Author: Paul Severance

  • NOVAC Public Meeting, 1/14/24, 7:30pm EST

    NOVAC Public Meeting, 1/14/24, 7:30pm EST

    Join NOVAC as we welcome Dr. Kate Russo, eclipse chaser, astronomy enthusiast, and by profession, noted psychologist. Embark on an interesting exploration of the human psyche with Kate, founder of Being in the Shadow. With 25 years dedicated to eclipse chasing, encompassing 13 total eclipses and 3 annular eclipses, Kate brings forth a wealth of experience and narratives encapsulating the ineffable aspects of totality—awe, fear, euphoria, and connectedness. Kate introduces her latest research endeavor, Read more […]

  • NOVAC Public Meeting, 10/9/22

    Learn about the formation of supermassive black holes and what exciting new discoveries await us from the James Webb Telescope.  Join NOVAC and one of the leading astrophysists in this field of study, Dr. Jenny Greene, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University. When: 10/9/22, 7:30pm EDT Where:  Dr. Greene will present virtually.  Those interested may meet at George Mason University, Exploratory Hall, Room 3301 (arrive as early at 6:30pm). For those wishing Read more […]

  • Jeff Ball – Almost Heaven Star Party, 2022

    It was glorious to see astronomers and their gear on the fields of Experience Learning Center in August 2022 for the Almost Heave Star Party – a sold out event last held in 2019.  Here is a short summary and video capturing my experience during the four day event. I had a wonderful time catching up with old friends and getting acquainted with new ones at this year’s Almost Heaven Star Party (AHSP).  This event brings together the best folks who are all passionate about astronomy and Read more […]
  • A Sketcher’s Experience at AHSP

    A Sketcher’s Experience at AHSP

    NOVAC member Elizabeth McGovern Assink provides a glimpse into her experience at the Almost Heaven Star Party (AHSP) through sketching.   What a great way to tell a personal story about this year’s AHSP at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center in West Virginia.  Read her story here and improve your sketching skills too! NOVAC AHSP 2022 – Beginner astro sketching at Spruce Knob, by: Elizabeth McGovern Assink (eamcgovern@gmail.com) I just came back from my first NOVAC Read more […]

  • Public Meeting – 11 Sep at 7:30pm EDT

    Join NOVAC astrophotographers, Mitch Stover, Chris Kagy, and Juan Marin Otero for a engaging discussion of astrophotography – how they got started, what they recommend for new amateurs, and decisions they made on gear selection, techniques, and targets. There will also be a show ‘n tell so you can ask all your questions concerning their setups – scopes, mounts, and cameras.    This promises to be a great way for beginners to see how it’s done and discover a roadmap for themselves on Read more […]

  • Public Monthly Meeting – 8/14, 7:30pm EDT

    Join NOVAC and Eithne McDonald from Columbia University for a talk about NASA’s exciting Lucy mission – the first space mission to explore the population of small bodies known as the Trojans. These primitive bodies hold vital clues to deciphering the history of our Solar System and the origins of organic materials on Earth.  Title: The NASA Lucy Mission: Exploring Jupiter’s Trojan Asteroids   Here’s how to join: NOVAC General Meetings Sunday, August 14 · 7:30 – 9:00pm Google Read more […]

  • Webb First Light Tech Forum

    Join us for an informal discussion on the science and technology behind the recently released James Webb images.  These early images illustrate Webb’s amazing capabilities.   What do we know and how can we apply what we see to begin to address some of the popular questions in astronomy?    Beyond the five or so images that were recently made public, the Space Telescope Science Institute has released other versions of images which provide some additional information on how they Read more […]
  • Jeff Ball Productions

    Jeff Ball Productions

    Meet Jeff Ball, NOVAC member, West Virginia resident and one of the best choreographers of astrophotography, drone video, nature photography, and music out there!   He combines it all into some very special, well conceived videos.   The best way to meet Jeff is to watch them.   They’re amazing! Here are a few of Jeff’s recent videos where he’ll take you on an astrophotography journey to some dark skies and some fantastic nature vistas. Check them out and subscribe to Jeff’s YouTube channel Read more […]

  • The Hubble Space Telescope–a Long Term Perspective

    Join the Westminster Astronomical Society’s next virtual talk on 13 July at 7:30pm EDT.  The topic is: “The Hubble Space Telescope – a Long Term Perspective”. Title: “The Hubble Space Telescope–a Long Term Perspective“ Larry Dunham (HST Chief Systems Engineer) and Dr. Ken Carpenter (NASA, HST Project Scientist) will provide the talk.   NOVAC is welcome to join this Zoom meeting offered by one of our fellow astronomy clubs in the DMV, the Westminster Astronomical Society. Speaker Read more […]

  • Last call for NOVAC’s “Sweet Sixteen” telescope

    About 21 years ago, a group of NOVAC ATMs (amateur telescope makers) led by John Avellone combined surplus optics into a 16” diameter Dobsonian. The telescope build effort was described in an article in a 2001 NOVAC Newsletter.  Continue reading for additional technical information and your opportunity to acquire the Sweet 16! This telescope was an interesting design experiment, but not very practical as intended for star parties.   The scope has been in storage for a number of years and with Read more […]