News and Updates
We are pleased to announce that NOVAC now offers a digital library that allows members to borrow and read astronomy-related books using a browser, tablet or smartphone. Please see instructions below, if you have any problems, feel free to contact Chris Spain at librarian@novac.com. Short Instructions Go to: https://libbyapp.com/library/novac Login to the site with your [...]
Hello fellow Astro-3D-printers! In our next meeting Stefano Antonini will discuss techniques and plans for a 3D printed barn door astro-tracker that he and fellow NOVAC member, Chris Papageorgakis have been designing, taking inspiration from two similar designs posted. If you're part of NOVAC's 3D print group please join use for the discussion on 11 Jan [...]
NOVAC’s intrepid eclipse observers, Lloyd and Susan Franklin have done it again capturing the recent Dec 4th total solar eclipse from the continent of Antarctica. Chasing total solar eclipses (TSEs) has always been a niche hobby of Lloyd’s – witnessing the eclipse of 4 Dec brings Lloyd’s total viewed TSEs to eleven, AND with this recent success he [...]
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 [...]
How to Optimize your Astrophotography Setup
Dr. Thomas B. Fowler
Sunday, December 12, 2021
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM EST
Online event
meet.google.com/osh-bcyd-gti
Monthly Meeting – Public Invited
Abstract:
Amateur astronomers know too well that using a $400 Tele Vue eyepiece with a $100 telescope would be a waste of money and the capabilities of the Tele Vue. It would [...]
On November 5, 2021, the United States Naval Academy (USNA) Physics Department and STEM Center welcomed 170 USNA Faculty and Staff and their friends and families to its annual Family Night.
Presented in collaboration with the USNA Midshipman Astronomy Club, Family Night was a 2-hour “star party” that included a Planetarium Show, observing Venus, Jupiter and [...]
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?
George Mason University (GMU) played host to over 200 visitors during their Mason by Moonlight event on 16 October 2021. NOVAC was pleased to support the GMU Astronomy Department to help showcase the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn by offering nice telescope views from just outside the astronomy department on the university campus. Students representing GMU’s [...]
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 [...]
Sketching the view seen through a telescope eyepiece has a long history going back to the earliest use of telescopes to observe the heavens, most famously with the sketches and notes taken by Galileo beginning around 1609.
Sketching while observing is still popular despite the common use of cameras and cell phones to capture the scene [...]
