Keep Looking Up

July 22, 2015 Leave a comment


“Area Astronomers Invite You to Observe the Moon”
By Gary Fugman
We all know what the Moon looks like…but take a closer look.  Our nearest neighbor to Earth in space has a surface that wildly varies from gray to white, from smooth to rough.  And then there those patterns on the face of the Moon, the Man in the Moon, the Woman in the Moon, the Rabbit in the Moon, even the Cow Jumping over the Moon!  How did they get there?  What else can you see on the Moon with just your eyes or your binoculars?
Friday, July 24 at 9pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, July 25 at 9pm at the Decatur Sears Center you and your neighbors are invited to Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club, NENAC.  There Jean Karlens, Bev Novak, Susan Strahm and Pastor Gary Fugman will relate their experiences in observing the Moon through the Astronomical League’s Lunar Program.  The Lunar Program is a list of 100 features on our Moon, maria (seas), craters, and larger features like the Man in the Moon that are able to be seen at 4 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days in the lunar cycle from new to full.  Jean, Bev, Susan and Gary will describe the program and their experiences in fulfilling it.  Also, along with Tom Fitzgerald, they will relate their July 12-17 experiences at the Nebraska Star Party south of Valentine.  Free July constellation charts will then be given and discussed with the aid of computer graphics.
Finally, weather permitting, all are invited on Friday to the Cory and Tracie Martin residence three miles south of Lyons and on Saturday to the Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur to view the 1st quarter Moon, Saturn and other deep sky objects through large, astronomical telescopes.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars and telescopes to be advised as to what lunar features you can see at home with your equipment.
For more information on this and future NENAC programs, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953 and Keep Looking Up!
Questions to Consider:
1. What do you think has been the cause of such heavy cratering on the Moon?
2. Why are we more likely to learn about the early history of Earth by studying the rocks from the Moon than those on Earth?

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Keep Looking Up!

May 19, 2015 Leave a comment


“Giant Jupiter and Its Amazing Moons”
By Gary Fugman
You walk outside at dusk this evening. In the west, in the clear, spring, night sky, you see a bright, steady object low in the northwest and a similarly bright, steady object halfway up in the sky.  These two objects outshine all the twinkling stars that are beginning to appear.  These steady, bright beacons are the planets Venus and Jupiter.  Venus is a “twin” to Earth in size and structure.  But Jupiter!  Jupiter is something else altogether!  It is a giant planet with an amazing system of moons!
People of all ages are invited to Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) Friday, May 22 at 9pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, May 23 at 9pm at the Decatur Sears Center.  There Pastor Gary Fugman will lead you on an amazing tour to the giant planet Jupiter and its many moons.  Computerized images of Jupiter will illustrate the tour.  A free star chart will be given to you so you can find Jupiter on your own this spring.
Also, in May and June, $5 annual dues will be collected for you to join the Astronomical League.  The Astronomical League in a national astronomy organization that provides to members night sky observing projects for people ages 10 to 100+.  One of these could be your next science fair project!  Participation in 2015-16 Astronomical League observing programs will be offered to you at this weekends’ NENAC meetings and again June 19 & 20.
Then, weather permitting, we will go on Friday to Bill Hedges’ “Lost In Space” Observatory in Lyons and on Saturday to Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur to see giant Jupiter and its moon for real!  Other deep space objects from your star chart will also be observed through these large astronomical telescopes.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars or telescope to the observing sessions as well.
For more information on this and future NENAC events, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953, and Keep Looking Up!

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Keep Looking Up!

April 15, 2015 Leave a comment


 By Pastor Gary Fugman
“Beyond Messier, Into the Cosmic Web!”
In March Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) took all in attendance on a grand tour of the deep sky objects catalogued in the late 1700’s by Charles Messier.  A good part of those Messier objects are included in a web of galaxies that stretch from the tale of the constellation Leo to the outstretched hand of Virgo.  A web?  Yes, a web!  The universe is a pretty empty place.  There are “cosmic voids” divided by “cosmic webs” made of galaxies that stretch billions of light years towards the limits of the known universe.  Amazing!
All are invited to NENAC Friday, April 17 at 8pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, April 18 at 8pm at the Decatur Sears Center.  There Pastor Gary Fugman will lead a discussion on the cosmic web.  Only recently has it been possible to map the distribution of thousands of galaxies spread across billions of light years.  A striking weblike pattern, with lines, sheets, clusters and voids of galaxies fill our universe.  These patterns can be traced back directly to the microwave background, a remnant of the Big Bang.
After our web discussion, free April star charts will be explained and weather permitting, Friday we will travel 3 miles south of Lyons to the Cory and Tracie Martin residence to view cosmic web galaxies stretching between Leo and Virgo with their large telescope.  Saturday we will observe this cosmic web at Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur.
The planets Venus and Jupiter will also be observed.  You are encouraged to bring your telescope and binoculars to observe the universe with us.
For more information on this and future NENAC presentations, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953, and Keep Looking Up! 

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Keep Looking Up!

January 15, 2015 Leave a comment


“Your Lunar Learning Curve; Get Started Observing the Moon” By Gary Fugman

 

Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

Photo Courtesy of Gary Fugman.

Happy New Year!  How about starting 2015 with a fun project that cam be accomplished in just four weeks?  This fun project will teach you much about our nearest neighbor in space, the Moon.  The project is well suited for young or inexperienced observers and develops your visual, binocular and small telescope skills.  Besides, after this experience, you could take your “date” outside on a perfect evening, promise him/her the Moon and stars…and really deliver!
This Friday, January 16 at 7pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, January 17 at 7pm at the Decatur Sears Center, Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) with Pastor Gary Fugman will lead a discussion on completing a one month Astronomical League project to observe the Moon.  We will explain what features on the Moon can be seen with the naked eye, binoculars and a small telescope.  Then the discussion will center on what particular features to observe the third week of January, before 1st quarter Moon, the last week of January, 1st quarter Moon, the first week of February, full Moon, and the second week of February, 3rd quarter Moon.  Lists of lunar craters, seas, mountains and other features will be explained.  Ways to log and sketch your lunar observations will be discussed.  Moon maps will be made available and how to obtain your Astronomical League lunar certificate and pin will be explained.  Plus, you’ll be ready on Saturday, February14 to give your Valentine the Moon and the stars!
Later in the evening the January evening sky will be shown to all on free stars charts.  Weather permitting, Friday we will go to the Cory and Tracie Martin residence 3 miles south of Lyons and Saturday to Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur to observe the night sky through large, astronomical telescopes.  You are invited to bring your binoculars and telescopes as well.  Please dress warmly as winter evenings cool quickly.
For more information on this and future NENAC programs, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953 and Keep Looking Up!
Questions to Consider:
Why are humans so intrigued with the Moon?
When you look up at the Moon, why are some areas white and some areas grey?

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Come to NENAC This Weekend

December 17, 2014 Leave a comment


“Keep Looking Up!” by Pastor Gary Fugman
“The Star of Bethlehem, The Bible and Astronomy–Come to NENAC This Weekend”
Christmas, “Christ with us”, is a many faceted celebration!  The account of the Wise Men visiting the infant Jesus has it’s root in prophesy in the Bible’s Old Testament books of Job, Psalms and Isaiah.  More to the point, prophesy concerning God’s power over the universe, so that the Star of Bethlehem led the Wise Men to the Christ child, is documented in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
This Friday, December 19 at 7pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, December 20 at 7pm at the Decatur Sears Center, Pastor Gary Fugman will lead a discussion on “The Star of Bethlehem, the Bible and Astronomy”.  All people of all ages are invited to this descriptive account, complete with a computerized planetarium program, that will take you back to the nights skies of 3 and 2 B.C. over Bethlehem.  How did the Magi know about the birth of Jesus Christ?  What happened in the night sky that compelled the Magi to seek out the Baby Jesus?  Come to Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) this weekend and see for yourself!
Then, free December star charts will be given to you and 2014’s December night sky will be explained.  You will have the opportunity to join and partake in Astronomical League observing programs for 2015.  Finally, weather permitting, Friday we will then go 3 miles south of Lyons to the Cory & Tracie Martin residence to observe the night sky through large astronomical telescopes.  Saturday we will observe the night sky at Fugman Observatory on the south side of Decatur.  Please dress warmly as evening temperatures cool quickly.  For more information on this and future NENAC programs, call Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953 or google “nenacstars“.
Merry Christmas!  Celebrate the coming of Christmas, Jesus’ birthday, with a new understanding of the Star of Bethlehem, and Keep Looking Up!

Photo Courtesy of NENAC.

Photo Courtesy of NENAC.

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Keep Looking Up!

November 19, 2014 Leave a comment


“Christmas Gift Guide for Your Local Astronomer!”
Photo courtesy of Nenacstars/Gary Fugman

Photo courtesy of Nenacstars/Gary Fugman

Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) this fall has had 29 of its members join the Astronomical League!  Joining the Astronomical League opens up all kinds of certified observing programs to local amateur astronomers.  Many of the new League members are looking for star atlases, binoculars and sturdy, sensible telescopes to begin these observing programs.  With Christmas just after Thanksgiving, what are the best gifts for enthusiastic amateur astronomers?
The public is invited this Friday, November 21 at 7pm to the Lyons Library and Saturday, November 22 at 7pm to the Decatur Sears Center.  There Pastor Gary Fugman will present and discuss examples of quality star atlases, binoculars and telescopes for your star gazer.  An emphasis will be made to bring you to know about great telescopes for under $200.  These are not cheap, flimsy telescopes you see in department stores.  These are solid instruments with good optics, all for under $200!  Also, outlines of 5 Astronomical League observing programs to get you “star”ted in astronomy will be discussed.  These programs will include the “Sky Puppy Program”, “Lunar Program” and “Deep Sky Binocular Program”.  Wow!  What fun with getting to know the night sky!
Then, weather permitting, after discussing free star charts, Friday at 9pm we will observe the evening sky at Bill Hedges’ Lost in Space Observatory in Lyons and Saturday at 9pm at Fugman Observatory in Decatur.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars or telescope to these observing sessions.  Please dress warmly for our colder evenings.
For more information on this and future NENAC presentations, including NENAC’s 2015 calendar of events, google “nenacstars” or call Pastor Gary Fugmanat 349-1953 and Keep Looking Up!

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Your Astronomy to the Next Level

July 22, 2014 Leave a comment


Keep Looking Up! by Pastor Gary Fugman
Bill and Joel with the C11 telescope in Hedges Lost in Space Observatory. Photo Courtesy of Nenacstars.

Bill and Joel with the C11 telescope in Hedges Lost in Space Observatory. Photo Courtesy of Nenacstars.

OK.  So, you look up at the night sky and are familiar with some of the constellations.  Maybe you have come to a NENAC (Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club) meeting or two and have learned more about some of what you see in the night sky.  So, what could help you take your interest in astronomy to the next level?

All are invited to this Friday, July 25 at 9pm at the Lyons Library and Saturday, July 26 at 9pm at the Decatur Sears Center to this month’s NENAC.  There Pastor GaryFugman will lead a discussion on the opportunity for you to participate in observing programs for children, new observers and experienced telescope owners alike.  Wow, all this in one evening!  The Astronomical League, a national organization, has an observing activity for everyone interested in astronomy.  Options for joining the Astronomical League will be investigated at NENAC this weekend.  This month’s night sky will also be discussed complete with free star charts.
Then, weather permitting, at 10pm Friday we will travel 3 miles south of Lyons to the Cory and Tracie Martin residence to observe Saturn and deep sky objects through Cory’s powerful telescope.  Saturday, we will travel to the south side of Decatur to observe through Pastor Gary’s powerful telescope.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars or telescope as well.
For more information on this and future NENAC presentations, google “nenacstars” or phone Pastor Gary Fugman at 349-1953, and Keep Looking Up! 
Questions to Consider:
What would help you to increase your interest in the night sky?
How can you share with others and learn from others’ experience in astronomy?

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Keep Looking Up

May 29, 2014 Leave a comment


Keep Looking Up! by Bill Hedges
“See the Entire Universe This Weekend!”
What does it take to understand the size of the universe in which we live?  It is difficult to comprehend the scale of the cosmos.  There is not only the “macro cosmos”, the universe that is larger than we can see; there is also the “micro cosmos”, the subatomic world that is smaller than we can see.  By using the scaling powers of 10, this weekend we will take a visual journey in both these directions and see the smallest and largest structures of the universe with everything in between!  Our space ship for this journey will be the IMAX movie “Cosmic Voyage”.
 
People of all ages are invited to Northeast Nebraska Astronomy Club (NENAC) Friday, May 30 at 9pm to the Lyons Library and Saturday, May 31 at 9pm to the Decatur Sears Center.  There Bill Hedges will describe and present the scale of the universe.  After your “Cosmic Voyage”, all will receive free May star charts and the May night sky will be discussed.  Then, weather permitting, we will observe the red planet Mars, the ringed planet Saturn and deep sky objects with the Hedges telescope in Lyons Friday and the Fugman telescope in Decatur Saturday.  You are encouraged to bring your binoculars or telescope to the observing sessions.
 
For more information on this and future NENAC presentations, please call Bill Hedges at 687-2125 or google “nenacstars”, and Keep Looking Up!

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