Partial Solar Eclipse

Partial Solar Eclipse

March 9, 2016

Time lapse of the Partial Solar Eclipse occurred last March 9, 2016. Set of images were taken at Rizal Technological University, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City and approximately aligned. Few clouds were present during the course of imaging that makes the color of the Sun change in some frames.

[Details of the setup]
Orion Atlas EQ-G mount
Canon EOS 550D
ISO 400
1/250s exposure

Partial Solar Eclipse Event

MANDALUYONG CITY—Rizal Technological University-Department of Earth and Space Science (RTU-DESS) spearheaded a public observation for the partial solar eclipse, March 9.

With the help of the DESS’s finest telescopes: H-Alpha, Calium-K and Dobsonian—students, guests and RTU staff were able to observed this astronomical phenomena—which made them amused and astonished.

Also present in event were: Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, RTU President; Ms. Ruby Dela Cruz, DESS Head and guest students from New Era University (NEU).

What is a partial solar eclipse?

Partial Solar Eclipses happen when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, but they don't align in a perfectly straight line. Because of this, the Moon only partially covers the Sun's disc. (Source: www.timeanddate.com)

 For more pictures: RTU Astronomy Society Facebook
The Armillary Publication
Writer: Jerald Barranta
Photographer: Chenel Dominguez

Partial Solar Eclipse

PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

The Rizal Technological University-Department of Earth and Space Sciences and RTU-Astronomy Society will have a solar eclipse observation at RTU Quadrangle at 7am...

First Contact: 7:51am
Maximum: 8:58am

Last Contact: 10:14am

Geminid Meteor Shower 2015

RTU-AstroSoc Geminid Meteor Shower 2015

RTU Astronomy Society spearheaded an overnight observation activity in anticipation of the annual Geminid meteor shower, held at Aguho Elementary School, Tanay, Rizal from the afternoon of December 12 to morning of the 13th.

Participants left RTU past 1pm and traversed urban traffic, long, winding roads through the mountains and walked up and down hilly terrain. They had a stop-over at Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia upon arrival in Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay at 4. Dominican Sisters, stewards of the site, introduced and guided the students and faculty on their circuit around Regina RICA. They trekked afterwards, shuffling along roads and stony paths, to Aguho Elementary School.

Students were briefly oriented and organized in preparation for the hours-long observation. Glowstick bracelets were handed out as a measure of recognition for the organizers. The participants headed for dinner and some rest, while residents from Sitio Aguho had been introduced and invited to observe the night sky through the telescopes that were brought to the site.

Observation proper began at around 8 PM. Meteors appeared sporadically but increased in frequency as the hours ticked to midnight and early, and originated often in Orion. Fireballs have been seen, and meteors shot through the sky in pairs as the night went on. The participants were herded to bed past 2 AM; the sky then being cloudy with a slight drizzle falling to the observers forced the event to a halt.

Moreover, participants left the site at 6 AM and returned to Rizal Technological University at 9.

Writer: Aleandra Rivera

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

International SUN-Day

International SUN-Day

On June 22 2014 the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project together with the different Astronomy groups in the world will celebrate the INTERNATIONAL SUN-DAY. this celebration was created by the CBSAP and the SolarActivity, both groups in the facebook world are active in promoting SOLAR ASTRONOMY in different parts in US.. Stephen Ramsden is the head of the CBSAP and Pamela Shivaka as an assistant and coordinator of the said event!

the RTU-Astronomy Society is now part of the International SUN-Day to promote the wonders of our Sun.

feel free to join to the group
Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Group

International SUN-Day

SOLARACTIVITY

Annual Meteor Shower

Meteor Shower

Meteor Shower would be the most awesome and fun astronomical event that can happen every year.

so this are the list of the Major Meteor Shower:

Quadrantids: this meteor shower is originated from the constellation Quadran Muralis. On modern star charts, this radiant is located where the constellations Hercules, Bootes, Draco meet in the sky, can produce over 100 meteors per hour. peak date January 2-3.

Lyrids: an April meteor shower event, looking at the night sky during april 21-22 you will see the constellation lyra, that produce 10-20 meteors per hour. April here in the Philippines is good for observation activities. Lyrids produce fireballs that are bright enough for you to satisfy your night observation. (Pictures: left-right South view and North View)

Eta Aquarids: this meteor shower is mostly active at the southern hemisphere, it can produce 60 meteors per hour, while in northern hemisphere it produce 30 meteors per hour. Eta Aquarid meteor shower is from the constellation Aquarius. peak date May 4-5.

Delta Aquarids: a meteor shower during the month of July, say hello to Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower. it peaks on July 27-28 and can produce 20 meteors per hour.

Perseids: one of the famous meteor shower, it provide blue and white fireballs. constellation Perseus is easy to spot, always look for Cassiopeia, Cepheus and Andromeda, Perseus is near to them. August 11-12 is the best night for you to observe the Perseid meteor shower, it produce 60 meteors per hour.

Draconids: good for people who don't want to observe in the morning, Draconids produce its meteor during evening sky. Draconids is the opening meteor shower event in the month of October before Orionids. peak dates October 7-8 and produce 10 meteors per hour.

Orionids: considered as one of the famous meteor shower. constellation Orion is the most easy to spot during the winter solstice night sky. Orionids falls from the month of October and peaks on October 21-22. it produce 20 meteors per hour.

Taurids: the Taurid meteor shower is divided into two south and north Taurid meteor shower. both peaks in the month of november during 1st and 2nd week of November. South Taurid meteor shower; peak date: November 4-5 and produce 7 meteors per hour. North Taurid meteor shower; peak date: november 11-12 and produce 7 meteors per hour.

Leonids: one of the famous meteor shower. produce 15 meteors per hour, but in the history of Astronomy leonids produce hundred of meteors per hour, they call it meteor storm and it happens every 33 years. peak date: November 16-17.

Geminids: most awaited and famous meteor shower. even though your in a polluted area, you can still see the Geminid meteor shower. produce 50-100 meteors per hour and the most awesome thing in this meteor shower, are multi colored it has yellow, orange, white, blue, violet, green etc... December 13-14 are the peak dates of the Geminid meteor shower.

Ursids: the last meteor shower event. from the constellation Ursa Minor, this Ursid meteor shower is visible in the northern hemisphere. produce 10 meteor per hour and peaks on December 21-22 before Christmas.

for more information:
www.seasky.org

EarthSky

MeteorShowerOnline

Dance of the Planets 2013

Dance of the Planets

credits to Astro Bob

Feb. 7 and 8 – Mercury passes very close to Mars (0.3 degrees) low in the western sky at dusk

Feb. 16 – Mercury at greatest elongation east of the sun and easy to find during evening twilight.

May 22-30- Venus, Mercury and Jupiter cluster together low in the western sky after sunset. Close conjunctions of Venus and Mercury (24th), Mercury and Jupiter (26th) and Venus and Jupiter (27th-28th). Low but a potentially great show. The southern states will have the better views.

stellarium

June 1 – Striking lineup of Jupiter, Venus and Mercury low in the western sky after sunset. Find an unobstructed horizon to see best.

* First week of June – Mercury well-placed for viewing low in the western evening sky.

July 3-4 – Venus returns to the evening sky visible low in the west during twilight. On these dates, binocular users will see the planet pass in front of the Beehive star cluster in Cancer.

July 21-23 – Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter. Both planets now return to the morning sky and pair up within one degree of each other on these dates. They’re visible in Gemini low in the eastern sky before sunrise.

stellarium

August 3-5 – Very nice lineup of Mercury, Mars and Jupiter joined by the thin crescent moon these mornings. Look to the east about an hour before sunrise.

Stellarium

September 5-6 – Venus near Spica low in the southwestern sky at dusk

Stellarium

September 8 – Fine conjunction of the crescent moon and Venus this evening

November 1 – Venus at greatest elongation east of the sun. It finally gains some altitude and becomes much easier to see this month during evening twilight.

November 25-26 – Mercury and returning Saturn meet up together for a close conjunction. The two will be just one degree apart on these dates.

Stellarium

December 6 – Venus dazzles as it climbs higher and reaches greatest brilliancy for the year.

for more information:

Astro Bob
Download Stellarium:
Stellarium

Jupiter and Moon Occultation

Jupiter and Moon Occultation (August 12 2012)

Transit of Venus

Transit of Venus (June 6 2012)

The rare Astronomical Event for this Century. This will be the last Transit of Venus for this Century.

Partial Lunar Eclipse

Partial Lunar Eclipse

It happened last June 4, 2012, the sky condition was very cloudy.

Digital Astronomy: Moon Part 3

Moon Craters 2
March 2, 2012
Camera: ST30 Samsung
Telescope: 102mm NexStar Celestron (refracting)
Location: Taguig City (Taguig Science High School)
Credits: ruby

Enhanced brightness and contrast using GIMP

Digital Astronomy: Moon Part 2

Enhanced brightness and contrast using GIMP

Moon Craters
March 2, 2012
Camera: ST30 Samsung
Telescope: 10" LX200 Celestron
Location: Taguig City (Taguig Science High School)
Credits: ruby

Digital Astronomy: Moon

March 8, 2012
Full Moon
Camera: ST30 Samsung
Telescope: 70mm Celestron Powerseeker
Location: Pasig City
Credits: ruby