MAS SHORT COURSE SESSION No. 4: The Solar System
by William J. Busler.
Bill will review some basic facts about our Solar System, especially its overall shape and the orbital motions and composition of the planets, their satellites, and comets. He will conclude by discussing some old and modern theories of the origin of the Solar System.
THE MOON FROM PREHISTORY TO GALILEO
by Ross Sackett.
Early views of the Moon as timekeeper, as a god, and as an object. Ross, an instructor of Anthropology at the University of Memphis, will examine the diverse significance of our Moon to early cultures, focusing on its role in the development of calendars, its varying depiction in world mythology, and the occasional speculation on its nature as an astronomical body and as a world.
Ric on December 3rd 2009 in General Topics
MAS SHORT COURSE SESSION No. 3: Sun-Earth Moon Relationships
by William M. Wilson.
Bill will discuss the phases of the Moon, including the Moon’s shape, the names of the phases, their times of rise, transit, and set; Earthshine, rotation and libration; solar eclipses (total, partial, and annular); lunar eclipses; and tides.
THE MOON FROM PREHISTORY TO GALILEO
by Ross Sacket.
Early views of the Moon as timekeeper, as a god, and as an object. Ross, an instructor of Anthropology at the University of Memphis, will examine the diverse significance of our Moon to early cultures, focusing on its role in the development of calendars, its varying depiction in world mythology, and the occasional speculation on its nature as an astronomical body and as a world.
Ric on October 14th 2009 in General Topics
The Galileoscope - One of the cornerstone projects of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 is the production high-quality, low-cost, easy-to-assemble refractor telescope kit. This 50-mm-aperture, 25- to 50-power Galileoscope can enable anyone to see the celestial wonders that Galileo first glimpsed 400 years ago and that still delight stargazers today. Ric Honey will demonstrate the assembly and use of one of these telescopes and discuss how it can be used in educational venues.
“Short Course in Astronomy” - Lesson #1
Our Place in the Universe.
An overview of the Universe providing a framework for the following lectures. Topics include astro-nomical distance scales; the Milky Way and its contents, including stars, clusters, and nebulae; the range of the human eye; the changing appearance of the Milky Way with the seasons; and other galaxies and their enormous distances from us. Many pictures will be shown of the various objects being discussed.
Ric on September 2nd 2009 in General Topics
As part of our participation in the International Year of Astronomy 2009, the MAS will be offering a “Short Course in Astronomy“. This course will be presented in the General Meetings of the MAS and is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The course will begin with the September 4th, 2009 meeting and conclude with the August 2010 meeting. I have updated our calendar to reflect the topics of each meeting during the course.
Please pass this information on to anyone you think might be interested. Thanks
Ric Honey
Ric on July 29th 2009 in General Topics
Due to the conflict with the July 4th holiday, our July General Meeting will be held on July 10th.
The Cross on the Moon * * by William M. Wilson and Freddy Diaz.
The Lunar Cross (or “X”) is a feature sometimes seen near the first-quarter Moon when the Sun’s illumination of certain mountain peaks and crater rims is just right. Bill and Freddy will discuss the history of Cross observations, how to observe and photograph this feature, and how to predict its next occurrence.
Global Warming: Fact or Fiction? * * by William J. Busler.
Is “global warming” due to human or solar activity? Is it harmful? Is it even real? How did scientific study turn into a political point of contention? Bill will discuss the data, therories, and implications of this widely talked about but little understood phonomenon of our times.
Ric on July 5th 2009 in General Topics
Hi Everyone,
The Memphis Astronomical Society has been gracious in allowing me to blog a bit about an upcoming project.
As many of you know 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy (IYA). The year just turned, so we are now officially celebrating the year with wonderful projects about science and astronomy!
I first learned about IYA while working as a graphic design intern at the European Space Agency. When I returned home, I began thinking of ways that the Memphis community could participate in IYA.
It’s been just over a year since then, and I am proud to say that Memphis will be hosting an IYA cornerstone project, titled From Earth to the Universe.
During the month of April, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in Memphis, Tennessee will be hosting a stunning exhibit showcasing astronomical images. These images come from astronomers around the world, as well as many space telescopes.
The exhibit is funded by a NASA Opportunities in Science Mission Directorate Education and Public Outreach grant, as well as support from the Spitzer Science Center.
Local institutions supporting this project include the Memphis Astronomical Society, Rhodes College, and the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.
More info soon!
Amit
Amit Kapadia on January 8th 2009 in General Topics
Ok, so I was in a hurry. I “meant” to capitalize the A in Memphis Astronomical Society…..
I am working on getting the link to the BLOG changed from “Forum” to “BLOG” as it really should be. That’s graphics and I don’t have the right program for it.
Ric Honey
Ric on December 27th 2008 in General Topics
Lee Cole, his son Adam and Bill Wilson of the MAS kick of a summer of reading adventure at a Memphis Public Library. See details and pictures on the MAS New web page.
Ric on June 29th 2008 in General Topics
Due to the snow, CBU has canceled all campus activities. See you in April.
Ric on March 7th 2008 in General Topics
WOW! I have just discovered “Astronomy podcasts”. These are great.
I recently rejoined the gym and got an mp3 player to listen to FM radio and my vast collection of CDs that I have “ripped” to mp3 files. Well, I got bored with my music collection pretty quick and was looking at audible books and other media and decided to give podcasts a try. These are basically short stories that are available for FREE on the internet. Well, it turns out there is some great content available on the subject of Astronomy.
I think I can get some links up here on the blog.
Ric on January 26th 2008 in General Topics