{"id":30928,"date":"2022-04-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=30928"},"modified":"2022-04-29T14:10:34","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T14:10:34","slug":"interactive-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/2022\/04\/21\/interactive-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Interactive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Emails \u2013 Letters \u2013 Tweets \u2013 Facebook \u2013 Instagram \u2013 Kit questions<\/p>\n\n

Email us at inbox@skyatnightmagazine.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n

MESSAGE OF THE MONTH<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ted in space!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Freya\u2019s Space Ted takes a giant leap<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My name is Freya. I am nine years old and a Brownie Guide. For my Brownie space badge I had to learn some constellations, make a sunspot viewer from a cardboard box and design a spacesuit. I chose to do a spacesuit for my teddy bear, Padstow. I made it out of recycled cardboard, foil and pie dishes. To look like Space Ted was floating in space, we showed a picture on the TV that my grandpa took, hung Padstow in front of the TV and took a photo. I hope you like it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freya <\/strong>Hunt, <\/strong>Cheshire <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s a fantastic spacesuit Padstow is wearing, Freya, and a very imaginative way to present him against your grandpa\u2019s picture. Your space badge has been well-earned! \u2013 Ed. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n

This month\u2019s top prize: two Philip\u2019s titles<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

The \u2018Message of the Month\u2019 writer will receive a bundle of two top titles courtesy of astronomy publisher Philip\u2019s: Nigel Henbest\u2019s Stargazing 2022 <\/em>and Robin Scagell\u2019s Guide to the Northern Constellations<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Winner\u2019s details will be passed on to Octopus Publishing to fulfil the prize<\/p>\n\n

\n\n

Trail finder<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"\"
Why did a satellite trail appear \u2018wobbly\u2019 on 26 February?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

I wonder if anyone can help me with a picture I captured during an imaging session on 26 February 2022 at around 22:08, with a 120-second exposure. My imaging target at the time was the Jellyfish Nebula, IC443, but I noticed one of the satellite trails veers sharply upwards in the image before going wobbly and ending in what also looks like a nebula. I wonder if inadvertently I have captured a dying satellite falling towards Earth? I would appreciate any help with this as my curiosity is intense.
Robert Bowers, via email<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

On the right track<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

After reading the article about how the Milky Way got its name on your website (bit.ly\/37ODFSz<\/a>) I wanted to offer the following thoughts. The two composite words of \u2018galaxy\u2019 are Greek, unlike Latin: \u0393\u0391\u039b\u0391 (gala) = milk and \u0391\u039e\u03a9\u039d (axion) = axis. \u2018Planet\u2019 comes from the Greek \u03a0\u039b\u0391\u039d\u0397\u03a4\u0397\u03a3 (planetes), which is the adjective of the Greek \u03a0\u039b\u0391\u039d\u0397 (plane) = fallacy, delusion, errancy; which I imagine is down to a planet\u2019s track in the sky not being constant, unlike the Sun or Moon\u2019s. It is the same root as \u2018aeroplane\u2019, another object whose track is also not constant.
George Vakos, via email<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Space rock!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"\"
Stephen pays tribute to asteroid 4749 LedZeppelin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Recently, I set an interesting project for myself. Early on, newly discovered asteroids were named after Roman gods or Greek mythological creatures, but as the numbers grew into the thousands, naming asteroids required a wider range of sources. That\u2019s why there\u2019s a list of asteroids named after celebrities, sports figures and musicians.<\/p>\n\n

I chose to find and image 4749 LedZeppelin, which is nearly 26,000 times fainter than the dimmest star you can see with the naked eye. Here\u2019s what I came up with (above).
Stephen LaFlamme, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

A bright star<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Do you know the meaning of Sirius? I would like to tell my grandson the meaning of his name. His birthday is coming up and I thought it would be special if I could let him know where his name comes from. He is a very bright star in my life.
Yvonne Sawyer-Bailey, via email<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

What a wonderful birthday gift, Yvonne! If he\u2019s a bright star in your life you\u2019ll be happy to know that the word Sirius means \u2018glowing\u2019 in ancient Greek. As it is the brightest star in the sky, the ancients probably thought it was a good title. It\u2019s also known as \u2018the \u2018Dog Star\u2019 as it is in the constellation of Canis Majoris, the Big Dog. <\/span>\u2013 Ed.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n

Waiting for his ball<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"\"
Pickle the dog waits to see Canis Minor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

This is my dog \u2018Pickle\u2019 (pictured above) patiently waiting for Canis Minor, the Lesser Dog to appear! Pickle is a Sprocker, a Springer-Cocker cross and he particularly likes to accompany me when I am observing from our drive.<\/p>\n\n

Pickle\u2019s favourite thing is a tennis ball and since he saw a full Moon, he has been convinced it is one in the sky \u2013 but out of reach for reasons he cannot fathom. I like to think Pickle believes I am trying to get it down for him!
C Paul Lyttle, Moniaive, Scotland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\n

Tweet<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Gill Prince @GillPrincePhoto \u2022 Mar 18 <\/span>
Such a fab moonrise this evening over #MiltonKeynes \u2013 and yes, it really was that colour! @SES_Satellites @scenesfromMK @BBCStargazing @skyatnightmag<\/span><\/p>\n\n

On Facebook<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

WE ASKED: Would you like to visit a settlement on the Moon? How would you spend your time?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Stephen Dink Williams <\/strong>Obviously I would tell Elvis to go home because everyone is missing him. <\/p>\n\n

Martin <\/strong>Bailey <\/strong>Not particularly. I love a party with a heavy atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n

Kevin Nolan <\/strong>I\u2019d take a few \u2018choice\u2019 world leaders who seem to be lacking some badly needed global perspective. <\/p>\n\n

Emma <\/strong>Hugo <\/strong>Yes I would love to go with my fellow star lady Carol Miller. I have a keen eye for all things geology so I would probably be looking at the ground and I\u2019m sure Carol would be taking pictures of Earth. I would love to jump into a crater. <\/p>\n\n

Carol <\/strong>Miller <\/strong>I would like to go before it becomes too much of a junkyard and too busy. Being on the Moon and being able to see Earth would be out of this world. Sorry for the pun. <\/p>\n\n

Bob Kelly <\/strong>My wife and I love to travel together. We\u2019d go out on excursions \u2013 perhaps to Hadley Rille for the towering, scenic mountains and to see (from a distance) the Lunar Rover and Lunar Module decent stage left behind.<\/p>\n\n

Instagram<\/h4>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

scotiaastrouk \u2022 20 Mar 2022
<\/strong>Said a quick \u2018hello\u2019 to our next door neighbour after a successful imaging session\u2026be rude not to\u2026
@bbcskyatnightmag @skywatcherusa @sky_watcher_official @zwoasi<\/p>\n\n

\n\n

SOCIETY IN FOCUS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

In 2020 Hampshire Astronomical Group (HAG) celebrated its 60th anniversary. We launched a book and video documenting the dedication of members in constructing our three observatories and creating the training, research and educational programmes run by our volunteers today.<\/p>\n\n

HAG\u2019s expertise and scientific credentials were enhanced greatly by the commissioning of its 24-inch Ritchey-Chr\u00e9tien telescope in 2014. This helps members with their research interests, which include spectroscopy; video and radar detection of meteors; participating in the citizen-science project Hunting Outbursting Young Stars (HOYS); confirming the orbits of near-Earth objects; detecting exoplanets; and general astrophotography.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"
A 2019 solar spectroscopy session led by Hampshire Astronomical Group\u2019s Chair Steve Broadbent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

The COVID-19 lockdowns caused minimal disruption to our weekly talks and monthly lectures, thanks to Zoom keeping members connected and astronomically engaged. We introduced a new digital membership, offering remote participation and, after installing a ventilation system, we began hybrid meetings with members joined by digital attendees.<\/p>\n\n

Our educational activities are as popular as ever. The beginner\u2019s astronomy course, mentoring sessions with University of Portsmouth students, public open evenings and group visits have all resumed at the observatory. Plus, we supported the University\u2019s virtual stargazing event and the South Downs Dark Skies Festival.<\/p>\n\n

Finally, spring 2022 sees our monthly public lectures returning to Clanfield Memorial Hall with an exciting speaker line-up, including Professors Jim Al-Khalili and Chris Lintott, open to live and digital audiences. Who knows what the next 60 years will bring! <\/p>\n\n

Sarah O\u2019Brien-Twohig, HAG Publicity Coordinator > https:\/\/hantsastro.org.uk<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
\n

Scope Doctor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Our equipment specialist, Steve Richards, cures your optical ailments and technical maladies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email your queries to scopedoctor@skyatnightmagazine.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

I have a Celestron NexStar Evolution Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, which I use with Baader Hyperion and Morpheus eyepieces. Can I use these with my Canon Ti5 Rebel DSLR camera? <\/strong><\/em> YVONNE BENNETT<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The hidden eyepiece thread allows an adaptor to be attached <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

These eyepieces can be used with a DSLR camera as you suggest, but they cannot be used with a DSLR on its own as the eyepieces still need to be inserted into a telescope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the Baader Hyperion and Morpheus eyepiece ranges have an unusual design element: they have a \u2018hidden\u2019 M43 thread under the rubber eyecup. This thread allows for the attachment of a Baader M43\/T2 Adaptor, which makes it possible for any T2-to-camera adaptor and, therefore, a camera to be attached to the top of the eyepiece. This opens the way for image projection, where light coming through the scope and eyepiece is projected into the camera body for it to be recorded on the sensor, producing a magnified image.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extension tubes to alter the amount of magnification are available from Baader, Bresser, Celestron and Svbony. You will also need a T2-to-Canon adaptor for your Ti5 Rebel DSLR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
Steve\u2019s top tip <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Why do I need counterweights? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An altaz mount moves perfectly, both horizontally and vertically, so the weight of the telescope remains immediately above the mount. However, if you use an equatorial mount, one of the axes \u2013 the right ascension (RA) axis \u2013 is tilted at an angle to match your latitude. This important change in orientation places the weight of the telescope off to one side of the RA axis. It\u2019s therefore necessary to place a counterweight on an extension bar on the opposite side of the RA axis to exactly balance the weight of the telescope and stop it from rotating downwards under the effect of gravity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Richards is a keen astro imager and an astronomy equipment expert<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Emails \u2013 Letters \u2013 Tweets \u2013 Facebook \u2013 Instagram \u2013 Kit questions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":31230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","purple_page_number":"20","purple_custom_meta_purple_page_number":"20","purple_seq_number":"1","purple_custom_meta_purple_seq_number":"1","purple_source_article":"article_20-1.xml","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_article":"article_20-1.xml","purple_source_issue":"May-2022","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_issue":"May-2022","purple_external_id":"May-2022-20-1","purple_custom_meta_purple_external_id":"May-2022-20-1","purple_issue_code":"|0000086552||","purple_custom_meta_purple_issue_code":"|0000086552||","purple_android_product":"com.im.skyatnight.204","purple_custom_meta_purple_android_product":"com.im.skyatnight.204","purple_ios_product":"com.im.skyatnight.204","purple_custom_meta_purple_ios_product":"com.im.skyatnight.204","purple_web_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_web_product":"","purple_publication_id":"075fab74-0a21-4201-866a-899d6c41c40c","purple_migrated":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[14],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"8","apple_news_title":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7.jpg",2048,1535,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7-300x225.jpg",300,225,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7-768x576.jpg",768,576,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7-1024x768.jpg",800,600,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7-1536x1151.jpg",1536,1151,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/77\/2022\/04\/52H416591N10T4L4OP1OJSVKM5E7.jpg",2048,1535,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Emails \u2013 Letters \u2013 Tweets \u2013 Facebook \u2013 Instagram \u2013 Kit questions","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30928"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30928"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30928\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32135,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30928\/revisions\/32135"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}