Orionids and Telescopes

Last Monday (22 Oct 2012) the RTU Astronomical Society held an overnight observation setting to train the 1st year students in the use of the telescopes as well as to catch a glimpse of the Orionids activity. For me it was an opportunity to observe the sky from RTU using the department's different telescopes.

While the lectures were being conducted upstairs, I stayed in the quadrangle with some students to observe the moon and several deep-sky targets that were visible despite the urban skylight. Among the deep-sky targets we observed were: M57(Ring Nebula); M31(Andromeda Galaxy); M29(Open Cluster) and Albireio(Double Star); NGC 884 & 869(Double Cluster); M45(Pleiades Open Cluster); M41(Open Cluster); the famous M42(Orion Nebula); as well as several other open clusters.

As soon as the lectures were over, the students came down with the rest of the telescopes to practice assembly and alignment. This gave the first year students a chance to operate the telescopes on their own. After they were graded, they were left with some time to observe which also provided me some time to do some imaging with the 12-inch Sky-Watcher SkyLiner Dobsonian telescope, as well as via piggy-back on a refracting telescope.

World Space Week 2012

October 4-10 is the World Space Week. This year's theme is "Space for Human Safety and Security."

The World Space Week is an annual global space celebration coordinated by the Spaceweek International Association.
The World Space Week was declared in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. The event celebrates the contribution of space science and technology to improve our lives. It also marks the anniversary of two milestones in space exploration: Sputnik I(1st artificial Satellite) and the entry into force of the Treaty Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.






In line with this event here are some of the events:

The RTU Astronomical Society is organizing Star Burst - a star party. This will be held at the Rizal Technological University quadrangle on October 8, 2012 from 6:00-9:00PM. This event is open to all.

The Philippine Astronomical Society will have a Space Navigation Lecture on Oct. 4 at Mahatma Gandhi International School, Manila; and on Oct. 5 a public telescope viewing and lecture at UST Grandstand from 6-9PM.

Likewise, the UPLB Astrosoc will also be holding activities from October 8-10 at the UPLB Campus.

And on the last day, there will be a Grand Star Party at the UP Sunken Garden (Oct. 10) from 8pm onwards. [Pre-registration required].

Observation of Venus Transit

Despite cloudy forecasts, astronomers and astro-enthusiasts from all over the Philippines were able to take their glimpse of the last Venus transit of our generation. Also, the media gave a wide coverage of the event - which goes to show the growing interest of the public for astronomy.

I observed the Transit of Venus (TOV) from the University of the Philippines College of Science Amphitheater with the joint collaboration of the university based astronomical societies (Rizal Technological University, UP, & UPLB) in partnership with DOST-PAGASA and the Australian Embassy. The sky was partly cloudy during the event and the sun was concealed every now and then, but still we were able to witness the TOV.

The imaging teams

Dr. Perry Esguerra gives a talk on the TOV

The joint collaboration of astronomical societies

RTU AstroSoc team

My Transit of Venus image taken via MicroObservatory

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