The latest issue of the StarGazer offers an informal journal of RAClub member experiences observing the Great Solar Eclipse of August 2017. It records the impressions and photos of members who observed it in a variety of locations–most in the path of totality and few in the Fredericksburg area. Although we all watched the same event, each person had his/her own personal context. And for some who saw it for the first time, it was impetus to begin thinking about how to get to the viewing area for the next one in 2024. Click the newspaper icon on the right of this page to read all about it!
Category Archives: News
Mark Slade Remote Observatory Dedication Picnic – Oct. 21
Saturday, October 21, 4-9 PM– Myron Wasiuta will host a dedication ceremony in his backyard for the Mark Slade Remote Observatory (MSRO). Food and drinks will be provided; however, if you would like to bring something to grill or a dessert or side dish, that would be appreciated! Menu will include burgers and hot dogs. Tours of the MSRO will be given as well as an opportunity to see it in action. If the weather is clear, there will be telescope viewing in the evening after dark. Please RSVP to Myron no later than Friday, October 20, at myrnteryx4@aol.com with the number of people who will be attending as well as any dietary requests or restrictions. All RAC members are invited–however, because this is not a public event, please bring only immediate family members unless other prior arrangements are made with Myron in advance.
How to Detect What Stars Are Made Of–Next RAC Meeting, Oct. 11–Special Date!
Our next meeting is on Wednesday, October 11, the 2nd rather than 3rd week of the month. This is a one-time change. Come hear about Bart Billard’s new amateur-friendly interferometer and what it can do. Interferometers are powerful instruments in determining chemical composition of stars and assisting in detecting stellar motion. The meeting will be from 7-9 PM in Room 2 of the Fredericksburg branch of the Central Rappahannock LIbrary at 1201 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Hope you can attend!
Eclipse Experiences–Next RAC Meeting, Sept. 20–New Location!
Come hear about everyone’s experiences viewing the solar eclipse last month. Quite a few members were set up in different locations along the path of totality, from Oregon to the coast of South Carolina. There will also be reports on new science done by some of our members during the eclipse. Please note that the meeting will be in a new location, Room 2 of the Fredericksburg branch of the Central Rappahannock LIbrary at 1201 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The meeting will be from 7-9 pm as usual. Hope you can attend!
Eclipse Event at Porter Library on August 21
View the solar eclipse safely! From 1 to 4 pm on Monday, August 21, RAC member David Abbou, in conjunction with the Porter LIbrary, will present an eclipse viewing event for the public. He will have a limited number of solar glasses designed to safely view the eclipse. David will also provide views of the eclipse through his solar-filter-protected telescope. The library is located at 2001 Parkway Boulevard in Stafford.
July 2017 StarGazer Newsletter–Info and Tips on Viewing the Solar Eclipse
This issue marks the 6th anniversary of the new StarGazer. This issue contains lots of useful info on the solar eclipse coming up in August. There’s also a report on the Almost Heaven Star Party (Spruce Knob, WV) and a guide to the most popular observatories in southern Arizona. A new feature is RAC News Briefs…short announcements of what’s new in the club. Continuing features include astronomy math, descriptions of meeting presentations for the last quarter, and the Picture of the Quarter. Click the “newspaper” icon to the right.