Astronomical League

The very thin crescent Moon is a real challenge to spot. It isn’t really obvious as it hangs very low above the horizon. It can present itself as a low contrast sliver as viewed through binoculars. The morning of January 11 gives observers a chance to catch one if the sky is clear and if the horizon line of low enough. Why not give it a try?

What's new with the Milky Way? or rather, what's old? https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-new-history-of-the-milk/

https://www.washingtonpost.com//ca5a366e-4acc-11eb-a9d9-1e

Jupiter & Saturn Conjunction Sketch by Cindy Krach 12/22/2020 04:45 UT Haleakala National Park... Science City SV 102 ED 9mm, 78x Seeing 8/10, Transparency 6/7 See more

On Science Matters, former Horkheimer Youth Service Award winner Tyler Hutchison. Keep up your good work, Mr. Hutchison!

A new year brings fresh hope of clear skies! Why not resolve to find the dimmest visible planet to the unaided eye? Be sure to keep trusty binoculars ready at your side. We gaze into the starry domain with feelings we no longer restrain... Peace and contentment From the firmament Gives joy by any other refrain See more

The Great Conjunction is over. Jupiter now pulls away from Saturn, as they both sink in the western twilight and begin to round the back side of the sun. Conjunctions between these two planets occur about every 19 years 10 1/2 months. On the morning of November 2, 2040, they will be near each other again, but not as close as this event. But for some people, it may be even more of spectacular sight... The two giant planets lie low in the southeast about 1 hour before sunrise, ...separated by 1. The thin crescent moon glows just above Saturn. From areas in northeast Asia (Mongolia, Russian Far East) the moon occults Saturn! And to gild the lily, Mercury appears at its brightest, just below the celestial trio. Please note this on your calendars!

For the next seven weeks, keep looking in the southwest sixty minutes after sunset for Jupiter appearing to approach Saturn. From our Earthbound point of view, they seem to merge as a single point of light on Dec. 21. Of course, in three dimensional space they will still be 1/2 billion miles apart!

Amateur astronomers certainly know about the upcoming close conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn, but the public might not. Download, print, and cut this handout into its four sections. Give to your friends an easy to carry sky map showing them what to expect over the next few weeks. They will be more astronomically aware!

Tune in to the Global Star Party. It begins Nov 4, 2020 7:00 PM Central Time ExploreScientific.com/live. Featuring appearances by Terry Mann, AL Secretary and former President, David Levy & Dave Eicher!

To help you ease out of 2020 and slip into 2021, here are some limericks for you to enjoy! And remember, "Happy observing to all, and to all, a clear night!"

Special Global Star Party Featuring the Great Conjunction Segment 1 7:10 a.m. CST, December 21 - Opening Remarks - Scott Roberts opens the Global Star Party... Late Afternoon Segment 4:45 p.m. CST, December 21; Opening Remarks - Scott Roberts opens the Global Star Party ExploreScientific.com/live

Observer Brian LeCompte reported On October.29th at 9:30 pm while observing the planet Neptune, I saw a faint object passing by the same field; it was moving too slow to be a satellite but moving just like an asteroid passing close to us. is there any way I can find out what that object was?

Global Star Party XVIII ! Meet Terry Mann, AL past president! Tuesday 27 Oct, 7 pm CDT ExploreScientific.com/live

with all due respect to Clement Moore ... The Night of the Solstice (2020 version)... ‘Twas the night of the solstice and all through the town, Stargazers kept looking up, none wearing a frown. Their stockings were hung by the chimneys with care, In hopes that new telescopes soon would be there. Their families were nestled at home in warm beds, While visions of star filled skies danced in their heads. My friend in a parka, and I in my wool cap, Knew an observing site, not shown on any map. From the trunk of my car, we made such a clatter, Of loading telescopes and technical chatter. Away to clear dark skies, we flew like a flash, Avoiding small animals, we made our mad dash. The moon in the west, seven days past new, And the crisp dry air gave us no hint of dew. When what in our finder scopes should clearly appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. It carried a driver so lively and jolly, We thought for a moment, This must be sheer folly! More rapid than Geminids his reindeer they came, And he whistled and shouted and called them by name: Now Draco! Now Virgo! Now Leo and Taurus! On Lyra, On Hydra, On Libra and Corvus! To the top of the hill, they followed his call, Now dash away, dash away, dash away all! Guided by a red glow, they passed us over high, While Sirius was shining far south in the sky. So on to the hilltop the reindeer they flew, With the sleigh full of gadgets and eyepieces too. And with purpose of mind, he jumped to the ground, Then checked in the sleigh to see what could be found. Out of his black bag came a very big Dob, And setting it up was a very big job. Decked out in faux fur, from his head to his toe, He looked straight down his scope and aligned it just so. Wearing a red hat, black boots, and only one glove, He then peered up to see what was shining above. A bundle of worn charts he flung on his back, He looked like a peddler, just opening his pack. Then went to the scope with a list in his hand, ‘Twas from William Herschel, toughest of the land. He spoke not a word but went straight to his work, Recorded his findings, then turned with a jerk, And raising his bare thumb, he gave us a sign, Letting us both know that the seeing was fine. His gear was all loaded with a wink of an eye, And he sprang to the sleigh and flew off in the sky. But we heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Happy viewing to all, and to all a clear night!

The Great Conjunction is almost here! https://www.universalworkshop.com/conjunctions-of-jupiter-/

November is a time for planets in both the morning and evening sky. Get out and look at Jupiter inching toward Saturn in the southwest sixty minutes after sunset. More on this in the next couple of weeks. And don't miss little Mercury popping up in the dawn sky.

Can't do astronomy because of covid? Attend the Global Star Party no. 17! Beginning 4 pm CDT, October 23 ExploreScientific.com/live

Tonight is another edition of the Global Star Party, beginning at 7 pm CDT. Cloudy where you are? Why not tune it! ExploreScientific.com/live... a few of the topics... Astrol poetry Importance of astronomy for youth Global Astronomy Door Prize questions

Spread some year-end cheer with astronomy themed limericks. Here is the third set. Any of your own that you'd like to share?

Perhaps too late for this year, but please consider this for future year-end activities ... Amateur astronomy clubs could offer a "Unused, unwanted telescope service." Members of the public would donate their telescopes to the club, which, in turn, would try to find deserving youths for ownership. (Community service organizations are a good place to find help on this.) A great activity at the holidays when so many parents, who would like to give their child a beginner scope, ...sadly, can't afford one. ... Just a thought for 2021!

As has been said many times, this is a great program.

The 2021 RASC Observers' Calendar is now available for shipping through League Sales. https://store.astroleague.org

The Great Conjunction... Jupiter and Saturn are close enough to each other in our sky that they appear in the same field through a low power eyepiece. Here is my lame attempt on two nights ago (Dec. 13) but it counts! 8 inch, f/4 Reflector, 20 mm Erfle eyepiece, iPhone

As 2020 concludes, why not spread some celestial cheer? Here are some limericks about the year in astronomy Comet Neowise, the close apparition of Mars, and the upcoming Great Conjunction. Any suitable limericks you would like to contribute?

As 2020 concludes a year unlike all others, let's spread some astronomical cheer... part 1 ...

An "Oh, Wow!" moment, one of the reasons we are captivated by the night sky: Jupiter's moon, Io, emerging from the giant planet's shadow. Oct. 16 at 10:21 pm EDT.

La Gran Conjunción: Júpiter se encuentra con Saturno ... Diciembre 21

Meet AL vice president Chuck Allen on the Global Star Party. It begins at 7 pm Central today! ExploreScientific.com/live

The Astronomical League is offering a new AL Observing Challenge - Special Observing Award to commemorate the Great Conjunction (of Jupiter and Saturn) in 2020. Details are on the web page: https://www.astroleague.org//al-observing-challenge-specia... This is short notice since it is coming up in just two weeks. Clear skies and good observing! The award recognizes participants with a certificate (only) and is NOT restricted to AL members. Thanks. Aaron Clevenson, AL Observing Challenge Special Award Coordinator

Global Star Party Number 26! Tuesday night ... Tuesday December 8, 7 p.m. Eastern David Levy... David Eicher Libby in the Stars And more! ExploreScientific.com/live

The Great Conjunction approaches! Jupiter and Saturn enter the same field in low power eyepiece about December 11.

Explore Alliance Presents: The Astronomical League Live - "The Shaking Universe" Co-hosted by the Explore Alliance and the Astronomical League, keynote speakers for the event include comet discoverer David H. Levy and Shane Larson of the Department of Physics at Northwestern University. Learn about imaging and investigate gravitational waves! Virtually everything we know about the Universe has been discovered from the study of photons --- light in all its myriad forms from r...adio waves, to visible light, to x-rays and beyond. At the dawn of the 21st century, advanced technology is providing access to the Cosmos through detection of sub-atomic particles like cosmic rays and neutrinos, and through detection of ripples in the fabric of spacetime itself. Watch this amazing special program from the world's largest federation of astronomy clubs, the Astronomical League! You can watch it here: http://www.explorescientific.com/live #explorealliance #ligo

Do you have a small telescope that could use a new home? Consider donating it to a community program where underprivileged youths receive special gifts. Many times these are held through religious organizations or community service organizations.

Be thinking about how to view and image the Great Conjunction, December 17 25! Why not try using your camera phone to capture the event? Here is a little something from NASA that might be of help... https://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/SMBo/AstrophotographyV1.pdf

Thank you Terry Mann!

Join us for the Global Star Party: 24 p.m. EST, December 5. Learn about imaging, and investigate gravitational waves! The December 5th Global Star Party spotlights Shane Larson of the Dept. of Physics at Northwestern University. He presents at 3:10 p.m., THE SHAKING COSMOS: Observing the Universe in Gravitational Waves. Also featured in the GSP will be Carroll Iorg, AL President, and Carl Wenning, NCRAL Chair, both giving organization updates. Terry Mann, Molly Wakeling, ...Scott Roberts, and Carroll Iorg will discuss beginning imaging, astrophotography, and imaging awards. THE SHAKING COSMOS: Observing the Universe in Gravitational Waves Shane L. Larson Department of Physics, Northwestern University Virtually everything we know about the Universe has been discovered from the study of photons --- light in all its myriad forms from radio waves, to visible light, to x-rays and beyond. At the dawn of the 21st century, advanced technology is providing access to the Cosmos through detection of sub-atomic particles like cosmic rays and neutrinos, and through detection of ripples in the fabric of spacetime itself. These ripples in spacetime, called gravitational waves, carry information not in the form of light or particles, but in the form of gravity itself. Gravitational waves are messengers which carry the stories of what happens when two black holes collide, of how the inner core of a star destroys itself during a supernova explosion, and of how the graveyard of the galaxy is filled with the quiet whisper of binary white dwarf stars that spiral together ever so slowly as they fade into oblivion. This talk will explore the modern description of gravity, what gravitational waves are and how we hope to measure them, and what we hope to learn from their detection. Gravity has a story to tell, and in this talk, we'll explore some of the discoveries we hope to make by listening.

The RASC 2021 Observer’s Handbook is currently in stock at League Sales! Order now this classic handbook and this great price: $24 each + $4.50 shipping and handling (orders of 12 or more: $23 each with free shipping to the same address) https://store.astroleague.org/

Tonight is yet another engaging Global Star Party! Nov 24, 7 pm CST ExploreScientific.com/live Quiz Questions hosted by Chuck Allen, Vice President of your Astronomical League!

December with its long nights has two fascinating events: the Geminid meteor shower, perhaps the year's best; and the Great Conjunction, Jupiter's meet up with Saturn. Enjoy the final offering of 2020, a rather unique year!

Cold weather observing? Gotta keep those ears warm! Here is a warm gift idea .. Astronomical League knit caps!

Tonight’s Global Star Party features the Von Braun Astronomical Society. The Explore Alliance will be simulcasting the event Friday November 20th at 7:00 p.m. Central. Watch and learn more about this amazing and historic astronomy club started by high school students in 1954 with the help of Wernher Von Braun and rocket scientists in Huntsville, Alabama, home of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The President of VBAS, Don Martin will be joined by keynote speaker Comet ...Discoverer, David H. Levy, and co-hosted by Explore Scientific's Scott W. Roberts. Also joining will be the Astronomical League as the official door prize sponsor, and iconic astronomers from around the world. Watch the live event: https://www.facebook.com/groups/112004006960 and http://www.explorescientific.com/live ******* The Live Global Star Party Comes to You Tonight With The Von Braun Astronomical Society The Twenty-Third Global Star Party Gets underway Tonight at 7:00 p.m. Central with the Historic Astronomers from "Rocket City" November 20th! Watched by a worldwide audience, the live Global Star Party pulls together legendary astronomers and astrophotographers live, from around the world, to give inspiring talks, to share space art, poetry, and music, to share amazing live through-the-telescope astrophotography, their image processing techniques, and to share their love of the universe with you. Attendance is Free! You are encouraged to watch and participate by chat in the free live broadcast of the "Global Star Party XXIII - The Von Braun Astronomical Society Edition" The Explore Alliance will be simulcasting the event Friday November 20th at 7:00 p.m. Central. Watch and learn more about this amazing and historic astronomy club started by high school students in 1954 with the help of Wernher Von Braun and rocket scientists in Huntsville, Alabama, home of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.The President of VBAS, Don Martin will be joined by keynote speaker Comet Discoverer, David H. Levy, and co-hosted by Explore Scientific's Scott W. Roberts. Also joining will be the Astronomical League as the official door prize sponsor, and iconic astronomers from around the world.

Now at League Sales the 2021 Astronomical League Calendar! 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition The 75th Anniversary Planning Committee encourages your purchase as these calendars have historical notations about your Astronomical League.... Available for $13 at League Sales: https://store.astroleague.org/

Check out the Global Star Party, Nov. 17 beginning 7:00 pm CST! ExploreScientific.com/live

ASTRONOMICAL LEAGUE’S DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY! 74 years today the Astronomical League came into existence with the signing of its charter by the tenth of ten amateur astronomy clubs. First known as the Amateur Astronomers League, the AL has since grown to 300+ clubs across the country and has increased its membership to over 18,000 people. Be sure to read in the December Reflector an account of the AL’s formative years penned by the current AL VP Chuck Allen. He also wrote eloque...ntly about the organization that the Astronomical League has become today, It hosts the most comprehensive set of observing programs in the world, having issued more than 15,000 certificates to members completing over 70 different observing regimens. It maintains a Library Telescope program, a beautiful quarterly magazine, Reflector, a national office in Kansas City, a comprehensive Web site, League Sales, extensive youth award programs with prizes, a new International Region, and well-planned conventionssometimes featuring eclipses and cruises! We approach the 75th anniversary starting now! Thank you for allowing us, the Astronomical League 75th Anniversary Committee, to serve this premier member supported, member driven organization, John Jardine Goss, Chair, former AL President Peggy Walker, MSRAL Chair, ALCon, Jr. Chair Chuck Allen, AL Vice President Maynard Pittendreigh, AL Executive Secretary

Learn what's up in 2021: The popular Observers' Handbook from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Order this classic book from Astronomical League Sales: https://store.astroleague.org/index.php

Tuesday night November 10, why not attend the Global Star Party? It begins at 7 pm CST. ExploreScientific.com/live Scott Roberts... John Goss David Levy Dave Eicher and others!

With all the Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Uranus, and Neptune action in the evening sky, don't forget about Venus and Mercury in the morning. The next few mornings give a good time to spot the solar system's small planet, Mercury.

A planetary observing challenge! If it is clear sometime over the next few nights, and you want an observing challenge, how about spotting all the outer planets, plus one dwarf world? Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be easy to locate, while Ceres, Uranus, and Neptune will not be so easy. Here are directions and locator maps for finding the three dim worlds. Uranus will be the easiest of the three.... Good hunting!

Beware!f Remember, if something is too good to be true... https://oberwerk.com/10-300x40mm-super-telephoto-telescope/

Now is the time to order your 2021 RASC Observers Handbook at these low prices! $24 each + $4.50 S&H Great pricing for clubs: Orders of 12 or more $23 each with free shipping! Order through League Sales... Store.astroleague.org See more

Are you looking for Holiday gifts? How about these two guides that were published earlier this year? From League Sales... https://store.astroleague.org/index.php

Meet former AL president and current AL secretary Terry Mann on the Global Star Party. It begins at 4 pm Central today! ExploreScientific.com/live

Join tonight's Global Star Party: Begins at 8 pm CDT Meet Astronomical League Vice President Chuck Allen. ExploreScientific.com/live

Have you seen Uranus? While this is definitely a time for Mars, it is also a good time to view Uranus if you can find it. Look for the Pleiades rising in the east after 10 pm. Uranus is nearly half way between the bright Red Planet and the delicate Pleiades star cluster. When no moon glows in the sky, bring out the binoculars and see if you can spot the "Green Planet."

The Moon Slides Under Mars. Last nights Moon as seen from Central Texas, USA sliding under Mars. Mars is to the left of the Moon at 9:01 PM moonrise and the Mo...on moves leftward under Mars as the night progresses. I only wished I had taken one more photo around 2 AM to capture Mars further to the right side of the Moon to complete the slide!

We are now in a time for viewing planets. Can you tell the difference, visually, between them and stars?

Why not catch TUESDAY (not Wednesday sorry about the error of the day) night's Global Star Party and meet Astronomical League President Carroll Iorg? It starts at 9 pm EDT, 8 pm CDT. ExploreScientific.com/live

Astronomical League's Urban Observing Club and its coordinator Terry Trees get a nod in the Washington Post: A guide to urban stargazing: What you need to start exploring the skies close to home Washington Post, Sep 24, 2020... https://www.washingtonpost.com//e5acb03c-f8f5-11ea-89e3-4b

The latest news from the Astronomical League... Astronomical League Website Help Needed: If you have experience with WordPress, we need your help with the Astronomical League website. If you are able to help out, please contact Carroll Iorg by email at [email protected].

https://moon.nasa.gov/observe-the-moon-night/ The Moon is a great target that is too often passed quickly by.

Global Star Party Live Event! Tonight: Sep 25, beginning 5 pm EDT ExploreScientific.com/live with the Astronomical League...

October is the time to study Mars!