Join NOVAC as we welcome Dr. Kate Russo, eclipse chaser, astronomy enthusiast, and by profession, noted psychologist. Embark on an interesting exploration of the human psyche with Kate, founder of Being in the Shadow. With 25 years dedicated to eclipse chasing, encompassing 13 total eclipses and 3 annular eclipses, Kate brings forth a wealth of [...]
Learn about the formation of supermassive black holes and what exciting new discoveries await us from the James Webb Telescope. Join NOVAC and one of the leading astrophysists in this field of study, Dr. Jenny Greene, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University. When: 10/9/22, 7:30pm EDT Where: Dr. Greene will present virtually. Those interested may meet [...]
It was glorious to see astronomers and their gear on the fields of Experience Learning Center in August 2022 for the Almost Heave Star Party - a sold out event last held in 2019. Here is a short summary and video capturing my experience during the four day event. I had a wonderful time catching up [...]
NOVAC member Elizabeth McGovern Assink provides a glimpse into her experience at the Almost Heaven Star Party (AHSP) through sketching. What a great way to tell a personal story about this year's AHSP at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center in West Virginia. Read her story here and improve your sketching skills too! NOVAC AHSP 2022 [...]
Join NOVAC astrophotographers, Mitch Stover, Chris Kagy, and Juan Marin Otero for a engaging discussion of astrophotography - how they got started, what they recommend for new amateurs, and decisions they made on gear selection, techniques, and targets. There will also be a show 'n tell so you can ask all your questions concerning their setups [...]
Join NOVAC and Eithne McDonald from Columbia University for a talk about NASA's exciting Lucy mission - the first space mission to explore the population of small bodies known as the Trojans. These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of our Solar System and the origins of organic materials on Earth. Title: The NASA [...]
Join us for an informal discussion on the science and technology behind the recently released James Webb images. These early images illustrate Webb's amazing capabilities. What do we know and how can we apply what we see to begin to address some of the popular questions in astronomy? Beyond the five or so images [...]
Meet Jeff Ball, NOVAC member, West Virginia resident and one of the best choreographers of astrophotography, drone video, nature photography, and music out there! He combines it all into some very special, well conceived videos. The best way to meet Jeff is to watch them. They're amazing! Here are a few of Jeff's [...]
Join the Westminster Astronomical Society's next virtual talk on 13 July at 7:30pm EDT. The topic is: "The Hubble Space Telescope - a Long Term Perspective". Title: “The Hubble Space Telescope–a Long Term Perspective“ Larry Dunham (HST Chief Systems Engineer) and Dr. Ken Carpenter (NASA, HST Project Scientist) will provide the talk. NOVAC is welcome to join this Zoom [...]
About 21 years ago, a group of NOVAC ATMs (amateur telescope makers) led by John Avellone combined surplus optics into a 16” diameter Dobsonian. The telescope build effort was described in an article in a 2001 NOVAC Newsletter. Continue reading for additional technical information and your opportunity to acquire the Sweet 16! This telescope was an [...]
