Turning Point

by Erika Valdueza

The last time I did an observation was during the Total Lunar Eclipse on June 16, 2011. Since then, I’ve seldom looked up and observed the night sky because of the bad weather - or maybe, things have changed without me knowing.

My love for astronomy has inspired me in many ways. For four years, I've been fond of taking pictures of the sun, moon, planets and constellations; participated in various activities of local astronomy groups; and blogged almost all my astronomy-related experiences. Through these activities, I became motivated to take risks and grab opportunities. Before, I was known to be a very timid person who couldn't even talk in front of many people and was always afraid to try new things. I still have these weaknesses, but because of my desire to pursue Astronomy in every way I can, I gradually improved.

Then one day, I just stopped doing these activities. I started to doubt if I would still do the same for the rest of my life.

There are many reasons why I came to this realization. I blame the realities of life that I am getting old and my priorities should be to work hard and earn for a living. Moreover, Astronomy is a very expensive hobby and can be time-consuming. A practical person would rather choose to spend his or her money to buy necessities such as food and clothes, and save to buy a car or a house than choosing the best telescope. 

Despite these worries, my desire to pursue Astronomy has always been there. It is my happiness. I am not only sure in what way I can sustain it. 

This year, I attended two international conferences where I met professional and amateur astronomers. I exchanged views about the situation of Astronomy in the Philippines and discussed about my career plan in the future. It was here that I understood the cause of my problem. I realized that I was afraid of the changes that I have to make and what I have to be just to fulfill my dream. I need more time, effort, and dedication to become a scientist. As much as I wanted to do the same things for the past four years, I have to set it aside for growth. I am starting to believe that there are things you can’t do at the same time. 

I am sharing this to UP Astrosoc members, especially to those who are about to leave UP and to those who resist change. The world outside UP will definitely test how you value your goals and dreams and push you to the limit. Life out there is more than just observing under the stars and taking pictures of the heavens. You have to know your priorities even if it means giving up something you’ve worked hard for so long. All of us have our own comfort zones. Sometimes, the only way to grow and mature is to set aside these things that hold us back. 

To the stars!

Background Check: A Planetary Imager's Success Story

by Rej Avena

Every success story starts from a simple dream or yet, a simple hobby; a dream that is fulfilled through sheer hard work, patience and love for what one wants to pursue and do.

Some people have been fortunate enough to be endowed a gift or a talent, while some find their passion from the simple to the most extraordinary of things; some even refer to it as a life calling. But every success is achieved only through diligence, perseverance and determination; characteristics that eventually reward not only an accomplishment, but the recognition of having made a difference.

Christopher Go, a celebrated Filipino amateur astronomer, is one great example of such a success, coming from a humble beginning, but packed with fascination and keen interest. He started his journey in astronomy. Starting one night in year 1986, after discovering the magnificence that lies in the heavens, which started from observing the Halley’s comet, to his first solar eclipse, and finally, delving his interest in doing planetary imaging. He has been known for his discovery, the “Red Spot Jr.” or the Oval BA in the 24th of February in the year 2006 using his 11-inch telescope and a CCD camera. Since then, Chris was receiving a lot of opportunities and offers to do planetary research which involves working in a group of professional astronomers that constantly research on Jupiter and had a very good chance to use the most sought Hubble Space Telescope.

Let us take a look, as this down-to-earth, young amateur astronomer answers some questions regarding astronomy in the country and his continued passion for astronomy and astrophotography.

R: Can you tell us how your being an amateur astronomer made you what you are right now?

CG: Nothing really has changed. Astronomy is a hobby to me and I do it because I enjoy it. It is well integrated with my normal life.

R: Being an internationally-recognized amateur astronomer, what can you say about the status of astronomy here in the Philippines?

CG: Astronomy is not one of the top priorities here in the Philippines. I think most people view it as a superfluous science. Yet, Astronomy is the gateway to the science. In Thailand, when they added Astronomy to their Intermediate curriculum, there was an uptick in the number of people taking science and engineering courses. People also tend to be more scientifically literate when they take up Astronomy.

In the Philippines, we still have a long way to go.

R: When did you start your interest in planetary imaging, particularly in the planet Jupiter?

CG: I started doing planetary imaging during the Great Mars Opposition of 2003. I started Jupiter imaging the year after that.

R: Do you still work with Dr. Imke de Pater and other planetary astronomers in and outside the country? If yes, what are you currently up to now? Do you do some researches on other planets aside from Jupiter?

CG: Yes, I am still part of Imke’s group. We are still studying Jupiter’s atmospheres. I also have collaboration with other Jupiter groups and outer planet astronomers like Glenn Orton and Kevin Baines of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Agustin Sanchez Lavega of International Outer Planet Watch whom I co-authored a Nature Paper, and other astronomers around the world. I also collaborate with three spacecrafts, the Cassini Saturn Mission, whom I co-authored another Nature Paper, the recently launched JUNO spacecraft that is going to Jupiter and more recently, New Horizons-Pluto Express.

R: In what way do you think your researches could help encourage other people to thrive in astronomy as well?

CG: I have to say that I have done my research with a limited personal budget and very limited external support. Yes, I am able to do cutting edge research because of international collaboration. I did this by finding out what I can do best and what I can contribute to the research on Outer Planets.

What I would rather encourage is more support in science research in our country. We should do our research with more international collaboration so that we can set our place in the cutting edge of each of the field of science research. Unfortunately, the Philippines rates poorly in terms of research even though we have a lot of capable Filipinos who are able to do a lot of contributions.

R: What advice can you give to fellow astronomers and enthusiasts who wanted to start in planetary imaging in particular? What are the basic requirements?

CG: You just need a medium size telescope, a good mount and a webcam. I started planetary imaging with an 8” telescope and a Phillips Toucam webcam. Other things that is required is patience and perseverance to image the planets every clear night.

*I want to personally thank Mr. Christopher Go for taking his time to answer my questions for this article.

The Day of the Black Sun

by Erika Valdueza

I could still remember watching a newscast about the occurrence of total and partial solar eclipses in the Philippines. I went out of the house with my younger sister, stared at the cloudy skies, and saw the crescent sun while using sunglasses.

Fourteen years later, I went to mainland China together with ten members of the U.P. Astronomical Society to observe and document the longest total solar eclipse of our lifetime.

My colleagues in U.P. Astrosoc, who have decided to join the expedition, started preparing months before the event. Some have already booked a flight to Shanghai, arranged hotel reservations, and applied for visa. Everyone was obviously excited. Sadly at that time, I was still struggling whether I would join them or not.

After learning about the great total solar eclipse on July 2009, I realized that I was missing a significant part of my life. I’m an astronomy enthusiast for years, yet I failed to witness solar eclipses after that day on 1995. 

Thus, there was no excuse not to join the expedition. It also dawned on me that I haven’t closely encountered and studied our sun. The sole reason was the fear of observing it through the telescope, which could cause blindness if the equipment is not properly set up. As a result, I considered our Star as the least interesting celestial object.

Eventually, I gathered enough courage to practice all the safe methods to view the sun. Only this time, I observed it by projection and used solar filters. No sunglasses. My fear of observing the Sun dissipated on that very moment and redefined my perspective about it – from least to a challenge. I was ready to face Sol once again on July 22.

The most awaited day came and I woke up at 4:30 am with only two hours of sleep. My whole body seemed to quiver out of nervousness and excitement. I could hardly calm myself not to think of all possibilities which might happen during the event. I knew for sure that I wasn’t alone feeling this way. All members of the expedition team have been waiting, praying, and preparing for this momentous day. As amateur astronomers, we’re ready to sacrifice and risk a lot of things only to see right before our eyes the glorious and spectacular sights of eclipses, meteor showers, comets, and other astronomical events.

The team arrived at the observation site one hour before the start of the eclipse. The place was off the coast of Jinshanwei, 70 kilometres south of Shanghai city proper. Luckily, it was near the centerline of the path of the totality that would give us 5 minutes and 58 seconds of darkness. To our dismay, the weather didn’t cooperate even before we reached our destination. Clouds and misty rain blanketed the sky, making it difficult to view the Sun.

Nonetheless, we didn’t lose hope.

All members, despite the overcast, prepared their telescopes, cameras and solar filters. Each has their own tasks in observing the total solar eclipse. Some would capture videos and images of the entire stages of the eclipse while others would document the observations of the group in action.

As the countdown of the longest totality neared, onlookers began to appear everywhere. The crowd, including us, was curious, excited, thrilled, ecstatic and mystified. We were all in awe as our team leader shouted, “Totality!!!”.

I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. I almost cried with joy. Day turned into night as the moon covered the entire sun in a matter of minutes. Although the clouds hindered us from viewing the black sun, we could utterly feel the totality. It was eerily dark, cold and windy.

A remarkable 5 minutes and 58 seconds of our lives. It will not happen again until 2132.

Thankfully, I saw these surreal episodes with my fellow astronomy enthusiasts. They have and always been part of my journey as an amateur astronomer. Without the organization and its members, I wouldn’t be what I am now – passionate and dedicated to the field of astronomy.

Moved by this awe-inspiring experience, the group is now planning for another solar eclipse chase. The next total solar eclipse in Southeast Asia will occur in Indonesia on 2016. I hope this time, I’ll be able to see, not just feel, the black sun.