Green Comet returns thus Wednesday and Thursday

 A rare green tailed comet not seen since Neanderthals walked the Earth returns this week.more details and photos on the last five minutes of CBS Sunday Morning 

 

Skyward

 

January 2023

 David H. Levy

 

“When sorrows come, they come not single spies,

But in battalions.”  (Hamlet 4.5.76-77)

This column begins with a delightful quotation from Hamlet, where King Claudius reflects on the deaths of Hamlet’s father, Polonius, and the madness of Ophelia.  In this lonely period of my own life, the one constant I have is being able to continue doing the stargazing that I love so much.  In recent months, the losses of Don Machholz, Constantine Papacosmas, and Wendee have tested the strength of observing the night sky as never before.  But I must add to this the passing of my closest friend from my youth, Carl Jorgensen, on October 18.  Of these four transitions that occurred late this year two of them—Don and Carl, both died from Covid.  This is strong evidence that we are nowhere near being done with this dreadful illness.

Our lifelong friendship began in November of 1963.  I had just returned from a 14-month stay at the Jewish National Home for Asthmatic Children in Denver.  At the observatory of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in Montreal,  Isabel Williamson introduced “young Carl Jorgensen” to “young David Levy” and our friendship never wavered over 59 stargazing years after that.

We both especially enjoyed observing shooting stars.  In the late summer of 1965 Carl and I were counting Perseid meteors (that all seemed to radiate from the constellation of Perseus) when Carl began to sing to himself the lyrics of a newly released song.  Carl went on and on under that clear sky.    “Carl,” I asked, “what are you singing?” 

“Bob Dylan’s new song,  ‘Like a Rolling Stone.’”

“How long is this song supposed to last?”

“About six minutes.”

“Carl, you’ve been singing it for over half an hour.”  By the next time Carl and I met for observing, I had become a staunch Dylan fan as well.

In March 1976, those of us who liked comets were still reeling from the failure of Comet Kohoutek to live up to expectations.  Another comet, found by Richard M. West, was supposed to be in the predawn sky, and Carl drove me out to see it.    As we drove into a darker sky south of Montreal,  I looked out past Carl’s window and saw a magnificent comet rising in the east.  Carl reacted to my exclamation: “OK, we’ll find a spot, set up the telescope, and try to find it.”
            “Carl, just look to your left!”  Carl glanced out his window, and nearly drove the car off the road.  What an unforgettable morning that was.

Carl enjoyed a lifelong interest in double stars.  His favorite (and mine) was a beautiful triple star in the constellation of Cepheus.  Known as Struve 2816, it is a magnificent triple sun.  It is easy to find and wonderful to watch. 

It is particularly evocative now . “Doubt that the stars doth shine,” Hamlet might have complained, but I think that even he would enjoy being with Carl to enjoy the sight of that lovely star.

 

 

 

The picture is of Carl Jorgensen and his eldest daughter, Christine.
in front of the old Isabel K. Williamson observatory. Photograph by
David H. Levy.

 

Solstice 2022

 It is the Solstice. Blessed be!

Skyward December 2022

 From Dr. David Levy, Our Guest Blogger.  My Constantine's Memory be Eternal:

Photo is forthcoming. We're having tech difficulties, or as I call it, Tekno fun.

Skyward

December 2022

 David H. Levy

As I get older and older, the list of people who depart gets longer and increases with a greater frequency.  But now I find myself writing, for the third month in a row, about the loss of someone who meant a lot to me and without whom I do not know how I will continue my own journey through the night sky.   

Constantine Papacosmas introduced himself to me the first night I entered the old observatory of the Montreal Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.  The young observer had just completed a truly fabulous 8-inch reflector which we used once or twice.  At that time he was brilliant, creative and inspiring.    Within a few years we had become great friends and we spent a lot of time together. One afternoon while walking down a hill to my junior high school classes, a car passed me, then slammed on its brakes about 300 meters away.  Putting the car in reverse, the driver screeched backward until it reached me.  “Hello David!”  It was Constantine.

You might have read a few months ago the story of how I got my own 8-inch reflector, Pegasus.  It was a loaner scope.  By the time David returned from college, Constantine suggested that my parents buy me the telescope.  We gathered in our living room and my parents listened carefully as Constantine  explained why they should make such an expensive purchase for me, and not for any of my siblings.  He correctly    persuaded them that I was never about to lose my passion for the night sky.  By the end of that day my parents agreed to buy the telescope for $400, (which would, in 2022, amount to $3761).  More important than that, that afternoon gave Dad a chance to form a genuine bond with Constantine that he never forgot.

In 1978, while resting in our home, Dad walked in and inquired how Constantine was doing.  I had had a mild falling out with him, but I simply replied we hadn’t been in touch for a while.  Dad had something to say about that. “You can count on the fingers of one hand the number of close friends you have had since your youth.  You just cannot afford to lose those precious friends.”  The minute he left the room I telephoned Constantine and we picked up where we had left off.

By 1984, my Dad was dying from Alzheimer’s disease.  He could barely recognize Mom, let alone me.  But he remembered Constantine.  The two began talking.

“Constantine, do you know what is happening to me?”

“Yes, I am sorry but I am afraid I do know.”

“Constantine, I can’t live like this.  I wish…. I wish I were dead.”  Constantine told me that story many years later.  

Those of us who knew the older Constantine may not appreciate the skill, the intelligence, the humor, and the talent of the younger amateur astronomer. But they remembered him well enough to present him the Centre’s highest medal for excellence, the Charles Good award.     His clock that I received shortly before his death now tells Montreal time.  It is the Constaclock.

Farewell, Constantine, and thank you for enriching my nights under the stars.

Online Literary Magazine for CM 220, CM 107 Classes and Friends of KU: Veterans Day

Online Literary Magazine for CM 220, CM 107 Classes and Friends of KU: Veterans Day:  To all my many students who have served, thanks.

Onguard Security Safety Tips

 

S

On Guard

 

We at On Guard continue to serve all your security needs, both home and commercial.  As we plunge 40 degrees tomorrow to the 30s, here are some quick safety tips for you, just ahead of the Holidays!

 

• If you haven’t gone through your Halloween candy, do it now, and toss anything suspicious.  Remember when we used to get ours X-rayed? It isn’t a bad idea.
• If you need to go away from home, consider leaving out a hose, a few flower pots, a wreath on the door, anything to make the property looked lived in.  Tell a trusted neighbor or family where you will be, but don’t advertise it generally.  Post on social media after your return.
• Stop your mail, or have someone get it for you.
• Stop the paper.
• If it snows, and  you shovel, take breaks, do it slowly, sweep it or get a snow thrower.
• Consider security systems or cameras like those Onguard provides.  We offer the best rates, small business ethics, attentive maintenance, friendly service, and more.
• Be vigilant of your surroundings wherever you are.
• Check lights and decorations to make sure they are safe to use.
• Don’t leave keys in your car.
• Watch bags and purses.
• Don’t leave house keys hidden outside.
• Don’t flash large rolls of money in public places.
• Have safe and happy holidays from us at On Guard Security!!

American Doll and Toy Museum: This is Halloween!

American Doll and Toy Museum: This is Halloween!:  Enjoy!