Supernovae: The Stellar Route to Understanding Dark Energy

Part 3: Issues Facing Type Ia Supernova Cosmology

The final installment of a series reporting on the Supernova Workshop sponsored by SNAP, the SuperNova/Acceleration Probe collaboration, to investigate the best ways to study dark energy with exploding stars.

Supernova cosmology was founded on measurements of distant Type Ia supernovae, and high-z searches for distant supernovae have continued to multiply, using both ground-based telescopes and the Hubble Space Telescope. (Z stands for redshift.)

All these searches share the goal of narrowing constraints on possible theories of dark energy by narrowing the allowable values of w, the dark energy "equation of state," the ratio between its pressure and energy density.

At the Supernova Workshop Isobel Hook reported, by conference call from England, on a recent report from the Supernova Cosmology Project. After performing several comparisons of high-z and low-z supernovae in a group of 14 Type Ia's, the authors concluded that there are no significant differences among them — or, stated more conservatively, that "there is a sample of high-z Ia's whose properties match those of low-z Ia's." ...


Click here to read the rest of this news story and the earlier Parts 1 & 2.

Close Encounter with Saturn

On Friday, Jan. 27th, Saturn will be at its closest to Earth for all of 2006. Even a small telescope will show the planet's exquisite rings. Look for Saturn rising in the east at sunset (it looks like a bright yellow star) and soaring overhead at midnight. Bad weather on Friday? Don't worry. Saturn will remain close to Earth for weeks to come. You'll have many more chances to see the ringed planet at its best. Visit Spaceweather.com for details and a sky map.

BIG SUNSPOT: Sunspot 848 burst through the surface of the sun last week and quickly grew into a planet-sized behemoth. (Which planet? Coincidentally, Saturn.) Now it is falling apart. The rise and fall of this big 'spot is shown in a movie on Spaceweather.com.

NASA Honors Apollo Astronaut Michael Collins

NASA will honor former astronaut Michael Collins for his involvement in the U.S. space program with the presentation of the Ambassador of Exploration Award at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum Space Hall, One Davis Ave., Garden City, N.Y.

NASA is presenting the Ambassador of Exploration Award to the 38 astronauts who participated in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs for realizing America's vision of space exploration from 1961 to 1972. The award is a small sample of lunar material encased in Lucite and mounted for public display. The material is part of the 842 pounds of samples brought back to Earth during the six Apollo lunar expeditions from 1969 to 1972. Collins' award will be displayed at the museum.

Collins was the pilot for the Gemini 10 mission in July 1996. He remained in lunar orbit as the command module pilot for Apollo 11 in July 1969, while crewmates Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first humans to land on the moon's surface during that historic mission.

Collins' astronaut biography.

NASA Honors Apollo Astronaut Edgar Mitchell

NASA will honor former astronaut Edgar Mitchell for his involvement in the Apollo space program with the presentation of the Ambassador of Exploration Award at 4 p.m. EST, Sunday, Feb. 5 at the South Florida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, Fla.

NASA is presenting the Ambassador of Exploration Award to the 38 astronauts who participated in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs for realizing America's vision of space exploration from 1961 to 1972. The award is a small sample of lunar material encased in Lucite and mounted for public display. The material is part of the 842 pounds of samples brought back to Earth during the six Apollo lunar expeditions from 1969 to 1972. Mitchell's award will be displayed at the museum.

Mitchell was the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 14 moon mission, Jan. 31 to Feb. 9, 1971. Crewmates Alan Shepherd and Stuart Roosa also participated in the third lunar landing. The team collected more than 100 pounds of lunar samples during their record setting 33 hours on the moon's surface.

Mitchell's astronaut biography.

New NASA TV Page

I've moved the NASA TV streamed video feed from the front page to its own page. There are other links on this page that let you get the feed in either RealPlayer or Windows Media.

V2.45 of LunarPhase Pro Is Now Available

V2.45 of LunarPhase Pro has just been released. Full details of the software can be found here.

LunarPhase Pro (for Win 98/Me/NT/2000/XP) is a software toolkit for anyone who's interested in the moon. By using the integrated tools and the general lunar data presented on screen, you'll be able to easily see when and where the moon is, its phase for any date, when it's above the horizon and plan for observing sessions.

------------------------------­­­­---------------------------­-­-­-­-----
- LunarPhase Pro V2 CD $39.95
- LunarPhase Pro V2 Download [30Mb] $34.95
- Upgrade Option for Existing LunarPhase (Shareware) users
------------------------------­­­­---------------------------­-­-­-­-----

Click here for a Demo version of the software.

V2.45 Enhancements:
- Added a new screen that displays a live streamed video feed from NASA TV (needs a broadmand connection).

Catalina Sky Survey Tops 2005 NEO Discoveries

When it comes to finding asteroids or comets that swing too close to home, the Catalina Sky Survey is currently Earth's best defense.

The Catalina Sky Survey discovered more near-Earth objects (NEOs) than any other sky survey in 2005. That includes more NEOs larger than a kilometer in diameter, as well as more smaller objects that potentially threaten Earth.

CSS astronomers discovered 310 NEOs, or 49 percent of all NEOs discovered in 2005. That's a record-breaking number of discoveries for any NEO survey, ever.

Of these, 29 objects are at least a kilometer across, and 40 are classified "potentially hazardous asteroids," objects large enough and close enough to Earth to bear watching. All other Spaceguard surveys found a total 46 potentially hazardous asteroids last year...

Click here to read the rest of this story...

Fireball Alert

Space Weather News for Jan. 11, 2006

http://spaceweather.com

FIREBALL ALERT: On Sunday morning, Jan. 15th, between approximately 1:56 and 1:59 a.m. PST (0956 - 0959 UT), a brilliant fireball will streak over northern California and Nevada. It's NASA's Stardust capsule, returning to Earth with samples of dust from Comet Wild 2. Observers along the flight path should have a marvelous view of this rare man-made meteor.  Radio signals reflected from the capsule's ionized tail may be heard from a much wider area--hundreds to thousands of miles away.  Visit http://spaceweather.com for maps and observing tips.

NASA Announces Web and TV Coverage of New Horizons Mission

NASA TV and NASA Direct, Kennedy Space Center's Internet broadcasting

network, will provide live New Horizons launch coverage on Jan. 17.

TV and Web coverage starts at 11 a.m. EST; lift-off is scheduled for

1:24 p.m. EST. For information about NASA TV and digital downlink

information on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

On Sunday at 3:30 p.m. EST, NASA presents a webcast about the mission.

The program includes interviews with NASA launch managers and mission

scientists. They will answer questions about the science and

technologies involved in the mission.

Participants: Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy; Launch

Weather Officer Joel Tumbiolo; Omar Baez, NASA launch manager; New

Horizons Mission Project Manager Glen Fountain; Fran Bagenal, mission

co-investigator; Mission System Engineer David Kusnierkiewicz;

Project Scientist Hal Weaver; and Tiffany Nail, Launch Services

Specialist. Program guests will answer questions submitted by the

public.

All mission events are available through the NASA Web Portal at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newhorizons

NASA Refines Design For Crew Exploration Vehicle

NASA's Constellation Program is making progress toward selecting a
prime contractor to design, develop and build the Crew Exploration
Vehicle (CEV), America's first new human spacecraft in 30 years.

The agency has issued Phase II of a Request for Proposals. It is a
"Call for Improvements" that incorporates the results of additional
analysis and study. Phase II adds detailed design, development and
production requirements. Phase II proposals will be evaluated and
used to select a single CEV contractor later this year. Click Here For RFP Details.

The CEV is a key element of the Constellation Program, which will help
NASA realize the Vision for Space Exploration. The CEV will transport
up to six crew members to and from the International Space Station
and up to four to and from the moon. It will also support future Mars
missions.

For the first time, the Phase II Request for Proposals specifies a
configuration for the spacecraft: an improved, blunt-body crew
capsule shape. Requirements are based on future exploration mission
needs and the desire to fly the first CEV mission as close as
possible to 2010, when the space shuttle will be retired. Phase I
resulted in contract awards in July 2005 for CEV systems requirements
definition to teams led by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman
Systems Corp. Phase II proposals are due March 20, 2006.

Website Updates

I've added a new NASA News video feed to the Night Sky Observer front page which streams video in real time. The video feed yo usee here is what it looks like.

A new news page has also been added which gives information about the PBS Nova science documentary series (which frequently covers astronomical themes).

Free Astronomy Toolbar Available

I've put togther a free Astronomy Toolbar that will add a toolbar into Internet Explorer or Firefox with the following functions:

- Check out the prices on various astronomy equipment and accessories
- Search Google for whatever you want from within the toolbar (search histories increased to 25 in V1.2)
- Highlight your search terms on the results pages that are returned
- Connect to various news sources for the latest astronomy and space news
- Software Resources
- Equipment Reviews
- Weather Information
- Audio & Video Resources (14 new resources added in V1.3)
- 25 Astronomy Podcast Resources (6 new podcasts added in V1.2 & V1.3 incl. NASA & ESA)
- Astronomy Shopping Resources
- The latest news headline displayed in the toolbar - this can be clicked to display the associated news story

There's no Spyware, Adware or other Malware included with the toolbar.

Click here to install The Firefox version

Click here for the Internet Explorer version

More info on the toolbar is available at The Astronomy Toolbar Page

V2.42 of LunarPhase Pro has just been released. Full details of the
software can be found at: http://lunarphasepro.nightskyobserver.com

If you already own LunarPhase Pro and you've changed your email address in the last few months, you'll have missed the above announcement. Maybe you could email me with your current email address so I can keep you in the loop.

LunarPhase Pro (for Win 98/Me/NT/2000/XP) is a software toolkit for anyone who's interested in the moon. By using the integrated tools and the general lunar data presented on screen, you'll be able to easily see when and where the moon is, its phase for any date, when it's above the horizon and plan for observing sessions.

------------------------------­­­­---------------------------­-­-­-­-----
- LunarPhase Pro V2 CD $39.95
- LunarPhase Pro V2 Download [30Mb] $34.95
- Upgrade Option for Existing LunarPhase (Shareware) users
------------------------------­­­­---------------------------­-­-­-­-----

A demo version of the software is available from: http://lunarphasepro.nightskyobserver.com/DemoDownload.htm

V2.42 Enhancements:
- Now fully compatable with OpenGL 2.0
- Users with low-spec'd Win98 systems can now print out maps
- Printed maps can be scaled to save on ink/toner

Previous V2.xx Enhancements:
- "Moon Rise & Set Positions" screen shows the compass directions for the rising and setting Moon for the selected date.
- Very High Resolution (VHR) Maps have been introduced into this version which show more surface detail when the maps are zoomed in. Click here for comparison graphic
- "Moon in the News" screen lists current news stories relating to the Moon. Needs an internet connection.
- Label only those features along the terminator for easy identification
- The Moon's correct orientation as seen in the sky can now be displayed
- A Meteor Showers screen shows when the Moon interferes with possible observations of those showers.
- A Sun Rise & Set Positions screen shows the compass directions for the rising and setting Sun for the selected date
- A print facility has been added to the Crescent Moon Visibility screen.
- The constellation the Moon is in for the selected time and date is now displayed
- Previous and Next buttons allow navigation through the "Did You Know?" popup screen
- A new Feature Search screen that allows the database of over 9,200 features to be searched, based on different criteria. The results can be printed out.
- The Terminator Features list can be printed out, including any observation notes recorded (or preinstalled) for listed features.
- Find future times and dates for when lunar features are under the same illumination
- Over 9,200 lunar features are now included in the inbuilt database, including the Lunar 100
- Rukl Chart outlines can be overlaid on moon map
- Lists of features for each Rukl Chart can be viewed
- Emulate the view of the moon as seen through your own telescopes and eyepieces
- Record your own observation notes - many features come with preinstalled notes
- Link multiple images to specific lunar features
- Lunar Features are linked to an online lunar photographic atlas
- Different map textures can now be selected - 3 mineral, one gravity and a Clementine Near infra-red map.

Main Features:
- Main screen displays all the information you need at a glance
- View moon information for different times and dates
- Explore the moon's near and far sides using 2D and 3D moon maps
- Lunar maps are fully corrected for libration
- Maps can be panned, zoomed and printed out
- Identify features on maps or from dropdown lists with a simple mouse-click, by clicking on the maps directly or from user-configurable labels that can be displayed on the maps
- Displays a list of terminator features that is updated in real time
- Animate the moon showing libration effects and a traveling terminator
- Monthly Libration diagrams for determining the best limb-features to view
- Moon visibility diagrams show when the moon is visible from your location
- Tells you when First Cresent Visibility occurs (after new moon) and for how long it's visible in the sky
- Displays times of sunrise and sunset at lunar features as seen from your location
- Calculates circumstances of lunar eclipses
- Lists Max. and min. Apogee and Perigee dates and distances for a selected year range
- Monthly phase diagrams - Links to online lunar web resources
- Configure the display to match the view through your telescope/binoculars
- Displays sun rise/set times and twilight times for your location
- Dates of Equinoxes and Solstices and duration of seasons
- Store multiple observing locations
- Print out diagrams, maps and calendars

http://lunarphasepro.nightskyobserver.com/

NASA Honors Legendary Astronaut Vance Brand

NASA will honor former astronaut Vance Brand for his involvement in the Apollo space program with the presentation of the Ambassador of Exploration Award at 9 p.m. EST (7 p.m. MST), Friday, Jan. 20 in the City Council Chambers, Longmont Civic Center, 350 Kimbark St., Longmont, Colo.

NASA is presenting the Ambassador of Exploration Award to the 38 astronauts who participated in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs for realizing America's vision of space exploration from 1961 to 1972.

The award is a small sample of lunar material encased in Lucite and mounted for public display. The material is part of the 842 pounds of samples brought back to Earth during the six Apollo lunar expeditions from 1969 to 1972. Brand's award will be displayed at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center.

Brand will be the museum's guest starting at 1 p.m. EST (11 a.m. MST) on Saturday, Jan. 21, during an open house, where the new display will be unveiled, and he will talk about his experiences in the space program. All events are free and open to the media and public.

In 1975, the Longmont-native made history as command module pilot with the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. This joint American and Russian mission was the first international manned space flight. It was an important part of improving American-Russian relations. Brand was also mission commander for three space shuttle flights from 1982 to 1990. He commanded flights on both the shuttles Columbia and Challenger.