Your Lucky Star – Astronomical Considerations

Every person is born under a celestial object. It might be a star, Cluster or Nebulae. The last two are referred to as Deep Sky Objects (DSO). In this Blog I am writing about stars only. Whether a birth star is a Lucky Star or not depends on two considerations: One relates to astronomy; the other relates to cosmics. Astronomy is based on observational and calculated data. Unlike in the case of other physical sciences it cannot be proved by exact evidence or precision. For example, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 93 million miles. Nobody ever did physically measure it anyway. However, astronomical data throws a lot of light and perhaps insight upon the impact and influence the stars have on you and me. The following are a broad brush stroke of the chief astronomical considerations about your birth star.

1. Visual Magnitude: It is also referred to as apparent magnitude. Conventionally written as lower case "m or V". This is a measure of brightness of a star as you see it from the earth. You can see stars up to 6^th magnitude by naked eye. Beyond 6^th magnitude you can see them using telescope only; hence the term telescopic stars. The scale of brightness runs from 0 to 25. As the scale goes higher the stars become dimmer and fainter. Sometimes we use the scale with minus value. This relates to extreme brightness. In the case of negative value as the value goes lower the extreme brightness shoots up.
   Visual magnitude ignores the distance of the star from the earth. As you are aware, the brightness of a star is the function of its internal energy generation and the quantum of light it emits into space. A good example is Sirius, the dog star, which is some 26 times brighter than the Sun, but being almost 9 light years way it appears to us dimmer than the Sun.
2. Absolute Brightness; In order to evaluate absolute brightness of stars, astronomers have set –up a standard. They place stars as if they were located 32.6 light years away. When we do this the scale of absolute brightness would read as follows: The Sun is 4.8, whereas Sirius 1.4 . Hence Sirius is about 3.4 times brighter than the Sun. Absolute Brightness is conventionally written as upper case "M or Mv". It is alternatively known as Real Brightness. For purpose of analysis absolute brightness is preferred over visual magnitude.

1. Spectral Class: This is a system of classification based on the spectrum of a star. Astronomers see a star and observe an emission line from which they can surmise the co-relation of the surface temperature with its colour. Generally we talk about 7 spectral types given as O,B,A, F,G,K,M. A useful mnemonics is Oh Be A fine girl And Kiss Me. I give below surface temperature, colour of each classes and a specimen star that goes with it.
   
   Class Surface Temperature (Kelvin) Colour Specimen
   O 30,000 to 50,000 Blue Alnitak
   B 10,000 to 30,000 Blue to White Rigel
   A 7,500 to 10,000 White Altair
   F 6,000 to 7,500 White to Yellow Pherkad
   G 5,000 to 6,000 Yellow Procyon
   K 3,500 to 5,000 Orange Altarf
   M Less than 3,000 Red Antares
   
   
   Each spectral class is further sub-divided into a scale of 0 to 9. For Example: the Sun is G2 star whereas Rigel is B8 star.
   
   
   
   
2. Luminosity: This is very much linked to Absolute Brightness. Luminosity stands for total brightness including the quantum of light and energy a star emits into the space, along with other aspects such as wavelengths and electro - magnetic radiation. Luminosity is given in Yerkes Class in Roman Numbers and was developed by the University of Chicago, Yerkes Observatory.
   Class Type
   I a Very luminous super giant
   I b Luminous super giant
   II Luminous giants
   III Giants
   IV Sub-giants
   V Dwarfs
   VI Sub-dwarfs
   VII White Dwarf
   
   Super giants are very large stars. Betelgeuse is an example. White dwarfs are smaller than our Earth. Sirius B and Ruiz are good examples.
   On the subject of spectrum there is one more thing must to be noted. Astronomers observe the line of emission carefully and describe peculiar details (if any) surrounding such line of emission. Usually, this peculiarity is given in lower case. The following are few of these:
   
   e for emission lines present
   k for intersteller absorption features
   m for enhanced metallic
   n for nebulous due to spinning
   p for peculiar
   q for red and blue lines present
   s for sharp absorption lines
   v for variable features
   w for weak lines
   
   
   Now you can read the notation of any star and find out what it means. Here are some examples:
   
   

• Deneb Adige, A2Iae : White 2 very luminous super giant, with emission lines present
• Castor, A2Vm : White 2 Dwarf with enhanced metallic
• Alpheratz, B8IVmnp : Light blue 8 sub-giant with enhanced metallic, nebulous due to spinning and peculiar emission

1. Light Year: Stars are too far away. Hence we use a system known of light years (l/y) to indicate their distance. A light year is the distance light travels in one year in a vacuum. It is estimated as a staggering 5,880,000 million miles. The closest star to our earth is Alpha Centauri C which is approximately 4.3 l/y away whereas. In contrast , Vega is about 25 l/y away.

1. Size of a star: This generally means the Radius of a star, which is presumed to be a function of luminosity and temperature. The radius of the Sun is 432,163 miles. The radius of Algenib is more than 2 million miles, which is about 4.5 times that of the sun. Hence we write it as "4.5 SolarR".
   
   

1. Mass of a star: This is arrived at after using the law of gravity. In order to attempt this analysis, we need to compare a star with its companion. Fortunately for us, majority of stars do have such companions. About half of the star population are binaries. Many others are double stars. The mass of stars vary in a scale from 0.08 of the Sun to more than 100 times of the Sun. For example, Mirzam has a mass of 15 times that of the Sun, conventionally written as "15M Sun".

1. Age of a star: The age of any star is just an estimate only. The Sun is approximately 4.5 billion years old. It has 5 Billion years left before its potential death as a star. Compared to this Alnitak is about 6 billion years old.
   
   
2. Companions: Stars like humans beings have never been single. They have relationship with one or more stars. Such relationship takes several forms:
   1. Double star: Two stars that appear to us on the earth as if close to each other. Acubens is a double star one is white and the other is red.
   2. Binary Star: A binary is two stars that rotate around a common centre. Alpha Centauri A & B are binaries
   3. Multiple star system: This consists of double stars or binaries or even ternary. There are two types. First, it may have physical relationship with a binary or a star that orbits it. Second, it may be an optical issue, that is we see them close to each other but there is no gravitational relationship established. Regulus is a multiple star system.

1. Variable stars: a star whose brightness varies regularly. This variation takes place once in few minutes or in months or in years. Algol for example varies every 2.9 days whereas Mira does so every 330 days.

1. Motion of a star: There are two types of motion.
   
   
   
   
2. Proper motion: Also known as Real Motion. All stars have motion in relation to each other in the space. Likewise our Milky Way also has motion. In fact the entire Universe and the Cosmos are in motion. We calculate proper motion of a star by observing its position over a period of time. Proper motion is generally given as units of arc second for year. The star with the fastest motion is Bernard's star with 10 seconds of arc per annum.
3. Radial motion: This motion relates to the position of the star to or from the Earth. Some stars proceed towards the earth. Example Mu Cassiopeia which approaches the Earth 61 miles per second. Many others move away from the earth. Aldebaran, for example, recedes from earth 30 miles per second.

1. Main Sequence star: This type of stars generates energy by converting hydrogen into helium at the core. Our Sun is a main sequence star. The hotter they are the brighter. Most of these are Dwarfs as per Yerkes classification given earlier. Those stars that are no longer main sequence stars are known as Post-main sequence stars. These stars burn helium and are at the end of their life span. After 5 billion years our Sun would also become a post-main sequence star before its eventual death.

Though there are so many other astronomical considerations, the above 12 items are the chief ones that need to be evaluated to find out the impact and influence of your Birth Star. 

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile:   +94 777 265677

E-mail:    cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web:      http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Anarchy without Monarchy

This is an era of anarchy. Everywhere there is chaos, turmoil, war and pestilence. Financial melt-down, political instability, economic recession and social upheaval are spreading right across the globe. Why this anarchy? The answer is very simple: it is because there is no monarchy - reigning or constitutional - in many countries; it is because even there is one already the people are clamouring for its abolition. Recently, Nepal sent King Gayendra into oblivion. Down under, the debate of abolishing monarchy springs up time and again.

Wherever the monarchy was removed, very often unceremoniously and un-constitutionally, it was followed with an extended period of chaos. Twentieth Century was dotted with countries that had the share of turmoil arising from this phenomenon. Russia, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain & Turkey in Europe, Afghanistan & Iran in Asia, Egypt & Libya in Africa are chief amongst these nations. Will this trend continue?

No absolutely not. Surveying the Sky in 2008, Douglas Gies of the Georgia State University found an interesting companion star for the Royal star of Regulus. This is “D” star in the group. Already Regulus has two companions “B” & “C”. One more companion to Regulus reverses the trend of abolishing monarchy. In its stead restoration of Monarchy would take place across the globe. A good lesson has already been learnt in this current financial melt-down. In countries where monarchy is retained, the ill-effect of the chaos is less. Look at the Nordic countries; look at Japan; look at even England. The situation is not as bad as in countries where there is no monarchy. Now look at the United States, Germany and France.

Historically, Royalty and Regulus are very much connected. Regulus together with three more stars namely, Antares, Fomalhaut and Aldebaran were considered as the royal Stars of Persia about 3000 B.C. They were venerated as the four guardians of heaven: Regulus in north, Antares in west, Fomalhaut in South and Aldebaran in East. The Persian names went as Venant, Satevis, Hastorang and Tascheter respectively. These four stars not only acted as guardians but also marked the season as well. These were located approximately in 6 hours interval in the space roughly about 3 months marking the equinoxes and the solstices. Out of the four guardians, Regulus was given a pride of place. It represented the Summer Solstices and was depicted as the Lion; no wonder the Persian flag had Lion as its emblem. Yet another reason is that the star Regulus is in Leo Constellation.

In various cultures Regulus was saluted royally. Babylonians called it “Sharru” – King; Indians enthroned it Magha- Mighty; Arabs coroneted it Maliky - Kingly; Romans anointed it as Basilica Regia or Stella Regia – Royal star; Greeks went little muted Basiliscos – The little king. The present name Regulus meaning “the little king” perhaps originated from the Greeks. As Regulus was located away from the head towards the body of the Lion it was named Cor Leonis – Lions’ Heart. Al-Biruni had it much more colourfully “Al-Kalb al-Asad - the heart of the Lion”. But for modern astronomers it is simply Alpha (a) Leonis.

Astronomically, Regulus is of 1.35 magnitudes with a magnificent Bluish-white colour aptly described as B-7 star. It is approximately 3.4 times size of the Sun, 137 times luminous than the Sun. A young star formed few million years ago, Regulus spins much faster than the Sun. Like the sun it generates light and energy by converting hydrogen into helium at its core. We call this “main-sequence”. In fact Regulus is the star that is much closer to the Sun amongst the main sequence stars in the heaven. Due to its rapid rotation the Round star turned like a pumpkin. Not only that, it gives out much more luminosity. Though the luminosity of 137 times is given the visible luminosity can raise high as 340 times.

Regulus is located almost on the Ecliptic. Consequently often it is overshadowed by the Sun. On or about 20th August the Sun would completely cover Regulus. The Moon also does this job regularly. You can locate Regulus at Right Ascension (RA) 10 hour 15/100 minutes and Declination (Dec) plus 12 Degree 12/100 minutes. The best time to view is April to June period.

As already mentioned Regulus has companion stars B C and D. Hence we call Regulus a “multiple star system”. Few words about its companion would not be out of place.

B – An orange dwarf binary star of 8.5 magnitude and K2star orbiting once in 120,000 years

C – A faint red dwarf considered as M4 star orbiting once in 1000 years

D – A white dwarf just a third of the size of the Sun orbiting every 40 days. It was found due to its gravitational pull. Enough of astronomy for now.

Cosmically, the Royal star is a great spectacle to look at. In fact Regulus is approaching the earth travelling about 5 miles per second. Day after day it becomes brighter and more bluish and not to mention more royal. Its soothing light brings you inner harmony and enhances your vision. Have you ever been touched by a Royal? If so you will know the soothing effect of the royal touch. You can experience the same feeling while looking at the royal star of Regulus.

If you are born under this star it is truly magnificent. It gives you magnanimity, liberal attitude, independence and the halo effect around you. But do not worry; Fame of the Monarch spread much far and wide. Even if you are born under any star that is located in one of two areas given below you can continue to have the royal feeling. And auspiciousness to boot.

1. The area called as “ Sickle of Leo”, a sickle shape group of stars showing the head of the lion and its nearer body, Regulus marks the end of this sickle

2. The Triangle formed by Regulus with Procyon in the Constellation Canis Minor and Alphard in the Constellation Hydra.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile:   +94 777 265677

E-mail:    cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web:      http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Will Israel Attack Nuclear sites in Iran?

As the Jewish nation marks the beginning of Yom Kippur minutes before sun-down on Wednesday the 8^th October 2008, Israel begins to celebrate the holiest and important holiday known as “Day of Atonement” that comes after 10 days of repentance, in the 7^th month of Tisheri in the Jewish calendar and the nagging thought of what to do about a Nuclear Iran . Traditionally, the Blowing of shofar (horn) Takes place in Yom Kippur. But will the drums beat and beagle blow for a war with Iran?

Political expediency set apart, signals from the cosmos would indicate where Israel is heading for. Will there be a quick and indecisive war or a period of prolonged uneasy peace? At sun-down on 8th October viewing from Jerusalem the heavens above show the following:

1. The moon was on 8.8 days old in the first quarter indicating some tough decision-making is right at the corner. Such a decision would be anchored upon the raw strength of military calculation meshed with pragmatic consideration. The Moon is on the 24^th mansion of Al-Shad – al-Suud (most fortunate of the fortunate), hence, it forecasts that the army can be sent forth on a successful mission.

2. The Moon sights M75 Globular, a vast cluster of almost 130 light years in diameter, standing some 67,500 light years away from the earth with a visual magnitude of 8.5. This cluster is about 180,000 times brighter than the Sun. Due to the massive nature of the cluster the Moon sights the implication is that the assignment for the Israeli forces would be a very tough one. Either it must be concentrated attack over several sites at one and the same time or just a mission that would botch like the one President Carter undertook years back

3. When I checked the position of Mars, the planet of war it gives a different outlook. Mars is hemmed between the Sun and Venus almost in direct line on the south-west direction. In fact Mars is almost equidistant between the two. The Sun touches right Ascension (RA) 13th hour Venus on RA 15^th hour and Mars just passing RA 14^th hour. Mars is in a non-threatening triangle formation with Kappa and Lambda Virginis, two stars in the 5^th Magnitude, located more towards the western part of the Virgo Constellation. Lambda Virginis is known as Khambalia, a Coptic word meaning “crooked & clawed”; In Arabic it relates to the word “Khamr” the wine. It also stands for secrets of divinity. On another angle it also indicates forgiveness yet another divine quality. Does Israel possesses the necessary intelligence regarding the nuclear sites of Iran or she is ready to live with Iran with the power of mutually assured destruction?

4. At the end of line stands Venus, the Goddess of Love and significantly pretty close to Zuben Elgenubi located at RA 14^th hour and 88/100 minutes and Declination at 15 degree 87/100 minutes. This star also faces Mars directly. Known in Arabic Al-Zuban –al-Janubiah (the claw of the south). It is also known as Al-kiffah-al-Janubiah (south tray of scale) & Al-Wazn –al- Janubiah (weight of the south). Modern authors have called it simply as Kiffa Australis or South Scale. Al-Biruni holding a different connotation used the word Zaban meaning “Push” that is, the star pushes the other stars. Zuben Elgenubi is a double star alpha 1 of pale yellow colour & 3^rd magnitude and alpha 2 of light gray colour & 6^th magnitude. Both the star Zuben Elgenubi and Venus are in the Libra Constellation. The star generally foretells serious losses and destruction for the city or country. However, the Libra Constellation and the fact Venus is now there makes the chance of war very minimal. May be Al-Biruni is right; instead of pushing for war Israel might push for start secret negotiations with Iran for a settlement.

5. The question mark is how Saturn behaves in the heaven. Al-Biruni classified Jerusalem under the influence of Leo Constellation. Right now Saturn is there in Leo at RA 11^th hour 18/100 minutes. At this pint Saturn has an open-ended V formation with two stars. Sigma Leo a 4.1 magnitude star and 59 Leo a 5.1 magnitude star. Let me digress for a moment. Leo constellation commemorates the war between Hercules and the Nemean Lion. Although the Lion bit off Hercules’ finger ultimately he kills the lion. As far as Saturn stays in the Leo constellation , the idea of war would be ever present in the mind of Israeli leaders.

6. It is widely expected that Israel will launch an attack between November 4 the Election Day in United State and January 20, 2009 Inauguration Day of the 44^th President of the USA. When I traced these days, I found an interesting phenomenon. Saturn continues to have some relationship with Sigma Leo till it bids goodbye to Leo Constellation on or about 8^th September 2009. Since Sigma Leo, is at the bottom of the right hind leg of the Lion and the fact that the drawing is sketched such that the Lion keeps right hind leg as back foot ( the left hind leg is in front) the presumption is any military action would be kept on back-burner.

Therefore, it is clear that the talk of attacking nuclear sites in Iran is for the domestic consumption in Israel rather than a serious military assignment. The price to be paid for an attack on nuclear sites in Iran would be much higher than the price for having a period of uneasy peace.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile:   +94 777 265677

E-mail:    cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web:      http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com