Field Notes

Ethyl Formate

Ok, so its a bit of a “media catch phrase;” however, according to recent work done by the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, a recent IRAM survey of Sagittarius B2 indicated the presence of Ethyl Formate.  Planck Institute astronomer Arnaud Belloche said “It does happen to give raspberries their flavour, but there are many other molecules that are needed to make space raspberries.”  Apparently, it has the odor of rum too.  The quote is from an article at Utv but MSNBC has a less sensationalized article.

The research leading up to this discovery was part of a radio astronomy search for amino acids, the building blocks of proteins and life.

Details of the research can be found in the next issue of Astronomy & Astrophysics.

This has got to be one of the most wicked cool amateur hobby events I have ever seen. My Dad was an engineer on Apollo 11. I wish he had lived to see this.

Galileo ExhibitIn the event you have not heard yet, the Galileo exhibit is currently showing at the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA.  This appears to be a very cool opportunity to see some of Galileo’s actual instruments.  The exhibit runs from April 4 - September 7.  Ticket prices Adults: $20.75Seniors: $19.75; Children: $14 (ages 4-11).  Advanced tickets are recommended.

Tycho Fact #1: Most people know that Tycho lost a considerable piece of his nose in a duel.  Did you know it was by the broadsword of his third cousin Manderup Parsberg and believed to be over Tycho’s announcement that an eclipse on October 28, 1566 predicted the death of Suleiman the Great, a Turkish sultan.  What Tycho did not know was Suleiman six months before.  This became an embarrassing situation for Tycho and source of levity for Parsberg.

Tycho Fact #2: Some of Tycho’s first measyrments were done by lining up a planet with two stars on a taut piece of string.

To learn more about Tycho, I recommend the book Tycho & Kepler, The Unlikely Partnership that forever changed our understanding of the heavens. Kitty Ferguson. Walker Publishing Company.

The Great Experiment

If you are one of the few people who visit me here at Stargazer’s Field, you will know that I don’t blog too often.  This is a byproduct of an INSANE schedule.  So, since my schedule won’t change, I have decided to try a new blogging experiment.  Rather than try to write a long, deeply insightful blog (have they been?) I am going to try micro-blogging.  (Hey if that term catches on, you saw it here first.)  Small one paragraph, two max blogs.  I know this isn’t anything new, but its new for me.

Wish me luck.

As most people in the amateur astronomy community are aware, Saturday April 4, 2009 was the 100 Hours of Astronomy event of the International Year of Astronomy.  At the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. several local amateur and professional astronomers gathered to assist the museum staff with celebrating the event and providing public outreach, education, and awareness.  Several tables were setup in the main entance lobby.  Tables volunteers provided information about the IYA in general, schedules of weekend events hosted by local astronomy clubs, equipment displays, dark sky awareness, hands-on-projects for kids, and solar observing.

Amateurs display the tools of their hobby.

Dr. Glen Wahlgren, of Goddard Space Flight Center, speaks to the public about IYA.

Because of the absolutely fabulous weather in D.C. Saturday the solar observing was fantastic through the C14 with a white light filter and through the piggy-backed refractor with a calcium filter.

Solar Observing at NASM

A hands-on table provided kids a chance to build a small two-lens refractor or a pocket solar clock.

Kids get a chance to build a telescope!

Visitors were treated to a panel discussion by Dr. David Devorkin and music by an a Capella group.

What an awesome day!

So my uber scientist Alex (9) is REALLY into genetics and DNA.  For his independant study research project he buit this very cool DNA double helix.  Its even the correct ratio for the twist.  Thank you to Eric Harshbarger for the helpful guidance.

Lego DNA Helix