The Astronomical Society of Singapore

News Flash

Site Last Update : 13 May 2008

NEWS FLASH

	Observation at Semakau Landfill on 12th April 2008 TASOS conducted another observing trip to Semakau Landfill on the weekend of 12th to 13th Apr 2008. Over 50 members and friends joined this trip including a CJC group led by Mr. Tan Hoe Teck. Many telescopes were set up at the observing site and Teo Poh Kheam bought along her Celestron SkyScout which operated flawlessly identifying many objects such as Spica, Sirius, Acrux and planets Saturn etc. TASOS kitchen opened at 2.00 am by TASOS committee Albert Tan who very kindly boiled the water to serve Maggi noodles, hot coffee and tea to all the participants. The sky was generally clear and participants saw a beautiful Milky Way before dawn. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS supports Woodlands Racial Harmony Day on 6th April 2008 TASOS supported Admiral Garden CC Astronomy club as part of Woodlands Racial Harmony Day on Sunday 6th Apr 2008. The guest of honour was our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Special Guest present were Minister Khaw Boon Wan, Mayor Teo Ho Pin, Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman and Dr. Lim Wee Kiak. The event was hosted by Member of Parliament Ms Ellen Lee. TASOS President Albert Lim, Vice President Ang Poon Seng, Hon. Secretary Kalaimani and committee members Albert Ho and Soh Kim Mun were present to meet PM Lee Hsien Loong and the special guests when he toured our Astronomy Station. PM Lee Hsien Loong also very kindly autographed an All Sky Astrophoto taken by TASOS President Albert Lim. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk and observation for Singapore session for American School on 18th April 2008 TASOS conducted a talk and astronomical viewing session for the teachers, students and their parents of the Singapore American School on the 18th of April 2008 at their school. TASOS committee member Prof Srini whose daughter is a 9th Grade student at SAS (and a student member of TASOS), manned TASOS 4 inch Celestron refractor while Alfred Cheang and Albert Ho manned the Celestron 8 GPS computerised telescope. May assisted TASOS VP Ang Poon Seng with a C5 and Takahashi EM10 mount. There was tremendous interest and enthusiasm from the participants especially when they observed planet Saturn and the Moon. Mr. Kalaimani also gave an astronomy talk to the SAS group. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS AGM 2008 TASOS holds AGM 2008 on 29th Mar 2008 at the SSC Observatory classroom. There was a quorum and the AGM proceeded very smoothly with the passing of the previous minutes, annual report and TASOS accounts. The meeting ended at 4.00pm and a reception for all attending members followed. The following were elected as office bearers for TASOS committee 2008. President: Mr Albert Lim Vice-President: Mr Ang Poon Seng Hon. Secretary: Mr Kalaimani s/o Retnasamy Asst. Hon. Secretary: Ms Teo Poh Kheam Hon. Treasurer: Ms Eliza Tay S.C. 4 Committee Members: Mr Chen Ye Mr Albert Ho Mr Albert Tan Ms Ong Geok May 2 Auditors: Prof Srinivasan Mr Alfred Cheang The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk on Comets, Asteriods and Meteors by Mr Albert Ho on 14th Mar 2008 TASOS committee Albert Ho gave a talk to members at the SSC Observatory classroom on 14th Mar 2008 Friday evening. Talk Title was “Comets, Asteriods and Meteors”. This was followed by the usual Friday night observation at the Observatory and the surrounding grounds. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	2nd talk on Black Holes by Dr. Pawel Lachowicz on 1st Feb 2008 TASOS presents the 2nd Black Hole talk by Dr. Pawel Lachowicz titled “X-ray variability of accreting black-holes” on Friday 1st Feb 2008 at the classroom below the SSC observatory. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk on Black Holes by Dr. Pawel Lachowicz on 25th Jan 2008 TASOS presents 2 talks on Black Holes by Dr. Pawel Lachowicz. Dr. Pawel received his Ph.D in Astronomy from the prestigious Nicholas Copernicus Astronomy Centre in Poland and is currently a research scientist at NUS Centre for Wavelet, Approximation and Information Processing. His first talk is titled “Cygnus X-1 : a canonical black-hole system” was conducted 25th Jan 2008 at the Observatory Classroom of SSC. The talk is well attended by TASOS members. The second talk titled “X-ray variability of accreting black-holes” will be conducted next Friday 1st Feb 2008 at the same location. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.

	TASOS Mooncake celebration on 21st Sept 2007 TASOS MoonCake Celebrations was held on the evening of 21st Sept 2007 Friday. TASOS members Dr. K K Cheong along with SSC observatory staff Andrew & Yong attended along with TASOS members. TASOS members were invited and notified of this event via mailers. TASOS Honorary Sec Kalaimani conducted a very interesting talk on the Moon prior to a reception of Mooncakes and Drinks for all participants. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk on Equipment for Astronomy by Mr Albert Ho TASOS conducted an interesting lecture at Pioneer Junior College for its astronomy club members on Friday 24th Aug 2007. The lecture was conducted by TASOS committee member Albert Ho and titled “Equipment for Astronomy”. This lecture is one of many lectures conducted for Pioneer JC as part of their school astronomy training programme The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS conclude Astronomy Course 2007 on 7th Sep 2007 with the final lecture by TASOS President Albert Lim titled : “The Size of the Universe”. A multiple choice question session followed and participants were awarded course certificates for their participation. The Astronomy course 2007 details below Date Lecture Title Lecturer 22nd June Introduction to Astronomy Kalaimani 29th June Equipment for Astronomy Albert Ho 6th July Astrophotography Ang PS 27th July Understanding Eclipses Prof SM Chong 3rd August Constellation Kalaimani 10th August The Solar System Kalaimani 17th Aug The Life of a Star Prof SM Chong 7th Sept The Size of the universe Albert Lim To view photos from this Fridays course event, click here
	An Astronomical Detective Story: Video Address by Professor Russell Hulse, Nobel Prize in Physics (1993) TASOS President, Vice-President, committee and members attended a video conference event at LT1, NIE on the evening of 23rd August 2007 on the gracious invitation of NIE. The video address is by Prof. Russell Hulse who won the Nobel Prize in Physics (1993) for his discovery of the binary pulsar. Prof Lee Sing Kong, Director NIE gave an opening address followed by a talk by AP Edward Teo on “Our Cosmos: White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and Black Holes”. TASOS associate member NAP help set up an astrophoto exhibit just prior to the event. TASOS committee also had a chance to catch up with Prof Leo Tan during the evening’s buffet dinner. Overall it was a very successful event. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS members observes Milky Way from Semakau Island 27 TASOS members participated in an overnight observation session at Semakau Landfill from 9th to 10th of June weekend. A Takahashi FS102 and several Celestron computerised Nexstar and GPS telescopes were deployed along with a Firstscope 4” refractor. Members saw the Milky Way in the Scopious and Sagittarius regions and many were able to take wide angle photos of it. The sky was very good throughout most of the night and the trip was a great success. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS conduct Jupiter Talk at NAP for their AstroCamp 07 TASOS committee member Mr. Albert Ho, presented a talk on planet Jupiter at Ngee Ann Poly LT5A on Friday evening 8th June 2007 in support of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, a TASOS associate member for their AstroCamp 2007 event. Members of Ngee Ann Astro club attended the talk along with some TASOS committee members. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS screened a HD movie on Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn by NASA / ESA / AIS on Friday evening 25th May 2007 at 8.00pm at the Observatory Classroom. The movie was attended by quite a number of TASOS members and an observation session was conducted on the observatory grounds after the movie from 9.00 to 10.30pm. There were 2 Nexstar computerised telescopes deployed by TASOS members and the SSC observatory was also opened as it was a Friday night. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Esteemed TASOS Member Uchida-san returns to Japan Mr. Uchida-san has been a TASOS member over the last 2 years and have delighted our members with his deep sky skill and knowledge. He has participated in many TASOS activities and assisted many members in their pursuit of astronomy. Mr. Uchida-san returns to Japan on the 4th of May 2007. We wish him all the best and thank him for the happy times we shared under the stars. View photos of Mr. Uchida-san and his Celestron 12” Starhopper here.
	Life in the Universe Talk at Nanyang Technological University. Dr. Guillermo Gonzalez, Asst Prof of Astronomy at the Iowa State University USA gave an interesting talk titled “Life in the Universe” at NTU’s LT2A on Thursday evening 22nd May 2007. Mailers were sent to all TASOS members to attend this talk. Dr. Gonzalez is also co-author of “The Privileged Planet” and the new astronomy textbook “Observational Astronomy, 2nd Ed” published by Cambridge University Press. Photo courtesy of Associate Prof SF Yu shows Eliza Tay, Albert Lim (TASOS) with Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. SC Tjin from NTU EEE after the talk.
	Visit By Mr Reg R. Wilson (IDA) TASOS committee met Mr. Reg R. Wilson who sits on the Board of Directors of the International Dark-Sky Association on 19th Apr 2007. Discussions topics involved good outdoor lightning to conserve energy and maintain Dark Sky for the benefit of all – not just the astronomical community. Albert Ho and YK Chia from TASOS will co-ordinate eforts with the IDA and look into the possibility of an operational IDA arm in Singapore. There are plans to talk to NEA and various depts. and authorities on lighting issues. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk on An introduction to Astronomy by Mr Albert Ho TASOS committee conducted an evening session for over 80 girl guides from International Schools. Albert Ho talked on an introduction to astronomy on Friday evening 27th Apr 2007 at Camp Christine off Lim Chu Kang. TASOS committee and member Prof. Srini from NUS also conducted an observation session for over 80 girl guides and their staff along with some of their parent using TASOS computerised Celestron 8 GPS and C5 telescopes. Chen Ye, Ang and May assist with the telescopic views of majestic Saturn and the Moon while Mr. Kalai conducted a skytour for the girls. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
Observatory dates for year 2007/2008 The Observatory dates for members for year 2006/2007 has been updated please see Observatory Dates for details.
	Talk on First light - an introduction to Astronomy by Mr Albert Ho TASOS committee member Albert Ho conducted an excellent beginner’s talk titled “First Light – An introduction to Astronomy on Friday evening 13th Apr 2007 at the Observatory classroom. TASOS members and students from Bedok View Secondary led by Mr. Shah attended. An observation session followed using TASOS computerised Celestron 8 telescope and Mr Uchida’s Celestron 12” Dobsonian telescope. The group enjoyed nice views of Saturn and its majestic ring system through the telescopes. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk for Pioneer Junior College Hon Secretary of TASOS Mr. Kalaimani conduct a basic astronomy talk at Pioneer Junior College on 23rd Mar 2007 for its astro club members. TASOS committee member Mr. Albert Tan and Albert Ho gave a briefing on how to use their Celestron C8 while TASOS Vice President Ang Poon Seng advised on principal and polar alignment procedure of their CG5 German Equatorial Mount. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS AGM 2007 TASOS held its AGM 2007on the 2nd floor Multi purpose hall on the Geranium Block of National University of Singapore. The usual annual reports and treasurer’s report were reviewed and passed followed by election of TASOS committee 2007. Participants enjoyed a small reception and drinks thereafter. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Observation at Semakau Landfill TASOS members enjoyed another trip to Semakau Island on 10th – 11th March 2007. TASOS led a group of 17 members plus another 19 participants comprising Catholic Junior College students and teachers for this trip. Mr. Tan Hoe Teck was the teacher in charge of the CJC group and he helped co-ordinate this successful stargaing trip with TASOS. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk on Eclipses TASOS President Albert Lim conducted a talk titled “Eclipses – Solar and Lunar” at Lecture Theatre 73A Ngee Ann Polytechnic on Friday evening 9th Mar 2007. The talk was also opened to TASOS and a number of TASOS members attended. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Calender of Astronomy events from Feb 2007 to Feb 2008 You can access the a/m here

Total Lunar Eclipse on 4th March 2007

The video for the by Mr Ang Poon Seng has been posted, you can see them here (6.3MB).

	Talk on The First Indian Mission to the Moon (CHANDRAYAAN-1) Sri. K.Thyagarajan, Outstanding Scientist and Program Director-IRS & SSSISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore gave a talk on the CHANDRAYAAN-1, first Indian mission to the Moon on 8th Feb 2007. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Talk on Cassini Mission by Dr Allan Lee from JPL TASOS President Albert Lim presented Dr. Allan Y Lee who is Project Element Manager of the Cassini Spacecraft Altitude Control System at JPL, Caltech our “Photographic Atlas of the Moon” book published by 3 TASOS authors (Ang, Lim and Chong) at Cambridge University Press.Dr. Allan conducted a talk on the Cassini mission at NTU and he was also presented a TASOS T-shirt by TASOS committee member Chen Ye The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Mercury Transit TASOS Vice President Mr Ang Poon Seng and member Mr Soh Kim Mun took these series of photograph during the mercury transit of the sun on 9th Nov 2006. You can see the full resolution images here and here or the video of the event here.
	TASOS Mooncake festival celebration TASOS members celebrates Moon Cake Festival on the evening of 6th Oct 2006 when at about 2200hrs the Moon was closest to the Earth.. members enjoyed Moon Cakes and drinks for the evening along with a TASOS Talk by Kalaimani. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Our Moon : Facts and Myths. In conjunction with the Moon Cake Festival, TASOS Hon Secretary Kalaimani presented a talk Titles "Our Moon : Facts and Myths" at the SSC Observatory Classroom on 6th Oct Friday evening. The audience who braved the haze to attend and the observatory was also opened for Moon Watchers. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	Pluto - The dwarf Planet TASOS Hon. Secretary Mr. Kalaimani conducted an astronomy talk on “Pluto - the Dwarf Planet” for TASOS Members at the SSC Classroom on Friday 15th Sep 2006 The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	An Introduction to Basic Astronomy on 8th Sep 2006 at the Observatory classroom by TASOS committee member Mr. Albert Ho. The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS AstroCamp at MOE campsite on 29th-30th July 2006 The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	An Introduction to Astronomical Instruments by TASOS Committee Member Mr. Albert Ho on Friday evening of 26th of May 2006 at the Observatory Classroom The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.
	TASOS Jupiter Opposition Watch at SSC on Friday, 5th May 2006 The weather did not look promising evening of 5th of May 2006when TASOS conducted Jupiter Opposition Watch for members.The 50 odd members who did turn up however were rewarded with superb views of Jupiter through TASOS's Celestron 8" computerized telescope. To view photos of this event, click here

TASOS Astrophoto talk and Demo session at Ngee Ann Poly

At the request of NAP's Astro club, TASOS president Albert Lim conducted a talk on Astrophotography for NAPoly's Astro clubmembers on 31st Mar 06 at one of their Lecture Theatre. Mr. Albert Tan from TASOS committee also conducted demonstration of astrophototechniques
The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.

Donation of C8 Telescope to TASOS

TASOS Management Committee 06 wish to thank Mr. Chan Siu Yung for generously donating his C8 telescope to TASOS on 9th of April 2006.

TASOS/SSC Astronomy session for Cedar Girls on 3th & 6th March 2006

The photographs for the above event has been posted, you can see them here.

Sidewalk Astronomy on 19th April 2005

The photographs for the sideway astronomy held after the John Dobson film has been posted, you can see them here.

Photographic Atlas of the Moon

Our very own TASOS president Albert Lim, together with TASOS members S.M. Chong and P.S. Ang, produced a beautifully photographed and practical Atlas of the Moon. It was published in August 2002.

For more information, follow this link to the Cambridge University Press website:
http://books.cambridge.org/0521813921.htm

Click Here To Send Us A Mail!

web counter