Apehelion

Today the Earth is furthest from the Sun, a point called apehelion. We will be about 152,098,232km (94,509,459miles) from the Sun. Compare this to the 147,098,290km (91,402,639miles) we were at perihelion on Jan 4th, a difference of about 5,411,169km (3,362,344miles) occurs throughout one orbit.

It may seem odd that we are actually at the furthest for the middle of northern summer, you just have to remember that proximity to the Sun is not the cause of the seasons. The seasons are caused by the axial tilt of the Earth, creating short and long days throughout the year, with a resulting change in the angle and intensity of the sunlight.

2012 Solstices and Equinoxes
  UT HST
Perihelion Jan 5 03:59UT Jan 4 17:59HST
Spring Equinox Mar 20 05:14UT Mar 19 19:14HST
Summer Solstice Jun 20 23:09UT Jun 20 13:09HST
Apehelion Jul 4 23:59UT Jul 4 13:59HST
Fall Equinox Sep 22 14:49UT Sep 22 04:49HST
Winter Solstice Dec 21 11:12UT Dec 21 01:12HST
 
Source: USNO Data Services Website and the NASA Sky Calendar

 

Employment at Keck – Infrastructure Technician-Electrician

W. M. Keck Observatory Position Announcement…

The W.M. Keck Observatory operates two of the world’s largest and most scientifically productive optical/infrared telescopes located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii. A highly capable and motivated staff operates, maintains and develops the complex telescope systems and infrastructure on the summit. We seek an Infrastructure Technician-Electrician to join this high-caliber team.

Keck 1 Laser
Utilizing the Keck 1 Laser Guide Star during the night
This position is primarily responsible for industrial electrical work including installation, modification, repairs and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment up to 480V to ensure they are in good operating condition, safe and conform to the applicable version of the National Electric Code. The work is primarily at the observatory facility on the summit of Mauna Kea with occasional work at the headquarters facility in Waimea. Minimum requirements are 10 years of experience as an industrial electrician and a valid Journey Worker Industrial Electrician License in the State of Hawaii.

Commitment to WMKO’s core values, working well with others, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities within a fast paced environment are all essential. For a full listing of duties and qualifications for this position, please go to: www.keckobservatory.org/about/employment

Employment at Keck – Scientific Programmer

W. M. Keck Observatory Position Announcement…

The W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) has an immediate opening for a software engineer to support scientific programming needs for the Keck Observatory Archive (KOA). The successful candidate will work with the Keck Archive Scientist and other members of the KOA team and software group on all aspects of KOA software development: defining requirements, developing algorithms, writing applications, testing and implementing software, preparing documentation, and supporting software and users. Special attention will be paid to applicants with strong skills and experience in astronomical data reduction, especially spectroscopy.

Keck 2 Computer Room
Servers of the K2 Computer Room at night
The observatory operates two of the largest and most scientifically productive optical/infrared telescopes in the world. The twin 10-meter telescopes are located amidst several other world class observatories on the summit of Mauna Kea, at 13,796 feet above sea level on the Big Island of Hawaii, one of the premier sites for astronomy. The successful candidate will join a skilled and deeply committed team of technical professionals who enable exciting and important astronomical discoveries.

Minimum qualifications for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in computer or physical sciences, or engineering, and at least 5 years of programming experience. Required are a good knowledge of database design, a high level of competency in SQL, PHP, C and C++ or JAVA programming; good knowledge of IDL, IRAF, Matlab or Python; experience in a Unix environment, experience developing web enabled database applications, good communication skills, good applied mathematical/statistical skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Desirable skills include an advanced degree, knowledge of astronomical data archive, familiarity with FITS data format, astronomical CCD image data, and astronomical data manipulation software.

This position requires you to submit your resume on-line at: http://keckobservatory.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-324999.html with your cover letter that states why you are uniquely qualified for the position.

Additional information about WMKO and this position may be found on our web site at www.keckobservatory.org

Postcard from the Reef – Redstripe Pipefish

A close relative of seahorses, pipefish are usually found sheltering in crevices or small caves. They are not uncommon sights for anyone who makes a habit of investigating the nooks and crannies of the reef…

Redstripe Pipefish
Redstripe Pipefish (Dunckerocampus baldwini) at the rear of an alcove at Hoover’s Towers

Postcard from the Summit – Mirror in the Hall

The radio call goes out… “Mirror in the hall, mirror in the hall!” Everyone gets out of the way as a mirror segment is rolled down the central hallway. It is being moved to the coating facility where it will be cleaned, stripped and re-coated with a layer of fresh aluminum.

Segment in the Hallway
The team moving a mirror segment from the telescope to the coating facility

Mercury at Maximum Elongation

Today Mercury reaches maximum elongation, the furthest point it will reach from the Sun in the sky and the highest it will be above the sunset this apparition. The planet is easily visible as a bright, starlike object about 15° above the setting Sun as the sky grows dark. Over the next couple weeks Mercury will slide back into the sunset, heading for inferior conjunction on Jul 28.

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