Introduction What is Omega Centauri? It is a globular cluster located in the southern constellation Centaurus. It is the brightest globular , but not easy to see in Virginia due to its low elevation. With proper timing Omega can be viewed given good transparency. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Centauri Observation This morning the skies were finally clear again. It was [...]
Lyra is a prominent and fascinating constellation that passes overhead for us in the mid-northern latitudes. Its visible most of the year. It has one of the brightest stars, Vega. The other bright stars are famous multiples: Epsilon, Zeta, Delta, Beta, Theta, and Eta. Image 3: Theta Eta String     [...]
The big news this month is that Jupiter will be in opposition on the 26th and will be the closest distance to Earth in decades. We also have the Autumnal Equinox on the 22nd and the full Moon on the 10th. This month's full Moon is commonly referred to as the Harvest Moon due to [...]
A short list of interesting events in the August sky with 'x' and 'v' shapes on the moon, Jovian moon shadows across Jupiter, Saturn at opposition and the Summer Triangle starting to become more easily visible throughout the night. Dates and times based on observing from Alexandria, VA. as predicted using Stellarium. Thursday, August 4 [...]
Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover: From Launch to Landing  Swati Mohan, Ph.D. Sunday, May 15, 2022 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM EST Online event meet.google.com/osh-bcyd-gti Monthly Meeting - Public Invited  Abstract: The Mars 2020 mission was created to build off of the discoveries of its predecessors. The previous 4 rovers had found the building blocks for life on Mars. The Mars 2020 perseverance rover [...]
The Fairfax County Park Authority is encouraging participation in the first annual One Dark Hour event. On April 22, the Fairfax County Park Authority is hoping residents will join them in turning off their lights to raise awareness of the importance of dark skies. Park Authorities ask you take part by turning off your outdoor [...]
How to Measure Velocities of Distant Galaxy Clusters, and Why  Arthur Kosowsky, Ph.D. Sunday, April 12, 2022 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM EST Online event meet.google.com/osh-bcyd-gti Monthly Meeting - Public Invited  Abstract: Galaxy clusters are the most massive gravitationally bound objects in the universe. Their hot ionized gas scatters photons of the cosmic microwave background, creating a microwave spectrum distortion (called the Thermal [...]
Two Eyes are Better than OnePhilip S. Harrington, FRASAstronomy Author/EducatorContributing editor, Astronomy magazineSunday, January 9, 20227:30 PM to 9:00 PM ESTOnline eventhttps://meet.google.com/osh-bcyd-gtiMonthly Meeting - Public Invited Abstract:Binoculars are NOT just for beginners, as this talk will stress. After various binocular-related terms are defined, Phil Harrington will offer consumer tips to help the audience weed out astronomically worthy binoculars [...]
In late 2017 I found an 8" f/4 Enterprise Optics primary for sale on Astromart. I had been wanting a small portable dob for a while. The size and focal ratio were "just right" But was it a good mirror?Â
Come Fly Away to the Sun
Dr. Kelly Korreck
Sunday, November 14, 2021
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM EST
Online event
meet.google.com/osh-bcyd-gti
Monthly Meeting – Public Invited
Abstract:
What is faster than a speeding bullet? What can fly through turbulence without fastening its seat belt? What can tell us about the origin of our solar system at same time performing [...]
