The Lyrids is a medium strength shower that usually produces good rates for three nights centered on the maximum. These meteors also usually lack persistent trains but can produce fireballs. They are best seen from the northern hemisphere where the radiant is high in the sky at dawn. Activity from this shower can be seen… Read More »Lyrids
At this event, we'll be focusing mainly on Virgo Cluster galaxies, as these are currently high in the sky. Chad Leader and Conrad Terrill will be doing the imaging from telescopes set up in their back yards. Conrad will be doing close-up imaging and Chad will handle wide-field views. All are welcome to join the… Read More »Virtual Star Party
The Eta Aquariids are a strong shower when viewed from the southern hemisphere. From the equator northward, they usually only produce medium rates of 10–30 per hour just before dawn. Although the shower is active April 19–May 28, activity is best around the peak on May 4–5. For more information on meteor showers, visit the… Read More »Eta Aquariids
Astronomy Day is a biannual event held in the United States and other countries. It is intended to promote interest in astronomy and interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups, and professionals. The day is observed in the spring and the fall. Astronomy Day in the spring always falls on a Saturday… Read More »Astronomy Day
A total lunar eclipse will take place on the morning of May 26. Unfortunately, the moon will set for viewers in the eastern US before totality is reached. The farther west people are in the US, the more of the eclipse they will be able to see, with viewers on the West Coast being able… Read More »Lunar Eclipse
ASG member Kevin A. Wilson will present on ancient Babylonian astronomical texts. Astronomy began in ancient Mesopotamia, and we have a rich record of star catalogues and planetary observations from Sumeria, Babylon, and Assyria. An overview of these texts will be provide, followed by a more in-depth discussion of observations of Venus from the 17th… Read More »June Meeting: Ancient Babylonian Astronomical Texts
The Alpha Capricornids are active from July 3–August 15 with a maximum centered on July 28. This shower is not very strong and rarely produces in excess of five shower members per hour. What is notable about this shower is the number of bright fireballs produced during its activity period. For more information on meteor… Read More »Alpha Capricornids
ASG Vice President Anwar Al-Mallah will present the latest updates to the astronomy simulation software he has previously shown to the club. These programs will include Universe Sandbox, Space Engine, Stellarium, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. New features in Universe Sandbox include the ability to model climate and cloud cover more accurately. The graphics quality in… Read More »July Meeting: Astronomy Simulation Software