Jupiter is sure to delight all who view it, from professional observatories to amateurs with handheld binoculars. Make sure to check out its four Galilean moons and see if you can make out colorful cloud bands or the Great Red Spot. If you’ve ever considered dabbling in planetary imaging, tonight (adjacent to a dark new moon) would be the perfect night to start!
Unfortunately tonight’s public night is canceled, the third cancelled Crockett Public Night in a row. Â The astronomy forecast predicts 70 percent or more cloud cover and the local forecast is cloudy with a 20% chance of showers or drizzle. Â Not acceptable conditions; nobody wants precipitation on lenses, mirrors or electronics.
Hoping for clear skies next month and many days before and after.
Tree Greenwood
Please read the C.M. Crockett Page for park details. Details will be updated for the Messier Marathon too!
Our meetings on the second Sunday of the Month, The events are normally held evening at 7:00 pm in Research Hall Room 163 on the campus of George Mason University.
Our web page, http://www.novac.com/meetings/, has directions and additional details.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday evenings!
National Weather Service issued a wind advisory predicting “WINDS… NORTHWEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH” until 22:00 (10 PM) EDT. Â Combined with forecasts of bad seeing and frigid wind chills, tonight won’t be suitable for observing with the public.
Please read the C.M. Crockett Page for park details.