Written by Brenda M. Shaw, Toronto on Sun, 2007/06/17
The astronomical community welcomes a new book on variable stars by the RASC's most esteemed expert on the subject, Dr. John Percy. Understanding Variable Stars (ISBN 9780521232531) was published this spring by Cambridge University Press. In Dr. Percy's own words:
Written by ames Edgar, Regina on Sun, 2007/06/10
After a lot of hard work and dedication, Catherine Berry has produced an excellent Annual Report, in collaboration with Bonnie Bird and James Edgar.
Written by Gary Boyle, Ottawa on Sun, 2007/06/03
The Herdsman and the Snake
Sometimes known as the Hunter or the Ploughman, the constellations Bootes is most commonly referred as the Herdsman. Taking on the appearance of a giant celestial kite souring amongst the stars, this constellation holds one very bright star. To locate it, following the stars in the Big Dipper’s handle which arcs down to the star Arcturus. This K0 supergiant shines 113 times brighter than our Sun and emits 215 times more radiation. It measure 26 solar diameters across or one quarter the size of the orbit of Mercury. Located 37 light years from us the light of this magnitude -0.1 star was used to open the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago.
Written by Denis Grey, Toronto on Sat, 2007/06/02
Two well-known members of the Society - Dr. Rajiv Gupta (Unattached) and Bruce McCurdy (Edmonton) will receive the Society's Service Award in 2007 in recognition of their exemplary efforts on behalf of the Society. These awards will be presented at the Society's General Assembly in Calgary later this month.
Written by Alan Whitman, Okanagan on Sat, 2007/06/02
Alan Dyer, a long-time member of the Calgary Centre and noted astronomy author has been selected as the recipient of the Simon Newcomb Award in 2007. This award will be presented at the General Assembly in Calgary later in June.
Written by Susan Cannon, Calgary on Fri, 2007/06/01
The last day you can register on-line for Astronomy Roundup 2007 is Monday, June 11. You will be able to register on-site in Calgary when the conference begins (cash and traveller's cheques only) and optional items may not be available.
Written by Brenda M. Shaw, Toronto on Thu, 2007/05/24
Hamilton Centre's banquet is fast approaching! You can still purchase tickets or reserve seats to be paid at the door by contacting Centre President John Williamson (john DOT williamson AT sympatico DOT ca).
Written by Brenda M. Shaw, Toronto on Wed, 2007/05/02
Thanks to RASC volunteers, Astronomy Week and International Astronomy Day 2007 put stars in the eyes of astronomers and others across the country. While the eastern half of the country enjoyed clear skies, clouds over the prairies and the west coast did not dampen enthusiasm for indoor exhibits and presentations.
Written by Gary Boyle, Ottawa on Wed, 2007/05/02
Bizzion Galaxies
If you are a lover of distant galaxies, you must be full of joy at this time of year. Stretching from the Bowl of Ursa Major all the down to the highly populated grouping known as the Virgo cluster, literally hundreds of galaxies are available for your choosing. Depending on the light gathering power of your telescope, some might be out of your viewing range. But do not fret; there is a nice combo of semi bright and extremely faint grey smudges to choose from.
Written by Susan Cannon, Calgary on Tue, 2007/05/01
In addition to all the usual events at a GA, this year's Astronomy Roundup will have five 1/2-day paper sessions presented by more than 35 professional and amateur astronomers.
The Friday paper session kicks off with a talk from Dr. Jaymie Matthews on the MOST satellite and what it teaches us about variable stars. The afternoon will continue with more talks about observing variable stars and ends with brief teaser presentations describing the poster papers that are available for viewing throughout the weekend.
