T.A.L.A.

T.A.L.A

The Art of Learning Astronomy

Rizal Technological University-Astronomy Society's (RTU-AstroSoc.) under the Department of Earth and Space Sciences of Rizal Technological University launches the new and fun way of learning astronomy for the public to promote the said field of science in the Philippines with the following objectives:

1. To have an outreach program which will enhance public astronomy awareness.
2. To be able to establish a name that would be easier and remarkable to remember.
3. To exploit astronomy education as a learning process with arts and sciences.
4. To show the beauty of the Universe not only through lectures but also through observation by means of star gazing activities.

Geminid Meteor Shower

Geminid Meteor Shower

 

The RTU Astronomy Society will conduct an overnight observation at AGUHO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SITIO AGUHO, SAMPALOC, TANAY RIZAL, from 3pm of December 12 to 7am of December 13, 2015.

Major Highlights of December 2015

December Astronomical Event

Heads up! A conjunction of the Moon in waning crescent and Venus will be seen on the night sky of December 8, around 4 am along with the visible comet on Catalina (C/2013 US10) located near the right foot of the constellation Virgo and about 3 degrees away from the moon (left). Note: Comet C/2013 US10 Catalina will still be visible before dawn

For more details you may download and check Stellarium.

 

On the night of December 13 till dawn of December 14 , observers will witness the peak or maximum number of meteors emanating from the constellation Gemini that has an expected ZHR (zenithal hourly rate) of ~100.

For details  http://meteorshowersonline.com/geminids.html

 

Winter Solstice will occur on Dec. 22, 2015, exactly at 4:49 UT (8:48 pm in the Philippines) .It is expected that longer nights and shorter days will be experienced. Throughout the year, the direction of the tilt of the Earth's axis varies because the planet revolves around the Sun. Due to the tilt of the planet, which is about 23.5 degrees, amount of sunlight and time of exposure is uneven throughout the planet that causes seasons.

 

for details and updates: RTU DESS 

Leonid Meteor Shower

RTU-AstroSoc Leonids 2015

In the observance of the annual Leonid Meteor shower, Rizal Technological University Astronomy Society (RTU-AstroSoc) conducted a lecture series and overnight observation held at RTU Boni Campus, November 16-17.

Program started around 8:00 pm with the opening formalities; then, the monthly organizational meeting led by the RTU-AstroSoc President Ms. Julie Ann Delda and Treasurer Mr. Jason Kalaw.

Followed by series of lectures presented by Astronomy students: Mr. Lanz Lagman, Mr. Joseph Isidro, Mr. John Robert Quinto, Mr. Joe Flores, Ms. Kea Cabigao, Mr. Jianro Fadul, Ms. Phoebe Pura and Ms. Sarrah Amando. They tackled Introduction to Astronomy, Telescope and Telescope Installation, Astronomy Misconceptions and Hoaxes, and Meteor Shower, respectively.

Later, on the night sky observation, students stargazed and waited for meteors.

Writer: Jerald Karl Angelo Barranta
Photographer: Jeroh Hiyastro and Marycon Custodio