12
winter 2011 friends of the observatory UPDATE Inspiring the Future, One Imagination at a Time. FRIENDS OF THE OBSERVATORY has a long and fruitful history of traveling the globe in search of eclipses and other fascinating astronomical experiences. As many of you already know, FOTO has sponsored trips in the last few years to Russia, China and Iceland in search of the most intriguing travel adventures. Each of our FOTO-sponsored trips have offered incredible views of eclipses or the aurora borealis, but we don’t just stop there. Our travelers learn about the countries they are visiting, hear more about the astro- nomical aspects of their journey from learned scientists, and often are allowed behind-the-scenes to enjoy special attributes of the country. We continue with that tradition with our plans for 2011 and 2012. We are already researching and creating new trips that will take you to awesome places. Keep an eye on the next UPDATE magazine and on our website, www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org for more information. Eyjafjallajokull. Vatnajokull. Gullfoss. Landmannalaugar. Reykjavik. If you think this is an incantation to call forth the elu- sive aurora borealis, you are almost right. These were all stops on our Iceland itinerary this past November when a hearty band of twenty-six FOTO friends hunted the north- ern lights in their native habitat. Why Iceland? Because it is so far north, Iceland promised some of the best viewing with its remote dark skies near the magnetic north pole. Because it sits directly on the in- tersection of two tectonic plates, there is a remarkable variety of unusual things to see and do during the day while we waited for the magical lights. Because the Gulf Stream skirts its east coast, the climate is relatively, I emphasize relatively, mild in winter. Even though the temperature was generally in the 30s during the day, Shannon Telles said she didn’t know there could be so many differ- ent kinds of cold. Thankfully, FOTO friends are adventurers. So, flying in a chartered nine- or twenty- four-seat prop plane to Hofn in a snow storm; or cruising Jokulasrlon, a stunning glacial lagoon, between rain squalls; or walk- ing on a glacier with crampons and an ice ax in the dark; all these were exploits no one wanted to miss. And all this happened on our first full day in Iceland! The next day we raced Super Jeeps along black sand beaches before careening across frozen glacial run- off to within 3km of the famous, flight- stopping volcano, Eyjafjallajokull. I brought home some of the black volcanic grit that grounded global air travel when tons of it was ejected into the atmosphere. Though it looks like a fine sand, its crystalline structure quickly wore a hole in a thick baggie. The FOTO Iceland trip was a unique and awesome experience. The full wrath of the various elements of mother nature not only awed those fortunate enough to be present but also created everlasting memories of camaraderie and friendship. — Mika Yokoyama cont’d to page 3 Letter from the President ................ 2 Interactive Media Awards ................ 2 FOTO Member Cynthia Fox: Star in Her Own Right.................... 4 Linkin Park’s Visit to Griffith Observatory ........................ 4 Written in the Stars ......................... 5 Cosmic Connection Cleanup Corps ................................ 5 WHO Gold Award .......................... 6 Byrne Telescope .............................. 6 Rapa Nui Eclipse Diary ................ 7-9 Trip to Palomar ............................... 9 Total Lunar Eclipse: Off the Coast of Baja ..................... 10 Total Lunar Eclipse: At Griffith Observatory ................. 11 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Iceland Nights, Northern Lights Join Friends Of The Observatory for another astronomical adventure, this time to Namibia, in southwest Africa. This back-country tour spotlights the stars of the southern sky with first-class accommodations and includes a night sleeping under the Milky Way at a bush camp, an evening at an observa- tory, a chance to see our satellite galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, passage over the Tropic of Capricorn, and our own Dr. Ed Krupp. Namibia is famous for its clear, dark skies, its stunning and exotic landscapes, its wildlife game parks and marine life, its prehistoric rock paintings and rock carvings, and the world’s largest meteorite. Please join us on October 17-27, 2011 Cost, land only $5,735 per person double occupancy More information : www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org

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Page 1: winter 2011 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Iceland Nights, Northern Lights · Iceland Nights, Northern Lights Join Friends Of The Observatory for another astronomical adventure, this time to

winter 2011

f r i e n d s o f t h e o b s e r vat o r y

UPDATEInspiring the Future, One Imagination at a Time.

FRIENDS OF THE OBSERVATORY has a long and fruitful history of traveling the globe in search of eclipses and other fascinating astronomical experiences. As many of you already know, FOTO has sponsored trips in the last few years to Russia, China and Iceland in search of the most intriguing travel adventures. Each of our FOTO-sponsored trips have offered incredible views of eclipses or the aurora borealis, but we don’t just stop there. Our travelers learn about the countries they are visiting, hear more about the astro-nomical aspects of their journey from learned scientists, and often are allowed behind-the-scenes to enjoy special attributes of the country. We continue with that tradition with our plans for 2011 and 2012. We are already researching and creating new trips that will take you to awesome places. Keep an eye on the next UPDATE magazine and on our website, www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org for more information.

Eyjafjallajokull. Vatnajokull. Gullfoss. Landmannalaugar. Reykjavik. If you think this is an incantation to call forth the elu-sive aurora borealis, you are almost right. These were all stops on our Iceland itinerary this past November when a hearty band of twenty-six FOTO friends hunted the north-ern lights in their native habitat.

Why Iceland? Because it is so far north, Iceland promised some of the best viewing with its remote dark skies near the magnetic north pole. Because it sits directly on the in-tersection of two tectonic plates, there is a remarkable variety of unusual things to see

and do during the day while we waited for the magical lights. Because the Gulf Stream skirts its east coast, the climate is relatively, I emphasize relatively, mild in winter. Even though the temperature was generally in the 30s during the day, Shannon Telles said she didn’t know there could be so many differ-ent kinds of cold.

Thankfully, FOTO friends are adventurers. So, flying in a chartered nine- or twenty-four-seat prop plane to Hofn in a snow storm; or cruising Jokulasrlon, a stunning glacial lagoon, between rain squalls; or walk-ing on a glacier with crampons and an ice ax in the dark; all these were exploits no one wanted to miss. And all this happened on our first full day in Iceland! The next day we raced Super Jeeps along black sand beaches before careening across frozen glacial run-off to within 3km of the famous, flight-stopping volcano, Eyjafjallajokull. I brought home some of the black volcanic grit that grounded global air travel when tons of it was ejected into the atmosphere. Though it looks like a fine sand, its crystalline structure quickly wore a hole in a thick baggie.

The FOTO Iceland trip was a unique and awesome experience. The full wrath of the various elements of mother nature not only awed those fortunate enough to be present but also created everlasting memories of camaraderie and friendship. — Mika Yokoyama

❝ ❞

cont’d to page 3

Letter from the President ................2

Interactive Media Awards ................2

FOTO Member Cynthia Fox: Star in Her Own Right ....................4

Linkin Park’s Visit to Griffith Observatory ........................4

Written in the Stars .........................5

Cosmic Connection Cleanup Corps ................................5

WHO Gold Award ..........................6

Byrne Telescope ..............................6

Rapa Nui Eclipse Diary ................7-9

Trip to Palomar ...............................9

Total Lunar Eclipse: Off the Coast of Baja .....................10

Total Lunar Eclipse: At Griffith Observatory .................11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Iceland Nights, Northern Lights

Join Friends Of The Observatory for another astronomical adventure, this time to Namibia, in southwest Africa.

This back-country tour spotlights the stars of the southern sky with first-class accommodations and includes a night sleeping under the Milky Way at a bush camp, an evening at an observa-tory, a chance to see our satellite galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, passage over the Tropic of Capricorn, and our own Dr. Ed Krupp.

Namibia is famous for its clear, dark skies, its stunning and exotic landscapes, its wildlife game parks and marine life, its prehistoric rock paintings and rock carvings, and the world’s largest meteorite. Please join us on

October 17-27, 2011Cost, land only $5,735 per person double occupancy

More information : www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org

Page 2: winter 2011 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Iceland Nights, Northern Lights · Iceland Nights, Northern Lights Join Friends Of The Observatory for another astronomical adventure, this time to

2 WINTER 2011

Welcome to 2011! A new year often means fresh beginnings, but at Friends Of The Observatory we have much to celebrate from 2010 and the excitement, education and enchantment will continue in 2011.

Because of each of you, we are proud to be able to say that we continue to enhance our number of members and the financial support you offer FOTO and Griffith Observatory. In a time of such economic uncertainty we are incredibly fortunate to have such staunch and generous supporters.

Our 2010 lecture programs, such as FOTO’s Cosmic Musings Lecture Series and Griffith Observatory’s All Space Considered, were very well attended, and elicited questions and ideas from our audience that reminds us again of the caliber of our members. Our speakers for these programs have national reputations and if you take a look at FOTO’s website (www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org) you will see we have even more great programs planned for 2011.

Speaking of our website — it is an award winning website! Read the article on this page about Interactive Media Awards and you will learn a bit more about our team at A Far Site Better who have helped us create our successful website. FOTO’s website (www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org) is your best source for news about Friends Of The Observatory, programs, trips, and astronomical happenings. Make sure to check it often.

Travel is another area we enhanced in 2010 and we anticipate even more intriguing trips for 2011. We went to Palomar Observatory and to Iceland in 2010. We anticipate trips to Mt. Wilson Observatory, Namibia and Arizona in 2011; and we are already planning a trip to Australia for the 2012 eclipse.

But at the heart of all we do at FOTO is our commitment to the educational needs of our community. The School Field Trip program that provides an extraordinary science experience for 30,000 5th-grade students at Griffith Observatory, the Cosmic Conjunction Education Program that brings more than 3,000 middle-school students for a special program highlighting the Sun, and the Bus Scholarship Program which ensures that our schoolchildren can get transport to and from Griffith Observatory, are programs we work hard to maintain and enhance every year. The price tag for these programs is steep and we are very grateful that you and others continue to recognize their value and support them.

So, here we go right into a busy, productive 2011!

L e t t e r f r o m t h e P r e s i d E N T : d av i d P r i m e s

INTERACTIVE MEDIA AWARDS… We Won !!!Friends Of The Observatory has worked with Steven Laff, president of A Far Site Better website developers, since 2005 to develop the most effective and user-friendly website possible. We have recently made a significant upgrade to our website which FOTO and A Far Site Better are quite proud of. Proud enough to submit it to the Interactive Media Awards competition.

And, we won the Best in Class Award for an Association website! This is the jackpot — akin to winning an Oscar. As the IMA themselves say: “The Best in Class award is the highest honor bestowed by the Interactive Media Awards. It represents the very best in planning, execution and overall professionalism. In order to win this award level, your site had to successfully pass through our comprehensive judging process, achieving very high marks in each of our judging criteria — an achievement only a fraction of sites in the IMA competition earn each year.”

All of us at Friends Of The Observatory are very pleased to offer our own hearty congratulations to Steven Laff and his team at A Far Site Better. They are incredibly talented, artistically clever, understand the opportunities on the web that we can utilize, and willing to work within constraints and timelines. Their professionalism and care for the client and the product is impressive. If you would like to see more of their work, please go to AFARSITEBETTER.com.

www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org

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3UPDATE

The FOTO Iceland trip was a grand adventure — the island threw everything it could at us, from stormy weather to wind to sunny days to towering volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, coastlines and cityscapes — and we had a wonderful time. Best of all, we were able to film the northern lights, which was the main reason we took the trip.

— Mark and Carolyn Collins Petersen

The "Iceland Nights Northern Lights" adventure with FOTO was a trip of lifetime. This was due to the natural beauty of the landscape and night-time sky, and our fellow FOTO travelers who were the most fascinating and kind people I have ever met. I will remember our time together with smiles and 5 million photographs.

— Sean Telles

I enjoyed meeting everyone, the natural beauty of Iceland was incredible and the Northern lights certainly did not disappoint.

— Greg LaMonte

I have to say that I really really really enjoyed the trip. I feel the luckiest of all in that I snuck in in place of my father and the trip was entirely an added bonus to my life. Iceland is a country I have always wanted to visit and the itinerary laid on enabled us to really make the most of it in the time we had. Never having been on a tour I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know such an interesting, friendly and diverse group of people whom I would never have had the pleasure of meeting otherwise. — Sarah Rutherford

3

cont’d from page 1

But volcanoes, geysers, and even ice fields can be seen as close as our own eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. So for me, besides the northern lights, one of the exotic things was to watch the Sun. It rose after 9:00 a.m., never got very high in the sky, and set not so far from where it rose. The current plan-etarium show, Light of the Valkyries, captures this natural phenomenon beautifully. My attempt to capture the otherworldly quality of the light was to photograph my shadow at 12:00 noon. A distinct, long shadow at Noon? We definitely were not in familiar territory.

I mention the northern lights last because words really can’t describe the wonder of a sky filled with diamonds and cur-tains of lights shimmering low on the horizon under the Big Dipper — first dancing to the left, then vanishing, only to appear like playful fairies on the right. One night at the Hotel Ranga, we watched them until the cold drove us indoors for hot chocolate after about an hour. Warm again, it was back outside to see as much as we could because, like a total solar eclipse, there are no guarantees. Good viewing depends on clear, dark skies, and the weather near the Arctic Circle varies dramatically day to day. It’s why you need to spend at least a week hunting northern lights — they’re elusive. We were lucky to see them on three separate occasions, but that magi-cal night at the Hotel Ranga was the best.Finally, I have to say that spending a few hours at the world-famous Blue Lagoon natural hot springs luxury spa before be-ing dropped at the airport for a late afternoon flight home is the way to end any trip. Plan to join us in about five years when we return for another hunt. If this light show was a stunner — just imagine what the sky will be like when we are again at solar maximum! Hope to see you then.

FOTO Executive Director

P.S. Can’t wait five years? No need! We’re planning a long weekend in Tucson exploring the creation of the mirror for the Giant Magellan Telescope, seeing the desert night skies at a private observatory, and much more is coming up this April 14-17, 2011. See that brief write-up on page 12.

ALL PHOTOS EXCEPT FOR THE TITLE IMAGE FOR THIS ARTICLE WERE TAKEN BY ED FREUDENBURG.

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HER SMOKY, SULTRY VOICE familiar to radio listeners across the Southland, Cynthia Fox of KLOS is as passionate about Griffith Observatory as she is about her station’s rock format.

“Since I grew up in Los Angeles...one of my fondest memories is a school field trip to the Griffith Observatory! It really makes a profound impact on a child's imagination...so, when I became a mom, I made sure I took my daughters to the Observatory. I wanted them to be excited about science and curious about the universe, but I also wanted them to know the treasures of their city — and the Observatory is such a treasure.”

Those memories recently motivated her to support FOTO’s school bus program, which provides funding for field trip transportation otherwise unaffordable to many schools. “I was so glad to hear that FOTO has made it their mission to enable schools dealing with budget cutbacks to continue their field trips to the Griffith Observatory! That’s why I made a contri-bution. We’ve got to do everything we can to keep our students excited about learning…and also excited about science, since I have learned that American students are falling behind in sci-ence. Griffith Observatory is the kind of place that does indeed continue to ignite a passion for science and exploration!”

In a career that allows her to rub elbows with the likes of Rock heavyweights Danny Elfman, Sting, Tom Petty and Don Hen-ley, Fox’s passion for Griffith still carries over into her work. While she hosts a music shift mid-days Monday through Friday, Sunday mornings from 6 to 7 a.m. find her and co-host Nelkane Benton highlighting non-profit organizations in “Spotlight on the Community.” She has featured the Observa-tory in interviews with its director Dr. Ed Krupp and super-benefactor Leonard Nimoy.

“I think that’s the kind of thing, when people are invited into the experience by other people who are enthusiastic, that can [reveal] a new world. The Observatory is a true gift, an in-credible resource in the city, one I hope more people will take advantage of and whatever gets them excited about going up there is a great connection.”

Fox herself still makes time to visit.

“I like just being there, in such a beautiful setting, with its beautiful building, with the resources inside to open up the whole universe. When kids grow up knowing what’s available in the city, you know they’re going to have a life-long bonding experience with the Observatory. They grow up, remember that, come back with their kids and you’ve started a relationship.”

foto member cynthia fox : star in HER own right

Everybody knew the 2010 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS were going to be pretty massive...But which surprise was the biggest and best?

According to your votes, it was Linkin Park's appearance at Griffith Observatory for their performance of "The Catalyst."...When the band appeared at the Observatory (watched by thousands of excited fans on hand) and kicked into "The Catalyst," it was a truly epic moment in VMA history.

Posted 9/14/10 4:45 pm ET by Kyle Anderson in VMAs

Excerpt from newsroom.mtv.com

Linkin Park's Visit To The Observatory Voted Best Surprise At The 2010 VMAs

To read the full article and view Linkin Park's "The Catalyst" video performance at the Griffith Observatory, please scan this code with your smartphone.

4 winter 2011

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Linkin Park's Visit To The Observatory Voted Best Surprise At The 2010 VMAs

Written in the Stars Written in the Stars

IT TOOK 13.7 BILLION YEARS in the lifetime of the universe, but the astrophysicist-rock star finally met the sci-ence-minded student musician.

Confirming that Griffith Observatory is the place in Los Angeles to meet the stars, Brian May of the rock band Queen, a recently minted PhD in astrophysics, appeared July 29 for a lecture and signing heralding his latest book, A Village Lost and Found.

And Shiloh Schatzkamer, 15, a straight-A honors student and sophomore at an LA-area high school, was on hand to meet him.“I was really, really nervous,” Shiloh says. “I said I absolutely love your music, and I’m very interested in becoming an astro-physicist.”

Turns out they had even more in common. Shiloh had done her homework and knew May is also an animal rights activist working to prevent fox hunting and the culling of badgers. “When I found out he was an astrophysicist, it was too good to be true. Then I found out about his wildlife saving organization. I told him I love that you save wildlife. He said we’ll do it together then.”

“It was just so nice to see that he was such a good person!”Shiloh’s parents are Mark “Shark” Schatzkamer, a professional guitar player, teacher, composer and author. Her mother is writer Robin Sedaka, who is herself an Observatory fan. “I think it’s a touchstone for curious minds of all ages,” she says. “Their interactive exhibits and enthusiastic staff make learning and questioning exciting, compelling and fun.”

May’s appearance, with co-author Elena Vidal, brought to light a little-remem-bered photographic technique, stereo-scopic photography, which creates a 3-D illusion from a pair of 2-D images. A Village Lost and Found is an annotated collection of images taken by the Victo-rian-era photographer T. R. Williams. It is sold with a focusing stereoscope de-

signed by May. The authors concluded the lecture with a 3-D slideshow of Williams’ work followed by a book signing.Shiloh and the Observatory go way back. She and her brother visited with mom as youngsters, and with a neighbor interested in science. Her favorite attractions include the Foucault pen-dulum and nighttime rooftop star-gazing.

Shiloh believes the Observatory has an important role to play for the public.“It really allows regular people to be part of the science community,” she says. “There are so many interactive activities for normal people like me who are maybe just curious and thinking about pursuing science, and it allows us to do that in an interesting way. It’s just fun.

“And of course I wouldn’t have met Brian May without it!”

There are times when elbow grease is the only option and cleaning the jewelry in the Cosmic Connection requires timely, hands-on cleaning. Over the four years since the Observatory’s reopening, the responsibility of maintaining the exhibit stayed with Kara Knack, who collected the pieces over a period of 23 years. The 13.7 billion years of timeline holds

more than 2,200 objects and the cleaning, while not particularly difficult, must be done piece by piece and entirely by hand. In October of 2010 for the first time, volunteers from FOTO came to the rescue and in one day over a period of three and a half hours, nine men and nine women returned the jewelry’s sparkle with a flurry of delicate cleaning.

The Timeline of the Universe is a beloved exhibit, unlike any in the world and members of Friends Of The Observatory are friends like none others; they give the gift of public astronomy and they sure know how to wield a rouge cloth when polishing celestial objects.

Thanks to all of you who participated and to all of those who support Griffith Observatory.

Cosmic Connection Cleanup Corps

5UPDATE

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WHO GOLD AWARD goes to Friends Of The Observatoryby Kara Knack

The United Teachers of Los Angeles and the National Education Society (UTLA/NEA) Annual Awards dinner was held Monday, May 17, 2010 and FOTO was there!

The decades-old WHO (We Honor our Own) Awards are given to educators active in service and to honor community support of our public schools.FOTO President, David Primes, and past President, Kara Knack, were on hand to witness a room full of hundreds of years of collective service to education. It was an impressive gathering of hopeful, upbeat and dedicated teachers there to honor their own and to recognize community efforts on their behalf.

Friends Of The Observatory received the Gold Award, given only six times previously, for service to local teachers and schools.

In the introduction of the Gold Award recipient, Jenny Chomori UTLA/NEA Affiliate Vice President, spoke of the tremendous value students receive visiting Griffith Observatory and to the very special support FOTO pro-vides with bus scholarships and most particularly the support given by the Cosmic Conjunction events that provide the pairing of Astronomy and Arts for children who would otherwise not be able to participate.

The 2009 Cosmic Conjunction event sponsored nearly 4,000 students to a repeat concert that FOTO members had seen as a fund-raising event several nights earlier. This year’s 2010 fund-raising event held on May 15th raised enough to send nearly that many students to see the new planetarium pre-sentation, Light of the Valkyries. These students might otherwise miss the opportunity to be inspired to look up at all the cosmos has to offer.

The award is yet another recognition of FOTO’s commitment to the chil-dren and educators of Southern California and the challenges they face as budget cuts remove their opportunities for educational field trips.

David and I were humbled and honored to represent all of our Friends who faithfully believe in public astronomy by supporting FOTO’s efforts to take up the slack created by the current economic distress.

The 2010 Gold Award has never been given to a membership organiza-tion before and every FOTO member should feel proud of their continued contribution to students and teachers of Southern California and beyond.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

David A. Sanchez (California Teachers Association President), Kara Knack, David Primes (holding the Gold Award), Ana Valencia (UTLA/NEA Affiliate President), Jenny Chomori (UTLA/NEA Affiliate Vice President)

The historic Byrne Telescope, the first equatorially-mounted telescope in Los Angeles, was installed at Griffith Observatory in late 2010 as part of the Ex-tending the Eye exhibit in the Wilder Hall of the Eye.

The Byrne Telescope was built in 1888 by noted telescope-maker John Byrne. John Byrne started as an apprentice of telescope maker Henry Fitz in 1847 and worked with him until Fitz's death in 1863. He then began making Byrne signed telescopes. Byrne included many innovations in his telescopes, one of which was used by the well-known astronomer Edward Barnard to discover several comets.

The telescope was originally held in private hands and then donated to the Southern California Acad-emy of Science (SCAS). The telescope was used by SCAS at its astronomy gatherings, some of which were attended by Observatory benefactor Griffith J. Griffith.

In 1925, the Southern California Academy of Science gave the telescope to the Los Angeles County Mu-seum of Science, which kept it in storage for seven decades. In the 1990’s, the Museum of Science donated it to Griffith Observatory. During the reno-vation project, Friends Of The Observatory provided the funds to restore the telescope and to construct a new tripod.

Now on Display in the Wilder Hall of the Eye!

Byrne Telescope

6 winter 2011

PHOTO: CHRIS RYDER

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Now on Display in the Wilder Hall of the Eye!

7UPDATE

————————————————————————————July 7, 2010

I arrived at Rapa Nui's Matavari International Airport in the darkness of late evening and a slight drizzle. The welcoming staff greets us in Rapanui (the indigenous island language: "Iorana" means both "hello" and "farewell"…) and Polynesian style with a colorful lei of tropi-cal flowers for each of us. The single airport baggage conveyor belt is overwhelmed by all our luggage, tripods and telescopes. Eclipse chasers never travel light…! The room at Hotel Taha Tai is quaint — un-fortunately — NO HOT WATER! (Oh well, I knew this would be a combat assignment...nothing but Marine Corps showers for me on

this trip…!)

July 8, 2010 Today's bus tour under partly cloudy skies takes us first to Rano Kau, a volcanic crater lake covered in a patchwork of dense vegetative matte on the island's south side. On the inner southwest wall of the crater a swath of non-endemic bright magenta Bougainvillea thrives. Next stop: Ceremonial center of Orongo, the seat of the Birdman Cult. Here our Rapa Nui guide gives us a brief history lesson about the old ritual race to gather the first Sooty Tern egg in September and return it unbroken to Orongo. A partial rainbow is seen near Motu Kau Kau, Motu Iti and Motu Nui (where the terns roost), islets off the island's south shore. In the outcrops atop the southwest side crater rim we see petroglyphs of Makemake (creation god) and Tangata Manu (the Birdman). Ana Kai Tungata ("Cannibal Cave") where painted images of the Sooty Tern adorn the ceiling. Here controversial island legends of cannibalism were centered. Vinapu: The moai (famous stone-carved heads and upper bodies of venerated ancestors) are all toppled at this site and the craftsmanship in the "ahu" (fu-neral platform) famously suggested to Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl a possible Peruvian connection for some faction among the ancient Rapanui (this not accepted by modern anthropologists—genetics and linguistic prove that the Rapanui are Polynesians who settled from the west…) Here also is the only moai fragment thought to represent a female member of Rapanui royalty — in this case, carved from red scoria rather than the more traditional volcanic tuff. We depart back to our hotel for a "box lunch" which turns out to be a steak din-ner with all the trimmings — the Rapanui sure know how to eat…! Ahu Akivi, one of the first archeological sites to have its toppled moai restored upright on their ahu (work directed by Wyoming archeologist William Mulloy in 1960). Here the moai are about 2 miles inland—the only ones facing the sea. Also, they have no "pukao" (red scoria "topknots" thought to represent an embellishment of royalty).

The pukao quarry at Puna Pau: (Final stop of the day.) Many topknots were carved and removed from a huge red scoria outcrop. Several were abandoned after being readied for transport to ahu all over the island. Gathering storm clouds obscure the western sunset as we head back to the hotel.Dinner in Hanga Roa ("Long Bay "): A few of us venture into town this evening. The sky threatens rain so we bring umbrellas, raincoats, and waterproof flash-lights to find our way back to the hotel through dark alleyways. As we enjoy dinner it begins to rain heavily. A drenched horse with no saddle lopes by along the sidewalk. None of these animals seem to be corralled on this 20 km long island and are free to roam anywhere!

July 9, 2010Today we visit Ahu Vaihu and Ahu Akahanga, two prominent sites with toppled moai. By the time Cook visited the island in 1774 (the third European expedi-tion following the Dutch and Spanish) only a few standing moai remained, the rest apparently knocked down by warring clans. At the rocky eastern shore heavy surf relentlessly pounds away. Not much life is found in the carved basalt tide pools.

Next stop: Volcano Rano Raraku and the moai quarry. This is a well pro-tected park that now has defined trails and hand rails to protect its archeologi-cal sites. Some of the moai were never removed from the outcrop of volcanic tuff

including "El Gigante", at 65 feet and 270 tons, the largest ever made. Others were transported down the outer slope, though are now partially buried in talus and tall grass. We walk the trails around many classic statues familiar from books dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries when photography was new. (In the silence I try to imagine what it would have sounded like a millen-nium earlier as Rapanui stoneworkers chipped away with basalt hand adzes.) Later we venture through the northwest portal to see the reed-lined crater lake in the volcano's interior. Moai are visible on the far side wall, but no access is permitted to see them up close. Ahu Tongariki: Here the largest array of moai has been restored to its ahu — 15 total. The site was toppled by early internecine warfare, later scattered by the 1960 tsunami and finally restored by Chilean archeologist Claudio Cristino and a Japanese crane company in 1992. Rain delays exploration of the site, but I choose to brave the elements and march off the bus first into the downpour. Eventually the showers subside and spectacular shafts of sunlight stream through the clouds. A single moai stands off to one side, making an impressive foreground subject with Rano Raraku in the distance. In ground-level outcrops we see carvings of Honu (sea turtle), sacred to the Rapanui.

u

7UPDATE

w Rapa nui eclipse diary wEaster Island

F O T O M E M B E R a n d e c l i p s e c h a s e r m at t v e n t i m i g l i a

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATT VENTIMIGLIA

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winter 2011

Ahu Te Pito Kura: Here the toppled moai include "Paro", the tallest (nearly 33 feet high) ever transported and successfully erected from the quarry site at Rano Raraku. It lies broken and face down with its pukao tossed several yards away. Anakena Beach: our final stop of the day where island legend claims the land-ing site of Hotu Matu'a, the first colonizing Polynesian king of Rapa Nui. A stand of coconut palms (not endemic) surrounds the beach on the southwest side. Here a few photographers from TWAN (The World At Night) and National Geographic have already set up in front of Ahu Nau Nau where the azimuth of the eclipse overhead will appear almost exactly perpendicular to the line of 6 moai in just two days time. Off to the east and up the hillside we visit Ahu Ature Huki where a single moai stands following a 1956 experiment by Thor Heyer-dahl to demonstrate a possible technique for erection of the statues. That night on our hotel grounds I gather with astronomical enthusiasts in a frustratingly stiff breeze to catch glimpses of clear southern skies between rac-ing clouds. An arsenal of telescopes is set up to draw in views of the Jewel Box, Omega Centauri and other grand celestial objects not visible from the northern latitudes of my home in Southern California. Here I meet Mark Bender, director of a National Geographic TV film, who hopes to incorporate a satellite high-def live feed into a broadcast covering the Easter Island eclipse event. He laments the fact that his crew has never before seen a total solar eclipse and must make a last minute eclipse viewing location decision impacted by possible variable weather conditions around the island. I convince him that Tahai has the best weather prospects (based on orographic cloud formation — influenced by raised topography) so he decides to join me there on eclipse day.

July 10, 2010Today we visit the Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum in Hanga Roa where a modest collection of relics have been preserved for public display. The outside of the building is draped with banners depicting eclipses (some erroneously annular rather than total) over iconic landscapes of Rapa Nui. A temporary astronomical exhibit with photo enlargements taken from the Hubble Space Telescope, various space probes and Earth-based instruments is displayed in a separate building. The islanders are anticipating a grand celes-tial show — if only the weather would clear! It rains continually under dark overcast skies as we make our way to local craft shops.

The Tahai Archeological Complex: Our final stop on this shortened tour day. Walking through a light drizzle of rain and fog we explore the site comprised of three ahu: Ahu Vai Uri (with 5 moai), Ahu Tahai (single moai) and Ahu Ko Te Riku (a single moai with refashioned pukao and coral/obsidian eyes). The site also features a reconstructed boat ramp and living accommodations, both for royalty and common families.

After carefully assessing this location, I make a decision to observe the eclipse from here, asking our Rapanui guide (Ana) about perimeter limits for visitors in order to insure that I do not position myself at any "tapu" (forbidden) loca-tion. With her approval, I choose a spot in front of the south east end of Ahu Tahai where its single moai will appear large below the eclipse in my planned wide-angle photo. That night winds reach gale force and threaten to blow the roof off our hotel. The sliding glass door in my hotel room sounds like it might explode. I can hardly sleep, but all of my photo and telescope gear is ready to go — and the alarm clock is set for 4:00am…

July 11, 2010Before dawn in a stiff breeze and occasional rain, I schlep my gear towards the Tahai Complex in total darkness. I am the first to arrive; only a few barking dogs chasing a small herd of horses around are present. After setting up tripods and telescope in my pre-planned spot, the dogs startle the herd which nearly tramples me. I take matters into my own hands, chasing off the dogs with a bright flashlight and stern admonitions. (Anyone who heard this must have thought a lunatic was loose on the island...!)

Eventually dawn appears and a pleasing pallet of color spreads across the partly-cloudy sky. People begin to fill choice spots for observing the eclipse over the moai. But, unexpectedly, park rangers with hand-held sirens appear, flanked with armed Chilean military, pushing everyone away from the moai; first 10,

then 30, then 60 feet from the front of the ahu, making it impossible to capture wide angle shots with large image scale moai in the foreground. After many bitter protests, no explanation is given for this absurdity. My hoped-for "Na-tional Geographic" photo of the eclipse over the moai will not happen so I fall back to a distant position which will allow two moai to be visible only as minuscule silhouettes in the lower frame. After our frustration subsides everyone begins to recognize their general good fortune. The landscape becomes adorned with rainbows and spectacular light, a photographer's dream...! We watch partial phases of the eclipse only rarely obstruct-ed by clouds. It soon becomes apparent that we will beat the odds and see much of totality in a clear swath of sky. Ear-lier disappointments are now completely forgotten as we watch in awe as the

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F O T O M E M B E R a n d e c l i p s e c h a s e r m at t v e n t i m i g l i a

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9UPDATE

Saturday October 16, 2010 was the date that FOTO members went on our long-awaited Trip to Palomar.

It was a great trip and the more than 50 members who joined us on this adventure had warm things to say. A small sampling here...

f o t o s p o n s o r e d t r i p t o p a l o m a r

"The trip to Palomar was so very satisfying, everyone on my bus had a terrific trip. There were so many people that I had never seen before and who were quite enthralled with our privileged vision of the 200-inch telescope and the star party we had after dinner. People were ask-ing when we were going to do it again or where were we going next!"

“The detailed coordination was impressive and deeply appreciated. From our sign-in and distribution of our name tags and assignment of buses, to the snacks, water and marvelous videos on the way down, to the manner in which even the most handicapped amongst us was catered to.”

"The fact that the buses were used to transport the less ambulatory to our destinations, both at the observatory, to the dinner later and eleva-tors were made available for those unable to take the stairs showed such a thorough procedural planning concept that allowed everyone to have a wonderful time."

"Our views of Jupiter and its moons, especially on the 20-inch telescope provided by the Palomar PR person, who was wonderful in his presentation following the dinner, were amazing. We saw several views of Jupiter and its moons, Uranus, the Moon, star pairs (blue and white) and many more won-derful views."

"The trip to Palomar was terrific. It was a well-balanced day, with great commentary from Kara on the bus, some time in the museum and gift store, a super tour and we were lucky to get clearing weather so all those kind Palomar docents could show us the sky. I know how much effort goes into these events. Thanks to everyone for making it a mem-orable occasion."

Left to right: Kara Knack, FOTO Board Member and Melissa Devor, FOTO Development Director

supersonic shadow of the moon approaches from the ocean-side northwest. Just before second contact, in the light of the diamond ring, the murmuring crowd is stirred to triumphant cheers. Finally, totality on Rapa Nui…! (The first since AD 591 and the last till 2324…) Totality ends as a wisp of cloud blows over, placing the third contact diamond ring and the solar corona inside a colorful iridescent atmospheric corona. (I did not discover until later that my photos had captured parallel streaks in the clouds, shadow bands projected from the thin edge of exposed photosphere at the shadow boundary onto the clouds above us. This would be the first TSE in history during which this phenomenon would be well recognized and documented in overhead clouds…!) That evening I rejoin my larger travel group sequestered at Hotel Altiplanico for a tradi-tional Chilean "Curanto" culinary event with various meats, poi and sweet potato cooked

in an underground oven. The variety of entries, sides and desserts is dizzying — a feast fit for any "Ariki" (chief or king) of "Te Pito Ote Henua" (translated: "The navel, center or end of the world" - the original name for Easter Island.) After dinner I hurry to pack my things for an early morning flight off the island — so I can spend the late evening enjoying a few Pisco Sours with frequent eclipse-traveler friends lounging at the hotel bar. As we sit and savor our citrus spirits, we try to stave off "post eclipse depression" which enviably sets in following the exhilaration of witnessing the sublime spectacle of a total solar eclipse. This was my 9th so far, and without being "skunked" once by bad weather; a pretty fortunate record when you think about it. And certainly none of us could have imagined how it would feel to stand in the shadow of the moon at quite such an unforgettable, enchanting and mysterious place as Rapa Nui — the Island at the Center of the World.

Lorana! Lorana!

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10 winter 2011

Our friends in the real estate business always talk about “Location, location, location.” Nothing was truer than that on the evening of December 20th and the morning of December 21st, 2010. We were standing on the helipad of a ship called the Mariner of the Seas, which is over one thousand feet long and basketball court size width. We were about twenty-five degrees north and one hundred fourteen degrees west of Greenwich. That is off the coast of Baja California and moving southward. I assume that we were on “Mountain Standard Time,” but we have no proof, so please do not be too hard on us while we describe the eclipse.

While the Sun was setting in the west a big round (almost full) Moon was rising in the east with some haze in the sky in front of the Moon, but that would be no problem. Happily the seas were calm. Before midnight (remember we do not know what the exact time was), the first bite was taken out of the Moon by the Earth’s shadow. By now the weather was absolutely clear. The path of the Earth and Moon was as close to directly east and west as we have ever seen during an eclipse of any kind.

At approximately midnight, or a little after that, you could almost measure the diameter of the Earth just by looking at the arc cast upon the Moon. At second contact, when the eclipse became total, we almost had a diamond ring effect, but not quite. By now we were all lying on the helipad looking straight up to the sky. Now that beautiful amber color came into view as the Sun’s light was bent around the Earth; almost more importantly though, stars appeared which had been washed out by the Moon not unlike a solar eclipse. You could see that the Moon really is a sphere. Someone said that it looks like there are a million stars there. Orion was helping the whole thing take place, nebula and all. The big dipper and North Star were low in the north. Not to be outdone, a couple of meteors, just call them shooting stars, came right overhead with the proper comments from everybody. The third contact brought back the light and a few oohs and ahs and regrets. We did cheat, because we gave it all

up and went to bed at some wee hour of the morning. It was a perfect night for all. Wish you could have been there!

We have no idea how far the ship had traveled or what the final location was, but that was not at all important. If I might add a personal note, I have seen three eclipses in that general area. The first was an annular eclipse many many years ago, which was interesting but not a thrill. The second was the 1991 total eclipse on the east side of Baja California, which was six minutes and forty-eight seconds, and the third, of

course, was this one. One really cannot ask for more.

to ta l lunar ec l ip se

december 21, 2010 : on the ship off the coast of baja

by Arnold Seidel, FOTO Board Member

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11UPDATE

As disappointing as the weather was, the crowd and great spirit more than made up for it. Dennis and I had a great time, from the minute the Observatory opened, till the closing bell. Dennis had the great idea of locating our table next to that exhibit that sparks, near the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon entrance. We were under a light and as it turned out, had a great view of the screen of the live feeds from — YES! Chile! and also, I think Florida or some other state. More importantly, we were also near the crowds entering and leaving the LNEH theater, and the crowds for the Dr. Krupp [Director of Griffith Observatory] events in the Gunther Depths of Space. Dr. Danly‘s [Griffith Observatory Curator] presentations are always so interesting and entertaining. In twenty minutes, she gave the basics on the physics of the lunar eclipse, along with some lore and the uniqueness of this eclipse. Though she repeated her presentation three times, the last presentation was so full they had to turn people away. For Dr. Krupp's presentations in the GDS, the whole floor was absolutely filled; and the rail next to us was at least five deep with people craning their necks to see! Dr. Krupp and Dr. Danly kept on coming up with funny proclamations, one went something like 'This is the greatest lunar eclipse viewing that has ever happened in the history of time — from inside a building, thanks to the Internet!'

We all cheered at first contact, even though it was a minute or two late, with the (live!) feeds. Although early on, Dr. Krupp told me he was leery of getting enough people to do it (the big crowds arrived later, at 9:30 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.), he did end up donning his wizard outfit, complete with hat and cape, and paraded around making noises with a trail of tambourine bangers, snaking his way through the crowd. What a hoot! That was at mid-totality. Then, at the end of totality, he proclaimed that our noise-making had indeed scared away the dragon that was eating the Moon — since the Moon did come back.

I have never seen such interest in FOTO! We ran out of two of our handouts, and must have given away fifty of the membership forms. SO many people were interested in membership!

We cannot say enough about FOTO's amazing volunteers. They assist us with member events, provide visitor services on busy days, and effectively double our staffing through their generosity. FOTO volunteers Penny Kunitani and Dennis Koba stayed up all night for this total lunar eclipse to help with this always overwhelming astronomical event at Griffith Observatory.

HERE IS PENNY’S REPORT.

december 21, 2010 : at griffith observatory

See. Learn. Touch. Explore. Griffith Observatory is a place to visit again & again. Check our website for all of our upcoming events.

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NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDVAN NUYS, CA

PERMIT NO. 2701

2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027

Join FRIENDS OF THE OBSERVATORY to see the creation of the world's biggest telescope mirrors.

• Gobehind-the-scenesattheStewardObservatoryMirrorLabandseethecutting-edgetechnology creating the world's largest telescope mirror.

• Visittheultrahi-techlabwheredatafromtheMarsReconnaissanceOrbiteristransformedintoimages like we've never seen before.

• Enjoydinnerandanexclusivenightofskywatchingatthe9,157-footelevationMt.LemmonSteward Sky Center.

Giant Magellan Telescope I - University of Arizona Mirror Lab

Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who makes the BIGGEST Mirrors of All?

Lo o k w h At ' s co m I n g u p f o r f oto m e m b e r s

Southwest Astronomy Adventure: Mars, Mirrors and MoreApril 14-17, 2011

For more information and details on the trip, please visit www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org

FOTO Board of DirectorsJoy Picus, ChairDavid Primes, PresidentArnold Seidel, Vice PresidentMichael Lester, TreasurerVicke Selk, Secretary

Howard Ballon Walter BeckHolly Bridges ShapiraNoemi Cruz JerryDr. Verna B. DauteriveSherry DewaneLinda Duttenhaver Dr. Eve HaberfieldKara KnackDr. E. C. Krupp, Observatory Director Chris LaibCharles WilmotBonnie WiningsFillmore Wood

Emeritus MembersWinston Bowen Van GriffithDr. Maarten Schmidt

FOTO StaffCamille LombardoExecutive Director

Melissa DevorDirector of Development

Troy PowersMembership and Operations Manager

Lisa AndersonOffice and Volunteer Manager

Ann HassettSpecial Projects Coordinator

Carol HolstMembership Coordinator

Updateis published by and for Friends Of The Observatory 2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027 (213) 473-0879 www.FriendsOfTheObservatory.org [email protected]

Editor: Melissa Devor

Layout Editor: Christine Chiang-Schultheiss

Contributing: Elisabeth Duran Troy D. Powers Ann Hassett Lisa Anderson Camille Lombardo Matt Ventimiglia