Make sure to stop by the RBAC’s resource page and get your updated observing list!
Click here to go to resource page
Thanks to member Bill Breeden for his hard work!!
Jun 04
The Arietids will peak on June 7, 2023
The Arietids meteor shower will peak on June 7, 2023, but this is a daytime meteor shower so only a few predawn meteors might be visible, so why not use radio astronomy to listen to them!
Follow the video link below to the scheduled live stream , using what is referred to as meteor scatter we will be live streaming a way to listen to the meteor shower.
When a meteor enters the Earth’s upper atmosphere it excites the air molecules, producing a streak of light and leaving a trail of ionization behind it kilometers long. This ionized trail may persist for less than 1 second up to several minutes, occasionally. This trail is capable of reflecting radio waves from transmitters located on the ground, similar to light reflecting from a mirrored surface. Meteor radio wave reflections are also called meteor scatter, or pings.
In order to listen to meteor Scatter, you need a powerful transmitter in VHF band located not too close but not too far from you, we are using the video sync signal from a TV station in Canada, an Off Center Fed Dipole antenna, and a USB Software Defined Radio receiver.
May 06
River Bend Astronomy Club Brings Astronomy to Highland
Astronomy Day in Highland was a HUGE success! On April 29th 2023, RBAC members set up telescopes and activities in the parking lot at Northtown Shopping Center and before the sun set, the lot was filled with folks who came from nearby businesses, or just stopped by to see “What is with all those big telescopes?” We estimate 175 visitors stopped by to safely view the Sun and see the prominent sunspots, and to view the Moon. Many also came by the demonstration tables to learn how those sunspots were formed and how they can lead to auroras, as well as information about our Solar System, the Milky Way, the Moon, and meteorites. We braved the high winds but had to pack up earlier than planned due to the threat of rain. We had such great attendance and positive feedback; we hope to be back at this location next spring! (Image Credits : Mike Donaldson)
