NCalSky is intended for amateur observers, primarily in the Northern
California area. This is a place to post observing intentions,
observing reports, star party reports and other observing-related
topics. This community welcomes observing reports and star party
reports from everywhere on Earth (but in English, please!)

The group URL is http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ncalsky

Clear skies,
Shneor Sherman

Hi all

I'm pleased to present the galaxy M81 with near the FluxNebula in Ursa
MAjor.
The image accompanied by a graphic map:

http://www.danilopivato.com/tabulae_coeli/1200_n60/m81_&_fluxneb_map.htm

done with the Flat Field Camera 760/4 & ccd ST-10XME unfiltered for
12 x 600 seconds:

http://www.danilopivato.com/tabulae_coeli/1200_n60/m81_&_fluxneb.htm

Regards

Danilo Pivato

A small documentary style image showing the newly enlarging split of
Porrima A-B (gam Vir) now at around 1". Porrima B is now again
becoming accessible by small telescopes. This binary split is
discussed in Alan MacRobert's S&T note on page 68 of the June 2008
issue.

http://gallery.utahastronomy.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11377

Porrima was only at 38 degs alt at my op and seeing was Pickering 1 or
2. Because of this, an asthetic image was not possible. 83 short
0.125" exposures where taken of the atmospheric speckle pattern. The
two best images showing the split and the two components are included
in the posted image.

Visually, at 564x with a 16" apeture, Porrima AB, in moments of still
air, appeared as figure-8 pattern or a just-touching kiss split, using
Haas's 2006 split nomenclature.

My computed split of 1.4" has a high degree of uncertainty and, due to
observation error, is not in consistent with the S&T article predicted
separations of 1.0" on April 20th, 2008, increasing to 1.1" on Sept.
15th. It is not consistent with the 6th Orbit Catalogue ephemeris
split (rho) values of 0.91" for 2008 increasing to 1.168" in 2009.

It there somewhere stereo images are posted, side by side, to allow
for 'free fuse' viewing? We used to do this in organic chem all the
time. Was hoping to find some of the latest mars photos published
this way. (Not looking for the red / blue overlays) Thanks.

Phoenix microscopy shows Haversian canals as clear as textbook photo

Phoenix microscopy reveals numerous Haversian canals, which are sure
signs of bone fossils.
Picture 1: Four Haversian canals labeled, among numerous ones.
http://www.wretch.cc/album/show.php?i=lin440315&b=20&f=1555128093&p=3

Picture 2: Source of above Picture 1
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hortonheardawho/2535984720/

I believe that my topic is useful and I would like to share my
thoughts. THANK YOU

Islam's Ruling on Marriage

All of the scholars are in agreement that marriage is something
recommended (mustahabb) and called for in Islam. Some took it to the
level of obligatory (waajib) for those with the ability based on the
Prophet's (sas) statement:

"Whoever has the ability should marry for it is better in lowering the
gaze and guarding one's chastity. Whoever is not able, let him fast
for it is for him a restraint." (Al-Bukhari)

Without doubt, marriage is part of the social agenda of Islam and the
objective it to maximize marriage and to combat "singlehood" as much
as possible. This means that if marriage begins decreasing for...

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?008f985d31.jpg

Wow I knew it!

Scary.

No anatomists can deny these six Haversian canals at Phoenix’s foot

Picture 1: six Haversian canals labeled
http://www.wretch.cc/album/show.php?i=lin440315&b=20&f=o1555128092.jpg&p=2

Picture 2: source of the above picture
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hortonheardawho/2532325450/

================================================
Sky & Telescope's Weekly Bulletin - May 30, 2008
================================================

News
========================================
Phoenix: Redemption at Mars
----------------------------------------
May 25, 2008 | NASA's Phoenix spacecraft has dropped gently onto the
north-polar plain of Mars -- easing painful memories of a similar
craft lost 8 years ago and rewarding its anxious handlers with
stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Read More at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/19252334.html

Phoenix's Amazing Photo Finish
----------------------------------------
May 27, 2008 | Whether by precise planning, good luck, or both, a
high-power camera aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured the
Phoenix lander during its parachute descent with a menacing crater
looming in the background.
Read More at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/newsblog/19306239.html

Does anyone know where I can find an mp3 or avi file of today's press
conference for the Phoenix spacecraft on Mars?