tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40185869715966138632024-03-17T22:58:45.142-04:00Montgomery College Observatorycarriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-10670316800407953782024-02-29T13:50:00.001-05:002024-02-29T14:09:36.013-05:00Observatory Night Schedule for Spring 2024<div align="justify">
Observatory Nights are back for <a href="https://mcobservatory-spring2024.eventbrite.com" target="blank">Spring 2024</a>!
<p>
Friday 12 Apr | 8:30 - 9:30 PM<br>
Friday 26 Apr | 8:30 - 9:30 PM
<p>
Friday 10 May | 9:00 - 10:00 PM<br>
Friday 24 May | 9:00 - 10:00 PM
<p>
Events are free, but because of occupancy limitations on the roof, <i><u>we require guests to make reservations</u></i> via Eventbrite.
<p>
Reservations can be made here: <br><a href="https://mcobservatory-spring2024.eventbrite.com" target="blank">https://mcobservatory-spring2024.eventbrite.com</a>.
<p>
<p><hr><p>
<u><b>Events will be cancelled for bad weather</u></b>. I will make the call as soon as I am able, usually about 2 hours prior to the event start time. An announcement will be sent to the email address you registered with Eventbrite and I will post the status on this website.
<br />
<p>
<hr>
<p>
<h3>About the Guest Nights:</h3>
<p>
During Observatory Guest Nights we use Montgomery College telescopes to view and learn about visible solar system objects, star clusters, and nebulae. We also spend some time looking at the sky with just our eyes in order to locate constellations and planets that can be seen this time of the year.
<p>
You'll leave with a star chart and the ability to find celestial objects on your own.
<br />
Astronomy faculty will be on hand to answer questions about the universe.
<p>
<u><i>Some things to note:</i></u>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dress for the weather. The observatory is located outside on the roof of the Science Center.</li>
<li>We meet in Science Center room 406 (SC406). We go up to the roof as a group. If you're late, there will be a staff member or student in SC406 to escort you upstairs.</li>
<li>Children are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend, although campus policy prohibits children younger than five years of age on the roof.</li>
<li>Parking is free.</li>
</ul>
<p>
I want to continue to improve the observatory nights. If you have suggestions or comments, please let me know.
<br />
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-44841632969501551592024-01-23T11:43:00.000-05:002024-01-23T11:43:11.628-05:00Spring Observatory Nights and Beyond!<div align="justify">
Happy 2024! Observatory nights will begin again in March.<p>
<center><b>The schedule will be posted here early February.</b></center>
<p>
Also, I have some news- this will be my last semester on the Rockville campus! I will be moving to the Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TPSS) campus after Spring 2024. I will be transitioning to doing more astronomy outreach programming in the *new* planetarium! More details to follow.
<p>
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-28229838844560627192023-11-03T11:31:00.003-04:002023-11-03T11:31:49.872-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 3 November is a go!<div alighn="justify">
It looks like it is going to be a clear (but chilly!) evening. Please dress warmly. :) We are a go for tonight!
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>7:00 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-3315809643033316612023-10-22T08:20:00.002-04:002023-10-22T17:30:34.066-04:00Nobel Laureate to speak about James Webb Space Telescope on Monday<div align="justify">
Please join us for an amazing presentation by Dr. John Mather!
<p>
<center><h3>Monday, October 23, 2023 2 - 3 PM<br>
Globe Hall on the Germantown Campus</h3></center>
<p>
Nobel Prize winner, Dr. John C. Mather, will be in Globe Hall on the Germantown Campus on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 2-3 pm to deliver a presentation titled, “Opening the Infrared Treasure Chest with the James Webb Space Telescope.” During his talk Dr. Mather will show how he and his team built the Webb and what they hope to find with it.
<p>
Though Dr. Mather’s research provided crucial evidence for the Big Bang theory and significantly advanced our understanding of the universe’s origin and evolution, this presentation is intended for a general audience.
<p>
Come and be inspired by one who has been recognized for providing “the greatest benefit to humankind.”
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JKkfpciiNwKlpzUeKYIjZU1c83EKvxmZ1Nr5TmQNewGoG51zJ3rNx1tKq15VhKTrKLWxVApwe_0m8Vscgc0GtCd6o3BsOJTsMQcCxGpuDeR70JaC2GvJq_GQjRJiM8_NoBODoD8koIm57-zmajyqyjYe1hor4EIxtN0CuxPaOVmvvlvFXnp6dByPANL7/s324/thumbnail_image002.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JKkfpciiNwKlpzUeKYIjZU1c83EKvxmZ1Nr5TmQNewGoG51zJ3rNx1tKq15VhKTrKLWxVApwe_0m8Vscgc0GtCd6o3BsOJTsMQcCxGpuDeR70JaC2GvJq_GQjRJiM8_NoBODoD8koIm57-zmajyqyjYe1hor4EIxtN0CuxPaOVmvvlvFXnp6dByPANL7/s320/thumbnail_image002.jpg"/></a></div>
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-511969740723540382023-10-20T11:20:00.003-04:002023-10-20T11:20:46.319-04:00Observatory Night for Friday 20 October 2023 Cancelled (clouds and rain)<div align="justify">
The forecast tonight is for clouds and rain. I am therefore is so very sorry to have to <b>cancel the observatory night this evening</b>. <p>
Wishing everyone a lovely Friday night and delightful weekend. I hope to see you again soon at the observatory, or at another astronomy event!
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-63107797756369379732023-10-06T11:14:00.001-04:002023-10-06T11:14:54.832-04:00No Observing Tonight, but Please Join Us for Our Speaker Series!<div align="justify">
It looks like it will be too cloudy for observing tonight (Friday, Oct. 6), but we would like to invite you the premiere of our Geosciences Speaker Series! Please join us tonight for the following presentation:
<p>
<center> <h3>“Modeling and Measuring Earth’s Climate in a Warming World”<br>
Dr. Ryan Kramer, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration<br>
Friday October 6, 2023<br>
6:15 PM in SW301</h3></center>
<p>
The talk will take place in room 301 of the Science West building (SW). Science West is connected to the Science Center (SC) building that houses our observatory. Parking lots 9 or 11 are the closest. A map is below, and additional maps and directions may be found <a href="https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/about-mc/campuses-and-locations/rockville-campus/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.
<p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsI_zRWQ4EP0Vtl2wR-W-4YwLur-PPTv-aLBTut8kQnoHKzyukInBngizk6_56xIQTTkrQ6nqTKl5tf8fO5_6fXllYaO3S4RjiF3-SuNNJC_33adwMiqq_wzZ-sv69ds0HYPvGGEk1Llfos0O9MSzOx5lEBIoUjN5N7vXqgwCyxayaJguAbqSZMkRhtjOi/s1884/Picture1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="450" data-original-height="1648" data-original-width="1884" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsI_zRWQ4EP0Vtl2wR-W-4YwLur-PPTv-aLBTut8kQnoHKzyukInBngizk6_56xIQTTkrQ6nqTKl5tf8fO5_6fXllYaO3S4RjiF3-SuNNJC_33adwMiqq_wzZ-sv69ds0HYPvGGEk1Llfos0O9MSzOx5lEBIoUjN5N7vXqgwCyxayaJguAbqSZMkRhtjOi/s320/Picture1.png"/></a></div>
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-34330044920359510402023-09-15T13:32:00.002-04:002023-09-15T13:32:23.134-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 15 September is a go!<div alighn="justify">
It looks like it is going to be a gorgeous and clear September evening. It might even be a little chilly. :) We are a go for tonight!
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>8:00 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-3861535623870861492023-09-01T16:09:00.000-04:002023-09-01T16:09:19.001-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 1 September is a go!<div alighn="justify">
It looks like it is going to be a beautiful evening. We are a go for tonight!
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>8:30 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-45588861033336594772023-08-07T10:13:00.000-04:002023-08-07T10:13:13.983-04:00Observatory Night Schedule for Fall 2023<div align="justify">
Observatory Nights scheduled for <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-fall-2023-tickets-693693775757" target="blank">Fall 2023</a>!
<p>
Friday 1 Sep 2023 | 8:30 - 9:30 PM<br>
Friday 15 Sep 2023 | 8 - 9 PM
<p>
Friday 6 Oct 2023 | 7:30 - 8:30 PM<br>
Friday 20 Oct 2023 | 7 - 8 PM
<p>
Friday 3 Nov 2023 | 7 - 8 PM<br>
Friday 17 Nov 2023 | 7 - 8 PM
<p>
Events are free, but because of occupancy limitations on the roof, <i><u>we require guests to make reservations</u></i> via Eventbrite.
<p>
Reservations can be made here: <br><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-fall-2023-tickets-693693775757" target="blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-fall-2023-tickets-693693775757</a>.
<p>
<p><hr><p>
<u><b>Events will be cancelled for bad weather</u></b>. I will make the call as soon as I am able, usually about 2 hours prior to the event start time. An announcement will be sent to the email address you registered with Eventbrite and I will post the status on this website.
<br />
<p>
<hr>
<p>
<h3>About the Guest Nights:</h3>
<p>
During Observatory Guest Nights we use Montgomery College telescopes to view and learn about visible solar system objects, star clusters, and nebulae. We also spend some time looking at the sky with just our eyes in order to locate constellations and planets that can be seen this time of the year.
<p>
You'll leave with a star chart and the ability to find celestial objects on your own.
<br />
Astronomy faculty will be on hand to answer questions about the universe.
<p>
<u><i>Some things to note:</i></u>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dress for the weather. The observatory is located outside on the roof of the Science Center.</li>
<li>We meet in Science Center room 406 (SC406). We go up to the roof as a group. If you're late, there will be a staff member or student in SC406 to escort you upstairs.</li>
<li>Children are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend, although campus policy prohibits children younger than five years of age on the roof.</li>
<li>Parking is free.</li>
</ul>
<p>
I want to continue to improve the observatory nights. If you have suggestions or comments, please let me know.
<br />
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-33874018725297293582023-08-04T16:56:00.000-04:002023-08-04T16:56:05.925-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 4 August is a go!<div alighn="justify">
As usual, we may have a few clouds to deal with, but we are a go for tonight!
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>9:00 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-7668410228266322372023-07-21T16:07:00.000-04:002023-07-21T16:07:07.778-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 21 July is a go!<div alighn="justify">
We may have to dodge a few clouds, but we are a go for tonight!
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>9:30 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-19593748803711909372023-07-12T18:48:00.003-04:002023-07-12T18:49:41.248-04:00Northern Lights in Maryland? Probably Not.<div align="justify">
I know there have been several recent reports about the potential for seeing auroras from Maryland and DC. Unfortunately it will be highly unlikely we will be able to see auroras from our area. If you'd like more information about the auroras and why they are so hard to observe from our part of the world, please see any of the following:
<p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/verify-upcoming-northern-lights-will-be-hard-to-see-near-washington-dc/65-4f234218-1089-462c-b446-1eacdf62aa72" target="_blank">Upcoming northern lights will be hard to see near Washington DC | VERIFY</a> from WUSA9 (They interviewed me!)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.washingtonian.com/2023/07/11/can-you-see-northern-lights-from-maryland-no/" target="_blank">Sorry, but You Probably Won’t Be Able to See the Northern Lights From Maryland This Week</a> from the Washingtonian</li>
<li>University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute’s <a href="https://www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast" target="_blank"> Aurora Forecast</a></li>
</ul>
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-64604131247041603512023-06-02T13:23:00.001-04:002023-06-02T13:23:16.506-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 2 June is a go!<div alighn="justify">
We're a go for tonight!
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>9:30 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-41949511920908531492023-05-11T11:36:00.000-04:002023-05-11T11:36:03.914-04:00Observatory Night Schedule for Summer 2023<div align="justify">
Observatory Nights are back for <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-summer-2023-tickets-634783403247" target="blank">Summer 2023</a>!
<p>
Friday 2 Jun 2023 | 9:30 - 10:30 PM<br>
Friday 16 Jun 2023 | 9:30 - 10:30 PM
<p>
Friday 7 Jul 2023 | 9:30 - 10:30 PM<br>
Friday 21 Jul 2023 | 9:30 - 10:30 PM
<p>
Friday 4 Aug 2023 | 9 - 10 PM
<p>
Events are free, but because of occupancy limitations on the roof, <i><u>we require guests to make reservations</u></i> via Eventbrite.
<p>
Reservations can be made here: <br><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-summer-2023-tickets-634783403247" target="blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/634783403247</a>.
<p>
<p><hr><p>
<u><b>Events will be cancelled for bad weather</u></b>. I will make the call as soon as I am able, usually about 2 hours prior to the event start time. An announcement will be sent to the email address you registered with Eventbrite and I will post the status on this website.
<br />
<p>
<hr>
<p>
<h3>About the Guest Nights:</h3>
<p>
During Observatory Guest Nights we use Montgomery College telescopes to view and learn about visible solar system objects, star clusters, and nebulae. We also spend some time looking at the sky with just our eyes in order to locate constellations and planets that can be seen this time of the year.
<p>
You'll leave with a star chart and the ability to find celestial objects on your own.
<br />
Astronomy faculty will be on hand to answer questions about the universe.
<p>
<u><i>Some things to note:</i></u>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dress for the weather. The observatory is located outside on the roof of the Science Center.</li>
<li>We meet in Science Center room 406 (SC406). We go up to the roof as a group. If you're late, there will be a staff member or student in SC406 to escort you upstairs.</li>
<li>Children are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend, although campus policy prohibits children younger than five years of age on the roof.</li>
<li>Parking is free.</li>
</ul>
<p>
I want to continue to improve the observatory nights. If you have suggestions or comments, please let me know.
<br />
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-65717285450131596692023-05-05T17:31:00.002-04:002023-06-02T13:26:53.672-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 5 May is a go!<div alighn="justify">
We're a go for tonight! We may have to dodge some clouds, but we'll do our best to see what we can.
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>8:30 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-69697788291122919112023-04-21T16:46:00.004-04:002023-04-21T16:46:29.722-04:00Observatory Event for Friday 21 April is on!<div alighn="justify">
We're a go for for tonight! We may have some clouds coming in before the night is done, but we'll do our best to observe while we can.
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>8:30 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-40034578283049716252023-02-10T17:04:00.001-05:002023-02-10T17:04:25.185-05:00Observatory Event for Friday 10 February is on!<div alighn="justify">
The skies are looking clear, so we are a go for tonight! I can't promise that the clouds won't roll in, but we'll do our best to see the comet and the other astronomical wonders that are visible tonight.
<p>
Temperatures are forecast to be in the 40s, so please dress warmly. :)
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>7:00 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-40656847366969624232023-02-09T14:08:00.002-05:002023-02-09T14:08:42.057-05:00Observatory Night Schedule for Spring 2023<div align="justify">
Observatory Nights are back for <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/539593307107" target="blank">Spring 2023</a>!
<p>
Friday 24 Mar 2023 | 8 - 9 PM
<p>
Friday 7 Apr 2023 | 8:30 - 9:30 PM<br>
Friday 21 Apr 2023 | 8:30 - 9:30 PM
<p>
Friday 5 May 2023 | 8:30 - 9:30 PM<br>
Friday 19 May 2023 | 9 - 10 PM
<p>
Events are free, but because of occupancy limitations on the roof, <i><u>we require guests to make reservations</u></i> via Eventbrite.
<p>
Reservations can be made here: <br><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/539593307107" target="blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/539593307107</a>.
<p>
<p><hr><p>
<u><b>Events will be cancelled for bad weather</u></b>. I will make the call as soon as I am able, usually about 2 hours prior to the event start time. An announcement will be sent to the email address you registered with Eventbrite and I will post the status on this website.
<br />
<p>
<hr>
<p>
<h3>About the Guest Nights:</h3>
<p>
During Observatory Guest Nights we use Montgomery College telescopes to view and learn about visible solar system objects, star clusters, and nebulae. We also spend some time looking at the sky with just our eyes in order to locate constellations and planets that can be seen this time of the year.
<p>
You'll leave with a star chart and the ability to find celestial objects on your own.
<br />
Astronomy faculty will be on hand to answer questions about the universe.
<p>
<u><i>Some things to note:</i></u>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dress for the weather. The observatory is located outside on the roof of the Science Center.</li>
<li>We meet in Science Center room 406 (SC406). We go up to the roof as a group. If you're late, there will be a staff member or student in SC406 to escort you upstairs.</li>
<li>Children are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend, although campus policy prohibits children younger than five years of age on the roof.</li>
<li>Parking is free.</li>
</ul>
<p>
I want to continue to improve the observatory nights. If you have suggestions or comments, please let me know.
<br />
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-34035767791892268652023-02-03T10:56:00.002-05:002023-02-03T10:56:20.001-05:00Comet Event Cancelled for Friday 3-Feb-2023 - it's too cold!<div align="justify">
I am deeply sorry to cancel the event this evening, but due to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/02/03/dc-area-forecast-cold-windy/">Arctic blast</a> and the accompanying cold temps, we cannot host the public at the observatory tonight.
<p>
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and please stay warm out there. :)
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-37876987325594284402023-01-31T12:17:00.003-05:002023-01-31T12:17:45.078-05:00Special Observatory Nights for Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF<div align="justify">
During these special observatory nights, we will be observing comet C/2022 E3 ZTF, the "green comet". Due to occupancy limitations on the roof, we ask attendees to reserve a spot on our Eventbrite site <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comet-viewing-at-montgomery-college-astronomical-observatory-tickets-529520860147" target="_blank">here</a>.
<p>
Friday 3 February 2023 (7 - 8 PM)<br>
Friday 10 February 2023 (7 - 8 PM)
<p>
Events are weather dependent. A "go" or "no go" will be made the day of the event and posted here. You will also receive an email to the address you registered with Eventbrite.
<p>
<h2>Register <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comet-viewing-at-montgomery-college-astronomical-observatory-tickets-529520860147" target="_blank">here</a>!</h2>
</div>carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-37328387186900420602022-12-13T12:56:00.006-05:002022-12-13T12:58:46.018-05:00Presentation for Nature Forward (online)<div align="justify">
Just stopping by to let you know that I will be giving an online presentation this Thursday 15 December at 7 PM about winter astronomy for <a href="https://natureforward.org/" target="_blank">Nature Forward</a> (formally the Audubon Naturalist Society).
<p>
I'll be talking about what to look for in the night sky over the next few months. As part of the presentation, you'll receive a list of celestial happenings, starmaps for December, January, February, and March, and a list of astronomical resources to help you get started with observing.
<p>
<center><h3><a href="https://campscui.active.com/orgs/AudubonNaturalistSociety?&e4q=c6bc859d-6292-4028-b630-7297ff18be8c&e4p=6a794e29-9e9c-447b-a912-3b909f9b8528&e4ts=1670954237&e4c=active&e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=312a42b7dc6c2ff698236b1e283fd441#/selectSessions/3072040/filter/types=1381008" target="_blank">The Joys of Winter Astronomy<br>
Presentation for Nature forward<br>
Thursday 15 December 2022 7 - 8 pm</a></h3></center>
<p>
The cost to attend the lecture is $12 for Nature Forward members and $15 for nonmembers.
<p>
Nature Forward is a 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to inspire residents of the greater Washington, DC, region to appreciate, understand, and protect their natural environment through outdoor experiences, education, and advocacy.
<p>
The link to obtain tickets is <a href="https://campscui.active.com/orgs/AudubonNaturalistSociety?&e4q=c6bc859d-6292-4028-b630-7297ff18be8c&e4p=6a794e29-9e9c-447b-a912-3b909f9b8528&e4ts=1670954237&e4c=active&e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=312a42b7dc6c2ff698236b1e283fd441#/selectSessions/3072040/filter/types=1381008" target="_blank">here</a>.carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-14651968829670822492022-11-04T17:36:00.003-04:002022-11-04T17:36:57.594-04:00Observatory Night for Friday 4 November 2022 is on (with a cloudy caveat)!<div align="justify">
We are a "go" for tonight! Skies are partly cloudy right now, and the forecast is calling for more clouds, but I'd like to give tonight a try. Please note, that if it does cloud up, I won't be able to show you anything through the telescopes. If you're game for some cloud dodging, I hope you can join us!
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>7:00 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
<p></p><p></p></div>
carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-32819892212803969582022-10-22T09:19:00.000-04:002022-10-22T09:19:46.572-04:00Observing Log for Friday 21 October<div align="justify">
What a fabulous night with clear skies and delightfully cool fall air. Below is a summary of what we observed last night.
<p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/jupiter" target="blank">Jupiter</a> : Heat coming off the roof made the image a little fuzzy, but we were able to make out cloud bands on the planet as well as all four Galilean satellites- Io, Ganymede, Europa, and Callisto.</li>
<li><a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/saturn" target="blank">Saturn</a> : Saturn looked lovely and we were easily able to see the moon Titan. Rhea, Dione, and Tethys were fainter, but also visible.</li>
<li><a href="http://earthsky.org/space/the-ring-nebulas-true-shape" target="_blank">M57 (the Ring Nebula)</a>: This fine example of a planetary nebula appeared as a delicate smoke-ring in the eyepiece of the 8-inch scope.The Ring Nebula is located in the constellation of Lyra and is about 2,300 light-years from Earth. Planetary nebulae are the remnants of lower mass stars (like our Sun) after they've used up their nuclear fuel. </li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_Galaxy" target="_blank">M31 (Andromeda Galaxy)</a>: We looked at the Andromeda Galaxy in the 14-inch. This object is a neighboring galaxy located about 2.5 million light-years from us. It's a spiral galaxy like our own Milky Way, but it's larger. M31 is about 220,000 light-years across compared to the Milky Way's 100,000 light-year diameter. Through the telescope M31 looked like a small fuzzy ball with a star-like center. The bright center is the core of M31 and the fuzziness is the light from the hundreds of billions of stars that make up the galaxy.</li>
<li><a href="http://earthsky.org/?s=albireo" target="_blank">The Albireo System</a>: Through the 8-inch, we observed this double-star in Cygnus. The stars of Albireo (one blue, one gold) can't be resolved with the naked eye, but through our telescopes we are able to see the pair. The brighter yellow star is also a binary system, but these two stars are two close for our telescopes to resolve. Albireo is about 430 light-years distant.</li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_6826" target="_blank">NGC 6826 (the "blinking planetary")</a>: NGC 6826 is planetary nebula located in the constellation of Cygnus. It's called the blinking planetary because when you have it centered in the eyepiece, it appears to blink "on" when you look away from it and "off" when you look directly at it. The effect happens because our peripheral vision is more sensitive than our forward vision.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<center><h3>Sincere thanks to Stacey and Harold for making the evening a success!</h3></center>
<p>
And as always, thank you to everyone who attended. Your presence and enthusiasm fill me with happiness. </div>
carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-33399727991135755682022-10-21T15:45:00.001-04:002022-10-21T15:45:07.128-04:00Observatory Night for Friday 21 October 2022 is on!<div align="justify">
I normally can't make the call this early, but the sky is looking great. We are a "go" for tonight!
<p>
It's going to be a bit on the chilly side (mid 50s), so <b>please dress warmly.</b> :)
<p>
We'll get started at:
</p><center><h2>8:00 pm</h2></center>
in Science Center (SC) room 406.
<p>
As always, sincere thanks for your interest in the observatory!
<p></p><p></p></div>
carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018586971596613863.post-71596648064204831862022-09-13T16:27:00.004-04:002022-09-13T16:27:53.803-04:00Observatory Nights for Fall 2022<div align="justify">
Finally! Observatory nights will be back in October. I will add additional events this fall as I am able. :)
<p>
Observatory nights for <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-fall-2022-tickets-419172856297" target="blank">Fall 2022</a> are below. In the meantime, a star chart for September/October is <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNxrLYhYAVF3S6JynZD2cGs-9mosb2g9/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a> :).
<p>
<p>
Friday 7 October 2022 (8 - 9 PM)<br>
Friday 21 October 2022 (8 - 9 PM)
<p>
Friday 4 November 2022 (7 - 8 PM)<br>
Friday 18 November 2022 (7 - 8 PM)
<p>
Events are free, but because of occupancy limitations on the roof, <i><u>we require guests to make reservations</u></i> via Eventbrite.
<p>
Reservations can be made here: <br><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-fall-2022-tickets-419172856297" target="blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomical-observatory-nights-fall-2022-tickets-419172856297</a>.
<p>
<p><hr><p>
<u><b>Events will be cancelled for bad weather</u></b>. I will make the call as soon as I am able, usually about 2 hours prior to the event start time. An announcement will be sent to the email address you registered with Eventbrite and I will post the status on this website.
<br />
<p>
<hr>
<p>
<h3>About the Guest Nights:</h3>
<p>
During Observatory Guest Nights we use Montgomery College telescopes to view and learn about visible solar system objects, star clusters, and nebulae. We also spend some time looking at the sky with just our eyes in order to locate constellations and planets that can be seen this time of the year.
<p>
You'll leave with a star chart and the ability to find celestial objects on your own.
<br />
Astronomy faculty will be on hand to answer questions about the universe.
<p>
<u><i>Some things to note:</i></u>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dress for the weather. The observatory is located outside on the roof of the Science Center.</li>
<li>We meet in Science Center room 406 (SC406). We go up to the roof as a group. If you're late, there will be a staff member or student in SC406 to escort you upstairs.</li>
<li>Children are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend, although campus policy prohibits children younger than five years of age on the roof.</li>
<li>Parking is free.</li>
</ul>
<p>
I want to continue to improve the observatory nights. If you have suggestions or comments, please let me know.
<br />
</div> carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01526991313991972423noreply@blogger.com0