skyshootingexist for cameras without these features, the number ofcelestial events available for photographing is small.

There exists today a wide range of film from which tochoose. Generally for this method of picture-taking, thefaster the film (the higher the ASA number) the better. Ifcolour slides are preferred, High Speed Ektachrome (ADA 160)or Afga (ASA 500) are probably the fastest films that areeasily available. If black and white prints are acceptabletry Plus-x (ASA 125), Tri-x (ASA 400) or 2475 RecordingFilm (ASA of about 1000) for very high speed photos.

The heavens provide a constant source of photographicmaterial which can be easily recorded. Star trails aresimple to obtain as the camera is aimed at a group of starsand the shutter left open for 30 minutes or more. Starsnear Polaris will show circular trails while stars furthersouth will have near horizontal tracks. This easy-to-op-erate setup can be used for several experiments...recordingthe light drop of variable stars, drawing constellationoutlines, catching the passage of a satellite, and perhapsrecording the appearance of a meteor. (If attempting tophotograph a meteor, the best idea is to wait until ameteor shower occurs, and aim the camera towards the con-stellation where the meteors appear to originate). Theseactivities can be completed using almost any type of film

and they can be done anytime. The aurora is a littletrickier to catch. Colour films bring out the variety ofcolours often found in the Northern Lights. Exposure

times should be varied from less than 1 second up to afew minutes. Edmonton, by the way, is well situated foraurora and many displays are often visible during thewinter months. Of course, don't forget daylight eventssuch as rainbows, and sundogs, objects that anyone canrecord using any type of camera.

It is possible to take photos of stars and havethem appear as almost perfect dots of light without em-ploying tracking equipment. By using 2475 RecordingFilm (which is a B & W print film), and by limiting theexposures to 25 seconds for stars near the pole and 15seconds for stars near the celestial equator, a surpris-ing number of stars can be recorded without the trailscharacteristic of longer exposures. This technique canbe used for photographing individual constellations,making mosaics of the Milky Way, and for recording anybright comets that may appear.

Eclipses are special events which require differenttechniques. A lunar eclipse can be photographed withoutany sort of telephoto lens. A series of pictures usingcolour film with a 1 to 10 second exposure time will showthe bright glaring full moon becoming redder and redderas it is eclipsed. A total eclipse of the sun is a muchmore spectacular sight, but is also much rarer for anobserver who is not willing to travel to see one. Al-though there are many different aspects of the eclipsewhich can be photographed only with proper equipment,excellent pictures of totality have been obtained withnothing more than a hand-held Instamatic.

What can you do with the film if you cannot developit yourself? Firstly, don't buy film from the drugstore,go directly to a commercial developer. Also don't buyfilm that has to be sent away to be developed. If pos-sible talk to the manager and make sure it is understoodthat your otherwise blank negatives actually contain awealth of detail. Make sure that any special instruc-tions you have are written down by the developer. Haveeverything developed first, and later make slides orprints of the best results. (This also saves you money).If you find a good place, stick with it and they willeventually get to know you and what you want.

PROFESSIONAL ASTRONOMY

The Science of Astronomy; Astronomy is the science whichdeals with the relative positions and motions, the bright-nesses, distances, constitution, physical condition,mutual relations, history and destiny (evolution) of theheavenly bodies, including the Sun and Moon and othermembers of the Solar System, the stars, nebulae (cloudsof gas and dust), star clusters of galaxies which makeup the physical universe. The astronomer, therefore,must be prepared to study the most extreme physicalconditions imaginable.

Nature of the Work: The classic picture of an astronomerperched on a mountain top and gazing through his tele-scope no longer applies, if it ever did. Many activeastronomers never use a telescope, their research toolsbeing mathematics and the computer. Others find that afew nights observing will provide data that may requiremany months to analyze. Modern observing is rarely vis-ual but, rather, involves the application of photographic,photometric and spectroscopic techniques to the study ofcelestial phenomena. The wide variety of phenomenastudied by astronomers require many different approachesto their elucidation in the form of an acceptable physi-cal model.

Preparation: The minimum preparation for a career as aprofessional astronomer is an undergraduate program whichemphasizes physics and mathematics, followed by four ormore years in a graduate program leading to the Ph.D. de-gree. Normally, an additional one or two years are spentas a postdoctoral fellow before taking a permanent posi-tion.

Employment: Following completion of such a program anastronomer may find employment in a university where heconducts research and teaches, at a government laboratorywhere his time is spent almost exclusively on research,

or in a planetarium if he, or she, has a special interest

and aptitude for teaching and public speaking.

Rewards; While the professional astronomer will not ac-cumulate great material or financial wealth through hiswork (although he will earn a salary commensurate with histraining, experience and responsibilities), he has the sat-isfaction of knowing that he may contribute some link inthe succession of discoveries that will lead to the un-ravelling of the mysteries of the universe.

ASTRONOMY IN CANADA

Number of Astronomers; At the present time, approximately150 persons are employed full-time as professional astron-omers in Canada. Many are employed by the National Re-search Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, theAlgonquin Radio Observatory, the Dominion Radio Astro-physical Observatory near Pentiction, and elsewhere. MostCanadian universities have either a separate department ofastronomy (Toronto, Western Ontario, UBC) or have one ormore astronomers on staff in their departments of physicsor mathematics (Alberta, Calgary, Victoria, Waterloo,Brandon, Queen's, St. Mary's, etc.).

Canadian Telescopes; The largest optical telescope inCanada is the 74-inch diameter reflector of the DavidDunlap Observatory north of Toronto. There are 72- and48-inch telescopes near Victoria, a 48-inch near London,Ontario, and many 24- and 16-inch telescopes at otherlocations. A Canadian-owned 24-inch telescope is operatedon Las Campanas in Chile. The largest Canadian radiotelescope is 150 feet in diameter and located in AlgonquinPark, Ontario. There is an 85-foot dish near Penticton,B.C. Most of these telescopes are open to public viewduring restricted visiting hours.

A New Giant Telescope For Canada; Early in 1973 afterseveral years of detailed study and discussion, agreementwas reached and government support announced for the con-struction of a 3.6 meter (141 inches) diameter opticaltelescope as a joint project of Canadian, French andHawaiian astronomers. The telescope will be located onMauna Kea, Hawaii, at an elevation of 13,730 feet. Thisis one of the finest observing sites on Earth. The prin-cipal optical components are currently being figured atthe Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Victoria, B.C. Whencompleted in late 1978 (at a cost of at least $20 million),this instrument will be one of the half dozen largest tele-scopes in the world, and will provide an important stimulusto the further development of Canadian astronomy.

ASTRONOMY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

Staff and Facilities; Research and teaching in astronomyand astrophysics is conducted by members of the academicstaff of the University of Alberta in the Department ofPhysics (observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics,laboratory astrophysics) and in the Department of ElectricalEngineering (radio astronomy). Programs leading to under-graduate and graduate degrees are open to qualified studentsResearch facilities include a 12-inch optical telescope (a16-inch is on order), radio telescopes, one of the largestcomputers in Canada, and a wide variety of laboratory de-vices such as spectrographs and linear accelerators. Inaddition, graduate students and faculty frequently use re-search facilities at other institutions in Canada and a-round the world.

Undergraduate Courses; The Department of Physics offersseveral undergraduate courses in astronomy and astrophysics.Some are directed toward students majoring in a physicalscience; Astro 253, Astro 410, Phys 563, Phys 565. Othersbasically survey courses of a descriptive nature, areavailable to students in other faculties such as Arts andEducation: Astro 253, Astro 353.

Extension Course; Through the Department of Extension, anevening course entitled Astronomy Today - Our Place in theUniverse is offered to the general public. Many subjectsof current interest (quasars, pulsars, black holes, planet-ary probes, extra-terrestrial life, etc.) will be discussedduring the ten 2-hour sessions which begin on Tuesday,October 8, 1974. Further information is available fromthe Department of Extension (telephone 432-3116).

VARIABLE STAR OBSERVING

While most stars shine with a constant brightness,there are some whose brightness varies with time. Some ofthese variable stars have proven to be extremely importantto astronomy, serving as fundamental yardsticks for measur-ing distances in the universe, or providing insights intosuch physical quantities as the size and weight of stars.There are many thousands of variable stars known. Althoughmany have been studied by professional astronomers, thereare still many that require additional observations.

One of the more rewarding fields of amateur astronomyis the observation of these variable stars. In this fieldof endeavor, the amateur can make a significant contributionto astronomy. The instrumentation required is minimal: oftena pair of binoculars is sufficient. When observations aremade under the guidance of the American Association ofVariable Star Observers (AAVSO), the results from manyamateur observers can be compiled and made available toprofessional astronomers. A very important contributionto astronomy has been made by AAVSO observers over the pasthalf century in the study of semi-regular and irregularvariables. These are stars for which systematic observationsare too time consuming to be undertaken by professionalastronomers.

How difficult is it to observe variable stars? Actuallyit is quite simple. First the star is located and identifiedusing finding charts provided by the AAVSO. The brightnessof the variable is estimated by comparing it with severalother stars of known brightness (listed on the observingchart). Finally, the time and date of observation arerecorded.

SPACE EXPLORATION

The 1960's were an immensely exciting decade in spaceexploration spanning the years from the earliest, primi-tive satellites to Apollo 11 on the Moon. But during the1970's the emphasis has switched to unmanned study of theplanets, including our Earth. A new generation of sophis-ticated spacecraft have spearheaded the search for know-ledge about our nearby planetary neighbours.

The planet Mars has been the centre of much attentionthroughout the space-age as many probes have gazed downupon its crater-strewn surface. Mariner 9, which circledthe planet for one year beginning in November 1971, wasable to take high resolution photos of the entire surface.These pictures revealed four large volcanoes, a vast chasmwhich stretches nearly 3,000 miles, and many small channels.

The most remote planet reached by robot spaceprobes isJupiter which was visited by Pioneer 10 in December of '73.After a journey of 21 months covering half a billion milesPioneer swept past the giant planet at a distance of only81,000 miles. The craft made various measurements andtook photographs which revealed Jupiter's Great Red Spotto be a gigantic storm. A sister ship Pioneer 11 is nowheading towards a rendezvous with Jupiter in December '74and will move on to intercept Saturn in late 1979.

Mariner 10 is the latest craft to examine the distantworlds. The probe flew past Venus in February 1974 andmoved on to intercept Mercury almost two months later.The clouds that completely blanket the planet were foundto be very complex in nature. Wind speeds up to 225 milesper hour were also noted and it appears that most of theclouds near the equator circle the planet once every fourdays. Mercury's surface was seen to be very rugged andquite similar to the lunar surface. One feature found onMercury and not on the Moon was a number of scarps orridges, some of which are more than 300 miles long. Oneunexpected find was the discovery that Mercury has a smallmagnetic field. The orbit of Mariner 10 is such that onSeptember 21 the craft will encounter Mercury again. Itscameras will be turned on and the South Polar region willbe photographed.

QUEEN ELIZABETH PLANETARIUM

The Queen Elizabeth Planetarium was built by thecitizens of the City of Edmonton to commemorate the1959 royal visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth andPrince Philip.

Officially opened in October, 1960 the Planetariumbecame the first such facility in Canada devoted to thepopularization of astronomy. Since that time hundredsof thousands of visitors have attended the Planetariumprogrammes making the unit an important part of EdmontonParks and Recreation's Leisure and Environmental Services.

The heart of the Star Theatre is the "Star Projector".Manuactured by the Goto Optical Company of Toyko the'Venus' projects some 2,800 stars through thirty-twooptical systems as well as projecting the Sun, Moon andthe five naked-eye Planets of our Solar System.

With the incredibly complex instrument the audiencemay view the evening sky as seen from any point on thesurface of the Earth while passing through any timesequence; as small as a minute or as large as an eon.The Star Projector is complemented by a battery of35 mm slide projectors and movie systems as well ashighly specialized effects projectors. The visualsystem is backed by the finest of sound systems.

The Planetarium is in essence the ultimate form ofMulti-Media Theatre. Each production is a dramaticblend of the astronomer's knowledge and the talentsof writers, artists and technicians. The end resultis a programme which is not only educational but alsoentertaining, sometimes serious, sometimes amusing 1

THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA

Anyone who is interested in one of the many facetsof astronomy; whether it be star-gazing, telescopemaking, Astronomical or Space Science theory, canfind an opportunity for sharing and increasing thoseinterests by becoming associated with the Royal Astro-nomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Center. Membershipin this Center entitles one to full privileges as amember of the R.A.S.C., which has its National Head-quarters in Toronto, Ontario. The R.A.S.C. includesboth professionals and amateurs and has centers inmajor cities across Canada.Meetings of the Center are normally held on the second

Monday of each month (from October to May inclusive),at 8:00 P.M., in the Queen Elizabeth Planetarium.These meetings feature guest speakers including astro-nomers, radio astronomers, spacecraft designers andNASA project scientists. In addition to these regularmeetings, we organize each year a September observingsession or Starnight, a June picnic and a banquet heldin November. This year's speakers and topics include:

"The Polluted Stars" — presented by Dr. JackWinzer.

"The Last Question" — a Planetarium show basedon the story by Dr. IsaacAsimov.

"Collapsed Stars" — presented by Dr. D.P. Hube."Here, There, & Everywhere" — presented by Paul

Deans.Annual Exchange Speaker — courtesy of the Calgary

Center of the R.A.S.C.

Membership in the RASC includes complementary admissionto the Queen Elizabeth Planetarium. RASC members alsoreceive the annual RASC Observer's Handbook; Stardust,the monthly bulletin of the Edmonton Center and theJournal of the National RASC published bi-monthly.

ANGUS SMITH TELESCOP'E

The 12*5 inch reflecting telescope located on thepatio in front of the Queen Elizabeth Planetarium wasdonated by Mrs. Margaret Smith, wife of the late AngusSmith (1931-1972) . The reflector, built by Angus, wasformerly mounted above his garage in south-west EdmontonThe telescope will be made fully portable for use by theplanetarium as a mobile observatory. Accurate timingsof total and grazing occultations will be one of itsprime functions.

Mr. Smith became interested in astronomy at anearly age and built several different telescopes. Hejoined the Edmonton Center of the R.A.S.C. in 1962 andduring the following 10 years he held, at one time oranother, most of the executive offices of the Center.Angus was President in 1970 when Edmonton hosted theGeneral Assembly of the R.A.S.C. His home and obser-vatory were favorite meeting places for all thoseinterested in astronomy, and many of the younger mem-bers of the Center got their first good look at theheavens through his telescope. Angus' reflector will,in the future, continue to acquaint many people withthe splendor that can be found in the heavens.

TELESCOPIC VIEWING

If you have ever wanted to look through a goodtelescope, now is the time. Weather permitting, 8 or9 telescopes will be set up in Coronation Park infrontof the planetarium for Starnight. Each telescope willbe aimed at a different object, thus providing views ofa maximum number of fascinating celestial objects. Thetelescopes vary widely in size, structure and price assome are home-built while others were purchased fromcommercial telescope-makers.

THE STAR-SPLITER by Robert Frost

.

'You know Orion always comes up sideways.Throwing a leg up over our fence of mountains,And rising on his hands, he looks in on meBusy outdoors by lantern-light with somethingI should have done by daylight, and indeed,After the ground is frozen, I should have doneBefore it froze, and a gust flings a handfulOf waste leaves £t my smoky lantern chimneyTo make fun of my vay of doing things,Or else fun of Orion's having caught me.Has a man, I should like to ask, no rightsThese forces are obliged to pay respect to?'So Brad McLaughlin mingled reckless talkOf heavenly stars with hugger-mugger farming,Till having failed at hugger-mugger farming,He burned his house down for the fire insuranceAnd spent the proceeds on a telescopeTo satisfy a life-long curiosityAbout our place among the infinities....

Today it is no longer necessary to burn down yourhouse for the fire insurance to be able to take upastronomy as a hobby. For the beginning amateur, agood pair of binoculars often have better optics thansome "astronomical" telescopes of a small size. How-ever at some point a telescope is usually desired, butcare should be taken in its selection. Before such amajor purchase, it is often best to consult with some-one knowledgeable of telescopes in order to avoid beingdisappointed with the instrument.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADAEDMONTON CENTRE

NAME:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE:

INTERESTS:

Students(Under 18 years) $8.50

Adults

Life Member

EQUIPMENT:

$13.50

$150.00

All memberships include:The Observer's Handbook (published yearly)Journal of the R.A.S.C. (published bi-monthly)Stardust (published monthly by the Edmonton Centre)

For further information, please call the planetarium at455-0119 or write to: Queen Elizabeth Planetarium

10th Floor, C.N. TowerCity of Edmonton

THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA

Honorary PresidentPast PresidentPresidentVice - PresidentSecretaryTreasurerEditor of "Stardust"Director of EducationSocial Committee ChairmanMember-at-largeObserver's Group Representative

Dr. E.S. KeepingMrs. Jenny RuschMr. Dave BrunerDr. Gary PrideauxMr . Anthony WhyteMiss Christine Kulyl<Mr. Paul DeansMr. Franklin LoehdeMrs. Audrey LoehdeDr. Douglas HubeMr. David Parker

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH PLANETARIUM

CuratorSecretarial and Administrative

ServicesPublic ProgrammingSchool ProgrammingTechnical ServicesReceptionists

Lecturers

Special Narrator

Mr. John Hault

Mrs. Kay EdwardsMr . Paul DeansMiss Pam GordonMr. Dave BrunerMiss Cheryl DunbarMiss Peggy HolmesMrs. Joan HubeMr. Tom MorrisonMr. Wilf Rowe

Front Cover — Jupiter From Pioneer 10Back Cover — Mercury From Mariner 10