Scorpius the Scorpion

Orion the mighty hunter was quite a braggart. He boasted that he could conquer any man, woman or beast on Earth and even tested the power of the gods. His vanity was so great that the goddess Hera created a vicious scorpion to humble Orion. Scorpius bit Orion on the foot and killed him with poison. Thus the mightiest warrior was slain by one of the tiniest creatures. O! how the gods laughed at that one! Orion still looms large in the winter sky - but hides from the Scorpion in the summer. Legend has it that Orion never wanted to see that awful scorpion again so they are never in the sky at the same time.

Scorpius lies low in the southern sky on summer evenings. He has three stars almost in a line just like Orion has in his belt. These three stars mark Scorpio’s head and two claws. A little down and to the left is Scorpio’s brightest star, ANTARES. Antares is a red supergiant star. In fact, it is one of the largest known stars in the galaxy. If Antares was our sun, it would fill up the entire orbit of Mars. We would be burned up inside it! But luckily Antares is 330 light years away.

Antares marks Scorpio’s heart and may even appear to be beating in the sky. It is a Greek word meaning “Rival of Mars,” because it is so red just like Mars. The Chinese called it the “Fire Star” for the same reason.

Follow Scorpio’s body down to the left and then the stars will start to curve upward. This is the scorpion’s tail and stinger that killed mighty Orion. The last star on the tail is a bright one called SHAULA, which means “The Sting” in Arabic.

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Corona Borealis - The Northern Crown

This is one of the most identifiable constellations in the sky. Although Corona Borealis has almost all dim stars, the outline of the seven form a subtle ring of sparkling jewels. The constellation lies between Bootes the Bear Driver and the mighty Hercules. The best way to find it is first find the Big Dipper. Go do the handle of the Big Dipper but do not follow the arc to the bright star Arcturus, straighten out the line (go farther left or east) and there you will find the lovely crown.

The Greeks likened this star picture to the crown presented to a beautiful maiden named Ariadne. She fell in love with the Prince of Athens, Theseus. Unfortunately for their love affair, Theseus was chosen to be sacrificed in the great labyrinth whose twisting halls were roamed by the vicious Minotaur - half man, half bull. Before Theseus was thrown into the labyrinth, Ariadne gave him a sword to kill the beast and a huge spool of thread. Theseus tied one end of the thread to the entrance and reeled out the thread as he walked through the maze. This way, he would be able to find his way out.

Theseus killed the Minotaur and followed the thread back to Ariadne’s arms. They lived happily ever after for only a few years. Theseus got bored with family life and left Ariadne high and dry. The god of wine Bacchus took pity on Ariadne for this slimy act and granted her the most beautiful crown in the world. Upon her death, the crown was placed in the skies for all to see.

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WHAT'S THAT ON THE SUN?

There are total eclipses, annular eclipses, partial eclipses, and now itty-bitty eclipses of the Sun. Astrophotographer Thierry Legault captured this picture of the International Space Station (ISS) and the Space Shuttle Atlantis transiting the Sun. Getting this picture was a difficult endeavor. Thierry planned ahead and put himself in a very specific place to witness this eclipse (the countryside outside Madrid, Spain). And the two crafts (moving at 16,500 miles per hour, 242 miles above him) took a mere 1/2 second to cross the disc of the Sun. Blink and they're gone. I'm blown away by the precision involved and humbled by the coolness of this picture. Right click on the picture and select "Open Link in New Window" for a close-up view.

Thierry has photographed other rare sights - including the Hubble Telescope, ISS at night, eclipses, transits and more. Check out his website at: www.astrophoto.fr

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My Trip to the David Dunlap Observatory

Last week I went up to Toronto, Ontario Canada for spring break (I know I went the wrong way...). I met up with members from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) who have recently been put in charge of running the David Dunlap Observatory (DDO) north of the city.
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The story of their telescope sounds similar to ours in Cincinnati - it was started by the University of Toronto - who then wanted to sell it - who sold it to a private developer - who was influenced by the astronomical community to allow the RASC to run it - who now conduct education programming. In fact, the RASC said that they were modelling their programs after ours. And they have a big hook: they have the largest telescope open to the public (its mirror is 74 inches in diameter!). They let me move the giant scope and even let me take a look at Mars and the Moon. It was easily the largest telescope I have ever looked through.
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The RASC was a great host - it's amazing how astronomers all over the world are all so alike. I'm so glad this amazing institution is still up and running. For more check out: www.theddo.ca Click on any of the pictures for a close-up view.
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International Sidewalk Astronomy Night

On Saturday March 20 there were telescope all over the Tri-state. This was part of a world-wide effort to bring telescopes to public places. "Have telescope, will travel," is the motto of the Sidewalk Astronomer. Telescopes were set up in unlikely places - Newport on the Levee, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, outside of a Blockbuster video store. I was right downtown on Fountain Square and even with the enormous light pollution, I was able to give a clear view of the Moon to passers-by. It's a lot of fun to see people just walking by with no idea what that thing is next to you (the telescope). And when you ask, "Wanna see the Moon?" you get some mixed reactions. After people overcome their apprehension and get a look, everyone is moved!
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So if you see something that looks like a cannon on a sidewalk near you, but people are looking through it, stop over and say hi to your neighborhood astronomer.


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Future Exploration Poll

The future of manned space missions is at a crossroads. NASA may be focusing on unmanned missions while the private sector may be taking a more active role with manned missions.

Critics believe that NASA is a waste. "We should be spending money on Earthly problems instead." As federal projects go, NASA funding is one of the small potatoes. The budget for NASA is less than 1% of the U.S. annual federal spending. Studies have shown that this funding acts more like an investment with a high return of interest in the form of jobs, new technologies, and spin-off products. For a list of many industries that owe credit to NASA, see: www.thespaceplacee.com/nasa/spinoffs.html

Space missions can inspire whole generations. The Apollo missions to the Moon gave us defining moments of the 20th century. Will reaching Mars have the same impact in the 21st century?

Some say we should return to the Moon first to practice a trip to Mars. Others say, if Mars is the goal why not go directly to Mars without a detour. And a third camp says, "Follow the water," and Europa, a moon of Jupiter, has a liquid ocean under its icy surface.

If you were in charge, what would you do and why?

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1) Return to the Moon

2) On to Mars

3) Drill through the ice of Europa

4) None of the above

Share your comments on what the future of exploration should focus.

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Cincinnati Observatory in LEGO Form

I was forwarded this great rendition of the Cincinnati Observatory in LEGO form. This detailed replica was designed by William Lynch of Cincinnati Bricks and is on display at Kenwood Town Center at the LEGO Store. Everything about it is accurate including the two spindly pine trees, the new handrails, and skinny window on the left. I'm not sure which of the LEGO people is supposed to be me, but I assume that I am the cowboy. Click on the picture for a closer look.

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