Author: Karen Masters

Observing Jupiter and Saturn

Today is the Full Moon, and if it weren’t for Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaiah on its way, we’d get a wonderful view of the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn this evening, as this screenshot from Stellarium (free download) shows.

The Moon, Jupiter and Saturn would be visible above the SE horizon this evening after sunset.

Meanwhile you might also enjoy these views of Jupiter and Saturn taken by James Garland ’22 and Dominick Rowan ’20 last October.

Saturn through the Strawbridge 16″. Credit: James Garland.
Jupiter through the Strawbridge 16″. Credit: James Garland.

 

 

 

 

 

We hope we’ll be able to invite you to visit our telescopes at some point in the future. Meanwhile for the Fall we are working on a virtual alternative to our usual Public Observing Nights. Stay tuned!

 

First Light for our New CCD

We had an opportunity to upgrade the CCD (digital camera) on our 16″ telescope this year. I am happy to report a beautiful first light image of the Orion Nebula. Much credit to our Lab Instructor, Paul Thorman for making this happen. This will make for much more exciting imaging and photometry opportunities for our Observational classes as well as Public Observing events.

As well as an update to our CCD, and with a much larger field of view than before (now 34 arcmin, or half a degree on a side instead of 8×12 arcmin) we also got more filters, which will improve our ability to make colour images, as well as measure photometric properties in more filter bands.

A view of the Orion Nebula (M42) through B and V filters with our new CCD. Credit: Paul Thorman

 

A B-band single filter view showing the full field of view of the new CCD. Credit: Paul Thorman

Event Dates for Fall 2019 Semester

The Fall 2019 Public Observing Schedule

These events include observing though one or more of our telescopes (weather permitting), activities for children, and a student-led talk on a topic in astronomy.

Friday, September 27, 2019: “Travelling through Spacetime”

  8:30–10:30 p.m. This event takes place rain or shine. The theme will be traveling through space and time. There will be rocket making, a demo of space time, and a talk on space travel. Of course telescope viewing (weather permitting).

Friday, November 1, 2019: “Spooky Stargazing”

  7:30–9:30 p.m. This event takes place rain or shine. Come in costume and win a “Milky Way”. We’re planning astronomy themed pumpkin painting, and spooky stargazing (weather permitting), and a talk on our “impending doom”.

Friday, December 6, 2019: “Holiday Themed”

  7:30–9:30 p.m. This event takes place rain or shine. We’re planning holiday ornament planet crafts.