It Must Be Astronomical

The loaner program offers members a means to try scopes of various sizes and technologies before you buy. For more information please see the loaner program web page: http://www.sjaa.net/loaners

The Golden State Star Party (formerly Shingletown Star Party) will again be held in Adin, California. Early registration is $60 and registration is now open. After March 30, the fee will increase to $70. On-site registration will be $75. For more information, see http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org.

Q: If we want to nudge the asteroid known as Apophis because it might hit the earth in 2036, what is the delta V (change in velocity of the asteroid) that is needed?

A: Simulations show that if the change is made before Apophis’ near Earth approach in 2029, the necessary delta V is a few thousandths of an inch per hour. For many reasons a nuclear bomb would not work. (“Death From the Skies”, Phil Plait, pg. 25)

Golden State Star Party, July 10-14, Adin, California. See GSSP Info elsewhere on this page.

SETIcon - Aug. 13-15, Santa Clara. SETIcon will offer fascinating and fun panels about astrobiology and SETI research, with speakers ranging from SETI Institute scientists to science fiction actors. We’ll have four simultaneous program tracks: general sessions, hard-core science, education/family activities, and individual sessions. In the individual sessions, you can pose your questions directly to speakers such as scientist Jill Tarter or actor Tim Russ. For more info go to: http://www.seticon.com/

CalStar - Oct. 7-10. http://www.observers.org/CalStar/

“I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is among elementary school youngsters than among college students. ” - Carl Sagan