Challenges of Getting to Mars: Curiosity's Seven Minutes of Terror

Astronomy Books at a Bargain Price!

Bargain Books opened in Bloemfontein, Preller Square and these bargain price books are on the shelve.
Alson in Welkom: Goldfields Mall

Astronomica  (R199) 

- A Coffee Table book with a foreword by Sir Patrick Moore, 524 Pages packed with information.

Publication Date: 2007  Reprinted 2010

Written in an engaging and accessible format, Astronomica is an invaluable reference book. There are comprehensive profils of each of the planets in our Solar System, the dwarf planets, the major stars, and other astronomical bodies. The galaxies - including the Milky Way - are examined. The history of cosmology focuses on the advances that have been made through the centuries, up to the latest in cutting-edge technology. The chapter on space exploration discusses early program development, historical milestones, current ventures, the role of space stations, and the long-distance spacecraft sent out to the far reaches of the Solar System and beyond. Successful sky-watching is covered, with detailed charts of each of the 88 recognized constellations, helpful monthly sky charts, and information on equipment. Discover all you need to know about the cosmos and its fascinating features. Stunning photographs (including dual page fold-outs), detailed charts and illustrations, fact files, and timelines enhance the descriptive and informative text, as Astronomica brings the cosmic world within easy reach. (Source: Amazon)

The Practical Astronomer

Publication Date: May 17, 2010

For anyone who's ever looked at the night sky and wanted to know more about the galaxy around them, The Practical Astronomer shows readers how to discover and understand the mysteries of the solar system and beyond. Illustrated throughout with detailed photographs and illustrations, and using clear, easy-to-follow text, The Practical Astronomer takes you on a step-by-step journey from the basics of what can be seen with the naked eye, to how you can view more distant objects such as the planets of the solar system, and even galaxies far, far away-all in your own backyard. Source: Amazon

The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook. by David H. Levy, John O'Byrne

Publication Date: January 1, 2012

This practical, hands-on guide is the sailor's essential atlas of the sky. Assuming no prior knowledge, this comprehensive, practical handbook helps the user at sea or on land read and understand the changing sky. Readers are given hands-on advice on how to read the night sky and star charts, as well as information on whether particular stars can be seen with the naked eye or require binoculars or a telescope. At the core of the book are 150 sky charts, showing what features can be seen in each position and when. Every constellation in the northern and southern hemisphere is mapped out. Simple methods are given for finding the biggest, brightest stars and then identifying other lesser stars by their relative position. For sailors out of the sight of land, celestial navigation really comes into its own - providing a sure means of checking the boat's position even when GPS and other electronics malfunction. This book will provide a complete reference as to what stars and constellations they should be able to use when and where in the world. The Practical Skywatcher's Handbook is ideal for anyone, on land or sea, wanting a complete guide to the night sky. Source: Amazon

UFS101 Astronomy Fair in Bloemfontein

Click to enlarge

Maklik `n duisend Vrystaters het die Sterrekundefees by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat in Bloemfontein bygewoon. Hier kyk van die toeskouers hoe vuurpyle gelanseer word.

• Foto's op die Universiteit se facebook blad

UFS101 ASTRONOMY FAIR - 21 July 2012 | UFS101 STERREKUNDEFEES - 21 Julie 2012

UFS101 ASTRONOMY FAIR

UFS101 and the Bloemfontein Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) are joining forces to bring you the First-ever Astronomy Fair on University of the Free State Campus. This will be held in the Callie Human on the 21 July 2012 from 10:00-13:00 at the UFS.

You are invited to:

·         Observe the sun through a specially equipped telescope;

·         Witness the launching of Demo Rockets;

·         See exhibits explaining how astronomy and other sciences interact

·         Hear the latest news about SKA-South Africa and astronomy developments in Bloemfontein

·         Explore the latest astronomy applications for your iPhone/ iPad

The entrance is free and you are welcome to bring the whole family. There will be tuckshop facilities available.

PROGRAMME FOR 21 JULY

Time	Activity	Venue
09:30 -10:15	Presentation: Higgs Bozon and other invisible things in the universe by Prof. Hoffman	Badminton Hall
10:00 - 13:00	(08:30 Building of Rockets) 10:00 Expo 12:00 Launching of Rockets	Callie Human

UFS101 STERREKUNDEFEES

UFS101 en die Bloemfontein Sentrum van die Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) span saam om die eerste Astronomy Fair op die Universiteit van die Vrystaat kampus aantebied. Dit sal op 21 Julie 2012 om 10:00- 13:00 in die Callie Human Sentrumvan die UV gehou word.

U word uitgenooi om:

·         Na die son deur 'n spesiaal toegeruste teleskoop te kyk;

·         Die lansering van demonstrasie vuurpyle te aanskou;

·         Uitstallings te sien wat die interaksie tussen astronomie en die ander wetenskappe verduidelik;

·         Die jongste nuus oor die SKA-SuidAfrika en astronomie verwikkelinge in Bloemfontein te hoor.

·         Die jongste astronomie toepassings (apps) vir jou iPhone/iPad te verken.

Toegang is gratis en u is welkom om die hele gesin saam te bring. Daar sal ook 'n snoepwinkel beskikbaar wees.

PROGRAM VIR 21 JULY

Tyd	Aktiwiteit	Plek
09:30 -10:15	Aanbieding: Higgs Bozon en ander onsigbare dinge in die heelal deur Prof. Hoffman	Pluimbalsaal
10:00 - 13:00	(08:30 Bou van vuurpyle) 10:00 Uitstalling 12:00 Lansering van vuurpyle	Callie Human

--
____________________________
Bloemfontein Sterrekundevereniging
Bloemfontein Astronomy Society*

*Blog*: assabfn.blogspot.com
*Web*: www.assabfn.co.za
**

   - As jy nie e-posse van ons wil ontvang nie, kan jy `n e-pos aan
   assabfn@gmail.com stuur en vra om van die adreslys verwyder te word.
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   assabfn@gmail.com and ask to be removed from the address list.
  

Winners of the IceInSpace Calendar Competition

Winner: Solar Eclipse. Annular Eclipse over Texas by Bob Adams, with 69.52% of the vote.

After running the IceInSpace Calendar Competition during May and June, over 250 images were submitted and after a record breaking 950+ votes by the extended IceInSpace Community, the winning images have now been chosen by you!

• View the winning images: http://goo.gl/RX5Z4

Your IceInSpace Astronomy Calendar 2013 will be on sale in the IceInSpace Shop from early August. Then you can buy plenty of calendars for yourself, your family and friends, work colleagues etc :)

Congrats to all winners and thanks to the IceInSpace Community for your part in making this competition a success.

• Visit the IceInSpace Forum and join them! 

Astronomy Fair | Sterrekundefees

Sterrekundefees -  21 Julie 2012

UFS101 en die Bloemfontein Sentrum van die Astronomie Vereniging van Suider-Afrika
(AVSA / ASSA) span saam om die eerste Sterrekundefees op die Hoofkampus van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat aan te bied.

Dit sal op 21 Julie 2012 van 9:30 vm. tot 1 nm. in die Callie Human Sentrum van die UV gehou word.

U word uitgenooi om:

· Na die son deur ‘n spesiaal toegeruste teleskoop te kyk;

· Na die lansering van demo-vuurpyle te kyk;

· Uitstallings te sien wat die interaksie tussen astronomie en die ander wetenskappe uitbeeld;

· Die jongste nuus oor die SKA Suid-Afrika en astronomie verwikkelinge in Bloemfontein te hoor;

· Die jongste astronomie toepassings (apps) vir jou iPhone/iPad te verken.

Toegang is gratis en u is welkom om die hele gesin saam te bring. Daar sal ook ‘n snoepwinkel beskikbaar wees.

Om 9:30 - 10:15 sal Prof. Matie Hoffman ‘n lesing aanbied oor Die Higgs Boson en ander onsigbare dinge in die Heelal.

…………………………………………………

Astronomy Fair - 21 July

UFS101 and the Bloemfontein Centre of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) are joining forces to bring you the First-ever Astronomy Fair on University of the Free State Main Campus.

This will be held in the Callie Human on the 21 July 2012 from 10:00-13:00 at the UFS.

You are invited to:

· Observe the sun through a specially equipped telescope;

· Witness the launching of Demo Rockets;

· See exhibits explaining how astronomy and other sciences interact;

· Hear the latest news about SKA South Africa and astronomy developments in Bloemfontein;

· Explore the latest astronomy applications (apps) for your iPhone/ iPad.

The entrance is free and you are welcome to bring the whole family. There will be tuck shop facilities available.

At 9:30 - 10:15 Prof. Matie Hoffman will do a presentation on The Higgs Boson and other invisible things in the universe.

Venus, Jupiter and the Moon are gathering in our early morning skies

Image: Stellarium 15 July 2012
(Click to Enlarge)

Venus is now our very bright "morning star" over in the east, before sunrise.
Jupiter is the not-quite-as-bright one a little higher, to the left of Venus.  The fainter reddish one now above Venus is Aldebaran, eye of Taurus the Bull, and over to the right of all this is Orion.

This weekend, the waning crescent Moon moves down through Taurus.  Look on:
- Saturday morning - Moon, Jupiter, Venus in (almost) a straight line
- Sunday morning - Moon just below Jupiter
- Monday morning - Jupiter, Venus and the Moon in a triangle
- Tuesday morning - last look at the old crescent, in a big triangle with Venus and Betelgeuse (shoulder of Orion).

A map of all this is at www.planetarium.co.za

The Moon will re-appear in the early evening skies as a thin crescent over in the west on July 20th, marking the start of the Islamic month of Ramadhan.  Look out for earthshine on the crescent.

Big Sunspot 1520 Releases X1.4 Class Flare

Huge sunspot AR1520, located front and center in the Sun's southern hemisphere, has released an X1.4 class flare.

• Soho
• Spaceweather.com

Sunrise at Reebok

Early one morning!
Photo Hannes Pieterse

Full Moon at Reebok

The Full moon visible in the Earth Shadow
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Neville Young's Books - Astronomy Within Reach - and Sterrekunde Binne Bereik

Available in English and Afrikaans

Neville Young, a long time member of the Pretoria Astronomical Centre for 25 years, who over the years at star gazing evenings and even when viewing two solar eclipses, and a Venus transit, makes use of the occasion to talk to the public. For this purpose he designed a solar system model which he uses to explain "on the ground" what can be seen. To hear "Oh now I understand" has been for him very rewarding and to then watch his audience moving to the telescopes to see the real thing, gives him a feeling of accomplishment. On these occasions he has been asked the same questions over and over and being as well read as he is, has been able to explain things like "What happened to Pluto?" - the path of the Southern Cross - how Jupiter's moons move and can be seen, even with binoculars -  in ways that are both informative and entertaining. When LAPA Publishers asked him to write a book on astronomy for the layman, his audience suddenly became so much larger. Astronomy Within Reach has been written to answer these questions and many more that will lead to an understanding of the subject. Neville has spent hours drawing many of his own diagrams and researching the answers, before committing them to paper. See the attached flyer for more information. This book is new on the market and has been translated into Afrikaans. Astronomy Within Reach and Sterrekunde Binne Bereik are now available from Neville and at the various outlets.

To purchase the book from Neville please see either www.astronomy-within-reach.co.za

www.sterrekunde-binne-bereik.co.za

where you will find details of how to make your purchase.

In addition to the book Neville is selling on his website, the portable solar system model he has used for so long.This he has produced for use in education and for demonstration purposes. He has other educational aids which he has developed and which are referred to in the book and explained on his website www.starwaders.com Please contact us for any further information  Jen Els Sales & Marketing - Starwaders         "Education for Astronomy" jen@starwaders.com 012 804 5843 083 701 7681

Canon 60Da: Second improved Astro DSLR available

Source: Sky & Telescope (July 2012)

CANON’S RETURN Canon has announced the successor to its long-discontinued 20Da, a DSLR optimized specifi cally for astrophotography. The new Canon EOS 60Da ($1,499) features an 18-megapixel APS-C detector with roughly 4-micron-square pixels and an improved infraredblocking
fi lter that transmits up to three times more hydrogen-alpha light than other Canon DSLR cameras. This modifi cation enables users to record the reddish hydrogen-alpha nebulosity prevalent in the night sky.
The camera incorporates enhanced noise reduction and increased ISO speeds up to 6400, expandable to 12,800. Additional features include a 3-inch fl ip-out vari-angle LCD screen for easy viewing when attached to a telescope. The EOS 60Da’s Live View mode is equipped with Canon’s silent-shooting feature that eliminates shutter-induced vibration. Each purchase includes an AC adapter kit, rechargeable battery, and RA-E3 Remote Controller adapter.

Canon USA
Available through select dealers
www.usa.canon.com

•  dpreview 

• Sample Images ;
• Canon 60Da

Venus transits the sun Bloemfontein 2004

Information: Venus transits the sun. Prof. Matie Hoffman (right) and Hannes Calitz, observer at Boyden Observatory (both from the Department of Physics, University of the Free State) are watching the transit of Venus in front of the sun closely with the “sun telescope” (20 cm Celeostat  Solar Telescope). Notice the small black circle (Venus) close to Prof. Hoffman’s cap, in front of the mammoth sun.  

Date: 8 June 2004

Time: Place: Boyden Observatory

Equipment: Nikon F3 (Film); 50mm f1.8 lens.

Technique: Negatives were scanned and image was finalised in Photoshop

Photographer: Hannes Pieterse

• Live Venus Transit Webcasts 2012

Transit of Venus - Bloemfontein 2004

Date: 8 June 2004

Place: Boyden Observatory

Time: 06:30 – 14:00

Equipment: Nikon F3 (Film), 600mm mirror lens; 2X Converter.

Technique: Red filter. Also without filter. ND filter was used to reduce light.Image Processing: Negatives were scanned and digital images was finalised in Photoshop

Photographer: Hannes Pieterse

Information: Transit of Venus. Nobody alive today has seen a transit of Venus in front of the sun.  The last transit was in 1882.

          Sun's disk. During a transit, Venus can be seen from Earth as a small black disk moving across the face of the Sun. The duration of such transits is usually measured in hours (the transit of 2004 lasted six hours). A transit is similar to a solar eclipse by the Moon, but, although the diameter of Venus is almost 4 times that of the Moon, Venus appears much smaller because it is much farther away from Earth. Before the space age, observations of transits of Venus helped scientists use the parallax method to calculate the distance between the Sun and the Earth.

         Transits of Venus are among the rarest of predictable astronomical phenomena and currently occur in a pattern that repeats every 243 years, with pairs of transits eight years apart separated by long gaps of 121.5 years and 105.5 years. Before 2004, the last pair of transits were in December 1874 and December 1882. The first of a pair of transits of Venus in the beginning of the 21st century took place on June 8, 2004 (see Transit of Venus, 2004) and the next will be on June 6, 2012 (see Transit of Venus, 2012). After 2012, the next transits of Venus will be in December 2117 and December 2125.

          A transit of Venus can be safely observed by taking the same precautions as when observing the partial phases of a solar eclipse. Staring at the brilliant disk of the Sun (the photosphere) with the unprotected eye can quickly cause serious and often permanent eye damage. (Wikipedia information)

• Live Venus Transit Webcasts 2012

   
  

Kyk na die Melkweg in verskillende golflengtes

Afrikaans

Engels

ISS - Space X, Dragon makes historic space station dock

by Staff Writers Washington (AFP) May 25, 2012

SpaceX on Friday became the first commercial outfit to send its own cargo capsule to the International Space Station, heralding the start of a new era for private spaceflight.
The berthing marked the climax of the California-based company's demonstration mission to become the first to restore US access to the space outpost after NASA retired the three-decade shuttle program last year.
With no humans on board, the Dragon capsule is delivering about a half ton of supplies and science experiments for the ISS, and aims to return a slightly larger load of gear to Earth on May 31.

More...

SA to host majority of SKA project

Source: News 24

World's Largest Radio Telescope to Be Shared by South Africa, Australia

Johannesburg - Two thirds of Square Kilometre Array (SKA) antennae technologies will be built in Africa, said Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor at a press conference on Friday.

Two thirds of antennae technologies will be built in Africa and a third in Australia and New Zealand, she said.

Pandor said the decision to share was unexpected but SA accepts it in the name of progress.

"This may seem like a compromise, but SA is getting the majority of the project," said  Professor Justin Jonas, SKA Africa's associate director for science and engineering.

"We should be proud!"

More,,,

Milky way scientists - Solar Eclipse

• Visit The Milky Way Scientist for more Solar Eclipse images

Transit of Venus - 5/6 June 2012

 

Click to enlarge image

•  Visit the Website
• Local transit times (No! Bloemfontein is not in the deal! )
  

  What is a transit of Venus?

When Venus passes directly between earth and the sun, we see the distant planet as a small dot gliding slowly across the face of the sun.  Historically, this rare alignment is how we measured the size of our solar system.
   
When is it?

The next transit of Venus occurs June 5 or 6, 2012, depending on your location.  Observers in North America see it the evening of June 5. This will be the last transit of Venus to occur in your lifetime.
   
What should I do?

Mark your calendar.  Plan your observing location and eye safety.  Tell friends.  Download and support the ToV phone app. Enjoy the rare sight!    

Venus Transformed

VENUS TRANSFORMED: Something special is happening to Venus in the evening sky. The second planet is diving toward the sun for a much-anticipated transit on June 5-6. As Venus turns its night side toward Earth, the planet is transforming into a beautifully slender and colorful crescent:

John Chumack of Dayton, Ohio, took the picture on May 14th using a 10-inch telescope. "I was blown away by the sight of Venus," he says. "The planet was 14% illuminated, 47 arcseconds in diameter, and blazing at -4.43 magnitude."

The crescent shape of Venus is easy to see in good binoculars or small telescopes. No special observing experience is required. Just find Venus in the western sky after sunset (you can't miss it), point and look. A good tripod to hold the optics steady is recommended.

As the evening wears on and Venus sinks toward the horizon, the refractive effect of Earth's atmosphere splits the crescent into the colors of the rainbow. Kevin R. Witman of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, observed the phenomenon on May 11th: "Earth's atmospheric refraction of Venus's ample light made a beautiful image through my 10-inch telescope."

More images: from Mark Marquette of Boones Creek, Tennessee; from Philippe Vanden Doorn of Rixensart, Belgium; from Luis Argerich of Buenos Aires, Argentina; from Tomasz Gołombek of Tczew, Poland; from Francesc Pruneda of Palamós, Catalonia (Spain); from Sadegh Ghomizadeh of Tehran, Iran;

Sourc: Spaceweather

First announcement: ASSA Symposium 2012

South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town

ASSA is pleased to announce this year's symposium, which will be held from 12 to 14 October 2012 at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town.

The theme of the symposium, "Looking back, looking forward", reflects the significance of 2012. On the one hand, organised amateur astronomy turns 100 this year, which will be duly celebrated at the symposium. On the other hand, hopefully by October a decision on the Square Kilometre Array will have been made. So the symposium focusses on past and future of astronomy alike.

Participants of the symposium will have the opportunity to engage in some outreach activities on 12 October. The symposium itself will start officially with a welcome evening on that day. Talks and workshops will take place throughout 13 and 14 October. In the evening of 13 October there will be a special Open Night commemorating 100 years of amateur astronomy in Southern Africa.

Online registration will be possible from 1 June, but you may submit abstracts for proposed talks before that by sending an email to symposium2012@assa.saao.ac.za. Both amateur and professional astronomers are invited to give talks. And because of the theme of the symposium, talks concerning the history of astronomy, the SKA project and science with the Southern African Large Telescope are encouraged. The submission of topics for the workshops is also very welcome.

The symposium website is at http://assa.saao.ac.za/symposium2012, and any queries about the symposium should be addressed to symposium2012@assa.saao.ac.za.

The organisers of the ASSA Symposium 2012 are looking forward to welcoming you in Cape Town!

ISS Transits Supermoon, 6 May 2012

Super Moon!

Two unidentified street lights keeping a close watch on the moon so close to earth!

Stars & Planets – Sandveld Nature Reserve

Programme: Stars & Planets – Sandveld Nature Reserve Saturday 21 April 2012:

15.30: Arrive at hall/lapa in  the Sandveld Nature Reserve – the admission at entrance gate will be free of charge for the Stars & Planets guests – please remember to pack your own picnic basket with something to eat, drink and the necessary utensils!

16.00: Everybody will gather for the talk on the rich birdlife of the Sandveld – Speaker to be confirmed

No bar facilities available here – please pack your own drinks and glasses please.

17.00: Welcoming by Me Hettienne von Abo-Moolman from AHI Tourism Desk Free State and introduction of the other speakers

17.15: Me Laetitia van Rensburg – Acting Deputy Director General: Environmental Affairs, Detea FS

17.30: Dr Lindsay Magnus from SKA SA and meerKAT project

18.30: Everybody can unpack their picnic basket and enjoy the contents.

19.00: PowerPoint presentation by Hennie Maas - RSG & Prof Matie Hoffman from Boyden Observatory.

20.00 -21.30: Everybody can go outside to look at the Moon and mars through the telescopes.

The price is R150 per person, R75 pp for pensioners & school learners and free for kids under 6 and includes the following:

·       Free entrance at  Sandveld

·       Bird watching/ game drives

·       4 Presentations

·       Knee blanket

·       Stargazing through the telescopes

Remember! No restaurant or bar facilities available! – pack your own picnic basket with snacks, food, drinks, water and your plates, knives& forks, glasses etc.

Please book at Rina Greyling – 056 515 3549 or 083 487 5724

Fax: 086 545 8022 of e-mail: louvre@act.co.za

Please finalize booking with payment before Thursday 19/04/2012 at FNB Bothaville

Branch code: 230-136

Acc No: 6219 258 2461

Acc Name: Sakekamer Restourasieprojek

Ref: S&P and your Surname

Please fax proof of payment to:  086 545 8022

Only camping facilities available at Sandveld – alternatively Guest Lodges/ B&B’s in  Bloemhof

Sterrekunde Werkswinkel vir beginners

Vir almal wat meer van Sterrekunde wil leer.

Datum: Saterdag, 14 April 2012

Tyd: 17:00

Plek: Boyden-sterrewag

Koste: R120 (volwassene) R80 (kinders)

Plek vir 50 deelnemers 

Kontak ons om te bespreek: assabfn@gmail.com

 Aangebied deur Bloemfontein Sterrekundevereniging. 

Bring saam:  Jou eie piekniekmandjie (aandete);
Verkyker as jy een het;
Klein flitsie (ons sal `n rooi filter verskaf).
Warm klere

DVD met sterrekunde sagteware en baie inligting word verskaf
Sterkaarte word verskaf
Daar is: Koffie en tee; 

Program

16:15 – 17:00 Registrasie en rooi filters (45min)

17:00 Verwelkoming – Matie Hoffman  (10min)

17:10 – 17:45  Zoemreis (30 min)

17:50  Beginnerlesing – Ouditorium (40 min)

18:30 – 18:55  Ete op ouditorium se dak (Rooi filters)

19:00 Praktiese observasie van konstellasies, sterre en ander voorwerpe op die ouditorium se dak. (60 min)

20:00 Waarnemings met teleskope vanaf die noordelike platform  (Tot laat…)

What to do for observing Sirius

 This diagram shows the 50-year-long orbit of Sirius B around Sirius (called Sirius A). The scale is in "arc seconds". One arc second is equal to 1/1800 the diameter of the full moon. Credit: FrancesoA

•  Astro Bob

 What to do for observing Sirius
- Wayne Mitchell (Star Gazer's Deep Space Atlas )

Someone there hopefully a 12 or larger scope? The one I use is a 12 Dobsonian FL=1500 F4.9. So focus is very sensitive. I think a 12 Cassegrain would probably be better because of a longer FL and more play with focus.

Wait until just has just set. Sirius must be the first star visible. DO NOT wait until dark, you will not see Sirius B when dark because glare of parent star too bright (well I haven't been able to). 

At present, Sirius is overhead at this time of year which is important because you look through less atmosphere.

IMPORTANT; there must be some thin cloud, favorably uniformly spread. This acts as a good glare filter for the parent star, but is not enough to dim the light from Sirius B too much. In saying this I wonder if you will have any this cloud there at all?

Then, at least 200X magnification will work. I only use 200X because do not have eyepiece for higher power, but it works.

Advance the scope slightly ahead of the star so that when you view the star the telescope is steady and allow the star to drift through the field of view of your eyepiece. Slight vibration will inhibit your view of Sirius B.

With these conditions, you still need stable air. While looking into the eyepiece, stare slightly into the glare of the parent star. Sirius B may momentarily pop out of the glare and disappear again. It is extremely tiny!

It is still a challenge, but these conditions aid significantly.

Try this for a few minutes, dont give up too quickly.

If you still do not see Sirius B, rotate the base of your telescope by 45 degrees. By doing this, you may be moving Sirius B out of the bright diffraction spike caused by the parent star. If Sirius B is aligned with a diffraction spike you wont see it.

Try again.

Hope this helps

Regards

Wayne