Hodgson Observatory

On February 21 the Sioux Empire Astronomy Club (SEAC) gathering will be held at Hodgson Observatory in rural Beresford, SD, weather permitting. Plan to arrive between 6 and 8 p.m. Dress warmly! In the event we are clouded out we are reserving February 28 as the make-up date. Mark your calendars. (The March New Moon Gathering will also be held here on March 28.)

Adverse weather this month again hindered our observing efforts with a mid-month snowstorm and frequent clouds and high winds. The New Moon Saturday gathering met for a pot luck supper and we had a number of good discussions about equipment and observing. Unfortunately, the winds and clouds again prevented our observing.

 Solar disk observations made with the 203mm (8-inch) reflector on April 7 and 26 showed no sunspots visible. A few spots have been reported, but are gone when we can look. April was both a cloudy and windy month!

There were only two extended night-time observing sessions in the month. On April 13/14, JJ (John Johnson) came down from Sioux Falls with Joe Brown bringing JJ’s 508mm (20-inch) Obsession telescope. JJ observed a gibbous Moon in the sky along with Mars, Saturn, and the brighter globular clusters. Two impressive planetary nebulae that he saw, in spite of moonlight, were NGC 3203, “the Ghost of Jupiter” in Hydra and NGC 6542, “the Cat’s Eye” in Draco, whose central star dazzled like a diamond. Dick also viewed brighter globular clusters: M3 in Cannes Venatici, M53 in Coma Berenices, and M13 in Hercules.

On April 19 (CDT date) Dick, observing alone, spent over two hours viewing the Saturn system in detail, seeing classic satellites Enceladus out through Titan, all in spite of a very bright full Moon. It was good to have temperatures above freezing!

Observing efforts were hindered by continued adverse weather, including snowstorms, extensive cloud and high winds. The New Moon Saturday gathering, like those of the previous three months, was not held in March.

 Solar disc observations made with the 203mm (8-inch) reflector on March 12 and 13 showed no sunspots visible. There were a few other sunny days in March, but they were days when it was either too windy to observe or had priority items scheduled.

There was only one extended nitht-time observing session in March. That was on the evening of March 10 (CDT date). At low power conditions were good, but mediocre  at high power that night. John Johnson (“JJ”) used his 120mm Newtonian with GoTo at ~50x to observe Saturn and 27 Messier objects and a few NGC objects. Dick Hodgson used his 635mm Obsession in the Main Observatory at both 84.6x and 201x to view Mars and its Syrtis Major, followed by Saturn. Its classic satellites from Mimas out through Titan were all identified. A few Messier objects were also examined with the big scope.

On Wednesday night, October 10, John Johnson (“JJ”), Paul Daugaard, and Leon Lewis  joined Dick Hodgson for a memorable night at Hodgson Observatory. While the two previous nights had been very calm, very dark and very clear, this night was to be the best, probably the best night of 2007, at least so far!

Participants all rated transparency excellent — with darkness adaptation one could see stars almost to 7th magnitude. Seeing was above average to good, a 7 or 8 out of 10 in my opinion.

JJ warded off dew and later light frost from his equipment with several ingenious heating devices. I observed in the Wide-Sky Observatory first with the 203mm reflector for two hours until dew began to be a problem, enjoying good views of Jupiter, M31 (the Great Andromeda Galaxy), M45 (the Pleiades star cluster), and M92, (a fine globular cluster in Hercules). The Wide-Sky Observatory was then closed down, and I opened the Main Observatory roof which had been previously prepared for opening. The big Obsession gave superior views of several of these Messier objects until frost forced closing the roof at 3 a.m. Sometimes two observatories can be better than one — although a lot can be said for JJ’s mini-heaters, and they cost less.

For sheer productivity, JJ’s Obsession had a terrific night. Highlights included superb views of M31,  M33 (the Pinwheel Galaxy in Triangulum), M13 (the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules), NGC 6173 in the remote Hercules Galaxy Super-cluster (~ 450 million light years distant), fine details of the Veil Nebula in Cygnus never seen by us before, excellent detail of the Trapezium mini-cluster in Orion, among many others. The icing on the cake for all of us was our first clear observation of the Horsehead Nebula in Orion, a famous dark nebula, using a Hydrogen Beta filter!  Thanks, JJ!

Observing continued until about 3:45 a.m. when clouds arrived.

The 2007 South Dakota Star Party (the “SDSP”) was a great success with a total attendance of at least 45 people. Conducted by the Sioux Empire Astronomy Club (SEAC) here at Hodgson Observatory, the program began on Friday, September 7 with set-up and solar observations. Unfortunately the solar disc was blank, but the skies were clear, and a lot of discussion filled the air. After supper Friday night, we had beautiful views of the Milky Way, although well after midnight the dew began to accumulate on telescope optics.Our newly completed 8 x 10 foot Wide-Sky Observatory, its roof opening and closing problems solved by additional and improved counter weighting, was ready for inspection. Unfortunately, amid the many preparations for the SDSP, we did not have time to get the 8-inch telescope’s GoTo drive up and running. It is wonderful, however, to be able to see from horizon to horizon along the celestial equator in the night sky!

Saturday, September 8, mid-morning clouds moved upon us (although we got some good views of the rising crescent moon and Venus at dawn). The SDSP continued buoyed by a weather forecast promising some clearing about sundown.

We had a lot of informal discussions on astronomy through the day, and excellent meals together. As the Sun set, the skies cleared as promised. Two vans of astronomy students from Dordt College joined us, and everyone got busy looking at deep sky objects with a variety of telescopes ranging up to 25-inch aperture. For about two hours we had clear sky until suddenly, without warning, a low blanket of cloud cut off all photons from space. We all wondered what had happened. Cloud remained all night, but we all enjoyed a great “Astronomer’s Breakfast” on Sunday morning.  While we would have enjoyed more hours of clear night sky, the 2007 South Dakota Star Party was a great experience, and many friendships were deepened. We all look forward to next year!

At the New Moon Saturday gathering last night sponsored by the Sioux Empire Astronomy (SEAC) 13 of us enjoyed memorable observing. Everyone present had a grand time observing and interacting!  The evening and overnight sky was only occasionally and briefly interrupted by cloud. High humidity and temperature declined as a weak cold front moved through in the evening. While astronomical seeing was generally average (~ 7/10), especially after midnight conditions were cloudless, largely windless, and dark.

REMINDER: THE NEXT NEW MOON SATURDAY NIGHT GATHERING will be held at Hodgson Observatory, Beresford, SD, on August 11, weather permitting.  Plan now to attend!

Subject: Grand Time at SEAC New Moon Saturday NightFrom the many delighted comments we had from the 15 people who were able to attend the SEAC New Moon Saturday night gathering, a grand time was had by all!  As predicted most of the clouds and all of the threatening weather passed away from our rural Hodgson Observatory site by early evening, and we had a good night of until about 12:30 a.m. CDT when the sky began to be covered with thin diffuse cloud. There was a lot of useful discussion on astronomy and equipment, and help given generously to help those with instrument problems. A few of us hung on until after 2 a.m., seeing bright targets (like Jupiter) through thin clouds.  Thanks to all who helped to make it a delightful time!

Subject: S.E.A.C. Almost Full Moon Skywatch

The S.E.A.C has had some discussion lately about doing something different. In the past we have avoided viewing except on New Moon weekends. Last night, Saturday 4/28/07, we gathered at Hodgson Observatory to view the nearly full Moon and available planets . The weather was very favorable.We had Lunar map hand outs to locate features on the Moon. Jim Morris was the “Lunar Leader”, helping to locate and guide viewers to interesting areas of the Moon. 

John, Fernando, Jim & Anita came early to install a computer imaging system in the observatory and teach the Hodgsons how to use it.  Others in the group were giving a try at CCD imaging of Venus, Saturn, Moon, and maybe some Globular clusters. We were getting some practice in the Moon light, where computer glare is not an issue on a New Moon Weekend. Those interested continued to observe while we went through our learning curve. We still have a lot to learn!!

It was something different and a lot of fun!

Thanks guys & gals for making last night, an “Almost-Full Moon Observing Session” such a joy & success last night. We sure had a great time.

Subject: Hodgson Observatory Notes: 2007 Apr. 14/15 UT 

Hi Gang!Last evening & night (April 14-15 CDT) we had one of the best and grandest times at the New Moon Saturday Night gathering ever!  We had at least 15 Sioux Empire Astronomy Club (SEAC) members and friends in attendance. I say “at least” for I might have missed counting one or two others in the dark. The sky was totally clear all night, the wind slight, seeing was good but not exceptional (~ 7 or 8 on a 10 scale) most of the time. Sky transparency was ~ 6.0 and quite dark except for farm lights for the most part on the horizon. Everyone attending was really excited to be participating, making it the best  time since last year’s annual Star Party. Refreshments members brought were much appreciated.

Observing (in a way) began at 4:31 p.m. CDT (21:31 UT) when the 635mm (25-inch) Observatory telescope turned on SATURN. Unfortunately, although Saturn was probably then in the field of view, bright sunlight in the observer’s eyes prevented seeing the pale non-stellar image. That telescope was left tracking through dinnertime.

After supper, with the arrival of a few other SEAC members, the Observatory telescope was turned upon SIRIUS ~ 0h 00m on April 15 UT. As a bright point image Sirius was immediately seen with the 38mm eyepiece at 84.6x. The SUN was well above the horizon at the time. About 0h 30m UT that telescope returned to observe Saturn, and its pale disc with rings, Cassini’s division, and a surficial dusky band on the planet itself were are well seen. Saturn’s image was very steady at 84.6x, and still fairly good at 201x which was also used. All who had arrived early had a chance to observe Sirius and Saturn in the broad daylight — it was the first time I had ever done that with these particular objects. Wow!

But the night was just beginning. A variety of instruments were present.  Fiona Hammersmith, now age 9, displayed her  fine new 4.5-inch Newtonian reflector, enjoying views of Venus, Saturn, etc.  Jim & Anita Morris showed us “THE WHALE GALAXY” (NGC 4631) an object new to us that deserves revisitation. It was mentioned in Astronomy magazine for 2007 April. Paul Daugaard and Teresa Peterson showed us a device that identifies particular stars by name when you point to them, an act of sheer magic!  John Johnson, Rein Vander Hill, and Scott Rysdon all set up their large Dobsonians and shared great deep sky views too numerous to mention. Brook Moyer, about to move to SW Colorado, was present for his  last deep sky observations with us for a while. Others present asked good questions, sparked discussions, and did more casual viewing on their own. It was marvelous.I can only describe in some detail things observed with the 635mm Obsession > telescope on this night. All were seen with the 84.6x (38mm) eyepiece; some were viewed additionally at 201x with a 16mm Brandon Orthoscopic eyepiece where higher resolution was desired. Views were offered to all persons present. Exact times of observation of the following were not logged — this was more an asthetic experience than a strictly scientific one. Here is the list:

1. In astronomical twilight, Saturn showed at least five satellites at 201x.

2. We then turned to NGC 2903, a fine spiral galaxy in Leo about 30,000,000 light years distant. It is an old favorite of mine, one Messier missed. I understand it is now called “the HOTSPOT GALAXY.”  Cf. “Astronomy Magazine, April 2007, p. 54.

3. Viewing M95, M96 and M105, three galaxies in Leo, followed. All are about  26,000,000 light years from us.

4. Shifting the telescope from Leo to Canes Venatici, attention focused on the magnificent spiral “WHIRLPOOL GALAXY” (M51) and its lesser companion  NGC5195 which were well seen.

5. A little farther south in CVn M63, the spiral “SUNFLOWER GALAXY” followed. According to S.J. O’Meara it is 23 million light years distant.

6. Near the southern border of CVn was the very impressive globular star cluster M3. It was given a closer look at 201x, and was well resolved at that. It is in our own Milky Way Galaxy, 32,000 light years distant.

7. Later in the night, after a break, we observed three globular clusters in Hercules. The first of these was the least impressive and probably most distant, NGC 5466. This was followed by M13, 23,400 light years distant and gleaming with ~ 500,000 stars, generally recognized as the most impressive globular cluster in the Northern Hemisphere, and it was that at 201x! The third was M92 25,400 light years distant, at 201x almost as fine as M13. Sky conditions remained clear.

8. After 6h UT (1 a.m. CDT) a few intrepid observers continued. The 635mm telescope was used to examine the impressive globular star cluster M5 in Serpens Caput at 84.6x and 201x. Wow!

9. Then came a look at the famous RING NEBULA (M57) in Lyra, a distant star in our galaxy that exploded a few thousand years ago to form planetary nebula. At 201x it was impressive, but its central star was not seen.

10. Finally, JUPITER was observed briefly low in the SE with about half aperture. The seeing was very poor, and the atmospheric bands were not at all steady. The poor quality was a surprise, not being seen earlier. The four Galilean satellites were all seen.Observing ceased at 2:30 a.m. CDT (07h 30m UT) for the 635mm (25-inch) Dobsonian telescope. Temperature was then ~ 29 F, mild for a clear April night.Our next SEAC “New Moon Saturday Night” will be on May 19 here at Hodgson  Observatory. Plan to attend if you can!Dick Hodgson

Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2007 8:16 PM
Subject: Correction of Notes of 2007 April 14-15 UT Hi again Gang! Sorry to bother you, but an error in the Hodgson Observatory Notes for the 2007 April 14-15 session needs correction:  I wrote  “7. Later in the night, after a break, we observed three globular clusters in Hercules. The first of these was the least impressive and probably most distant, NGC 5466.”
 
 NGC 5466 IS the object observed, but it is NOT in Hercules, but in Bootes. There are three globular clusters in Hercules, but the faintest, least impressive and least known of the Hercules trio is NGC 6229 which I observed last summer and fall but not last night. I am sorry for the error. I discovered the error when I was checking some star charts this evening.