Planet formation as seen by spectral distribution; AAVSO to help Chandra Observatory with stellar outburst observations; Nightfall in Borrego Springs

Greetings from Palmia Observatory

The angular momentum problem described in the previous post is just one of the interesting physics concepts of planet formation.  This post continues the discussion on planet formation and describes how the evolution of proto disks can be tracked and identified.  In addition, we will discuss AAVSO and Chandra collaboration and travelling to the Nightfall star party in Borrego Springs.

The Angular Momenntum Problem and origin of Solar Systems; Time out to party! Resident Astronomer Peggy comes under spell of nighttime visitor

Greetings from Palmia Observatory

Well this week is Halloween so you have to be careful if you are out late at night trying to observe some deep space sky.  So, while we spent some time partying, I also read more about solar system formation and the problem of angular momentum, so let's get into that topic first.

"Supersymmetry" by Kane; CSULB and UCI Physics colloquia with Professor Lyra explains planet formation with dead zone and Professor Porter takes on gamma ray background modelling

Greetings from Palmia Observatory

Well this week has not had any astronomical observing and has been tied up with some physics colloquia on planet formation and gamma ray backgrounds and revisited a book on supersymmetry.

How are energetic ions trapped in the Earth's magnetosphere? What background stars will be visible during the 2019 total solar eclipse? Astronomer Assistants and new Observatory Assistant

Greetings from Palmia Observatory

Well we are back from the Mars 2020 NASA Workshop and I wanted to report on a neat explanation I found while skimming through the planetary sciences textbook about how ions from the solar wind become trapped in the Earth's magnetic field and build up into these large radiation fields that can be dangerous for spacecraft passing through.

NASA Mars 2020 rover site downselection Workshop; CRISM and ground penetrating radar; Other upcoming astronomy events

Greetings from Palmia Observatory,

Well, this week has been tied up with attending the NASA Mars 2020 rover site down selection workshop.  I was able to spend 2.5 days there and can pass on some of the discussion, but first we should cover some of the upcoming astronomy events.