Announcements

Reminder for Astrophotography Special Interest Group Meeting

This is just a friendly reminder that the Astrophotography Special Interest Group Meeting (astrophotography event) is scheduled for Jan 08, 2019, 07:00 PM. Please come out and join us!

There has been a change in schedule for speakers for this month (the originally scheduled talk for this month has been moved to March).  We are fortunate that renowned astrophotographer and Technical Services Manager at Planewave Instruments, Matt Dieterich, will be in town and has graciously agreed to speak to our group!  He will be giving a talk entitled, "Nightscapes, How Can Our Astroimages Transcend the Digital World?"  We look forward to seeing you all there!

Astronomy Education with Puerto Rico

Eric Muhs spoke at the November membership meeting about a non-profit group helping restore astronomy education in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

“Astronomy Education with Puerto Rico” is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. On January 9, 2019 they are launching a nationwide fundraising campaign to raise money for two very specific projects: the projector equipment in Puerto Rico’s only major planetarium, and the construction of a modest public access observatory in San Juan. You can find more information and donate at aewpr.org.    

Cancellation for Third Quarter Moon Members-Only Star Party

This Third Quarter Moon Members-Only Star Party (star party event) scheduled for Dec 29, 2018, 06:00 PM is cancelled due to inclement weather.

Stargazing in Seattle - January's Morning Planets

Jupiter joins Venus to provide a pair of morning stars low in the southeast before dawn at the beginning of January. Jupiter shines at magnitude -1.8, which is brighter than Sirius, the brightest true star in the sky. Venus is dazzling at magnitude -4.5, about ten times brighter than Jupiter. At about 6:40 am (the beginning of nautical dawn) during the first week of January, look for Jupiter about seven degrees above the southeastern horizon. Venus is 15 degrees above and to the right of Jupiter. Venus moves closer to Jupiter each day, passing within two and a half degrees of Jupiter on January 22. After the 15th, Jupiter and Venus switch positions, with Venus now below and to the left of Jupiter. Throughout January, both planets remain more than ten degrees above the horizon at the beginning of nautical dawn. A thin crescent moon joins this planetary duo at the beginning of the month (January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd) and again at month's end. On January 1, the morning of New Year’s Day, a thin crescent moon will be placed only four degrees above and to the right of Venus. On January 2nd the moon will be located between Venus and Jupiter.  On January 31st, a thin crescent moon will be within a degree and a half of Venus.

Stargazing in Seattle times and positions are adjusted for Seattle’s location (47.6N, 122.3W) and are useful throughout the Pacific Northwest. Distances in the sky are expressed in terms of the angle your eye sweeps between the two locations. For example, clench your fist and hold it out at arms length, with the back of your hand facing you. The width covered is about 10 degrees. Three fingers cover five degrees.

Reminder for Mars Insight Update

This is just a friendly reminder that the Mars Insight Update (general meetings event) is scheduled for Dec 19, 2018, 07:00 PM. Please come out and join us!

The monthly general meeting is as always, Open to the Public. Prior to the General Meeting, SAS volunteer staff offer a welcome table from 7:00PM to 7:30PM. New member and guests are invited to ask questions and meet some of the existing members. All attendees are welcome to stop by, have a cookie, and (if available) make a name tag to help everyone get to know you better. The meeting begins at 7:30pm with SAS business, followed by the lecture.