Butser Ancient Farm& INTECH

Look Up!HantsAstro.org

July 2008

news | reviews | views | what’s on | out there

Review: Celestron C80 ED-R Refractor + CG-5 GT Mount

Welcome to...

Our two new observing sites, under one sky

Hampshire is our Playground

Discover AstronomyStarting September 2008, HantsAstro will be offering the chance to get involved in astronomy for free, in the grounds of the INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium, every fortnight through to April 2009.

This unique collaboration is the first of its kind in the UK.

With a choice of 6 telescopes from small refractors and reflectors to large Dobsonians, we can show you the beauty of the universe from one of the most exciting places in Hampshire.

By registering you will be able to join in and develop the experience of using telescopes to discover more about our solar system and the universe, and meet other people who share their interest in this rewarding amateur science pursuit.

Numbers are strictly limited, so book your place now by registering for a free pass from

subscribe@hantsastro.org or by phoning 023 9261 7092 for more details.

Hands on.

Hampshire is our Playground

First TypeWell I said it would never happen and here we are, a 16 page eZine.

Like the group we have doubled the size of the eZine in three months

to accommodate the growth of this venture and its aspirations.

It’s something I wasn’t quite expecting so soon, but glad to oblige as it affords much more

room, since eZines aren’t restricted by printing costs, just content.

We kick-off this issue with launching not one but two of our

new observing sites in Hampshire, INTECH & Butser Ancient Farm. Both offer exciting views of the

night sky and different observing experiences for Newbies and Hardcore astronomers alike.

There will be a number of changes to the eZine over the next few

issues, with more pictures and by popular request more reviews and info on happenings at HantsAstro.

There is still much work to do before September and spending the Summer getting everything ready is a joy. I thought that 16 pages would

be difficult to fill with stuff that over 1000 people across the UK

would want to read avidlyevery month.

Sometimes, being proven wrong is a good thing.

David Woods: Founder

HantsAstro.org

Contacts and Details

David Woods - Editor & Publisher

Look Up! eZine EditorialDavid Woods - david.woods@hantsastro.org Web Site: - www.hantsastro.orgTel: 023 9261 7092 Fax: 023 9257 0283 Skype: iodesignPost: HantsAstro.org 11 Drift Road, Clanfield, Hants PO8 0JJ

This eZine is published on behalf of the HantsAstro.org. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher, Sponsors or Advertisers of HantsAstro,org. HantsAstro is a society member of the Federation of Astronomical Societies (www.fedastro.org.uk).

Where Links take you to other sites, the Editor, Publisher and Webmaster cannot be held responsible for the content of those sites.

HantsAstro.org and Look Up! eZine and related devices are protected by registered copyright ©2008 All Rights Reserved. HantsAstro.org a trading name of I.O Design Limited. No reproduction of any material is permitted without express permission of the owners.

contentsLook Up! July 2008 edition 03

News Page 4HantsAstro - Steady as she goes.

Review Page 6Celestron C80 ED-R & CG-5 GT Mount

View - Noctilucent Clouds Page 8Look up more often at dusk

View - INTECH Page 9The largest digital Planetarium in the UK

View - Butser Ancient Farm Page 12Seeing Ancient Light from an old setting

Out There Page 15Astronomy Talks/Seminars in Hampshire for July

Look Up in July Page 16What’s in the Sky tonight for this month

Cover: INTECH Planetarium Image taken Friday 30 May 2008 by Graham Green during site evaluation using a Canon EOS 350 DLSR, and a small tweaking session in Adobe Photoshop.

Pity we didn’t capture the ISS gliding across the sky, as it turned away from the Sun and the reflection from the solar panels faded out. Magic.

Thanks to Martyn Casson for assisting with the site evaluation. Hampshire is our Playground

03

04

HantsAstro in JulySteady As She Goes.

In line with our timescale of launching a full observing programme for 2008/2009, this issue of Look Up will explain in more detail our plans and aspirations for the coming year. Since the 6th of March 2008 we have more than trebled our membership base and have now passed the magic 40 mark!

Along with telescopes for review, we now have five available to use during our observing sessions. From a 3 inch refractor to a 10 inch Dobsonian, we aim to cover the most popular sizes and types of telescope that beginners and enthusiasts are likely to use. Rather than offer any formal training programme, we feel that the experience gained by using these simple telescopes will allow members to hone their skills in finding their way around the night sky. Further details of these telescopes will be found on our website in due course. The idea is to rotate some of the telescopes with newer and current models when possible, so the absolute beginner can get an idea of the sort of performance one can expect at certain price points.Even though we are not in the business of selling telescopes, it is part of the ethos of the group to share the experience of such instruments with an unbiased view, and to give an honest and practical opinion of what is available.

It also proves that practical astronomy does not require big apertures or expensive equipment, in order to get a good view of the majority of celestial objects that are out there. As I said in last month’s editorial, Charles Messier and others observed and recorded the basis of what we now see in the night sky with equipment that is literally light years behind what the average beginner can purchase now, quite inexpensively.

Observing programme.In this issue we are making two very important announcements.

After several meetings and some friendly negotiation we have secured two very different types of observing sites for use by our members. One of our primary functions is to bring more people into astronomy, and with that in mind it is my privilege to introduce to you our new observing site - the INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium, near Winchester. Over the next couple of issues, we will be detailing the advantages of the site and what we intend to do together with our new associates.

Cont’d

NEWS

Butser Ancient FarmNaturally shielded from the worst of the area’s light pollution.

INTECHA stunningly modern site in the centre of Hampshire

05

Cont’d

The second site is no less special and is in fact quite unique, as we have identified it to be one of the darkest observing sites in the county, it is the Butser Ancient Farm at Chalton, near Clanfield.

We will be hosting intermediate and advanced observing sessions for Astro photography and deep sky observing at Butser Ancient Farm. It’s location and geography ideally shield it from local sources of light pollution, and thereby offers a unique opportunity to observe in a safe and secure environment. We look forward to working with them both over the coming year, and also developing these observing sessions to benefit all those concerned. For updated details regarding our observing programme, please refer to the website where special pages will be set up for each of our observing sites.

We are currently selecting our third site for the programme and we will be making an announcement before September.

We have also planned a number of events that we will be attending as a group. Over 2009, the International Year of Astronomy is happening worldwide, and we as a group, are ideally placed to become involved. Details of this programme will be released during November and December 2008. Please keep in touch, as this promises to be a very exciting time for the region!

Multi-level membership?I guess that starting the group is a bit like watching a star form. Various elements of the group and how it operates are taking shape organically, and while some of this is planned other things are evolving of their own accord. There now seems to be three levels of involvement within the group: there

NEWS are subscribers to the magazine who show an interest and a curiosity on how we are moving forward. Then there are those that have expressed an interest to take up observing sessions which are planned in September, and then there are a few who I now refer to as our ‘core team members’. These are the ones who wish to dedicate their time to help further the success and to shape the group. We do not run or operate like any other astronomy group currently in existence.

We do not have a committee, we run things by general consensus from the core team members and the whole of the group. I have learnt that if you listen you can learn, and the structure of the group and why we offer free membership is that HantsAstro has to deliver the highest standards possible that an astronomy group can. All members are advised regularly on any major direction the group takes and everyone can have equal input. Think of it as a form of co-operative. No one is forced to volunteer and those that do and wish to contribute more to the group, naturally find their own roles and utilise their skills and strengths in benefiting the group. That way everyone gets the most out of this rewarding pastime.

On our web site we have set out some simple Star Party etiquette and are currently putting together a very elemental set of rules of how the group operates. This will be published openly on our website for all to see. There are enough laws in this land already and regulations to boot, creating yet another set of rules that have little to do with astronomy is not progressive.

Reviews updateIn the first issue of Look Up I stated that this magazine would never grow beyond eight pages. However, I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response of the launch and second issues and it’s been decided by necessity, to extend this issue and future publications in line with demand. Online reviews are now starting to trickle onto the

website, and it is hoped that with more pages added to the magazine there will be much more eye candy and editorial to read. Even though we have enough material to keep going till Christmas, I would welcome any suggestions for new reviews on equipment and accessories.

Online store.A long list of items have been pre-selected for review and will be offered through our store as an affiliate of Amazon.co.uk. Our reviews on these items, where possible, will also be made available through Amazon.co.uk We are currently negotiating with a number of suppliers worldwide, various items for the merchandising and promotion of the group. A number of specific products are currently in development and will be released when they are ready. These products will also be tested during observing sessions. So expect to see a few prototypes occasionally when you first attend.

Steady as she goes. As a group we have come a long way in such a short time and are now consolidating our efforts into delivering what we have set out to do. I thank all of you for your continuing energy and support in helping make this group a real success.

Dark Skies.

David Woods HantsAstro.org

TOOLBOXDid you know that Acrobat PDF’s are quite interactive? All website addresses in this publication can take you to a site or help you e-mail direct.

This eZine can take you to a special resource only available via Look Up.

www.hantsastro.org/toolbox

06

REVIEWWords & Pictures: Graham Green

It does what what is says on the ‘tin’ says but before I continue with the review we must take into account the price paid – Inthis case quite a lot.

This is my first refractor and small ‘scope. The instructions on assembly were clear ; the mount assembly went well, all I had to do was to fit the OTA – hmm, not so easy. The OTA is attached to the mount via the dove-tail supplied but trying was very trying! First of all no bolts, studs or screws were supplied. I was so keen to get this up and running so I needed to pop down to my local fastener and fixing specialist for a couple of US threaded stud and bolts. The man knew his stuff pretty well this gave me a wave of relief until he broke the bad news.

The threads on the mounting tube ring are a mixture of imperial and US type, it looks like it had been recut, possibly at the factory, but not much use to me! Luckily I had a William Optics dove-tail and mounting rings that were suitable for the job. Celestron’s zany tube ring has now been employed as a doorstop until I get back in touch with Steve@FLO. I’m sure he’ll sort this out.

The mount with the attached ‘scope was easy to set up ready for it first session, I was able to polar align the mount without the polar axis

finderscope (not supplied) but I would recommend one as it make alignment easier.

The ‘Advanced Computerised’ GoTo handet with it’s 40,000+ objects, 400 user defined programmable objects and enhanced information on over 200 objects was easy to use and very accurate when slewing to desired objects, although a little noisy (this I’m sure will be reduced once hyper-tuned)

Eye-balling was a pleasure, Saturn lived up to it’s reputation showing the cassenie division, the rings shadow on Saturn and Saturn’s shadow cast upon the ring system, its satellites were well resolved too. The ED (extra low dispersion) optics were impressive and

gave fine views of stellar objects with good contrast and colour.

The tube build is satisfactory. The lens cap with its plastic-clip locators could be a problem at a later date but hey… You get what you pay for!

For Under £540 for a Computerised GOTO telescope it’s a package that’s not bad. Not bad at all.

Celestron C80 ED-R 80mm Refractor with CG-5 GT GOTO Mount£539

Celestron Refractor purchased from Steve Graham at First Light OpticsTel: 01392 420 792www.firstlightoptics.com

07

Celestron C80-R 80mm Refractor with CG-5 GT GOTO Mount£539

SpecificationsOPTICAL DESIGN: RefractorAPERTURE: 80 mm (3.15 in)FOCAL LENGTH: 600 mm (23.62 in)FOCAL RATIO: 7.5EYEPIECE: 1 20 mm (0.79 in)MAGNIFICATION: 130 xHIGHEST USEFUL MAGNIFICATION: 189 xFINDERSCOPE: 6x30MOUNT: CG-5 EquatorialSTAR DIAGONAL: 1.25

ACCESSORY TRAY: YesTRIPOD: 2 inch Stainless SteelCD ROM: The Sky Level 1LOWEST USEFUL MAGNIFICATION: 11xLIMITING STELLAR MAGNITUDE: 12RESOLUTION: 1.73 arc secondsRESOLVING POWER: 1.45 arc secondsPHOTOGRAPHIC RESOLUTION: 267 line/mmLIGHT GATHERING POWER 131xANGULAR FIELD OF VIEW: 1.67 °LINEAR FIELD OF VIEW (@1000 YDS) 87.5 ft (26.67 m)OPTICAL COATINGS: Fully Multi-CoatedOPTICAL TUBE LENGTH: 23 in (584.2 mm)TELESCOPE WEIGHT: 42 lb (19.05 kg)COUNTERWEIGHTS: 1-7lb

Buying Advice:At £539 This Celestron offer’s a great Refractor and a useable mount. With 2” diameter legs it’s sturdy enough for those wanting to experiement with astro-imaging without breaking the bank. At the time of writing there are many package deals to be had and this is one of the most cost effective. It is possible to pay nearly double this and still not improve on the performance by much. Grab one while you can.

DW

By the light of the silvery Moon...

The Celestron C80-R works straight out of the box and is easy to focus

and responds with crisp, clear detail.

At the sharp endThe Celestron C80-R is still available at a great price and the CG5-GT mount is ideal for seeking out elusive deep-sky objects. Saves time.

Astrophotography made easyConnect your camera and just go! NexStar Hsndset is easy to use

08

Noctilucent clouds, are also known as polar mesospheric clouds, and they are bright cloudlike atmospheric phenomena usually visible in a deep twilight.

The name means roughly “night shining” in Latin. They are most commonly observed in the summer months at latitudes between 50° and 70° north and south of the equator.

They are the highest clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere, located in the mesosphere at altitudes of around 75 ~ 85 km, Passenger Jets

fly at 14 Km (42,000 feet max). Noctilucent clouds are a bit of a meteorological mystery as clouds generally are not able

to reach such high altitudes, especially under such thin air pressures.

The stars you see form Ursa Major (or the Big Dipper).

09

Floating through the universe is now possible.

In the giant new Planetarium at INTECH Science Centre, Winchester, the audience will journey past planets, visit galaxies, witness the BIG Bang and enter a Black Hole. The floating sensation comes from the effect of immersive theatre where the dome screen is so wide you cannot take in the whole image.

The visual effects are stunning’, said Phil Winfield INTECH’s director and it brings together the INTECH aims of presenting science in an entertaining and inspiring way.’The first public shows began on Good Friday, 21 March and will continue every weekend and school holiday. School

bookings for term time have rocketed since the announcement was made that the UK’s largest Planetarium was opening in Winchester. Even Cubs and Brownie leaders have booked up so they can get their astronomy badge.There will be at least two different shows a day. There are two pre-recorded films, one narrated by actor Liam Neeson and one live show presented by Planetarium Manager Jenny Shipway.

Jenny said ”It’s an incredible feeling to sit at the controls and fly through the Universe. The model we use is based on data from the latest NASA databases, and can be updated to show recent developments and discoveries.

“The dome is so huge that you lose your sense of self, and the shape of the

Introducing - INTECHdome somehow gives a strange 3D effect to the images.

There really is nothing else like it.

The system can be used to show a variety of audiovisual content. We are initially focussing on astronomy, but look out for future shows involving architecture, music, the environment and storytelling.

We also hope to give people the opportunity to produce their own content to be displayed on the dome.

This is a great resource for Hampshire, and I hope we will be able to work with many different groups to use the planetarium in innovative ways.”

10

The Planetarium joined the very popular Science Centre facility which has 90 hands-on exhibits housed in the iconic white pyramid build on the hill outside Winchester. Originally created in the 1980s as a charity to enthuse young children in science and technology, the new centre was built in 2002 with Millennium Commission funding.Director, Phil Winfield said: “It was always envisaged to have a planetarium at INTECH since its move to Morn Hill in 2002. The dome was built then but only now, with the generous support of SEEDA, has this important development become possible. We are really excited about this project. You could say we are over the moon!”SEEDA has funded the planetarium by offering £650,000 to INTECH in recognition of the education value the facility will have for schools. Studying the Solar System in primary schools is required by the National Curriculum and the universe is taught in secondary schools. SEEDA’s Executive Director for Smart Growth John Parsonage said; “By developing a planetarium at INTECH, SEEDA envisages that it will attract more than the current 90,000 visitors per annum, thereby encouraging a far greater number of students to continue studying science, engineering and mathematics subjects across the South East.”The installation was made by the U.K. immersive theatre integrator Global Immersion, previously part of SEOS, the international visual display company. Global Immersion installed the advanced software programmes of UniView™ and fulldome media for the 6-projector system. UniView™ allows real-time space flight and astronomic data visualisation. The giant screen, measuring 16.5metres in diameter, came from the USA and the 176 theatre seats were made in Spain.

11

Observing @ INTECH

Starting September 2008, HantsAstro will be offering the chance to get involved in astronomy for free, in the grounds of the INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium, every fortnight through to April 2009.

This unique collaboration is the first of its kind in the UK. With a choice of telescopes from small refractors and reflectors to large Dobsonians, we can show you the beauty of the universe from one of the most exciting places in Hampshire.

By registering, you will be able to join in and develop the experience of using telescopes to discover more about our solar system and the universe, and meet other people who share their interest in this rewarding amateur science pursuit.

Numbers are strictly limited, so book your place now by registering for a free pass from subscribe@hantsastro.org or by phoning 023 9261 7092 for more details.

12

dark skies at

Butser Ancient FarmNestling in a wooded crook of Hampshire downland, Butser Ancient Farm is an unusual place because it is neither a historic site nor a museum, it is a real working farm. But, as you immediately notice when you visit us, the farm is very different to any other in the late 20th century and early 21st century. It is the only place in western Europe where prehistoric livestock, cereals and other plants are presented, along with fields and fences, Iron Age Houses and other buildings, now extended to include a Roman Villa based on an excavation in Hampshire .

Butser Ancient Farm is really an open air research laboratory where the ancient world of the Celts and Romans is being explored. Based on evidence from archaeological excavations of prehistoric sites in Britain and the rest of north-west Europe, our work is an attempt to find out more about the agricultural and domestic life of the Celtic Iron Age.

From September 2008, in collaboration with HantsAstro, we are offering the opportunity of amatuer astronomers to utilise one of the darkest observing sites in Hampshire

for Deep Sky Observing & Astro-Imaging.

For further info and to book yourself a pass, please contact HantsAstro on 023 9261 7092 or by e-mail: subscribe@hantsastro.org

13

Introducing -

Butser Ancient FarmA Potted History of the Project

The Project ProposalBy 1970, the archaeological world had determined to adopt a programme of education and research to inform the interpretation of prehistory and history. In January 1970, a proposal to establish a working “ancient farm” was produced.

The proposal to set up a permanent working ancient farm on Little Butser is being made by the Research Committee on Ancient Agriculture of the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Council for British Archaeology.

It was as a direct result of this proposal being adopted by the CBA, that Peter Reynolds was identified as a candidate to run the project because of his emerging work and publications in the field of experimental archaeology, while still teaching classics at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Evesham.

The First SiteBy 1972, work had been initiated to set up the site on Little Butser, as people now referred to the location. The first public Open Day was in 1974.

The Demonstration Site Once the research site on Little Butser had been established, it was recognised that its inaccessibility did not lend iteslf well to public access and for educational activites. Thus,

in 1976, a second site, proferred by Hampshire County Council, was started in the valley bottom nearby, and known as Hillhampton Down. This coincided with the completion of the original terms under which the farm had been established. With the lower site, it was possible to expand the educational activities and increase the public opening. This provided welcome income. This gave an opportunity to start construction of the most ambitious building yet .... the Pimperne House, based on excavations in Dorset UK.(Research continued on the Little Butser site right up to 1989).

Bascomb CopseIn 1991 the project moved (lock, stock and barrel) to Bascomb Copse, off Chalton Lane, Chalton.

14

The Farm provides an excellent teaching environment, taking advantage of the full scale research facilities as a tool applied to the National Curriculum.

We encourage children not only to use their imaginations but also, as far as possible, to use their five senses to experience what it might have been like living in those far off times.

The Schools Educational Programme is directed to meet several of the specific requirements of the National Curriculum, as detailed in the brochure.

The nature of your visit is detailed in the brochure, and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

A typical visit to our Farm usually begins with a short talk in the big roundhouse , a dark and atmospheric interior where the children’s imaginations are immediately activated. The whole all adds up to an unforgettable, enjoyable and highly instructive experience for pupils, teachers and parents alike.

When children leave us, often spattered with mud and clay, at the end of an exhausting day, it is very rare indeed to see a sad or unhappy face. Yet even more important than their enjoyment is the satisfaction shared by teachers and parents in knowing that they have learned and experienced something about their past.

Observing @ Butser Ancient Farm

Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton,Hampshire

From September 2008, in collaboration with Butser Ancient Farm, we are offering the opportunity for amateur astronomers to utilise

one of the darkest observing sites in Hampshire for Deep Sky Observing & Astro-Imaging at a low cost per session.

Details will be posted on the the HantsAstro web site regarding booking information and assisting with a Deep Sky Object and

Imaging Programme. It’s ideal if you want somewhere to use your own telescope and equipment.

For further info and to book yourself a pass, please contact HantsAstro on 023 9261 7092 or by e-mail:

subscribe@hantsastro.org

15

WHAT’S ON Border+July 2008

Talks & Events across the county line. Please check relevant website for updates and contact details.

INTECH Science Centre+ Planetarium

Winchester, HantsCost £2 per show in

addition to exhibition entryCost - £6.95 Adults

£4.65 under 14’sCheck site for schedule

www.intech-uk.com

Southdowns PlanetariumChichester, West Sussex

30 May - 27 June Various Monthly Shows

Check site for details + timesCost - £6 Adults

£4 under 16’swww.southdowns.org.uk

Basingstoke ASCliddesden, Hants

www.basingstokeas.org.uk

Farnham ASFarnham, Surrey

www.farnham-as.co.uk

Guildford ASGuildford, Surrey

www.guildfordas.org

Newbury ASNewbury, Berkshire

www.newburyas.org.uk

Worthing ASWorthing, Sussexwww.was.org.uk

Talks & Seminars

July 2008 Hampshire

Interesting local Astronomy talks take place in the County nearly every month, so please check the relevant website for any updates and contact details.

Southampton Astronomical Society10 July - Hubble HighlightsSpeaker - Christian KniggeEdmund Kell Unitarian Church Hall,Southampton - @19:30pm www.southampton-astronomical-society.org.uk Cost £2 Non-members

Hampshire Astronomical Group11 July - Observing Dwarf NovaeSpeaker - Alan SmithClanfield Memorial Hall, Clanfield - @ 19:45pm Cost £2 Non-memberswww.hantsastro.org.uk Solent Amateur Astronomers Society15 July - CosmologySpeaker - Dr Christian KaiserOaklands Community Centre, Lordshill, Southampton - @ 20:00pm Cost £2 Non-memberswww.delscope.demon.co.uk/society/home.htm

Vectis Astronomical SocietyJuly 25 - TBA Speaker Greg Smye-RumsbyNewport Parish Church Centre, Newport IOW - @ 19:30pm Cost £2 Non-memberswww.vectis-astro.org.uk

Planet+July 2008

Where the Planets are in our Solar System in May.

Table KeyRA - Right AscensionDec - DeclinationConstell. - ConstellationElongation - Angle between Sun & Planet as seen from EarthDistance - From Earth in Astro-nomical Units (AU) = 149.598M KmMagnitude - Brightness Diameter - in ArcSecondsPhase - % Visibility of object disc

All Data is based on 15th

of the month.

16

OUT THERE...Our Hampshire Sky - July 2008

The Milky Way with its mist of billions of stars can be seen stretching across the celestial sphere. The Milky Way extends in a line from the north; from Cassiopeia through to Cygnus, almost overhead and towards Sagittarius low down in the southern sky towards the horizon. On a moonless night, when your eyes are fully ‘dark adapted’ (allow 20 minutes) will reveal its glory and then have a go with a pair of binoculars!

As you look at the summer sky you will see some

‘Shooting Stars’ otherwise known as meteors. Meteors are the result of tiny grains of sand or dust-like particles that ‘burn up’ on entering in the Earths upper atmosphere. Basically there are two types of meteor, sporadic and ones that are associated with ‘showers’. Meteor showers are named after the constellation that they appear to radiate from such as Aquarius and occur during specific times of the year, this month the most active shower is that of the Delta Aquarids. Its peak of activity is on 29 July, its hourly rate is about 20 and can be seen in the southern half of the sky. Sporadic meteors on the other hand are not associated with any particular shower and are quite random.

Deneb (alpha Cygni) in the constellation of Cygnus is just over 3229 light years distant (you see the light that left it 3229 years ago!) It is a white supergiant, estimates for Deneb’s radius range from 200 to 300 times that of the Sun. It is one of the 20 brightest stars in the sky with a magnitude of 1.25. Its intrinsic brightness (about 60,000 times as luminous as the sun) is the greatest of all the bright stars. Its name is from the Arabic meaning “hen’s tail,” referring to its position in the constellation.

Hampshire is our Playground. Now it’s yours...

Objects

RA

Dec

Constell.

Elongation

Distance

Magnitude

Diameter

Phase

Sun

07h58m30s

+21°29’43”

Twins

-------

1.016 AU

-25.96

31’28”

-------

Mercury

06h30m07s

+22°50’36”

Twins

-16.0°

1.136 AU

-0.81

05”

74%

Venus

08h21m16s

+20°35’41”

Crab

-9.9°

1.698 AU

-3.80

09”

98%

Mars

10h40m08s

+09°29’17”

Lion

-45.1°

2.198 AU

1.69

04”

94%

Jupiter

19h12m43s

-22°35’51”

Archer

-173.8°

4.164 AU

-2.58

47”

99%

Saturn

10h33m07s

+10°54’53”

Lion

-43.0°

10.037 AU

0.76

16”

99%

The Moon

16h55m00s

-28°08’17”

Serpent

-142.4°

0.405 MKm

-11.53

29’31”

89%

Solar System Data for July 2008

Next Month.Review of the William Optics Megrez 90.Observing Programme 2008/9.News, Views and more info on our web site.www.hantsastro.org

If you have any suggestions for improving this star information then please e-mail:david.woods@hantsastro.org