Totality and eclipse July 22 photos from around the world of 7/22/2009

I saw totality and more in Wuhan. Unlike others we were not clouded out totally.
Meanwhile until I post my pics and videoclips and more here are some to view.

Here are some pics maybe you saw. The tragic cloudy one in Shanghai pic stood out. Luckily I was not there .

There weren't enough totality pics .
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/07/the_longest_solar_eclipse_of_t.html

more compiled nicely at

Daniel Fischer's compilation
http://cosmos4u.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

Google Map of the intersection of 2017 and 2024 totality

I just returned from China and will post my account, video snippets and photos soon. It was so hot and humid there in most parts of China and I was always "shvitzing " (Jewish for sweating profusely )

Some people are thinking already to 2017 and 2024. But I am not waiting until then for my next shot totality and my 9th (I will most likely try for Australia in 2012- not sure about 2010)
Unlike many others during July 22 eclipse, we saw totality mostly 1 minute before the end of totality ( I did get video of the incoming shadow ). Now back in Kansas with the cooler mornings and nights, it is a real feeling to savour. I can only hope that 2017 will have clearer skies (a death ridge High would be good ) to show the grandeur of totality.

Here is a very nice google map showing both paths. You can zoom in on any part of the paths.
http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/TSE_2017_2024_GoogleMapFull.html

total eclipse: Make sure to turn off your camera flash so as to not stun others Mr. Spock

I keep reminding myself about much of these importances before every eclipse .
I thought I might point out some for the benefit of you-all.

(1) Everyone, novice (I prefer use virgin) or not needs to take time to just stare and look at the vista. Even I did that during the 2001 eclipse (finally!).

(2) If you need to protograph the Sun with a camera, it is most important that you make sure that the FLASH is set to OFF.
A flash next to someone blinds them a few precious seconds. In my 1998 video, you can see hundreds of flashes all over the ship Galaxy. A flash will do no good.

Plus it should be on manual not auto (that goes for camcorders too).

Kodak actually has information about how to set your camera for the eclipse depending on what you want to see. I will post all of this on my blog in the near future and well let you know. Your camera does not act like your "EYE". Your eye can see everything at once but the camera will not.

(3) Be prepared because when that shadow starts coming in, things really start to get amazing. It is unlike anything you can see. Like many others you might forget everything you have learned, know or have carefully preplanned (happens all the time). One person aboard the Canberra at 1973, I heard did not take off their eclipse sunglasses and did not understand why things were so dark!!!

(4) Check your equipment before the eclipse and make sure you have batteries etc and everything. My other camcorder failed before totality but luckily I had a backup and had my camera ready to shoot the eclipse sun (featured in Astronomy magazine Dec 2001).

(5) I won't take the time to look at totality with a telescope. Binoculars are probably better. I will use my camer, camcorder and my eyes. I suggest if there are people with a telescope in the group who will offer a peak, please gather near them. Make sure you have permission before totality. They might not have time.

My research mainly has dealt with the environment during total eclipses and how the environment changes before and during totality. You will see a big difference when the sun is covered at 50% but when it starts getting closer well things really change.

(6) Be prepared not to walk too far during totality. In 1972 it was very dark (smaller shaodw cone and less light filtering in). . I could not even see my camera dial settings. In 1979 with the snow it was brighter. 1973 and 2001 were different. Much lighter but still like the dark of the full moon. Be prepared to stay close.

(7) In 1999, there were shadow bands before totality but not after. I could not see them but others could. I was too busy. Your eyes might not be able to focus on them before totality as the light continues to dim. In 2001, I did not seem them before hand but we saw them after totality for over 6 minutes and I was able to videotape them. If you want to look for shadow bands, a white cloth or sheet is needed. Seeing them was one of my all time eclipse highlights and that in 2001. But we might not see them.

(8) That also reminds me. I now where hearning aids mostly during working with students, working with groups etc. If you were them, make sure you have enough. I did not put them in before my encounter with a tornado in May as we were so rushed. The other two guys I was chasing with hear some extra noises relating to the incoming tornado (I hear them now on the video I took of the tornado). If you want to hear everything going on as well seeing during those precious moments, make sure to have your hearing aids in and contacts in!! ( I am glad I wrote this as I might not have thought about it before our trip).

Dr. Eric Flescher

Medical needs before the total eclipse in July 2009

To All on the trip

Now I am started to get excited with all the emails etc. Meanwhile while I am also in stormchasing mode and most likely chasing this weekend in Kansas, I am aware of other things I need to do for my next eclipse trip to China in July.

(1) My travel agent Boston friend Mimi Leavitt, who also runs eclipse trips, suggest that I really should get up to speed on several medical things before the trip in addition to Malaria. I have not been outside the US since the 2001 eclipse in S Africa. I will see my doctor about the following next week.
She suggests (it might be all old hat to you all but read on)
"Note: consult with your physician about protection against Malaria. Malaria is being found where you and we will be traveling. Our physiciane both recommend Malarone - to be begun 2 days in advance of departure and continue 7 days after your return. Also - inquire about Typhoid vaccine - 4 capsules taken within 7 day period. Plus - be current with Tetanus protection - if in year 6-7-8- etc., get new Tetanus shot. Currently, CDC site warns about existence of foot and hoof disease - so bring along wash 'n' wipes and/or Purell, etc - to avoid as many germs as possible. Be current with your flu, measles, etc. protection."

(2) I plan this time bring a rain gear parka of some sort small like we used while20trapsing around Victoria Falls in 2001. I also plan to include plastic bags to waterproof my camera and lens. In 2007, while with my friends up on Mt. Lemmon (spelling) , thunderstorms came up all of a sudden . (THey did not tell me this might happen :(
My Canon XT mechanisms were ruined and only manual mode work now. If I would have a plastic bag, the camera would possibly still be okay. I have a Revel XTi coming and you can be sure that I will have some plastic covering for the eclipse trip, traveling and my stormchasing. I learned an expensive lesson.

(3) I will post this and other information on my Black Sun Eclipse blog

(4) During 3 previous eclipse trips, I videotaped and photographed the trips , the eclipses and much more. They took a lot of time to put together but I was pleased with their rendition and it was a good souvenir about the trip, eclipse etc. (I still watch all 3 of mine).

I put them together as videotapes and sold them. However this time , I plan to go one better and include the Black Sun Eclipse 2009 trip on + and - DVD hopefully with chapter markers, slide shows , movie of the trip in the locals and of course the total eclipse.

This time I will be using a 3ccd chip camcorder which has much resolution then Hi-8mm or other the formats. However this camcorder does not do the HD highest resolution but you will be able to play it well on your HD TVs.

This one will be run betwe en 1 and 2 hours as the previous ones (more likely close to 2 depending on how much I can squeee into the DVDs). (They will be NSCT . I have never done PAL DVDs for people outside the US but if you come from outside of US let me know).

I would like to see how many people might be interested. Each DVD or videotape will be about $39 right now. The cost will go up after the trip though. I might be able to set up credit card through Paypal but for right now checks would be they best.

If you are interested send me a private email by using the form below.
****
Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD/ Video
send to Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com)
Name : _________________
Full Address/ Zip Code :_________________________________________________
email address: ___________________________________
yes (1) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 DVD
Yes (2) I would be interested in purchasing Black Sun Eclipse 2009 Videotape
(3) I would like further information before deciding- please send me this in detail thank you
(4) questions etc
____
Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778: Comet Observers Award Coordinator- Astronomical League / Astronomical Society of Kansas, KC, MO-Louisburg,KS: http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/comet/comet.htm: ; Comet Observers20Blog: http://cometobservers.blogspot.com/: Subscribe to Comet Observers newsletter (send your email to): CometObserversAwardAL-subscribe@yahoogroups.com: E.O.A.S. (Earth, Oceans, Atmosphere and Space) Blog -;: sign up for free monthly astronomical newsletter (send message to:
blacksuneclipse-subscribe@egroups.com: Black Sun Eclipse Blog ; : State of Kansas-JPL NASA Solar System Ambassador: #2572 IMCA

Total Solar Eclipse trip links China 2009

I have posted information about Shanghai, Beijing, China and much more, on my blog (left side). More will be coming. If you have some good sites, please email me.

I've been on 7 eclipse trips (1972, 1973, 1979, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2001), helped/presented 3 other eclipse company/trips.

This time will be on Rick Brown's eclipse trip for in July. I am looking forward to meeting him and the others.

I already have my airlines transportation to Los Angeles and then on to Shanghai and back after the trip. This is the itinerary. I will use this guide to :
(1) place photos and videoclips (links to youtube later)
(2) eclipse trip accounts and additional information before, maybe, during and most certainly after the eclipse.
(3) Feedback about the Food and restaurants will be noted later on my food blog Kansas City Traveling Gourmet as well is in the account for this trip
(4) linking to my Black Sun eclipse, which I hope to resurrect and port to a new server soon.

I will be using this itinerary as a guide to not information for the trip and related information.

TUESDAY, Jul14 (or earlier) Arrive Shanghai
Arrive Shanghai, and clear customs. Have your passports ready with THE VISA INSIDE THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN BEFORE YOU LEFT FOR CHINA. Then collect your baggage, and go through customs.
ONCE I HAVE GOTTEN YOUR ARRIVAL INFORMATION, I WILL TRY TO PUT TOGETHER GROUP TRANSPORTATION, AT YOUR EXPENSE, PAID TO THE GUIDE AT THE AIRPORT TO TAKE YOU TO THE HOTEL, or you may take taxis. Either way, you will need to change some money at the airport to pay a taxi, or the van. You can do this at the airport after you claim your bags. You will always need to show a passport to exchange money.
If you are using prearranged transport by me, look for your name on a poster that the guide will have to meet you as you exit from customs. If you are taking a cab, go directly outside to the taxiline.

Hotel Accommodation: Huating Hotel & Towers
Address: 1200 Cao Xi Bei Lu, Shanghai, 200030
Tel: 011-86-21-64391000
Fax: 011-86-21-64397853

TAXI INSTRUCTIONS.... Generall y, the small compact cabs will hold 4 small adults. The taxi will more than likely only hold 2 or maybe 3 people with your bags. The METER will end up to be less than $50.00 to the hotel=(about 300 RMB) There are about 6.8 RMB to $1.00

CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION... There is a line of LICENSED, METERED CABS outside the exit of the terminal. Unless I have sent a driver for you, DO NOT NOT NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ACCEPT A RIDE FROM AN INDIVIDUAL THAT APPROACHES YOU NO MATTER WHAT. DO NOT FOLLOW THEM TO ANY WAITING TAXI. IF THEY HARRASS YOU, SIMPLY SAY "PU YA" WHICH MEANS POLITLY, I DONT WANT IT. PLEASE OBEY THIS. IF YOU TAKE ONE OF THESE OTHER CABS, YOU WILL END UP AT THE HOTEL, FOR 3X THE PRICE, AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT BUT SCREAM WHEN YOU GET TO THE HOTEL AND MAKE A SCENE. THESE UNLICENSED CABS LOOK LIKE REGULAR ONES, AND HAVE METERS THAT RUN AT 4 TIMES THE USUAL RATE. PLEEEEEZE USE THE TAXIS FROM THE TAXI LINE WITH THE DISPACHER AT THE FRONT.

We will be waiting at the hotel for all the arriving people to assist you in checking in, welcoming you, answering questions, and introducing everyone as they arrive.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. We will have a little gathering in the lobby at about 8pm for those still awake. The time change in all of China is EST + 12 hours... or GMT +8.

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Wednesday, Jul15 Shanghai
Buffet BREAKFAST STARTS AT 6AM
BRIEFING AT 8AM SHARP DEPART FOR DAY AT 9AM
Trip Briefing in a hotel function room in the morning
Morning visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center showing the old, new and future Shanghai, then visit the Yu Yuan Garden & Old Town.
Shanghai Dim Sum Lunch at a local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the famous Shanghai Museum
Welcome Western Buffet Dinner in the hotel incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer, coffee & tea. followed by a trip orientation .
(B/L/BD)

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Thursday, Jul16 Shanghai
Breakfast
9AM DEPARTURE
Morning excursion to the water town of Zhujiajiao including a sampan ride on the small canals.
Chinese lunch in a local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer.
After lunch return to Shanghai WITH A STOP AT A LOCAL QUALITY SHANGHAI SILK CARPET SHOP. Then, back to hotel for your own shopping, resting etc.
Dinner is on your own with suggestions from the guides
Optional acrobatic show or Bund river tour (recommended)
(B/L)


Friday, Jul 17 Shanghai/Yichang
Morning free at leisure - Please enjoy a big breakfast., as only a small lunch will be served on the flight.
HOTEL DEPARTURE AT 11:30 FOR OUR FLIGHT TO YICHANG
Transfer to the airport for SHANGHAI AIRLINES FM9365 (1340/1535)Flying to Yichang.
Arrive Yichang, city tour.
THEN TRANSFER TO OUR CRUISE SHIP WHERE WE WILL SETTLE IN, AND ENJOY A BUFFET DINNER AT OUR LEISU RE.
After dinner, WE WILL HAVE SOME GUEST LECTURERS SPEAK ABOUT INTERESTING TOPICS FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. THEN, YOU CAN EXPLORE THE SHIP ON YOUR OWN, PERHAPS TREAT YOURSELF TO A MASSAGE, AND GET A GOOD NIGHTS REST. The boat leaves the dock at midnight.

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Saturday, Jul18 Yangtze River Cruise

7:00am – 8:30am Xiling Gorge
8:30am – 10:30am Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam
All meals on board
*The schedule is subject to change according to the weather & water level condition
(B/L/D)

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SUNDAY, Jul 19 Yangtze River Cruise
8:00am – 12:30pm Boat excursion to the Shennong Stream or Lesser Three Gorges
1:00pm – 3:30pm Wu Gorge
4:00pm – 4:30pm Qutang Gorge
5:00pm – 7:00pm Optional shore excursion to the White King Town
*The schedule is subject to change according to the weather & water level condition
(B/L/D)

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MONDAY, Jul 20 Yangtze River Cruise
8:30am - 10:30am Shore excursion to Fengdu or Shibaozhai Pagoda

(B/L/D)
This is our last full day on the ship. About an hour before dinner, we will hold our "ECLIPSE SEMINAR" where we will get a few short lectures on eclipses, and also, most important for the "eclipse virgins" a talk on eclipse timing, and all the things to expect on eclipse day. We will also hand out your ECLIPSE VIEWERS that you will use to safely watch the partial phases of the eclipse. Then, we all move to the dining room for our farewell dinner, and then enjoy our "Farewell Revieu Theater Show".

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TUESDAY, Jul21 Chongqing/Wuhan
Arrive Chongqing by dawn, HAVE OUR FINAL BREAKFAST ON THE SHIP. AND WE DISEMBARKE. THEN, A SHORT CITY TOUR AND A VISIT TO SEE THE FAMOUS LOVABLE CHINESE PANDA BEARS AT THE CHONGQING PANDA ZOO. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERA READY. THEN Transfer to airport for your flight flying to Wuhan – CHINA SOUTHERN FLIGHT #3427 DEPARTS CHONGQING AT 4:40, AND ARRIVE TO WUHAN A 5:50. THEN TRANSFER TO HO LIDAY INN RIVERSIDE IN WUHAN.
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Riverside
Address: 88 Xi Ma Chang Jie., Hanyang, Wuhan 430050
Tel: 011-86-27-84716688
Fax: 011-86-27-84716181

DINNER AT THE HOTEL WILL BE A RIVERSIDE OUTDOOR Western style buffet Dinner OVERLOOKING THE RIVER.
(B/BD)

TUESDAY IN FULL....
Good morning... THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ECLIPSE PLANNING DAY!!!! We will have a nice buffet breakfast, pack, and be off the ship by noon today. PLEASE DONT FORGET to tip all the caring people that took care of us for the last 4 days!!!! Breakfast will be available until about 11am, then we will get on the bus, see a bit of Chingqing on a short city tour, and then go to the Panda Zoo for a visit. We then head for the airport for our flight to Wuhan. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU PACK CORRECTLY WHILE ON THE SHIP FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS. PLEASE, IN A SEPERATE SORT OF OVERNIGHT BAG, OR PERHAPS IN A SINGLE SUITCASE FOR 2 PEOPLE, PACK THE THINGS YOU WILL NEED IN WUHAN FOR THE OVERNIGHT THERE, AS WELL AS FOR ECLIPSE DAY TOMORROW. TOMORROW, WE WILL BE LEAVING THE HOTEL BETWEEN 3AM AND 5AM FOR THE ECLIPSE VIEWING AREA, AND THEN WE WILL HEAD DIRECTLY TO THE AIRPORT WITHOUT RETURNING TO THE HOTEL. THERE IS NO NEED FOR ALL YOUR BAGS TO BE MOVED INTO THE HOTEL AND THEN REMOVED SUCH A SHORT TIME LATER. THE BAGS THAT DO NOT GO INTO THE HOTEL ROOMS WILL REMAIN ON THE BUSSES UNTIL WE ARRIVE TO THE AIRPORT AFTER THE ECLIPSE. IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THEM AT ALL TIMES, BUT THE DRIVERS WILL HAVE TO DIG THEM OUT FROM THE BUSSES. YOU WILL ONLY NEED YOUR CLOTHING FOR AN INFORMAL OUTDOOR DINNER, SLEEP, TOILET ITEMS (MOST OF THEM PROVIDED IN YOUR ROOM) AND CLOTHES FOR ECLIPSE DAY.
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WEDNESDAY, Jul22 Wuhan/Xian
ECLIPSE DAY - Early morning depart hotel for the the venue to view the eclipse.
Transfer to airport for your flight to Xian - Flight Numbers CHINA SOUTHERN FLIGHT 6940 DEPARTS WUHAN AT 14:40 AND ARRIVES IN XIAN AT 17:10 .
Arrive Xian, met and transferred to your hotel

Hotel Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Xian (5*)
Address: 38B Keji Road, Xian 710075
Tel: 011-86-29-88758888
Fax: 011-96-10-88759999
DINNER AT DEFACHANG’S FAMOUS TRADITIONAL DUMPLING REST.

THE DAY WE HAVE ALL WAITED FOR. EARLY, EARLY WAKE UP, (or perhaps, not, for those that have not yet gone to sleep...) As we will have 3 busses for the group, we will have departures at 3am, 4am, and 5am. Take all you stuff, AS WE WILL NOT BE RETURNING BACK TO THE HOTEL.





We will be viewing the eclipse from the Wuhan University of BioEngineering campus, at an exclusive area just for us, and some invited guests. We will have the busses a few steps away from us at all times, so you can use the busses to keep your things there, rest, get a cool drink... whatever. It will be very easy to move any and all equipment from the busses to the actual viewing area. The actual area is a concrete campus quad area that will be roped off, with seating available. Security will also be present.

After the eclipse, we will be treated to a wonderful lunch on campus, have time to pack up, relax a bit by the lake on campus if you like, and then we will head to the airport for our flight to Xian.

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Thursday, Jul23 Xian
Buffet breakfast at the hotel
Morning visit the Terra Cotta Museum including the Pit#1, 2 & 3, the Bronze Chariot & Circle Vision Movie.
A FUN LUNCH IS IN STORE.
Afternoon visit the ancient City Wall & Wild Goose Pogoda. THEN, BACK TO THE HOTEL FOR A SHORT REST, AND FRESHEN UP FOR DINNER AT
the Tang Dy nasty Dinner & Show at the Tang Dynaty Theatre.
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Friday, Jul24 Xian/Beijing
A QUICK 6AM EARLY BREAKFAST IN THE HOTEL, AND Transfer to morning flight flying to Beijing – HAINAN AIR #7238 DEPARTS AT 9:20 ARRIVES IN BEIJING AT 10:45. met and transferred to your hotel. SETTLE IN AND GET READY FOR THE AFTERNOON TOUR…
0A

Hotel Accommodation: The Peninsula Beijing (5*)
Address: 8 Goldfish Lane, Wangfujing, Dong Cheng district, Beijing 100006
Tel: 011-86-10-65106000
Fax: 011-86-10-65129050

Chinese lunch at THE HISTORIC BAMBOO GARDEN.restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon Hutong Tour - Visit the Beijing's old Hutong ("narrow lanes") area. At the Drum Tower, see a traditional drum performance. Then take an old-fashioned pedicab to the Chichahai Lake area with its 700-year-old arched bridges and courtyard-style homes know as Siheyuan. Tour one of the area's homes and visit with a local family. Stop at a Hutong kindergarten (if school is open) and a vegetable market.
Dinner is on pax's own tonight, WHERE YOU CAN RELAX, OR GET A MASSAGE. WE WILL HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU.
(B/L)

SATURDAY, Jul25 Beijing

Morning visit the Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City
Chinese lunch at a local restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the Summer Palace with a boat ride on the Kunming Lake if weather permits.
Dinner is THE BEIJING NIGHT DINNER AND SHOW AT THE BEIJING NIGHT THEATER.


SUNDAY, Jul26 Beijing
8:30 DEPARTURE Morning visit the Great Wall at Badaling
Chinese lunch at local restaurant incl. one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Afternoon visit the Sacred Way & Ming Tombs at Ding Tomb with the underground palace.
Farewell Peking Duck Dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant.
(B/L/DP)

Monday, Jul27 Beijing/USA
BREAKFAST, HOTEL CHECK OUT, AND FAREWELL HUGS AND KISSES
Your own transfer from the hotel to Beijing airport for your homeward flight.

Mardi Gras' Fat Tuesday’s Green Smudge Comet Lulin

It was my hope to take photograph the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday’s Green Smudge Comet Lulin. I wanted to show what Comet Lulin might look like with out a big telescopic view, from a city or slightly darker area to simulate what most would see as the comet comes closest to Earth on 2/24. I tried a couple of weeks ago but no success.

Last night 2/21, I tried again at Powell Observatory, Louisburg, KS just south of Kansas City. Some people said that the comet could now be spotted with binoculars and even naked eye! And I saw it had brightened and could see both these views as well as in our 30 inch telescope.

0n 2/21/09 returning back to Powell, I saw the brightening comet. The nucleus was brighter and so was the rest of the comet coma. It is moving away fast from the Sun.
We could see it moving across the the telescope's field. The coma was bigger and one side (left) was brighter. We could see it easily with our binoculars and could see it (naked eye) as a smudge below Saturn.

This time I was successful using my Canon Rebel XT with 55mm lens, ASA 800 at 30 seconds f/6.3.
You can see the smudge comet (6 magnitude) in the photo just under ) the 3.56 star Zanijava which is just below the brighter planet Saturn (mag 0.56) to the left of the bright blue star called Denabola, in the constellation Leo . Since it was 11:00 CT, the comet was still coming up from the East horizon and still drank in some of the lights from the horizon. Still I was glad to image it . If I could see it with naked eye and binoculars and image it without a big lens (my next attempt), you can too!

Additional information

Comet Lulin, discovered at an observatory in China , is now brightening for a date to be nearest Earth on Feb 24. Now at mag 6 we hope it will brighten to 5th. I saw it with our 30 inch telescope a couple of weeks ago using our Powell Observatory’s 39 inch telescope. Its greenish colored and was difficult to see. The nucleus was even more difficult to see.

This photo on APOD is like what I saw of it and sketched from last week. A tenuous circle like cloud like coma with viewable but difficult to see nucleus right in the center.

2/21-22/2009
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
if not 2/21 look at archivescan't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one

Also there are several nice photos on spaceweather.com

Also nice article and more pics at
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/090220-comet-lulin.html

Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide to

Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide to
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Author: Dan Heller
Publisher: Wiley Publishing , Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NY 0703 Released: March 31, 2008
Pages: 288
$30 USA
$ 33 Canada
ISBN-10: 0470228563
ISBN-13: 978-0470228562

Strengths: Comprehensive information about model releases. Full color and additional hints abound through the book. Excellent model photographs highlight nice examples. Vertical tabs at the side of each page highlight main part of the section. Nice yellow like sticky notes are strategically placed throughout the book and the pages, to portray tips and highlight specific concerns or ideas that are relevant to the chapter/ pages or text.

Weaknesses: None

Novice/Intermediate/Advanced

Rating: 5/5


Introduction

Taking photos of people, places and many types of visuals, for publication, is commonplace. However in many lines of work, the necessity and use of model release forms is misunderstood, to say the least. Sometimes the nuances are not quite understood or well defined in many cases, by photographers or the places of business themselves. The book Model Releases: A digital Photographer’s Guide, helps to clarify the meaning of much of the process and update advanced in print media and more in recent years.

The author has been a freelance photographer and photo industry analyst. His works have been featured in publications from news and business media to fine arts books. This book is the result of over five years of his research to model releases. He is well versed in the changing trends that have transformed books, the press, music and much more, in recent years. His knowledge is transmitted to this book in a very readable and understandable way.

The seven part book covers a wide range of important topics within its 288 pages. The titles of the parts of the book highlight the necessity of model releases. These are : Everyone’s doing it ; So what’s wrong; What’s a model release ; Understanding “use”; Analyzing the need for a model release; Dealing with photos of property; The business of Licensing. The book makes it much easier to clarify when releases are needed and not needed. What buyers need in the way of model releases, and those who don't need releases are summarized. Also included is information for marketing and licensing all your photos, whether they have been released or not. Also the author does the best he can in accumulating years of information and distilling helpful information in one book.

The book is relevant to those in the United States and abroad. The author helps to define in clear terms, what should be initiated and followed through, under many situations and circumstances. He is clear and concise so that misinformation does not occur and clarity of the releases are understood. The well illustrated text is a very comprehensive book available on the subject, covering everything you would to know about model releases. The releases pertain to people, places and additional circumstances. Much has changes in light of a photographer's role in the creation of photographs that may be uses on or in conjunction with the internet, with digital photography. newspapers, books and magazines.

Conclusions

This important book is both insightful and a pleasure to read and understand. The book is useful for everyone from professional photographers whose work involves photography to those amateur photographers who take vacation pictures on vacation, take photos of at their children' s teams/games, schools or more. This book also includes information about models themselves and what they can learn about their rights concerning how they can protect themselves and when that is not possible.

The importance of this book is highlighted by the fact that a well known technology firm “stole” (or should we say “did not secure properly”), music from my daughter’s business/ firm. Whether it was on purpose or not, she had to set them straight and went through the proper channels. This was an interesting event and it served to highlight what should and needs to be done. In addition, a firm in Africa wanted to use one of my photographs for their greeting cards. To make a long story short, I had to find that person and that firm, after they used my photographs, as the individual did not forward my payment. If I would have the information from this book, I would have know the proper course of action to protect the transaction. This book would have let me know, in advance, the proper procedures so that the situation would have not occurred. Now I am better prepared. And you will be too if you read this well prepared book.

Whether you are in business, work with photographs at your home, business or use photos for personal use or involved in possible interactions with businesses, schools or more, this book is well worth reading. There is something to be said for knowing and understanding your rights, as well as the rights of clients and businesses and anything that relates with and dealing with photography and photorgaphs. That way you can make the best decision about your photographs that possibly will end up in businesses, books or elsewhere.

Macintosh observatory and astrophotography

I opened up my MacLife issue 2/2009 and found a nice article P.50-52) "In a galaxy far, far away" by Leslie Ayers. It's about David Illig of Maryland and his very nice observatory and telescope system. His four macintosh computers, Canon 50D, two telescopes help his digital imaging and deep sky endeavors. He used Equinox software (never heard of this one) and Starry Night Pro (which I love). Very in depth and nicely written with photos.
I can't find the article online but you can take a look at it in bookstores with the MacLife magazine

Dr. Eric Flescher (kcstarguy@aol.com), Olathe, KS: Lat 38.834, Lon -94.778

Eclipse sightings from best blog now deleted

Here are some Eclipse sightings that I am reposting from last year.

Saturday, November 15, 2008
Series of pics etc from 8/1/2008 total eclipse from China and Russia
Slide show of a series of pics etc from 8/1/2008 total eclipse from China and Russia

http://www.space.com/php/multimedia/imagegallery/igviewer.php?imgid=5175&gid=380&index=0
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 8:58 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: astronomy, earth ocean astmosphere space, total eclipse
Thursday, October 23, 2008
An eclipse comet was reportedly photographed in 1893
Dr. E. W. Cliver has discussed a report of an eclipse comet photographed in 1893. and considered whether it was, in fact, a
coronal mass ejection instead of actually being a comet. Roberta
Olson and I referred to the work in our book Fire in the Sky
(Cambridge University Press; see www.solarcorona.
com) about historic
and art-historic comets and meteors.

To read Cliver's article from the journal Solar Physics (1989), go to
adswww.harvard.edu and search for "cliver eclipse comet"; he also
discusses candidate comets/events during eclipses in 1860 and 1980.

I wonder whether Dr. Cliver can reconsider his earlier conclusions in
the light of Dr. Druckmüller's new eclipse-comet photo.
http://www.zam.fme.vutbr.cz/~druck/Eclipse/Ecl2008m/Tse2008_200_mo1/0-info.htm
http://www.zam.fme.vutbr.cz/~druck/Eclipse/Ecl2008m/C2008_o1_soho_m02/0-info.htm
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 9:00 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: astronomy, eclipse, eclipses, history
Homer's "Odyssey" May have wrote about an Ancient Eclipse
Homer's "Odyssey" May have wrote about an Ancient Eclipse

Homer's Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus, a Greek general, who travels on a 10-year journey back home after the fall of Troy. A new analysis of celestial events draws possible references in the Odyssey that Homer may have documented a total solar eclipse of April 16th, 1178 B.C.

Read more…
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=homers-odyssey-may-document-eclipse&sc=rss
http://www.scientificblogging.com/news_releases/april_16_1178_bc_homers_odyssey_eclipse_mystery_solution_may_pinpoint_the_fall_of_troy
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 8:40 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Thursday, October 2, 2008
total eclipses articke 1926
"Picks from the Past" Other solar eclipse articles in Natural Histo
Posted by: "Skywayinc@aol.com" Skywayinc@aol.com
Wed Oct 1, 2008 6:22 pm (PDT)
Back in their July/August 1926 issue, Natural History magazine published an
article
"Personal Experiences at Eclipse Expeditions" by S.A. Mitchell, which
included
beautiful color reproductions of the three solar eclipse paintings rendered
by Howard Russell Butler:

_http://nhmag.com/master.html?http://nhmag.com/editors_pick/1926_07-08_pick.ht
ml_
(http://nhmag.com/master.html?http://nhmag.com/editors_pick/1926_07-08_pick.html)

Those of you who are fortunate to have a copy of Mitchell's classic work,
"Eclipses
of the Sun" will be quite familiar with some of these anecdotes.

Here also, is a short Natural History article about Howard Russell Butler:
_http://tinyurl.com/4j8nq9_ (http://tinyurl.com/4j8nq9)

-- joe rao
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 6:21 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: astronomy, total eclipse, total solar eclipse
Saturday, September 27, 2008
An eclipse comet was reportedly photographed in 1893?
a prior eclipse comet(?)
Posted by: "Jay Pasachoff"
Fri Sep 26, 2008 2:45 pm (PDT)
An eclipse comet was reportedly photographed in 1893. Dr. E. W.
Cliver has discussed it and considered whether it was, in fact, a
coronal mass ejection instead of actually being a comet. Roberta
Olson and I referred to the work in our book Fire in the Sky
(Cambridge University Press; see www.solarcorona.
com) about historic
and art-historic comets and meteors.

To read Cliver's article from the journal Solar Physics (1989), go to
adswww.harvard.edu and search for "cliver eclipse comet"; he also
discusses candidate comets/events during eclipses in 1860 and 1980.

I wonder whether Dr. Cliver can reconsider his earlier conclusions in
the light of Dr. Druckmüller's new eclipse-comet photo.
http://www.zam.fme.vutbr.cz/~druck/Eclipse/Ecl2008m/Tse2008_200_mo1/0-info.htm
http://www.zam.fme.vutbr.cz/~druck/Eclipse/Ecl2008m/C2008_o1_soho_m02/0-info.htm

Jay Pasachoff
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 3:17 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: comet, comets, eclipse eclipses
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Kikkoman eclipse

Looks like an eclipse with an inner corona


Question: is a total solar eclipse an "umami"- Japanese, a savory type food (soy and other foods)?
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 9:24 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: astronomy, eclipse, eclipses
Friday, September 19, 2008
Impressive photo of total solar eclipse
Very impressive photo of total eclipse with wide angle shot of outer corona

http://www.zam.fme.vutbr.cz/~druck/Eclipse/Ecl2008m/Tse2008_200_mo1/0-info.htm
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 10:14 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: astronomy, earth ocean astmosphere space, total eclipse
Older Posts

Two great photos of 8/1/2008 eclipse

apod
A Darkening Sky : great eclipse photo composite
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080920.html

apod
Eclipse over the great wall
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap080831.html

Total Lunar eclipse 2/20-21/2008 information

S&T's lunar eclipse preview by Alan M. MacRobert:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/15357796.html


http://www.astrophotoinsight.com/node/697
Top 10 Tips for Imaging a Lunar Eclipse

John Drummond, Gisborne, New Zealand
www.possumobservatory.co.nz
10. Know what you will do with the images once you’ve taken them – are they purely for personal use or do you want people around the globe (especially those on the other side of the world who couldn’t see the eclipse) to enjoy them. If you want www.spaceweather.com to use them, be in quick! Or perhaps you want to publish them in the local newspaper, or even in this publication… Also, make sure that you record exposure details (focal length, f-ratio, ISO, exposure length, etc) on printed images for later recall while it’s still fresh in your mind.
9. Know what sort of image you want – do you want a wide angle view with scenery involved or perhaps a Moon-chain across the sky revealing its passage through the Earth’s shadow. Perhaps you want a close-up of only the Moon filling the whole DSLR frame.
8. Once you know your image type experiment with image scale – the shorter the focal length of the lens or telescope the smaller the Moon will appear on the frame. Remember, the Moon is about 30’ (1/2 a degree) in apparent diameter. Ron Wodaski has a very handy program for working out how large the frame FOV will appear with various focal lengths, see: http://www.newastro.com/wodaski/pick_a_camera.htm
7. Have warm clothes, mossy repellent, coffee, etc on hand – this is a rare event, enjoy it. Don’t be battling the cold or mosquitoes as you watch, ‘the celestial dance’ unfolding above (Spock, The Simpsons).
6. Know the eclipse path beforehand – i.e. know what azimuth and altitude the Moon will be at the start, middle, and end of the eclipse. This saves frantically moving imaging gear halfway through the event! Planetarium software programs such as GUIDE (Project Pluto) are very helpful when planning. Also make sure you know the times for your location!
5. Know thy mount – even though the Moon is a bright object and needs only short exposures, it’s helpful to have a motorized tracking mount upon which your lens/telescope can sit and follow the Moon – especially as it gets darker and the exposures will have to be longer. This is very necessary if you are using a longer focal length (e.g. 1500mm) with the resultant large image scale (and large Moon on the frame).
4. Focus, focus, focus - experiment with focusing well before the event. Make a Hartmann Mask if need be, see: http://possumobservatory.co.nz/hartman_mask.htm . There are numerous focusing aids available such as DSLR Focus (Editor's note - DSLR Focus has limited camera support)
3. Experiment with exposure times, focal ratio and ISO – a few nights before the eclipse experiment with your chosen lens/telescope and exposures times. The in-built light-meter works well for this, but have a play and then compare various bracketed images on the computer screen. ISO 400 is a good compromise. For a great resource on recommended exposure times, etc see: http://www.mreclipse.com/LEphoto/LEphoto.html

2. Charge everything! – make sure that all batteries, flashlights, tape recorders, etc are fully charged on the day of the eclipse…and that you have all necessary equipment.
1. Enjoy yourself – sometimes, when such a special celestial event occurs, we run around trying to take as many images with as many cameras and telescopes as possible. At the end you can feel quite exhausted. Something I always have on hand is a deckchair so as to sit down every ten minutes, relax, and enjoy the beautiful changing vista above.
For imaging examples of a lunar eclipse that we enjoyed in New Zealand last August, go to: http://possumobservatory.co.nz/rasnzaps/rasnzaps-comp-2007-08-aug-specia...

review of Starry Night Pro 6.2 software planetarium program

Starry Night Pro 6.2
http://www.starrynightstore.com/stniso.html
USD $150
c 2007
Macintosh/Windows/
284 Richmond St. E.
Suite 300
Toronto, UN M5A 1PA, Canada

Reviewed Dr. Eric Flescher, (drerickansas@aol.com)


Strengths: Very versatile. Starry Night Pro is a feast for your eyes and astronomical mind. Starry Night works with Macintosh and PC Windows version (different version OS are available). Different pricing for different versions of Starry Night to meet your needs. Upgrades are possible to add to lower priced versions and previous versions can be updated to newer vesions. Starry Night can update celestial coordinates for objects which are “on the go” like comets and satellites. Customizable interface allows for a variety of types of sky and celestial viewing. Other DVDs (DVD Skytheater DVD etc) include simulations, videos and slide shows. Three different ways to locate celestial objects on the sky maps. The sky observing window can be customized with legends, coloration, titles and much more, to showcase your views of the sky. A variety of keyboard shortcuts (Mac and Windows versions) allow quick access of features used frequently. Left hand pane has 12 different options.

Weaknesses: Labeling can be a pain as there are different ways to configure the icons and it is a little confusing. Starry Night Pro 6 requires OSX 10.2.8 or later. (If you use an earlier OS try a different version of SN. The Pro version might have more tools then you might need. See website for differences versions of Starry Night, to see which one might be best for you and price range. Companion Astronomical Guide Books are found for lesser versions then Pro or Pro Plus. Factual information is easily accessed on the User Guide in the Toolbar under HELP.

Rating: 5/5



Introductions

Astronomy is a fascinating to children and adults. To elevate their understanding and observing the planets, celestial objects and phenomenon, many users think about a telescope as their first astronomical instrument of choice. Today planetarium programs, for locating celestial objects and assisting with their assorted endeavors, is a growing first choice before buying a telescope. One software program packed with numerous possibilities for various budgets and astronomical lifestyles is Starry Night.

Currently the Comet Observer Award coordinator for the Astronomical League, I began hunting comets in ernest in 2001 using a version of this program There were many fine astronomical planetarium programs on the market. Starry Night is very Macintosh friendly but is cross platform, so that I could “talk” to amateurs who using the Windows version. Initially having purchased Starry Night before 2001, I needed for the software to be able to update coordinates of objects “that did not sit still” like comets, asteroids and satellites. These objects “that moved in the sky” had to be updated manually to appear in the right place and it was quite a chore. Typing in the new objects into the database was tedious and time consuming. A new version solved my problem. It was a pleasure to have the information updated automatically. Finding and knowing the new accurate coordinates of the objects on a daily basis became a painless process. This was “worth it’s weight in gold” and made my astronomical work more efficient. I could then concentrate on other tasks.

Since then, I have been able to Tlocate and photograph over 36 comets, 10 asteroids,many galaxies, nebulae and more.I become so enraptured with this program and the finding comets that eventually I created the Comet Observers Award. It is now being achieved by many amateur astronomers in the US and abroad. And I have not looked back with this program not only for these reasons but for its versatility, power, Macintosh oriented abilities and ease of use and much more.Since then, I decided to look at the Starry Night 6 version with when I started using OSX 10.4.11, as the previous version 4.5 was slowing down and sometimes crashing. I wanted to see if version 6 could help. I am glad to say it did.

Starry Night Pro works with Macintosh and Windows versions and both versions come on the DVD. Starry Night Pro 6 for Macintosh is native to OSX so your computer needs to have version OSX 10.2.8 or later. (Earlier OSX and Windows version are still available). The program has ten main features. These are (1) Getting Started and using the basic controls; (2) Changing viewing and directions; (3) Sky Data: Using Object databases; (4) Date and time viewing; (5) Labeling objects and configuring your view; (6) Finding working with and viewing your objects; (7) Learning more about objects; (8) Using options; (9) Advanced options etc.; (10) Printing, miscellaneous features and other options.

Getting Started and using the basic controls

Three ways help to control the program: (a) using the tool bar at the top; (b) using the side panes (small panel like vertically placed labels); (c) and/or the button bars (only in Windows version). Operating the controls can be performed in either of the three ways or in combination which gives you on the go flexibility. The disadvantage is that you have to learn three ways of learning the different controls if you want to use the three types of controls depending upon your preferences. It is really a personal, visual and creative preference which way the features are managed. But it is not that difficult and there is much help along the way.

The Starry Night Quickstart is a six sided booklet for helping you get started with the program. Basically the working of the program breaks down to these nine parts. Getting started with the software was the first task.

insert snpro6.2toolbar.jpg

Your desktop opens and to a starry background view. Modifying your viewing direction helps orient a proper accurate view. Clicking on either N, E ,S , W( in the top toolbar) and your “sky” will quickly “slew” (quickly move) to the area which can be viewed on your desktop. A trick I learned , pressing the spacebar, while this was happening, made the action go much more quickly.

The software is highly customizable which adds to the appeal for using the software. Depending upon preferences, the “look and feel” of the desktop could be modified for ”seeing, identifying and observing” in more enjoyable ways. By using the nine Preferences (Starry Night Pro menu with Macintosh and File menu for Windows), general options from the drop down box, users work with additional options. The default cursor is a “hand” icon (is troublesome sometimes) can be changed.

(2) Changing viewing and directions;

The top toolbar can display and change time mode, location and field of view. Options include hiding the toolbar in the View toolbar. The time area shows the date and time for selecting your viewing. The time mode, a series of icons similar like those for movie controls, allows the user to stop or to put into action, the movement of the “heavens” over time during the day or night. Clicking on any of these reveal pulldown menus and ways for even more options. Hiding the toolbar in the View toolbar is an option if you desire. The time area shows the date and time to select your viewing. In the top tool bar is the “ time mode”, which is a series of icons, similar like those for movie controls, allowing the user to stop or to put into action, the movement of the “heavens” over time during the day or night. For example you can let the time progress, stop the “sky” at a different time or switch to a different time frame.

Viewing direction (orientation) by default, shows your view facing south, looking slightly over the horizon. By using the Preferences (Starry Night Pro menu with Macintosh and File menu for Windows) and then the General setting from the drop down box, the user can decide other options. The default cursor is a “hand” icon. Holding the mouse button down and dragging on the window drags the sky view in whichever direction desired. Looking high above the horizon, a red marker called the “zenith” can be seen or if looking straight down, the “nadir” (the point below your feet) can also be observed. These can be changed in the Preferences as well.’’

(3) Sky Data: Using Object databases;

Sky Data is the heart of using these programs. The Object database helps locate deep space objects like double stars, nebula, supernova and other objects. The Solar System Stars and Deep sky objects allows the identification and finding literally millions of objects. The number of objects can also be increased or decreased (hidden from view). Identifying and finding objects in the sky and using the information to simulate the sky, objects, events, phenomenon etc is part of the fun for using such a program.

The Sky data part of the software can add to the multimedia possibilities. Some of the sky date that is required for certain type of celestial objects requires connecting to the Internet (called LiveSky events). It is your option to turn this feature on or off. Upcoming Events in LiveSky can show events immediately (eclipses, planetary conjunctions, moon events for example). The Hertzprung-Russell diagram can also show a multitude of options that emphasizes the stars age versus the stars mass. Starry Night can show 19 million celestial objects but a host of images can be also used from a database know as the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS). Online telescope imaging in the LiveSky control can image a part of the sky by using controlled remote telescope over the Internet.

The Sky Data section shows the astronomical events that can occur or the general sky information settings. Some of the date requires connectivity to the Internet (called LiveSky events and information). Movies, Astronomy Events, LiveSky Pane images, can be played on the SNPro DVD (other levels of SNpro these can be purchased separately). Upcoming Events in LiveSky can show events immediately (eclipses for example). The Status info pane shows general information, field of view, limited magnitude, time (universal time etc), location (longitude, latitude of location etc). The Hertzprung-Russell diagram can show a multitude of options in a different way that emphasizes the stars age versus the stars mass. Starry Night can show 19 million celestial objects but a host of images can be also used from a database know as the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS).

(4) Date and time viewing

Planetarium programs like this one have a myriad of information in the form of databases that can be called upon, replaced, updated, reviewed or viewed at any time. What is amazing is that you can work with the data in many ways and at your whim. One reason I like this particular program is its versatility for customization.

The main parts of the interface show the constellation/sky viewing area, the toolbar and the side bar labels. The top toolbar has 9 different options. The main planetarium interface is easy to view and the constellation/sky scene, the toolbar and the side bar labels were easy to use and helpful. However labeling took awhile to configure and use the way I wanted.

(5) Labeling objects and configuring your view;

Flexibility in terms of labeling can help with identifying objects but so much so it can be a pain. SNPro has multiple options but this makes possibilities confusing sometimes. Some of the options are not where they should be or are located in different parts of the toolbar for further flexibility (or is it confusion?). There are different ways for configuring the icons and it is a little confusing. For example, instead of all information about labeling being in one section, this function is actually in different parts of the Toolbar. By clicking on the objects (Toolbar> Labels), data icons such as objects, planets etc, are turned off/on. Clicking “Options> Solar System> Comets” really brought up what I wanted- how to configure the colors of the comets so that these objects could be displayed in the sky. However nothing happened when I clicked on the color which I thought would made it so in the sky. I had to drag the yellow color (swatch) and place into the top color window. Once that was done, the window turned yellow which meant the comets in the sky would appear as yellow icons and it immediately changed. Working with the Toolbar>Options even more is possible but I found it was “overkill” for me and started to get confusing. Once again Starry Night shows it flexibility, some time more so then you want. Better more flexibility then then too little I thought. It was best for me to find and use an option path and stick with that to avoid confusing. Sometimes SNPro multitasking is not a good thing.

insert snpro6.2mainleftsidepane.jpg

(6) Finding working with and viewing your objects

The left pane listing of celestial objects has titles ( planets, comets etc). The Name, Kind, Semi-Major and Database columns can be widened by dragging the little vertical line to the right of each column in the header row. Furthermore, you can resize the entire side panel by dragging the blue line that runs vertically down the right hand side of the panel. But when you have your object in view, you can identify more about the object. Typing a name like M42 (the Orion Nebula), identified the nebula, set the sky into motion and zoomed in on this pretty nebula. A interesting graphic of the nebula also showed more information. By clicking upon the magnifier icon, brought up a listing of different objects like quasars, constellations etc that could be used to narrow the search of the objects you are looking for.

insert namesalphabetized.jpg

Pressing the FIND button brings up the objects listing that can be used to find celestial objects on your planetarium screen.

insert objectinfo.jpg

Clicking on the “i” in the right hand part of the FIND dropdown menu calls up additional information. However the information is not very specific for each object . For the most part the “facts” are a generic introduction. If you need more specific information then google,a search engines or websites are the better places for finding more specific and detailed information (for example comets ) showed more.

Clicking the little triangle (next to the object category title) allows more of that family of objects to appear. For example, names of many more comets will appear under the main Comets heading when clicking on the little “side-triangle”. Hundreds of Comet names cascade downward (working with the Preferences is a way to customize how many you want). But what if I wanted to alphabetize this listing of comets? Clicking on the Name bar under Solar System did not do the trick at first. clicking on the the title “Comets” (after the rest of them descended), then clicking on NAME helped alphabetize the listing. This made working with the interface easier for me to locate the comet(s) I wanted to find and view.

insert Holmesposition011808.jpg

First I clicked the latest bright comet called Holmes. Clicking on the comet (left side square) then clicking on the name, started the “slewing (moving from one position to the next)”. I found that by holding down the space bar while this happened , made the “slewing” to the object go much faster. The position of Comet Holmes popped into the center of the desktop (my preference but this is customizable), surrounded by all the other stars and objects in that quadrant. Objects that are “checked off” appeared on the desktop as red (my preference but this can also be changed).

(7) Learning more about objects

Sometimes more information is good. There is an amazing array of celestial objects in the sky at any time and date. By clicking on this centered object (or any object nearby), the HUD (Heads Up Display) appeared. This HUD display is customizable by changing the types of information (in toolbar) that will appear (magnitude, altitude etc). I tailor- made my information with the pop-up window so that by clicking on a comet, for example (or another object), a pop-up window displayed the coordinates, magnitude and much more information, using the colored text of my choice. Clicking on other objects helped locate any objects nearby to identify what was nearby in my photographs that I made.

(8) Using options;

Using menu (Macintosh) or the preference (Windows) helped the finding of more options. Normally the sky will appear dark with light stars but white side mode can adjust this in inverse (which is preferable for types of printing). Night vision mode, dims the screen and adds a red tone which is good for viewing a nearby telescope or monitor. The brightness can also be adjusted and the night vision can also be turned off when needed. Full screen mode shows all the celestial objects and hides the screen controls

Multimedia computerized simulations are possible. One of my major obsessions is computer simulations. After all they were a main part of my doctoral dissertation. What is really cool is that with this “time machine” software, you can literally go view objects in the present as well in the past as well as the future. Certain circumstances and events can simulate sky viewing not normally possible. Options include changing locations, elevations, orbits as well viewing locations from a difference vantage point (on the Moon, another planet etc) is possible. For example, on the desktop, I watched as an eclipse of the sun from the moon progressed, as the dark (umbra) shadow was crossing over Libya in 2006. At the same time, I simulated what the sky would look like in 2001 and used it in my eclipse video by captured the simulation on screen and saving to hard drive.

I also went back in time to check out some research for the phenomenon known as the Star of Bethlehem. I devised a simulation that would allow me to see what the sky looked like while trying to view the “Star of Bethlehem” conjunctions (close meeting in the sky) with Venus and Jupiter 2 BC in Jerusalem. It was most interesting to see these objects so close 2000 years ago as historical data had found.

Different formats can be used on the menu (Macintosh) or with the preference (Windows version). Normally the sky appears on a dark background with light stars but the white mode can adjust this (inverted) , which is preferable for printing. Night vision mode, dims the screen and adds a red light hue on your computer which is good for viewing with a nearby telescope or monitor which makes it easier to view both the instrument, your telescope and starry night without a blinding glare. The brightness of the color can also be adjusted and the night vision can also be turned off when needed. Full screen mode shows all the celestial objects and hides the screen controls.


(9) Advanced options etc.

Special tools can synchronize with Starry Night and telescopes. My old telescope can’t work with SNPro. Starry Night offers the possibility of operating a telescope, if you have the equipment, to control one. If this is something you want to do with your Starry Night, it is best to see if your telescope is supported by Starry Night or want to use your current one. before you purchase a new telescope. Macintosh computers use a telescope plug-in that has drivers that are packaged with the main Starry Night installer. (The PC version uses an open source code called ASCOM. The drivers for this are on the CD but need to be installed after inserting the Starry Night Pro disc and choosing “Install telescope support” from the pop-up menu).

The telescope controls are in the Telescope side pane. There are instructions and information to configure your telescope, connecting to your telescope, disconnecting, setting up the telescope, telescope controls and then using a very nice feature called the Observation Planner.

This allows adding special features to your favorites and operating your telescope with Starry Night when you want. This planner allows for the operation of your telescopes and Starry Night for current date or from a different date (use of the Planner side panel pane). Clicking one of the listed objects, these can be added by clicking upon the Add Items window. The full name is displayed or if part of the name is listed, several possibilities will show in the listing and there is the possibility to choose the one desired. Checking in the add window (left hand box) allows the adding of this object to the Observation Planner. Several windows called "filters" (Name, Database, Type, Constellation) can be used if one of these areas are entered. Finding one of these and clicking on the Add button adds to your listing. Clicking on the Name, shows whether than object is visible (if it is not visible, then the object can be deleted from the list immediately as well as any other time). A planned listing is immediately saved and can be recalled by opening the pulldown menu at the top of the Planner and then choosing the required date. The Graph option is very interesting as this offers a visual way of examining object's quality as compared with: time: angular separation; altitude; magnitude; distance; elongation (plotting of the visual separation in the sky between an object in our solar system and its parent body); angular size; and/or time range.

A previous SETI Home plug-in let the software use a popular option that is also available through separate Internet connections. The main goal is to continuously monitor signals that may be signals from extraterrestrial alien life. If selected, this screen saver appears on your screen and launches a continuous stream of data send from a radio telescope from Puerto Rico. Someday you might discover signals from a far away planet. However at this time, SETI does not work with this version but it might do so in the future.


(10) Printing, miscellaneous features and other options


Sky charts can be customized, printed out or even saved or run as later Quicktime movie.
There are also different ways to work with files. Savings the initial settings can restore the setting to correct it. A great feature is the use of multiple settings that can be saved as "sets" after various options are configured. Clicking on the Presets menu (under Options) can turn on any of the presets later.

Working with Starry Night files, image files, movie files, and exporting text files give the user even further flexibility. You can also make movies of your favorite celestial events. For example, I simulated the eclipse of 2001, a viewed traversing the Earth from the Moon. Starry Night allows the capture of movies and then turning these into QuickTime movies. I used such a video simulation which I Integrated into my 2001 solar eclipse movie with other video effects, view and travel information. Exporting images, printing color images. Making movies and then saving them under QuickTime mode is very helpful. Using Starry Night to play back your movies is not needed as these movies can be played on a PC or Mac computers through the use of most versions of QuickTime software players (which is free).

Savings the initial settings is an option. These can be restored if needed or multiple settings can be saved as "sets" by using the Option and then presets option. Clicking on the Presets menu under Options can turn on any of the presets later. Print settings and global preferences can be customized

The astronomical CDs that came with this new version were well done and informative. DVD Skytheater DVD. Those who want to know more about astronomy can use the DVDs that come with it or even purchase other ones. Novice and intermediate users may be useful to give a wider understanding of Astronomy, Advanced users may want to use this version for the extreme flexibility, to control their telescopes and to do advanced sky observing. However for me, I just want to use the sky tools.

Past, present and future are also tools at hand with Starry Night.There is a special events section that shows and presents in simulation format, several lunar and solar eclipses. Also while doing research on the Star of Bethlehem, I “went back in time” and could observe the planetary very close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in 2 B.C.

Conclusions

Working with OSX 10.4.10, on my Imac, I found Pro version to be a very flexible, faster and did not crash compared to SNPro 4.5. The fact that Starry Night Pro can grow with you, depending upon your needs, desires and astronomical pursuits is one of the strong suits of the Starry Night software. Many years ago, I used Starry Night Pro as a OS 9 version and it accomplished what I wanted to do- find comets and asteroids and show me what was happening in the past, present and future. I will be able to use all the tools in the future when I can get an automated telescope. However the later versions allowed me to update the coordinates upon launch and that has been most helpful.

The DVDs/CDs are “eye candy” and while other users might like using them , these adventures about the solar system, looking at simulated comets and asteroids in space and more are not my main purpose for using this great program. Advanced users may be interested in these other CDs and might want to try the less costly Pro version instead. The other CDs can be purchased later if desired and also work with the other versions of Starry Night, not only the Pro versions. This makes for even more flexibility beyond just being a “planetarium maker” and yields superior product for all astronomical pursuits for all levels of users.

This Starry Night Pro version, like versions before, is fairly easy to use. Once I learned the many control options and discovered which set I preferred to use, my planetarium looked friendlier. moved into position at a good pace and then centered (can be altered in the preferences), on the comets and other objects that I wanted to view. I liked the flexibility for controlling the colors of the various labels so different objects would stand out and be recognized more easily. In particularly I liked the way all the information concerning each object displayed. Once clicked, like on a comet, a listing of all the necessary information (magnitude, declination, right ascension, etc) lined up in a column above the stars. This was an invaluable tool for trying to plan when objects could be observed or photographed.

In the preferences, I increased the number of comets and asteroids that would be updated each time I launched Starry Night. This allowed me to view more of these objects in the Find pane. I made the updater launch when the software was installed. I made sure to have my Internet connection launched before the starry night was launched and for it to operate properly. Once the up-to-date coordinates finished and I closed the window down and started the program up again. This was to insure that the current coordinates would allow the planetarium to place itself into the proper coordinates. If the updater indeed needed to be updated- on some of the days, the updater window would open and the display that “no other corrections were needed.” I made the listing of the Find pane alphabetizes the column area so I could better view the comets and other objects. I also placed check marks next to the comets that I wanted to view when I launched the software at another date.

I configured the “look and feel” of my planetarium interface so that when it launched each time, I could view the sky the way I wanted. I added a mountain scene that had the starry night in the background (there are many other options including feet etc). I reconfigured the colors for the constellation borders, comets, satellites, planets and other objects so that the colors matched what I wanted and so that each object was a different color. I changed the constellation colors to show as light green, the constellation boundaries as darker green, the names of the comets showed in red when targeted( but normally yellow), the stars showed as different shades so on. I also configured the limitations how I could see the brightness of stars and more. Versatility can be fun I found. You can change how you want the sky to appear and much more. And this version was more stable for my OS so what is not to like?

No matter which Starry Night version you choose, the software will allow you to grow with your astronomical endeavors now and the future. There are many fine Astronomical Planetarium programs on the market. However for my astronomical needs then, now and in the future, Starry Night is my choice. The “sky’s the limit” (literally), for your celestial pursuits with Starry Night Pro.