On Aug 27, 4:28*pm, Sam Wormley wrote:
On 8/27/12 8:18 AM, Anthony Ayiomamitis wrote:

Dear group,

One of the most recognized pulsating variable stars is RR Lyrae. Discovered in 1901, it is used as a "standard candle" for studies involving globular clusters amongst others.

It fluctuates by almost a full magnitude every 13.60 hours. However, being a summertime object, it is impossible to pursue a light curve during one session. With some strategic planning, we can do something over two all-nighters:

http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-Photomet...R-20120824.htm

Anthony.

* *Thanks Anthony.
* *New Semester of Astronomy Teaching starts tonight.
* -Sam

I am afraid it is more like an empirical indoctrination,a pep talk for
mathematical students to continue wrecking havoc on astronomy.In the
past semester in sci.astro.astronomy,readers have learned -

1. that declination is not a factor in the equation of time and the
wandering Sun analemma is an exercise in Chinese whispers

2. the actual cause in the variations in natural noon is a combination
of two rotations to the central Sun and consequently two axes of
rotation

3 the Earth has an equatorial climate as opposed to the polar climate
of Uranus,this determination is due to the inclination of both planets
and the two dynamics explain the seasons and why natural noon cycles
vary.

4 The primary reference for timekeeping was originally an annual
terrestrial event,in this case the flooding of the Nile,and the
secondary reference for timekeeping was the coincident appearance of
Sirius from its annual disappearance from behind the glare of the Sun.

5 The AM/PM system and the Lat/Long system are extensions of the
calendar system

6 The Ra/Dec system is a homocentric extension of the 24 hour AM/PM
system

7 The Earth's interior is subject to the same fluid dynamics observed
in all rotating celestial objects with exposed fluid
compositions,namely differential rotation

8 The Earth's 26 mile spherical deviation is due to the uneven
rotational gradient between equatorial and polar latitudes.

9 The Earth's crust evolves,moves and is destroyed by zonal flow.

10 Twilight lengths vary with latitude due to decreasing latitudinal
speeds.

Each and every single point is based on a mountain of astronomical
data and the skill to interpret these topics properly.I suppose many
of you consider yourselves teachers here and do not engage in
treachery but unfortunately when you open your mouth to instruct
students you will propose ideas that are anti-astronomical in content
and character.You will weaken the student's ability to act and think
properly in later years and so it will be for all countries who allow
their children to come under the influence of the vicious strain of
empiricism that now takes the name of astronomy.