Carnival of Space #246 Here at LINKS THROUGH SPACE

Links Through Space

Carnival of Space #246

Welcome to Links Through Space, astronomy for everyone.

This is the blog of our Astronomy Club here in Kustavi, Finland

We write news about space related topics and we showcase our Astrophotographies and Timelapses.

Our blog is a way for you to find new links through the Internet about Space and astronomy.

So here we have it, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Links Through Space is honored to declare the 246th Carnival of Space live from Kustavi Finland.

 OPEN!

Earth Day rhyms with birthday

Ron Cobb's 1969 Ecology Symbol

Earth Day is a day early each year on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day. Earth Day is planned for April 22 in all years at least through 2015.


The Earth Day name
According to Nelson, the moniker "Earth Day" was "an obvious and logical name" suggested by "a number of people" in the fall of 1969, including, he writes, both "a friend of mine who had been in the field of public relations" and "a New York advertising executive," Julian Koenig. Koenig, who had been on Nelson's organizing committee in 1969, has said that the idea came to him by the coincidence of his birthday with the day selected, April 22; "Earth Day" rhyming with "birthday," the connection seemed natural so the name stuck.

Please read further on Wikipedia: "Earth Day" HERE 

Paths of the Sun around the world: Project Solargraphy

Paths of the Sun with Pin Hole Camera  credit: Sakari Ekko

The Global Project Of Solargraphy, Art and Science combine! 

As I was reading Ian Musgrave Astroblog, he was talking about a project with pinhole cameras that he recently joined and made for him self the cameras and all. I became curious!

The Global Project of Solargraphy purpose is to find out how different the paths of the Sun are around the world. The project manager Tarja Trygg from Finland invites anyone to take part in this mapping of the Sun seen from different latitudes.

The goal of the project is to create pinhole cameras "solargraphs" all over the world and build a World Map of Solargraphs. It is not possible to do this alone. That is why the help of  Volunteers around the world has been very important. 

They have placed pinhole cameras at various latitudes in various countries. The only way to make this art of pinhole photography project to work is with collaboration. Experience the magic of Solargraphs - Photographs Like You have Never Seen. You can have more details of how to make a pinhole camera and details on installation, exposures periods and after exposing HERE.

HERE is the link to Tarja Trygg's website for SolargraphyGallery

For my part I will start to make my own Pinehole Camera and send my data to tarja for her real cool project!

Clear skies Everybody!

SPAIN: Last Post of this fabulous Journey into Spanish Astronomy

Harlem Globe Mooner
credit: KTY Toutatis Astronomy Club
(Click on picture to enlarge)

Kustavi, Finland

As our voyage drew to it's end, we slowly easy into our daily routine. The Astronomy Club Toutatis reflects on the beautiful and memorable moments abroad and wish to thank everybody who where kind enough to show us around Astronomy in Spain.
A special Thanks to Mr. Alberto Romero at Astronomy Club Cádiz, Mrs. Cristina Pita guide at ROA and Mr. Miguel Vallejo Carrión assistant director of ROA, the Royal Institute and Observatory of the Spanish Navy and Mr. Martin Jelínek at the BOOTES project in Málaga. Hope to see you soon in joint projects.

Here are the links to the SPAIN series:

1. SPAIN: Follow our Astronomy Club Toutatis in Spain
2. SPAIN: Links Through Space Astronomy Club in Cai Picha!
3. SPAIN: Astronomy Club Hercules, Cádiz
4. SPAIN: The Royal Institute and Observatory of the Spanish Navy, ROA!
5. SPAIN: Marbella where the Old meets the New
6. SPAIN: Astronomy club's New Astrophotos
7. SPAIN: In search of Gamma Ray Bursts in Andalucia with project BOOTES

HERE are the last astrophotographies of our voyage, hope you enjoyed our journey through Spain. It was very nice that you could join us.

SPAIN: In search of Gamma Ray Bursts in Andalucia with project BOOTES

Telescopio Málaga de 0.6-m de diámetro y alta velocidad
de apuntado en la cúpula de BOOTES-2 en la Estación
Experimental de La Mayora (CSIC) en Algarrobo-Costa (Málaga).

Algarrobo-Costa (Málaga), Spain

Have you ever heard of the Burst Optical Observer and Transient Exploring System, Project BOOTES?

I met with Martin Jelínek a Czech Astrophysicist who has been with the project Bootes for 11 years. He is currently working at the BOOTES 2 station as the main operator of the telescope. Pre-doctoral fellowship (IAA-CSIC) at the University of Granada,

he devote his time in imaging the night sky looking for Gamma-ray Bursts.

NASA's CINDI encounter APRIL 1st ASTEROID FLYBY

Dennis-Simmons-NEO-2012-EG5-Trail
Credit: Dennis Simmons

Brisbane, Australia
APRIL 1st ASTEROID FLYBY: Newly discovered near-Earth asteroid 2012 EG5 is flying past Earth today about halfway between Earth and the Moon. There's no danger of a collision. At closest approach on April 1st, the Dreamliner-sized space rock will be about 230,000 km from Earth. This morning in Brisbane, Australia, amateur astronomer Dennis Simmons photographed HERE the incoming asteroid.

Meanwhile  at Vandenberg Airbase, California The CINDI investigation turn it's eye to near -Earth asteroid 2012 EG5 and synchronises a meet flybyof the two objects...

SPAIN: Astronomy club's NEW ASTROPHOTOS

Have you seen the Moon lately?
Credit: KTY Toutatis Astronomy Club

Marbella, Spain.

As the triple conjunction of the Moon, Venus and Jupiter continues I walk the city to find perfect sites to photograph.

Click HERE to read the 7th post of our journey through astronomy in Southern Spain. 

HERE are some new Astrophotos for you to look at.
Enjoy!

SPAIN: Marbella where the Old meets the New

Marbella, Spain by night
Credit: KTY Toutatis Astronomy Club
(Click picture to enlarge)

Marbella, Spain.

The Astronomy Club Toutatis follows the coast to Marbella to search for Astronomy in every corner of this city. Bus drivers and Older women are all into Astronomy as I asked them about it during a trip in a local bus.
The narrow streets and the open plazas are exceptional for astrophotography. With help from a local guide named Raoul, He Stands out places for me to photograph. Watch new astrophotos and timelapses.

A word On a link I found on the net that is related to Marbella, I though I would mention it and see what follows of it.
The Centre for Astrophysics and Cosmology is part of the Science Institute, University of Iceland. Its general goal is to advance knowledge of the Universe through research and education in astronomy and astrophysics...

TimeLapse: Goodbye Cádiz SPAIN, we will never forget you!

As we move on through our journey in SPAIN, we say Goodbye to Cádiz! A special city to be in, Astronomically...
So with no more delays, The Astronomy Club of Kustavi, Toutatis present our latest TimeLapse. It sure put a smile on your face. Enjoy!
Photography & Editing: Stefan Lamoureux
Music: Kevin MacLoed



Look at our astrophotos from our journey in Spain HERE.
+ Timelapses of our Astronomy Club Toutatis HERE.

SPAIN: The Royal Institute and Observatory of the Spanish Navy, ROA!

The Royal Institute and Observatory of the Spanish Navy
(Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada)
credit: Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada

San Fernando (Cádiz), Spain.

The Royal Observatory of Cadiz, originally conceived by the Spaniard Jorge Juan y Santacilia (1713–1773), was founded in 1753.

The Observatory was created as an annexe to the 
Royal Marine Guards Academy with the purpose of teaching astronomy ( Star navigation) to future naval officers. In 1798 it moved next to the island of León, in our days the municipality of San Fernando (Cádiz)

SPAIN: Astronomy club Hercules, Cadiz

Alberto Romero, President of the Association of Astronomy
of Cadiz (Agrupación Astronómica de Cádiz) and me.
credit: KTY Toutatis Astonomy Club

Cadiz, Spain. I had the pleasure to interview Alberto Romero, the president of the Association of Astronomy of Cadiz. The Association bears the name Hercules as the Constellation and according to Greek legend, the founder of the city of Cadiz, Romero tells me.

The Association of Astronomy of Cadiz is founded in 2003 and counts 68 members as of 2012. During these past 9 years, the Astronomy Club Hercules has had many events and projects. Every Friday they have astronomy courses for all at a high school in the center of the city, IES Columela high school. In the summer time on Saturdays they have public observations on the well known Plaza de las Estrellas, also in the center of the city. The association tries as much as possible to organise observation nights out of the city in the surrounding mountains, but have transportation and schedule difficulties says Romero.

The Astronomy Club Hercules provides their own telescopes for the observation sessions. You can find in their "armada" of equipment the Meade Lightbridge Dobsonian 16 " monster or an easier telescope Dobson 200mm among others. Night sky viewing is a big part of the observation sessions, but astrophotography is also popular amongst the members.

The Association of Astronomy of Cádiz is also part of a larger web of Astronomical association. It is part of a project called the "Red Andaluza de Astronomía" (Web of associations of Astronomy of Andalucia). This is an effort to promote and engage people from the region of Andalucia  to Astronomy events and projects.

Cadiz at Sunset on the day of the Spring Equinox
credit: KTY Toutatis Astronomy Club

For the future, the Astronomy Club Hercules here in cadiz continues to promote Astronomy within the city. Organises events and courses for all those interested in Astronomy and even put together special projects with other associations of Astronomy.

Alberto Romero and I where eager to start a special project of our own, between our Astronomy Clubs and our members. 

Thank you for the Association of Astronomy of Cadiz and especially to Alberto Romero for his kindness and his hospitality.

You can find the Astronomy Club Hercules web site HERE (only in spanish)

Click HERE to read the 4th post of our journey through astronomy in Southern Spain.

Remember to watch our astrophotos from our travel in Spain HERE.

Clear skies!

SPAIN: Links Through Space Astronomy Club in Cai Picha!

Cadiz, Spain 18.03.2012
Star trail of the night sky looking South-West
The thick line at right lower corner is Venus
credit: KTY Toutatis Astronomy Club
(Click photo to enlarge)

Cadiz, Spain. On this Monday 19.03.2012 in Cadiz we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution of 1812. It is all in music and events. Today we are expecting to have the visit of King Juan Carlos I of Spain. The people are very excited as we asked them about the event.

For Us at the Astronomy Club it is not so good as all the places and sites are closed for the Bicentennial.

We still are waiting for a reply from the Observatory of the San Fernando Armada and a call from the local Astronomy Club of Cadiz.

So it brings us to take pictures of the night sky from our roof terrace in the middle of the old town. The picture you see at the left is a picture taken from more then 900 shots and put in a single star trail picture of the night sky. At the right lower corner the thick line is Venus and just below it is Jupiter.
We have more astrophotos of our travels HERE.

Click HERE to read the 3nd post of our journey through astronomy in Southern Spain.

Wiki info: Juan Carlos I of Spain
               Spanish Constitution of 1812

Follow our Astronomy Club TOUTATIS in Spain

Venus and Jupiter in conjunction
Cadiz, Spain 16.03.2012
credit: KTY Toutatis Astronomy Club
(Click on foto to enlarge)

Follow our Astronomy Club Toutatis through our voyage in Spain.

As we travel the south of Spain we visit beautiful sites and astronomical landmarks to bring you very cool astrophotos and stories about the history of Spanish Astronomy.

We start our journey in Cadiz where we hope to visit the Royal Institute and Observatory of the San Fernando Armada (Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada, ROA) and be in touch with the local Astronomy club, Agrupacion Astronomica de Cadiz.
We continue our journey into Andalucia to the east through Marbella and Malaga continuing north up the coast to Barcelona, Catalunya.

Follow us through our voyage every other day here on Links Through Space. Enjoy our mini-coverage of the sites and landmarks of Spanish Astronomy and our Astrophotos. Don't forget our Timelapses too!

Click HERE to read the 2nd post of our journey through astronomy in Southern Spain.

You can see more photos on Links Through Space FLICKR page HERE

Clear skies from Cadiz, Spain.

Carnival of Space #240 Here at LINKS THROUGH SPACE

Links Through Space

Carnival of Space #240

Welcome to Links Through Space, astronomy for everyone.

This is the blog of our Astronomy Club here in Kustavi, Finland

We write news about space related topics and we showcase our astrophotographies and timelapses.

Our blog is a way for you to find new links through the Internet about Space and astronomy.

So here we have it, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Links Through Space is honored to declare the 240th Carnival of Space live from Kustavi Finland.

 OPEN!

The Planet Venus and Jupiter closer and closer in the sky!

View in Stellarium 12.03.2012

On March 12, Look at the west just after sunset, you will see I fabulous show in the night sky.
 

Venus and Jupiter make their closest approach on March 12, 2012. Look west after sunset to see the two planets come within 3 degrees of each other.

This is a good time to take your love ones outside and maybe engage on taking pictures of this lovely sight.
Many of you who has the chance to be at higher grounds or beside the sea looking west, you can observe also Mercury. Mercury is relatively low in the western sky, but can be seen just after sunset.

International Women's Day from a Space perspective

Mission Specialist Dr. Karen Nyberg credit: Nasa

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day, is marked on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. In this case the women who has achieved in different space programmes and space related activities.

You can find many sites on the Internet about women in space. Here are a couple I wanted to post, so you can go and see who are these women who has inspired the rest of the world and are pioneers in Space.

Women in Space HERE is a list of women that has contributed to Space exploration
A Nasa's view of Women in Space HERE
At Astronautix.com we can find a more complete list of women in Aviation and in Aeronautics HERE.

Here at Links Through Space we want to celebrate women all around the world. We hope that all women with dreams can fulfill these dreams and continue to be a major part in all aspects of humanity. Go sisters!

Timelapse Through the Planets

On the week of the 21-27.02.2012 in Turku, Finland the night sky was clear and the camera was rolling.
With different locations around the city, including my job's parking lot. There is more than 1200 pictures for over 3 hours of recording stretch into 54 seconds Timelapse. A Timelapse of Venus, Jupiter and the Moon in conjunction but also of the night sky.
Here it is, enjoy!



More Timelapses on Links Through Space.

VENUS 2012! It's phases, transit, whereabouts PART 3

Transit of Venus in 2004

The last Transit of Venus visible to people of our time will occur  in less than 100 days. This spectacular event will be followed by many around the globe, Are you one of them? And do you want to get involved?

Here is a video-teaser of a group of people doing a documentary on "our last transit of Venus". The film project is led by Lightcurve Films (lightcurvefilms.com), and currently counts with the collaboration of Anton Stoelwinder Produkties (antonstoelwinder.nl), Interstellar Studios (interstellarstudios.com), Windmill Film (windmillfilm.com) and Museum Boerhaave in Leiden, the Netherlands (museumboerhaave.nl).

As Steven Van Roode explains it "We are preparing a documentary film project around the event and on this channel you can find related videos. The film will highlight three groups of people: scientists who will observe the Transit to study Venus and exoplanets, amateurs and students who will redo the experiment of determining the size of the Solar System and profession and/or amateur historians with the intention to observe the Transit with 18th and 19th century instruments." 


our last Transit of Venus (teaser) from Lightcurve Films on Vimeo.

We are looking for further film production partners across the world and people from the three groups described above. Feel free to contact us about the project if you are interested to collaborate (tov2012@lightcurvefilms.com).
More information on the Transit of Venus 2012 and links to many other websites can be found on transitofvenus.nl

Click HERE to read the 5th post of our journey through astronomy in Enontekiö, Lappland.

The transit of Venus project is part of the Astronomers without Borders program

astronomerswithoutborders.org

NEXT BIG FUTURE'S Carnival of Space 238 is here!

 Carnival of Space. Image by Jason Major

Brian Wang at NEXT BIG FUTURE is our host for the Carnival of Space 238.

Here is your tickets!

ENTER

If you’re interested in looking back on the Carnival of Space, here’s the complete list that we have on UT or the archive to all the past Carnivals of Space. If you’ve got a space-related blog, you should really join the Carnival. Just email an entry to carnivalofspace@gmail.com, and the next host will link to it. It will help get awareness out there about your writing, help you meet others in the space community – and community is what blogging is all about. And if you really want to help out, sign up to be a host. Send and email to the above address.

Venus, Jupiter and the Moon very close together

26.02.2012 Kustavi, Finland
Venus, Jupiter and Moon in conjunction
credit: KTY Toutatis
(CLICK picture to enlarge)

Venus, Jupiter and the Moon where in conjunction on the 26.02.2012.

It was a very nice sight and fortunately we had good weather, so I was able to take this beautiful picture of the event.

Enjoy the astrophoto, you can see more Links Through Space Astrophotos HERE

Photo details:
Canon EOS 550D
18 mm
f/6.3 2s exposure
ISO 400