Worried about Corona Virus?  Desperate for a summer holiday?  Looking for somewhere off the beaten track, not over-run by tourists and Corona free?

An article on the Astrobites website looks at the possibility of the Galilean moons as potential possibilities.

I have posted the astrobites article on the “general Items” page ( HERE ) and the address for the actual article is HERE,  but in summary the best bet looks like Callisto.
Io  :  the closest to Jupiter, is the most geologically active of the moons due to the tidal forces from the planet.  There are strong enough to cause solid tides where the the surface bulges 100m or so a day.  It is also a bit close for the radiation from Jupiter, some 4.5 million times that on earth.
Europa  :  Although not covered by the astrobites article Europa doesn’t really appeal as a holiday destination.  Like our moon one side is always facing Jupiter.  It is the smallest of the 4 moons and is comprised of a smooth surface, thought to be ice, overlying an ocean with a iron core.  It is the smallest, thus the lowest gravity, subject to strong tidal forces and prone to the eruption of water spouts over 100 miles high and high radiation from Jupiter.
Ganymede  :  It does have an internal magnetic field, but only a small fraction of the Earth’s, so radiation is definitely still a problem and you would have to stay under ground.  Shame really as the sight of Jupiter in the sky, 36 times larger than our moon and amazing aurora, must be something to behold.
Callisto  :  the furthest of the Galilean moons for Jupiter.  This results in a radiation level only 12 times that on Earth, probably fine for a 2 week holiday.  There is also plenty of water on the moon so showers and hand washing should be OK.

The other downside is, of course, getting there.  No charter flights at the moment and it did take NASA’s Juno probe 5 years to get there!

 

It goes without saying that for the time being our regular meetings are cancelled but that is no reason to stop stargazing.  Spring is the time for amateurs to observe galaxies, as they are particularly well placed in the southern sky at this time of year.  However galaxies do need a bit of experience to find and a telescope with a reasonably large aperture.  On the other hand the globular clusters are just coming into their own and can be found with the most basic of binoculars.  If you are fortunate enough to own a telescope they are truly marvellous.  Globular clusters are possibly the most mysterious and enigmatic denizens of our galaxy.  Because they are reasonably bright they can found quite easily even with some light pollution.  The document below explains how you can find 5 of the best globular clusters.   It should also help you to get started on “star-hopping” – using various star patterns and asterisms to locate objects in the sky that you cannot see by eye alone.  If you have no optical aids at all it will help you to learn the constellations of the spring sky. So next time it is clear get out in the garden or even out of a window and try to find yourself a globular cluster.

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Some members may have seen a string of satellites over South Wales last night at around 9:22 BST.  it was of course the satellite train of Starlink.  It should be clear tonight and there is another opportunity to see it at 9:58 this evening (20th April 2020).  It will last for 6 minutes, the train traveling from west to east.  There is another opportunity tomorrow evening at 10:34 pm and on the 22nd at 9:34pm.  The satellite are controversial as many astronomers feel that they will interfere with observing.  They certainly will interfere with astrophotography, as existing satellites and aircraft do.  It remains to be seen how much of a problem they present.

We have recently had a patch of dry sunny weather with clear skies, let’s hope it continues.  If you want to do a bit of stargazing but really do not quite know where to start you may find the following document helpful.  It is not for the experienced observer but for those that feel like having a quick go from the back garden and to give them a start.  So now you have no excuses, loads of spare time and simple instructions, no equipment needed (binoculars are a bonus) – so what are you waiting for? Happy stargazing and stay safe and healthy by not going out (other than the back garden!)

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Light pollution is the scourge of amateur astronomers and lovers of a beautiful starry sky alike.  Now you can take part in a global survey where no experience or special equipment is required.  Simply click on the link below to find out more details about the survey and how you can get involved and the link below that to get to the online app to help you easily classify your local sky.

Globe at night instructions

Globe at Night Webapp

The app is able to determine your location, you simply click on the picture that most closely resembles your sky condition and that is it  – you have made an observation (weather permitting of course!).

Unfortunately this event has been cancelled owing to concerns over the Corona virus.

This is the intriguing topic of a lecture by Professor David Tong from the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University.  The lecture is at 3:00 pm on Friday 20th March 202 in the Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea University.  No booking is required and the auditorium can hold 350, all are welcome.

Further details can be found by following the link below:

David Tonk lecture