International Sun-Day Report

Participants pose beside the telescopes

The Solar Observation Program (SOP) in cooperation with the RTU Astronomical Society had a setup in the quadrangle of Rizal Technological University. We setup two telescopes for the public observation: a Sky-Watcher SkyLiner 200P with a black polymer filter and a Lunt LS60THa Solar Telescope. For most of the participants it was their first time to look through an H-alpha telescope to view the Sun. Several freshmen students were present as well who have never experienced solar observations. Solar glasses from the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project were also distributed by SOP member Margareth Custodio. The sky was generally clear although a few clouds rolled in every once in a while.

Students viewing the Sun through the CBSAP solar glasses

Students taking turns peeking at the Sun

Teaching how an H-alpha telescope works

 After the public observation we proceeded to the astro-auditorium to watch Star, an episode from BBC's Planets. The film Star discussed concepts about our own star and how our understanding of it has developed through the years. It was followed by a Q&A where students opened up their questions regarding the Sun.

Astronomy students pose for a group shot after the film showing.

Afterwards the group proceeded with lunch and some members came along to join forces with another participating partner in Rajah Sulayman park - the Astronomical League of the Philippines.

The setup of ALP at Rajah Sulayman park

-Norman Marigza

Head, Solar Observation Program

Hello Mars

Last Sunday, we were at Rajah Solayman Park to hold a public viewing of Mars. This is a project of the Astronomers Without Borders in collaboration with Sidewalk Astronomers. The activity was entitled “Beauty Without Borders: Hello Red Planet” where observers all around the globe set their scopes on the streets to let people get a glimpse of the red planet during its closest approach/opposition.

The opposition is the time when the Sun, the Earth, and a superior planet (planets orbiting beyond Earth’s orbit) are aligned making the planet visible the entire night. In this scenario, the planet will rise just as the Sun will set, and will set just as the planet will rise. This is also when the planet is closest to Earth, making it the best time to observe it.

A lot of people passing by came to take a glimpse of Mars through our telescopes. We had 5 telescopes set up to look at Mars for that evening. Unfortunately, there were some clouds covering Mars every now and then so we let the people view the Moon during those periods.

NAW Closing Ceremonies

Dr. Jett Aguilar gives a talk on Solar Imaging

Christopher Go shares the secrets of planetary imaging

From left: Cutting edge representative, Christopher Lu, Ruby dela Cruz, Norman Marigza, John Cabrera, Christopher Go, Dr. Jett Aguilar, Pauline Divinagracia, James Ty, Dr. Armando Lee, Andrew Chan

RTU AstroSoc

John Ray Cabrera talks about dark matter and dark energy

RTU AstroSoc with ALP

My talk on threats we face from the universe

Astrophysicist Dr. Reinabelle Reyes listening to the talks

ALPers in a wacky shot

NAW-PAC 2012

Here are some of the activites for the National Astronomy Week - Philippine Astronomy Congress for the year 2012 in line with ALP and RTU:

RTU:
Lecture: "The Birth and Death of the Milky Way" by Reinabelle P. Reyes, Ph.D. from Princeton University.
February 14, 2012

National Museum Planetarium:
Opening Ceremony. 19 Feb 2012
Film showing: "Doomsday 2012: End of Days"
Planetarium show: opening of "Starry Starry Nights"
Lectures:
"A Guide to knowing the truth about 2012 End of Days Scenario" Dr. Armando Lee
"Messier Observing Strategies" Peter Tubalinal
"Sky Observations with Celestron SkyScout" Christopher Lee

To be followed by public viewing at Rajah Solayman Park



Astrocamp/MOA:
24 Feb 2012. Free Public Viewing.


RTU:
Closing Ceremony. 25 Feb 2012.
Lectures:
"Dark Matter, Dark Energy and the Fate of the Universe" John Ray Cabrera
"White Light & H-alpha Solar Imaging" Dr. Jett Aguilar
"Tips and Secrets of Planetary Imaging" Christopher Go
"The State of Philippine Astronomy" Dr. Jesus Torres

alternate lecture: "When the Universe Attacks" Reuel Norman Marigza, Jr.

To be followed by Free Public Viewing
at RTU Quadrangle

Little Red Shinning Moon - An Eclipse Experience

Today was a wonderful experience for me since I was able to observe the first Total Lunar Eclipse of 2011. I was one of the participants in the RED MOON event at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center (SDC) in the SM Mall of Asia. The event began with a film showing in the Planetarium at the SDC entitled Passport to the Universe. It was my first time at the SDC and I enjoyed the beautiful planetarium experience. Following the film showing was the lecture discussion by Dr. Armando Lee, the first Philippine produced astronomer and proprietor of the Astrocamp Observatory. Dr. Lee is a contact of mine in Astronomy via the web and it was the first time we met face-to-face. He even recognized me and called me by name which kinda made me feel very fortunate that evening. The lecture discussion covered details of the eclipse, why it happens and what we expect to see. After the lecture we were served pizza and drinks before proceeding to the Astrocamp Observatory in the SM By the Bay (San Miguel Boulevard). The Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP) were already assembling their gear there to do some serious astrophotography. Some of them were contacts and facebook friends who, like Dr. Lee,I was able to meet face-to-face for the very first time. One of them was James Kevin Ty, president of ALP who was also able to recognize me. Also members of the media were there to cover the event; first was Bandila from ABS-CBN, followed by HERO, and then GMA.
I was even given a short interview by HERO, unfortunately I don't have cable to see it. While this was happening in MOA I was also in keeping contact with other observers: Erika Valdueza in Quezon City, and Greg Morales (proffesional photographer) and Nina Abiquibil (BS Physics) in their respective sites in Negros
I was also able to chat with Dr. Lee and his wife about astronomy, observing experiences, astrophotography and the dealings of a observatory such as the Astrocamp. Dr. Lee even allowed me to teach a bit of stargazing tricks to members of the SDC.

Aside from the wonderful RED MOON event, I was also able to purchase Firefly Books' MOONWATCH, a complete starter set for lunar observations. I got it in Booksale for only 40Php right after I got the ticket for the eclipse. Talk about coincidence and good fortune, God is so good! During the night of the REDMOON while waiting for the event to start, my heart's MVP started acting up from the excitement. I'm glad everything turned out alright.

We were able to have good sky conditions of the eclipse except during moonset around 10 degrees from the horizon. It was my first time to observe all the stages including the penumbral stage which is less visible. This isn't my first total lunar eclipse observation but so far this was the best! Like what D. Levy says in his book, don't keep a "been there, done that" attitude in astronomy because each observing experience is unique. Each new observation, especially with a new group, is a new learning experience - Astronomy, I love it!

photo by Greg Morales from Negros

with Dr. Armando Lee, giving my astropainting to him.

Moonwatch set at 40Php

1st Philippine Astronomy Convention

The Astronomical League of the Philippines (ALP) will be having the very first Philippine Astronomy Convention. This will be held in the Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong, on February 15, 2009. EVERYONE is invited to attend!

You can download the invitation at:
http://www.astroleaguephils.org/pac_2009.pdf