Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, January 12, 2019

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Mountain View News Saturday, January 12, 2019 

Caltech: Why a Global 
Network of Telescopes 
Followed the ‘Cow’

Tree Planting Approved 
for La Crescenta Park

Board of Supervisors Call 
for E-scooter Pilot Program

 
On Tuesday, the Board 
of Supervisors will consider 
a motion by Supervisor 
Kathryn Barger directing 
county agencies to develop 
a regulatory framework 
for the safe commercial 
operation of e-scooters 
in the communities of 
unincorporated Los Angeles 
County. 

 In November, the arrival of 
e-scooters in unincorporated 
Altadena and East Pasadena 
created a serious concern 
about the potential public 
safety and nuisance issues 
that e-scooters have caused 
in other jurisdictions. 

 Supervisor Barger’s 
motion directs the CEO, in 
collaboration with county 
departments and agencies, 
to develop a pilot program 
in 45 days with regulations 
allowing for the safe 
operation and storage of 
shared e-scooters and bikes 
on County roadways. 

 “We want a collaborative 
plan that allows operators 
to provide a viable transit 
option for our residents 
while minimizing the 
potential for public 
nuisances, safety issues, and 
lawsuits ultimately paid by 
taxpayers,” Barger said. 

 The program will also 
include a consumer-focused 
website regarding safety and 
other information to set the 
stage for a safe, sustainable, 
and innovative approach 
to incorporating e-scooters 
and bicycles as a service to 
residents looking to bridge 
gaps in transit access. 

 One summer night in June, an 
initially unremarkable cosmic 
flare soon became one of the 
most observed and puzzling 
objects ever discovered. The 
comprehensive observations 
of the GROWTH team of 
astronomers shed light on what 
may have happened.

 The flare was first registered 
in the ATLAS survey designed 
to look for transients -- flashes 
in the sky that carry signals 
from violent cosmic explosions 
such as supernovae, merging 
neutron stars, stars being 
eaten by a black hole and the 
like. Assigned the computer-
generated catalog name 
AT2018cow and immediately 
nicknamed the “Cow,” this 
cosmic event quickly attracted 
the attention of astronomers 
around the world including 
the GROWTH co-investigator 
Daniel Perley, an assistant 
professor of astronomy at 
Liverpool John Moores 
University in the UK.

 “This was an incredibly 
luminous event, brighter than 
almost any supernova we’ve 
ever seen before,” said Perley 
who is part of a press panel 
today at the 233rd meeting of 
the American Astronomical 
Society in Seattle that is 
presenting latest results on the 
Cow by various groups. “The 
Cow also appeared and faded 
away very quickly: so quickly 
that existing supernova models 
can’t properly explain it. It must 
be a new type of extremely 
energetic, explosive event.”

 Perley employed many of 
the optical telescopes in the 
GROWTH global network 
of observatories to closely 
follow up the object for more 
than a month after detection. 
The rich dataset revealed that 
the material ejected after the 
explosion was expanding at 
very high speeds. This may 
have contributed to the very 
rapid brightening of the object, 
which reached peak brightness 
in just two days rather than 
weeks, which is more common 
for known types of supernovae.

 As optical astronomers in 
GROWTH were keeping their 
telescopes on the Cow, Anna 
Ho, a GROWTH PhD student 
at Caltech, was observing it 
with the Submillimeter Array 
(SMA) in Hawaii and the 
Atacama Large Millimeter 
Array (ALMA) in Chile.

 “This object is brighter than 
any supernova in millimeter 
waves,” said Ho, who is part of 
the AAS press panel along with 
Perley. “Our radio data revealed 
that a shock wave is traveling 
outward from the explosion at 
one-tenth the speed of light.”

 At later times, as the Cow was 
fading, the GROWTH team 
observed subtle bumps and 
wiggles in the optical data rather 
than the smooth decline in 
brightness that is more typical 
for supernovae. According 
to Perley, this suggests that 
there is an additional source of 
power, or “central engine” that 
keeps pumping energy into the 
expanding material.

 Meanwhile, Ho combined 
her radio data with publicly 
available X-ray data from 
NASA’s NuSTAR and Swift 
missions and arrived at the 
same conclusion: the Cow was 
an “engine-driven” explosion, 
continuously energized by 
either a black hole or a fast-
spinning neutron star formed 
in a supernova, known as a 
magnetar.

 “This is the first time any 
transient has been seen 
to increase in brightness 
in millimeter waves,” said 
Ho. “Normally by the time 
explosions are observed with a 
millimeter telescope, they are 
already fading in brightness.”

 Half a year after the Cow 
was first spotted, astronomers 
continue to debate what it is 
and how it really happened. The 
most favored interpretation 
supported by the GROWTH 
team, is that the Cow is an 
exotic type of supernova that 
left behind a magnetar central 
engine. Other teams suggest 
that a black hole ripping apart a 
type of star called a white dwarf 
may have instead caused it.

 “The properties of the Cow 
strain nearly all models we 
have tried to devise to explain 
it,” said Perley. “Whatever it 
is, it must involve some form 
of energetic and very fast 
explosion interacting with 
an extremely dense shell of 
material very close to the 
explosion progenitor.”

 “Fast transient surveys and 
well-coordinated follow up 
with networks of observatories 
such as GROWTH can really 
give us a new window into what 
is happening in these brilliant 
explosions,” added Ho.

 

 The LA County Board 
of Supervisors Tuesday 
approved $75,000 to 
fund a tree planting and 
beautification project at Two 
Strike Park in La Crescenta.

 The motion, spearheaded 
by Fifth District Supervisor 
Kathryn Barger, allows 
the Department of Parks 
and Recreation to submit 
a grant application to 
the Los Angeles County 
Regional Park and Open 
Space District in the 
unincorporated community 
of La Crescenta.

 “This project replenishes 
trees and ensures 
sustainability well into 
the future for Two Strike 
Park, which is a special 
community gathering place,” 
Barger said.

 On June 26, 2018, eight trees 
were removed from Two 
Strike Park’s entry median 
because they were dead or 
presented safety concerns. 
Plans to replace the trees 
and beautify the park began 
shortly after.

 The La Crescenta Town 
Council formed an ad hoc 
committee that met with 
staff at the park to discuss 
and design the project.

 The support from Barger 
will help secure needed 
resources to replace the 
trees, plant drought-tolerant 
landscaping, and install 
irrigation, among other 
related improvements. The 
Department of Parks and 
Recreation is expected to 
complete the project within 
four months.

 “We appreciate the local 
residents and team that were 
part of the vision, design 
and planning of this project,” 
said John Wicker, director of 
the Department of Parks and 
Recreation. “We hope the 
community will be pleased 
with the completed project.”

Pet of the 
Week

Have you always wanted to 
own a black velvet panther? 
Look no more! Donut 
(A469873) is a 1-year-old 
black Labrador Retriever-
Pit Bull mix with excitable 
puppy energy who loves play 
time, but is also responsive to 
commands. He also knows 
“shake” and looks directly 
into your eyes when he does 
it. When he was out on our 
Wiggle Waggle Waggin’ he 
did well with nearby dogs, 
adults and kids. He’s a sweet, 
very large puppy who needs 
a patient dog owner to teach 
him more dog manners and 
stay active with him. Come 
visit a staff favorite at the 
Pasadena Humane Society & 
SPCA. 

 The adoption fee for dogs is 
$140. All dogs are spayed or 
neutered, microchipped, and 
vaccinated before going to 
their new home. 

 New adopters will receive a 
complimentary health-and-
wellness exam from VCA 
Animal Hospitals, as well 
as a goody bag filled with 
information about how to 
care for your pet.

 View photos of adoptable 
pets at pasadenahumane.
org. Adoption hours are 11 
a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. 
to 5 p.m. Tuesday through 
Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Saturday.

 Pets may not be available 
for adoption and cannot be 
held for potential adopters 
by phone calls or email.


Free Monthly Events at 
Pasadena Senior Center

 

 There is something for 
everyone in December at the 
Pasadena Senior Center, 85 
E. Holly St.

 You do not have to be a 
member to attend. Some 
events require advance 
reservations as 

noted. 

 Screening Mimis Film 
Discussion Club – Tuesday, 
Jan. 15, at 1:30 p.m. Diehard 
film fans are invited to watch 
Sinbad the Sailor (1947, NR) 
starring Douglas Fairbanks 
Jr. and Maureen O’Hara. An 
ocean of adventure awaits 
Sinbad as he sets out in search 
of the fabled lost treasure of 
Alexander the Great. The 
film will be preceded by a 
presentation about the film’s 
hidden history and followed 
by a lively discussion. 

 Chair Yoga – Wednesday, 
Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. Improve 
your balance and confidence 
through gentle yoga exercises 
while sitting in a chair or 
standing and using a chair 
for support. 

 My Gift to You: The 
Importance of Planning 
Ahead – Thursday, Jan. 17, 
at 10 a.m. What to do when 
a loved one passes away is a 
difficult topic to discuss, and 
most families spend fewer 
than five minutes talking 
about it. This can cause them 
to be completely unprepared 
and overwhelmed by all the 
details that must be handled. 
A representative from Forest 
Lawn will explain how you 
and your loved ones can plan 
ahead to maneuver through 
this emotional and financial 
experience.

 Braille Technology 
and Library Resources 
– Thursday, Jan. 17, at 
12:30 p.m. Learn about 
free audiobooks and digital 
technology services for 
people who are visually 
impaired or blind. Presented 
by the Braille Institute.

Cultural Thursdays – 
Thursday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. 
Musicians from the Pasadena 
Symphony and Pops will 
perform in concert. 

 Health Fair – Friday, 
Jan. 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. 
Services will include glucose, 
blood pressure and hearing 
screenings, counseling, 
health and community 
resources. Call 626-685-
6732 for more information.

 Friday Movie Matinees 
– Fridays, Jan. 18, at 1 
p.m. Everyone enjoys the 
experience of watching 
movies and the pleasures 
they bring. Jan. 18: Romeo 
and Juliet (1936, NR) starring 
Leslie Howard and Norma 
Shearer. A teenage boy and 
girl discover young love 
despite an age-old vendetta 
between their respective 
families. 

 LA Opera Talk: The 
Diva – Monday, Jan. 21, 
at 1 p.m. An LA Opera 
community educator will 
lead a celebration of famous 
operatic sopranos past and 
present.

 Mediation and Dispute 
Resolution – Thursday, 
Jan. 24, from 10 to 11:45 
a.m. Learn how to resolve 
conflicts without going 
to court. Appointments 
are required by calling 
626-795-4331.

 Five Wishes/Advance 
Directives – Thursday, Jan. 
24, at 10 a.m. Do you know 
what kind of care you want 
if you become seriously ill? 
By filling out a simple form, 
you can tell your family and 
friends about your healthcare 
wishes ahead of time and 
spare them the uncertainty 
and confusion that can be 
associated with trying to 
make decisions without such 
a directive. Learn how a 
healthcare power of attorney 
is used in California and 
how to communicate your 
wishes with a concise yet 
comprehensive document. 
This class will highlight 
Five Wishes, the advance 
directive used by most 
physicians and health plans. 
Attendees will receive forms 
at no cost. Presented by Vitas 
Innovative Hospice Care.

 Guide Dogs – Thursday, 
Jan. 24, at 12:30 p.m. 
Learn how Guide Dogs of 
America trains dogs to be 
paired with people who are 
blind, meet some of the dogs 
and see a demonstration 
of their intelligence and 
temperament.

 For more information visit: 
pasadenaseniorcenter.org or 
call 626-795-4331.

 Founded in 1960, the 
Pasadena Senior Center 
is an independent, donor-
supported nonprofit 
organization that offers 
recreational, educational, 
wellness and social services 
to people ages 50 and older in 
a welcoming environment. 
Services are also provided 
for frail, low-income and 
homebound seniors.

ALTADENA CRIME BLOTTER

Sunday, December 30th 

9:20 AM – A domestic 
battery incident occurred 
in the 100 block of W. 
Altadena Drive. Suspect was 
identified. 

11:26 AM – A petty theft 
occurred in the 700 block of 
E. Altadena Drive. Stolen: 
black wallet containing 
credit cards and personal 
documents. 

Tuesday, January 1st 

2:00 PM – A vehicle burglary 
occurred in the 2100 block of 
Lincoln Avenue. Suspect(s) 
entered the vehicle by 
shattering the window. 
Stolen: brown leather purse 
containing credit cards and 
personal documents. 

Wednesday, January 2nd 

8:30 AM – A grand theft 
from an unlocked vehicle 
occurred in the 2100 block 
of El Sereno Avenue. Stolen: 
orange rope, tree climbing 
saddle, red hitch climber, 
ropes and sling. 

1:00 PM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 
1300 block of Sunny Oaks 
Circle. Suspect(s) entered 
the residence via the doggy 
door. No items reported 
stolen. 

Thursday, January 3rd 

4:54 PM – Michael 
Martinez, 30 years of 
Altadena was arrested in the 
area of Lincoln Avenue and 
Mariposa Street for public 
intoxication. 

7:19 PM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 
2900 block of N. Mount 
Curve Avenue. Suspect(s) 
entered the residence by 
shattering the window. No 
items reported stolen. 

Friday, January 4th 

10:35 AM – A domestic 
violence incident occurred 
in the 2700 block of Winrock 
Avenue. Suspect was taken 
into custody. 

Saturday, January 5th 

2:00 PM – A residential 
burglary occurred in the 
1100 block of E. New York 
Drive. Suspect(s) entered 
the residence via a window. 
No items reported stolen. 

Symphony Guest Conductor 
Nicholas McGegan to bring 
Baroque Masters Jan 26.

 Join the Pasadena Symphony 
and Principal Guest Conductor 
Nicholas McGegan as he delivers 
Baroque Masters on January 
26 at Ambassador Auditorium 
with performances at 2pm 
and 8pm. Highly regarded 
as “one of the finest baroque 
conductors of his generation” 
(London Independent), the 
two-time Grammy nominee 
will jump start your year as 
only he can with his historical 
performance practice bringing 
a wealth of experience to this 
popular Baroque repertoire 
with Bach’s Brandenburgs, 
Vivaldi concertos and Handel’s 
jubilant Water Music. “He’s a 
dynamo, a true animator, an 
energiser and an ignition point 
from which music can take off” 
(Herald Scotland). You won’t 
want to miss this chance to 
witness the “King” of Baroque 
interpretation at his finest, as 
he applies his special craft to 
these Baroque masterpieces.

 For the symphony’s entrée 
to the new year, the virtuosic 
principal musicians of the 
Pasadena Symphony orchestra 
will perform solos for bassoon, 
violin, cello and viola. Bach’s 
Concerto for Two Violins starts 
off the program followed by 
Vivaldi’s Cello and Bassoon 
Concertos. The second half of 
the program returns to Bach 
for his beautiful Brandenburg 
Concerto No.6, leading to 
the celebratory Suite No. 1. of 
Handel’s famed Water Music. 
Pasadena’s own formidable 
soloists promise to bring 
together an absolutely riveting 
program, all in the masterful 
hands of Conductor Nicholas 
McGegan.

 The Pasadena Symphony 
provides a quintessential 
experience specially designed 
for the music lover, the social 
butterfly or a date night out, 
and the inner epicurean in us 
all. For those who want to learn 
more about the music, join us 
for Insights – a free pre-concert 
dialogue with Conductor 
Nicholas McGegan, which 
begins one hour prior to each 
performance. Patrons who plan 
to arrive early can also enjoy 
a drink or a bite in the lively 
Symphony Lounge, yet another 
addition to the carefree and 
elegant concert experience the 
Pasadena Symphony offers. A 
posh setting along Ambassador 
Auditorium’s beautiful outdoor 
plaza, the lounge offers 
uniquely prepared menus from 
Claud &Co for both lunch and 
dinner, a full bar and fine wines 
by Michero Family Wines, plus 
music before the concert and 
during intermission.

 All Pasadena Symphony 
performances take place at 
Ambassador Auditorium, 
located at 131 South St. John 
Avenue.


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