News and Updates
Dr. Renee Ludlum from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, will join us virtually via Google Meet to discuss Extremes of the Cosmos: Neutron Stars.Dr. Renee Ludlum Neutron stars are the densest compact objects with a surface in the Universe, yet many people have never heard of them. These objects are about twice [...]
Dr. Duncan Lorimer from the University of West Virginia Department of Astronomy will join us virtually via Google Meet to discuss Fast Radio Bursts, a 2007 discovery lasting a few milliseconds releasing more energy than the Sun does in a month! Dr. Duncan Lorimer  Fast Radio Bursts -- A Cosmic Detective [...]
Dr. Lori Feaga from the University of Maryland Department of Astronomy will join us in person to discuss her research exploring the activity of comets, centaurs and asteroids during their orbits. Dr Lori Feaga Comets, centaurs, and asteroids are known to exhibit activity during their orbits. The activity is typically driven by volatile [...]
 Dr. Dana Anderson from the Carnegie Institution for Science Earth and Planets Laboratory will join us in person to discuss her research exploring how planet-forming gas and dust that surrounds young stars provides insight into the early development of planets and planetary systems, including the Earth and our own solar system.   Studying [...]
Dr. Kate Craft from the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory will bring us up-to-date on the Europa Clipper mission, which will soon disembark on its journey to explore the intriguing moon Europa in the Jovian system. Dr Craft is a member of the team responsible for maximizing the scientific potential of the data that the [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Learn about the formation of supermassive black holes and what exciting new discoveries await us from the James Webb Telescope. Â 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: Â Dr. Greene will present virtually. Â 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. Â Here is a short summary and video capturing my experience during the four day event. I had a wonderful time catching up [...]
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     [...]
