Category: News
News and Updates
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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 […] -
Mysteries of Lyra
Lyra is a prominent and fascinating constellation that passes overhead for us in the mid-northern latitudes. Its visible most of the year. It has one of the brightest stars, Vega. The other bright stars are famous multiples: Epsilon, Zeta, Delta, Beta, Theta, and Eta. It has two bright Messier objects, planetary M57 and globular M56. Every Read more […] -
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 […] -
September 2022 Night Sky
The big news this month is that Jupiter will be in opposition on the 26th and will be the closest distance to Earth in decades. We also have the Autumnal Equinox on the 22nd and the full Moon on the 10th. This month’s full Moon is commonly referred to as the Harvest Moon due to its proximity to the Autumn Equinox, also rising around sunset it is thought to provide extra light for farmers bringing in the harvest. Several planets continue to be visible in September including: Saturn: Rises Read more […] -
August 2022 Night Sky
A short list of interesting events in the August sky with ‘x’ and ‘v’ shapes on the moon, Jovian moon shadows across Jupiter, Saturn at opposition and the Summer Triangle starting to become more easily visible throughout the night. Dates and times based on observing from Alexandria, VA. as predicted using Stellarium. Thursday, August 4 Lunar X and V around 4 PM EDT (daylight) https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/skills/lunar-x-v/ Monday, August 8 Jupiter: shadows of Europa and Ganymede 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
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 […]
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