------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 2971 2013 Dec 26 12.12UT Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise, Basingstoke, Hants, RG22 4PP,England.Telephone/FAX(01256)471074Int:+441256471074 INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK Backup: gmh@wdcc1.bnsc.rl.ac.uk WORLD WIDE WEB http://www.theastronomer.org ------------------------------------------------------------------- BRIAN MARSDEN CHRISTMAS QUIZ The regular Christmas Quiz was named in memory of the late Dr. Brian Marsden who in the early years of this competition regularly submitted some of the earliest answers which he compiled largely from his amazing memory of past events. Some of you may receive several copies of this quiz by virtue of having subscriptions to multiple categories of TA services. Entry is open to anyone whether subscribers to 'The Astronomer' or not. 1. Who, many years ago, suggested a change in the day this annual quiz is issued in December and what was the reason? 2. What Russian astronomical event occurred on 2013 Feb 15 and which was believed to be the parent body involved? 3. Which type of outburst was linked to star 'C' in Triangulum? 4. What is believed to be the nature of the 'Sun Dagger' 5. Which famous scientist was born on Christmas Day 1642 and which famous astronomer died in the same year? 6. Which astronomer produced stunning astrophotography and 'Works of Art' in Australia (1975-2001) and which were the main telescopes used? 7. For approximately how much longer will Sirius remain the brightest star seen from Earth and which star will then take over? 8. Who first proposed an association between meteors and comets and in which year? 9. Who reported to the BAA and TA seeing a bright spot on 1966 Sept 23 in the unlit portion of the lunar surface? 10. Which astronomer, writing from Armagh, considered TLP observations with any instrument below 8" aperture should be treated with caution? The first all-correct entry received, as judged by the Editor whose decision is final, will receive a new free year's subscription to TA via monthly pdf or an extension of an existing sub (paper or pdf) by 12 months. Alternatively you may donate a year's sub to someone currently not a subscriber. If there is no all-correct entry received by 2014 Jan 20.0UT then the highest scorer may be judged the winner. I wish all of you who read this message and quiz a very Happy New Year and hope you all enjoy good night skies in 2014. Guy M Hurst