This section is devoted to Astronomy.

There are several areas: The History of Modern Astronomy, some ideas on how you can get into this “hobby”, and news about Earth and Space-based Telescopes and Observatories.

I discovered on the way that it’s like writing a newsletter about cooking. It’s a little large a subject so consider this an appetizer. This tome brings you up to date on some history of astronomy and some ideas for you or your kids for birthdays, Christmas, Chanukah, whatever. It finishes with some ongoing space observations.

I learned a lot writing it, and I hope you will enjoy it. It is long so take your time. Meanwhile, there are a significant number of NASA and ESA events happening, so I will write a shorter 6th newsletter very soon.

OK. Astronomy.

First, I am writing this outside on a terrace on a Greek Island - a moment of pause for envious feelings to dissipate:




OK moving on. 

The reason I mention this, is other than the fact it's true (sunny, warm, breezes, good food, wine etc), it's easy to see why the ancient Greeks (some of whom still work here), became interested in the heavens. The word itself is of greek origin - asteri meaning star. As the summer tourists leave, and the town and village lights dim, the sky becomes an incredible light show of stars, planets, meteors and now, satellites. 

Before I continue, I do not mean to imply that other ancient civilizations were not also fascinated by, and studied the sky. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Arabian and Indian civilizations also had temples and systems to try to give order and meaning to the "heavens". I expect that the African and Native Australasian peoples also had sky models, but we probably relieved them of their belief systems in the interests of civilization, progress and natural resources. So, for us in the west, it is the Greek system that prevails. 

I am vaguely aware that I may insult some people in this newsletter. I do so as I am worried about the future of our children and our grandchildren, and will have some mockery - if not disdain at least, for people who threaten their education. If I am wrong about a people or a state, let me know. I’m really not too egotistic to apologize. I think.

Back on track. Today, most of us look up and occasionally see the moon or a few bright stars, and generally pay no mind. Occasionally, we go to some place that is dark and we look at the stars - for a moment - in awe. But then we move on.



More soon. Thank you for reading this monologue.

The newsletters will be shorter in future. I promise.

David

Oh wait... one more thing....



Last week, the first completely european built deep space craft - Rosetta - passed by an Asteroid called Steins. Rosetta is on it’s way to another asteroid Wirtanen. It will reach there in May 2014. It has a lander that will hopefully soft-land on the asteroid and the main craft will orbit for two years.

Here are some photos of the Steins flyby:



pastedGraphic





(Final Note - When I started this, I mentioned it was warm, good food, etc. Now it's rainy and the tavernas are closing for the winter. Serves me right for boasting). D