Nasa Notes

….. Jim Timmons

A GREAT FLOOD (Mars) - From the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Air and Space Museum comes a report of the discovery of a large former lake on Mars.  Geologists estimate this 1,400 mile long lake in the Martian highlands to be the size of Texas and New Mexico combined. Overflow later carved out Ma'adim Vallis, a channel more than 550 miles long and up to 6,900 feet deep. Data suggests a flood five times the volume of water in the Great Lakes. Two other smaller lake basins were also discovered in the area.

THE FINAL LOOP (Galileo) - The spacecraft is heading back from its longest orbit around Jupiter and is headed for a flyby of the moon Amalthea in November. The good news is that after several tests the tape in the recorder is free. It had been stuck since mid April. The recorder is expected to be ready for the Amalthea flyby.

AND THE WINNER IS...(NASA Internet) - Two of the Webby Awards, which are sponsored by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, were presented to the NASA Home Page and the Earth Observatory, a site sponsored by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. These are the fourth and fifth NASA sites to be so honored in the last six years.

FUTURE ATTRACTIONS (Launches for July and August)
NOAA-M Polar Orbiter, from Vandenberg AFB, on a Titan II
Contour (Comet Nucleus Tour), from Cape Canaveral AF Station, on a Delta II 7425
Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX), from Cape Canaveral AF Station, on a Pegasus XL.

July Star Walk at Copper Breaks …. Fred Koch

If your plans are to participate in the July 6th Sun Fun/ Star Walk at Copper Breaks State Park, please be aware of the following invitation if you desire to come out early.

The Quanah Country Club will have an annual July 4th dinner with fireworks show afterwards. This facility has a swimming pool and is also next to a small lake over which golfers hit to a final hole near the clubhouse. The clubhouse has a bar. A golf scramble is taking place that day. For those Starguides who wish, perhaps with their children, to enjoy the pleasant and relaxed charm of a genuine country club I would encourage you to be my guests for the event.

Normally this occasion is a pot luck dinner but this year the 4th falls on the Thursday steak night so that will be the focus. This normally works by each individual bringing his or her own steak, pays a nominal fee, and then eats the steak, baked potato, green salad, and Texas toast. Cooking is done by local talent on an outdoor grill. If you decide to come, please let us know if you are bringing your own steak or wish me to supply a rib eye or equivalent.

There will be bigger and more spectacular fireworks displays elsewhere so don't expect an extravaganza. The hallmark of this affair is relaxed pleasantness. As a child I remembered the joy of exploring the lake area and seeing the fireflies. So if you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, please know you would be welcome to be a part of this event.

I have not yet discussed with the club president the setting up of any telescopes or binoculars but if it meets with his approval will plan to do so with two or three instruments .

When signing up with Richard Brown at RABROW@aol.com , please let him know if you wish to attend the 4th at the Quanah Country Club as well.

Depending on the numbers arriving early, we'll also plan on some type of supper Friday evening as well either at a restaurant or at a cook-out.  We hope to have the pleasure of seeing many of you out here early and for the Star Walk.

Lake Whitney - This is a public telescope observing opportunity.  Check whitney-astro.com/ for details.