January 2012 Newsletter
Until recently, the size of our solar system could only be measured with precision during very rare celestial events: four Venus transits in the 18th and 19th centuries, and two close approaches of Minor Planet Eros in the 20th century.
BOTH of these rare events take place in 2012. But you don't have to be a scientist or travel the world this time. The Eros Parallax Project in late January and early February is a chance for everyone to take part.
 Those who are well traveled have most likely visited one of the 17,508 islands in the country of Indonesia. But little do these visitors know that there is one place that outshines the rest—Bandung, West Java. It is here that a true gem of Oceania resides: Avivah Yamani. She is a most gracious, cheery, 31-year-old astrophysicist who can often be found setting up her scopes with her team at a local coffee shop or mall.
New National Coordinator for Vietnam
With the appointment of Dang Tuan Duy as AWB National Coordinator (NC) for Vietnam, the number of countries represented has now reached 42. While AWB is active in many more countries, National Coordinators are chosen carefully to take on considerable responsibilities in bringing their country's active astronomy enthusiasts into our global community. Duy is one of the most active in his country and will certainly be a great representative for Vietnam. See the list of all AWB National Coordinators .
Telescopes to Tanzania
Astronomers Without Borders is very pleased to have assisted AWB member Chuck Ruehle in his mission to take telescopes and other materials to a very remote community in the mountains of Tanzania. This community has teachers who can run successful astronomy programs - and the skies are dark - but there were no telescopes available. Chuck's group has given the children of this community a great gift. Read Chuck's initial report and follow-up with lots of great photos on his AWB member blog.
The GLOBE at Night program is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure their night sky brightness and submit their observations to a website from a computer or smart phone. During two weeks sessions each winter and spring for the past six years people from 115 countries have contributed 66,000 measurements, making GLOBE at Night one of the most successful light pollution awareness campaigns. Anyone can join. See the GLOBE at Night website for more.
COULD YE NOT WATCH...
A Star Beyond
Thirty-Four Degrees
Overture
Luna rose in Jupiter mood
PRESSING LIGHT
The Whole Creation
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