Page 14 - 1 to 18 August 2020

Imphal Times Supplementary issue Page No. 2
Become an Amateur Astronomer – this lockdown

By- Heigrujam Meen Bhushan In the north western sky the last Object Apparent Remarks
three star of Big Dipper form an arc
Barricading or We see the Sun, the Moon, Planets (part of a circle), extend the arc, you brightness in
Magnitude
and Stars rising and setting in the
will find a redgaint star
brainstorming?- sky, we are in fact experiencing the Arcturus(Swati), an aged star that Full Moon - 12.9 Brightest object in the
has depleted its core hydrogen just
effects of the rotation and revolution
- 4.9
Venus
Identifying the weapon of of the Earth around the Sun – a great 37 lightyears from us, extend further Jupiter - 2.9 sky after Sun and Moon
cosmic clockwork in action. Since
you will find Spica (Chitra) a variable
ages across time and civilisations,
bluegaint star 20,000 times brighter
choice against Covid- 19 the night sky has been inducing awe than the Sun, extend further you will Sirius -1.5 Brightest star after Sun
0.03
assigned 0 as reference
Vega
find a group of 4 semi bright in
and beauty – a question and an
enigma. The night sky from our quadrilateral pattern of stars forming with some corrections
backyard still thrills us. This Corvus Constellation low in south Polaris 1.9 Initially assigned 2 as
According to a press report a few days back, the Deputy lockdown due to Covid 19 pandemic western sky. To ease remembering reference but found to be
Inspector General of Police (DIG) Range, Pravin Gurung of Sikkim one can taste amateur Astronomy - the name and location is the sky, we slightly variable, later
Police removed barricades put up by villagers and localities to the backyard astronomy and say ‘Follow the Arc to Arcturus shifted to Vega.
prevent people from entering their respective areas fearing the experience those thrills and the spirit (from the last three star of Big Andromeda Galaxy 3.4 Most distant object
spread of the virus due to the surge in Covid 19 cases in the of enquiry like those of ancient Dipper) and spin on to Spica’ extend visible to unaided eye, at
state, terming the act of putting up barricades by citizens in astronomers. With modern gadgets further you find Corvus 2.3 million light years.
different localities as illegal while appreciating the high level of like camera, binoculars and internet constellation. 6.5 Initially set at 6,limit of
awareness of the locals and the precautions they have taken. we are better armed and the thrill and South East: Planet Jupiter is seen naked eye under very good
While the above instance is not a one off incident, the police the child like delight remain the as the brightest object and Saturn a sky condition,
officer acted responsibly and prevented further inconvenience same as those experience by ancient yellowish starlike left of Jupiter. There are about 9500 stars.
and possible misfortune due to restricted movements in case of astronomers. This Lockdown to Right side of the Jupiter is the teapot 9.5 Faintest object visible
emergencies in the state. In fact the practice of putting up relish these feelings just look up into of Sagittarius. A possible alien signal to 7 X 50 mm binocular.
unauthorized barricades in localities and colonies by the local the night sky and enjoy. But first called the wao signal! was
residents have seen a sharp rise with the surge in Covid 19 about the comet Neowise which discovered by Big Ear Radio celestial sky seems to advance from as a single star, through a binocular
cases throughout the country, and with the added apprehension recently ignited the joy of sky Telescope, Ohio State University on east to west by 1 deg or 4 mins every two stars are seen separately. The
of community spread of the contagion, the sense of uncertainty gazing. 15 th Aug. 1977 was discovered day. In other words, if you see a star, two are in fact, another two star
and suspicion of ‘outsiders’ has taken on a more accusatory On 24 th July 2020 at about 7:30 pm, coming from this direction. Further say at 9:00 pm, next day at 9:00 pm system visible through Telescope.
overtone. Comet C/2002 F3 Neowise was right you can see the beautiful the star will seems to rotate by 1 deg. In 1980’s a fifth very dim partner was
photographed with Nikon D5300 18- Scorpius Constellation with its red from east to west or, the star will be discovered using very advance
What exactly is the logic behind putting up such 140 mm lens (13secs, f 3.5, iso 1250, supergiant star Antares (Jayestha) in same position 4 mins earlier ie. technique called Speckle imaging.
unauthorized barricades in localities? Are they really helping in 56 mm) and the next day with 50 mm - a star which appears in the flag of 9:00 minus 4 mins. This also means Perseid meteor shower is visible to
slowing down or preventing the spread of Covid 19? Exactly prime (10 secs, f 1.8, iso 200, 50mm) Brazil. the sky rotates 30 deg every month naked eye but is more beautiful with
who are the people the residents are trying to prevent from with much improved noise level. North Eastern sky: Northern Cross (360 deg/ 12 months = 30 deg/ a binocular. This shower is going
entering their respective localities? Does the ‘ban’ include Rain and cloudy sky foiled attempt with its bluewhite supergiant star month). All planets, comets, Moon on currently and will be peak by 9
persons engaging in ‘essential services’ or are there some local to photograph days before. The Deneb is high in north eastern sky. seems to move in the background August till 14 August 2020. At its
mechanism to monitor the movement of these persons? What comet was found about left of Also a pattern of three bright star - of stars very slowly. peak upto 60 or more meteors can
about the residents going out of their barricaded localities? Or, Merak by extending from Dubhe of the summer triangle consisting of Star gazing using Binoculars: be seen per hour. It seems to come
has arrangements been made by the locals so that the needs of Big Dipper (Saptarishi). The comet Deneb of Cygnus, Vega of Lyra Binocular specifications are mainly from direction between
the less affluent residents are also looked after while imposing was dim about 4 or 5 magnitude of (northeastern direction) and Altair generally 7 x 50 mm which means, Perseus and Cassiopeia although it
a blanket ban on movements in these localities? Considering apparent brightness with its little (high in east direction) of Aquila magnification is 7 times and 50 mm covers all the sky. The Meteor
the mandate and influence the local Clubs enjoy, are these fuzzy tail (magnitude 6 is just visible constellation can be seen. Near the is the diameter of the objective lens showers are form when Earth enters
barricades erected with their support or supervision? Has there to naked eye under very good sky region of Summer triangle near which determines the light gathering the streams of debris left by comet
been even the slightest hint of suspicion that only ‘outsiders’ condition and 0 assigned to Altaire is a dim constellation power or how bright an object will Swift Tuttle.
are at risk of spreading the contagion? What is the view or brightest stars historically by Velpecula where the first pulsar PSR be to the eye revealing fainter Andromeda Galaxy is visible to the
stand of the state government in this regard? Is this just another ancient Greek Astronomer 1919 +21 was discovered by a objects in the sky. unaided eye with apparent
example of relegating greater power to the people or yet another Hipparchus about 2000 years ago, doctoral student Joycelyn Bell Moon appears much closer, best is brightness of about magnitude 3.4,
instance of failure to implement proper protocols and legal it is still in used with modern Burnell on 28 th Nov. 1967. She called during waxing crescent Moon just it is dim, seen as fussy flatten cloud
guidelines? modification and quantification, less it LGM-1 for Little Green Man after sunset in the western sky when about 6 times the size of Moon. It
number means more brighter, more thinking to be beacon from Aliens. the contrasts between light and dark can be located using Cassiopeia. It
When a locality or residential area is declared containment than 6 means not visible to the W shape constellation Cassiopeia areas of the craters are maximum. If will rise late in north eastern sky and
zone, the local police will put up barricades, often yellow painted unaided eye). Next day its position is rising little late in the sky. Planet you are lucky, you can see visible throughout the night. It is
metallic ones on wheels, two-layers deep and overlapping if changed a little towards left side. Mars and Uranus will be rising late occultation ie. Planets and some the only object which is located
possible, completely restricting the entry and exit of all vehicles. The comet will not return for about in the eastern sky. bright stars passing behind the outside the Milky Way galaxy
No vendors, milk suppliers, household help, drivers or nannies 6700 years. As comet are mostly Early morning night sky: Two Moon whose timing are important visible to naked eye. It is some 2.5
will be allowed to enter, and residents will not be allowed to exit made of ice, dust and rocky material, hours before sunrise, Venus for astronomical calculation. For million light years away and belong
the building or locality. There will be constant police vehicles as it passes and comes closer (brightest in eastern sky) is rising steady view, a tripod or a stand can to a small group of Galaxies which
on patrol on the main roads, in addition to police personnel towards the Sun, its ice and other in eastern direction along with be used. Crater Tycho named after our Milky Way Galaxy is a part
permanently stationed at the barricade itself. In case of an gasses components vaporizes, and Taurus constellation with its bright astronomer Tycho Brahe can be called the Local group which is a
emergency, people are expected to alert the police and help will blows off by the Solar wind emitted redgaint star Aldebran(Rohini). easily seen. part of a larger group of Galaxies
be sent. If needed, ambulances will be sent to take the patient by the Sun forming a ion tail and a Mars (dim reddish and star like) will Milky Way (Akash Ganga/ called Virgo Supercluster.
to a nearby hospital. All essential goods vendors will have to dust tail pointing away from the Sun. be almost overhead. Also you can Nighthou turen) looks like a stream Andromeda Galaxy is blue shifted
leave the deliveries at the barricade gates and residents will be The comet’s core photographed see Pleiades (Krittika/ of heavenly gems of various meaning its moving towards us and
called to come and collect the packages one by one. All other was greenish blue in colour. khongjomnubi in Manipuri) high in colours. Colours of individual stars will collide with Milky Way.
unessential, civilian movement has been banned. Everyone has Interestingly, comets were also the eastern sky. Planet Mercury is and gaseous clouds can be seen. Star Gazing using Telescopes:
to wear a mask when they step out of their front doors now. recorded as ‘thawanmichak mamei seen rising low in the eastern sky. The colours of the stars indicate its If you are luck even to have even a
This is compulsory by government order as well. Any non panbi’(star with tail) in ancient Also you can see Orion temperatures. Milky Way can be small Telescope, it is like having a
compliance will be dealt with strictly and according applicable Manipur as early as 1572 and on 2 nd constellation rising low in the seen stretching through Cassiopeia, divine eye. You can see so many
laws. tithi ( nini panba) Saturday, eastern sky, its star Rigel will be the Northern Cross then to wonderful objects in sky provided
wakching (Dec./ Jan.) 1705 in the bright in south eastern sky. Sagittarius constellation and tail of you know where and how to look.
Barricades are and should be the last resort of the state western sky (pp57 vol 1and pp19 vol Moon: 3 rd August is full Moon. Scorpius constellation. Planets: The rings of Saturn and
authorities to contain and fight the contagion. The dreaded 2, Chaitharol Kumpaba translated by Moon will be rising in the eastern Pleiades (Krittika/ Khongjomnubi) four big moons of Jupiter can be
virus does not differentiate between an ‘insider’ and an Saroj Nalini Arambam Parrat). By the sky just after sunset. Moon and Sun is a beautiful open cluster (a group seen with a Telescope. They can be
‘outsider’. What we should understand as responsible mid-august, Neowise will be too dim will be in opposite direction from the of gravitationally bound stars formed seen rising in south eastern sky.
individuals and citizens is that instead of creating more to be seen even with a binocular or Earth. As days passes Moon will from the same giant molecular Right side of Jupiter is the
inconveniences and even potential danger in case of a small Telescope even though it is be rising late diminishing in phases. clouds, they are like brothers) in Sagittarius Constellation along with
emergencies, we should follow the safety guidelines strictly the sky. With its tails reducing as it Moon will move 360 deg/27.3days Taurus constellation rising from the band of Milky Way. Jupiter will be
and avoid exposing ourselves to the risks of contracting the goes further away from the Sun, it = 13.2 deg/day from east to west ie. east visible in early morning night the brightest object in the sky.
virus. If each one of us does our bit, there will not be any will be difficult to recognize. backwards in the background of sky. Phases of Venus (like our moon) can
necessity for barricades and bans. We are the ones who will Igniting amateur Astronomy: What zodiac constellation, 27.3 days Double Cluster in Perseus be seen two to three hrs before sun
determine the next course of action against the dreaded can you do tonight if sky is clear? being the sidereal month ie. time to constellation near Cassiopeia, rise and will be the brightest, rightly
contagion and thereby decide its fate. Just look up and admire the return to same position in the consisting of two star clusters is called the morning star (though not
sparkling stars, breath and feel the background of stars. Interestingly, always visible from most part of a star). Reddish colour Mars can be
silence, the vastness limitless in vedic astrology the zodiac is Northern Hemisphere. You will see seen almost overhead, In fact, Planet
sparkling night sky. divided into 27 nakshatra suppose this beautiful cluster rising late in Uranus is also present close to
First unaided eye observation to be the 27 wives of hindu Moon the north eastern sky. The double Mars but will be difficult to
(description valid approximately till God Chandra. Hence, the moon cluster is actually blue shifted recognize as it is featureless and
end of August, 2020) stays in each nakshatra each day. meaning they are moving towards appears like a star. Mercury will rise
North West: After the sunset, in the Each lunar day is called ‘tithi’ or us. In Greek Mythology, the cluster low in eastern sky and its phases
north western sky, the Big Dipper thaban like nini pannba humni is supposed to be the jeweled handle can be observed like Venus but with
(Saptrishi) can be easily seen, extend pannba in Manipuri. of Perseus’s sword. Perseus is the little difficulty.
the first two lower star Merak Stars: The sky looks like a big son of Greek God Zeus. He perform Moon: The craters of the moon can
(Pulaha) and Dubhe (Kratu) towards sphere rotating around the pole star many heroic act such as beheading be seen more magnified and clearer,
north, you will find Polaris, the called the celestial sphere. The sky Medusa a monster with poisonous Crater Tycho, sea of tranquility the
current Pole star also known as rotates 360 deg in 24 hr (a day is snakes as hairs, saving princess area where Apollo 11 landed can be
North Star because it is very very defined as exactly 24 hr) or 15 deg Andromeda chained to a rock to seen. After full moon on 3 rd August,
close to north direction. This is every hr. The sky with all the stars sacrifice to a Monster Cetus send Moon will rise 48 mins late per day
because the Earth axis when extend and planets will seems to rotate Poisidion God of seas, storms and and diminish in phase till new moon
in space passes very near the star around pole star 15 deg every hour Earthquakes. Andromeda later on 19th Aug. Then it will rises in
Polaris. So as the Earth rotates, the or 1 deg every 4 minutes from east married Perseus. the western sky after sunset as
Letters, Feedback and Suggestions to ‘Imphal Times’ position of Polaris does not change to west. Next day, the sky advances Double double (Epsilon Lyre) of Lyra crescent moon increasing its phases
can be sent to our e-mail : imphaltimes@gmail.com. For advertisement and all stars seems to rotates around by 1 deg (Earth’s revolution 360 deg/ is easy to locate as it is near Vega as days passes.
kindy contact: - 0385-3590330 (O). For time being readers can reach the the Pole Star, hence it is known as 365 days = 1 deg approx) or 4 mins (Abhijit). It will be high in the eastern
office at Cell Phone No. 9862860745 for any purpose. Pole star or North Star or Dhruv tara. every day. As the days passes, the sky. Though visible to unaided eye (Contd. on Page 3)