Category: News

News and Updates

  • M87 black hole

    M87 black hole

    Tom Finkenbinder provided this information to go along the feature image and the Skynet and multi-messenger Astronomy slide presentation: Shortly before the presentation I made at AHSP 2018 at Spruce Knob last Fall, I asked for ideas from the Skynet team at UNC about the radio astronomy features they added to the network with the refurbished 20 meter radio telescope at NRAO Greenbank.  They encouraged me to have a look at M87, the data products are accessible through this link.  Ignore Read more […]
  • Lunar Eclipse Photography

    Lunar Eclipse Photography

    Here’s a great presentation that our member Dan Ward has updated for the upcoming lunar eclipse.

  • NOVAC 2019 Election Results

    NOVAC 2019 Election Results

    On Sunday those present at the general meeting elected 2019’s club officers: President: Chris Kagy Vice President: Alan Goldberg Treasurer: Paul Derby Secretary: John McDonnell Trustee: George Doschek (2 yr term) Trustee: Paul Severance (2 yr term) Trustee: Arlen Raasch (2 yr term) The term office will begin on January 1, 2019. The next general meeting is scheduled for January 13, in Room 163 of Research Hall on the campus of George Mason University. The year-end Read more […]
  • The Ironman’s Tips for Staying Comfortable While Observing in Cold Weather

    The Ironman’s Tips for Staying Comfortable While Observing in Cold Weather

    It’s getting to be that time a year again! So I thought putting this info front and center would be good. Read more […]
  • Regional Star Parties Updated!

    Regional Star Parties Updated!

    Getting a jump on this coming years Star Party planning? Well I have updated the regional star parties list as best I can based on updated links and what information certain clubs had available at the time. The page still needs to have some formatting updated but the dates are updates as of  9/19/2018.

  • AHSP 2018 General Registration is live!

    AHSP 2018 General Registration is live!

    As many of you may know, 2018 marks our fourteenth year for the Almost Heaven Star Party (AHSP). It’s is my pleasure to announce, on behalf of the Almost Heaven Star Party organizing team, that general registration for the 2018 event is now live! AHSP 2018 begins on Friday, September 7 and ends the morning of Tuesday, September 11. The timing of this year’s event allows participants to enjoy four observing nights.   Registration base fee is $85 during the early period Read more […]
  • Great Meadow Public Night is Cancelled

    Great Meadow Public Night is Cancelled

    In light of the rainy forecast, tonight’s public night is cancelled for tonight, 4/15/2018.

     Ray Young
     Great Meadow site coordinator

  • NOVAC General Meeting – Sunday April 8, at 7:00 PM at GMU

    NOVAC General Meeting – Sunday April 8, at 7:00 PM at GMU

    Come join NOVAC members to hear Dr. Tom Fowler from the George Mason University speak. Guests are welcome at our meetings. Topic: Electronically Assisted Astronomy For amateur astronomers today it is “the best of times and the worst of times,” to paraphrase Dickens. We have at our disposal a veritable banquet of sophisticated equipment, much of it superior in quality to most professional equipment of a few generations ago. But we also have the plague of light pollution, negating Read more […]
  • April 2018 is Global Astronomy Month!

    April 2018 is Global Astronomy Month!

    Throughout the month of April members of the public will be joining with amateur clubs around the world in this global celebration of astronomy.   Our own organization, the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) will host its Astronomy Day event on Saturday, April 21st at C.M. Crockett Park giving members of the public a rare opportunity to experience safe views of our star, the Sun, unique on-field activities, special talks on astronomy and space exploration as well as amazing views Read more […]
  • Cancelled C.M. Crockett Public Night

    Cancelled C.M. Crockett Public Night

    Cancelling the public night for C. M Crockett Park scheduled for tonight. This is a tough call. Weather forecasts don’t agree as of 08:00. The Clear Sky Chart forecast says skies will clear to 20% coverage at 17:00 and then clear completely by 19:00. Forecasts by WeatherUnderground, Weather_Channel and Weather.com show clearing later with the possibility of a late shower. Local TV weather forecasts vary, too. Of most concern is forecasts of 5% to 30% possibility of precipitation until as late Read more […]