Alternative Facts

I'm going to follow the lead of our new President and give you some facts about astronomy. In the 1984-ish doublespeak now being used by the President and his representatives, I should probably say they're "alternative facts," meant to counter the irresponsible misinformation being posted by the media--Sky and Telescope, Astronomy magazine, countless scientific blogs, etc.

• Stars get their energy by burning natural gas, but work is underway to get them to switch to American coal
• Any Christian knows that the universe is only 7,000 years old, not the absurdly huge age promoted by atheistic scientists
• Atmospheric turbulence is a hoax created by China to sell more off-axis guiders
• Regulating light pollution will send thousands of jobs to Mexico. Sad!
• Muslims and Mexicans are actively working to undermine the function of astronomy clubs across the country. Be sure to properly background-check any immigrant who tries to join your club. Better yet, simply refuse them membership. Ditto for women
• The current state of amateur astronomy is one of carnage and dismay.  You may think that it's a good time to be an amateur what with the abundance of high-quality telescopes, cameras, and other gear at historically low prices--but you're mistaken! Wake up, America!

Needless to say, none of the above is true.

• Stars derive their energy from nuclear fusion
• The 13.7 billion year age of the universe is a scientific fact, and almost all organized religions accept it
• Atmospheric turbulence is an inconvenient, but real, thing. Much like global warming it can't simply be denied away 
• Regulating light pollution will reduce lighting costs, give more security, and provide opportunities for American innovation
• Denying club membership on the basis of ethnicity, gender, creed or sexual orientation is simply wrong (refer to the Constitution of the United States) and self destructive
• It really is a good time to be in the hobby.  The variety of high-tech goods at decent prices is amazing compared to decades ago. Imaging has been revolutionized and will continue to improve

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Enough politics (for now.)  I only write the above because I fear for the future of our Constitutional Democracy, now entrusted to a man-child and his ethics-challenged advisors. If you voted for Trump, good for you--at least you voted.  And now, back to our regularly scheduled program, already in progress....

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The big Virgo Cluster mosaic is still on track.  Imaging can't really start until late February or March, which will give me some time to learn about MSICE, the software I will used for merging the mosaic's panes. I've got to create this spring so it's ready as a promotional item for ALCON 2018, which is being held in the Twin Cities. I designed the logo for the event, seen below in two versions:

Our club is organizing some imaging workshops for the late winter and spring. I've been temporarily been put in charge of the processing workshop and it will be a challenge. Approach it by general methodologies or concentrate on specific software packages? That's something to be worked out with attendees--what they want is what we'll do.

I completed my AL Globular Cluster imaging and will be getting the certificate at the next club meeting. How I went about it (getting most of the list globs in one image of M31) may trigger a change in the imaging rules--Bob Kerr administers the list and is a member of the club, and I've talked with him about it.

It's almost time to put together the third annual list of regional star parties for the club forum. I think the August total solar eclipse is making scheduling a little difficult for clubs.

More about the eclipse and my plans for it--perhaps next time.