Analemma Society Programs
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023) Visible in October 2024
jSince the end of September comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS C/2023 has been making news. At the end of September it was visible in the morning sky just before sunrise as seen in the photo at right by Analemma Society member Bill Burton.
Bill took the photo from Shafer Canyon Overlook, Canyon lands National Park on the morning of Sep. 28th, one day after the comet reached perihelion, its closest approach to the sun. Its journey comes once every 80,000 years and this time we're set for a good view. The comet brightness versus twilight peaked between Oct. 11th and 13th.
On the 12th it passed closest to earth, seen low on the western horizon. If predictions are correct, the comet will be brighter than the planet Venus. Dr. Massey of the Royal Astronomical Society suggests, "I think my general advice for hunting something like a comet is use your eyes, but also use a pair of binoculars, sweep around - if it's as bright as expected hopefully it will be fairly obvious to pick up."
The comet will be visible in the western sky just after sunset until the end of October and possibly into early November. If you come to the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm, come early at the opening time of 7:30pm during clear sky Friday public nights and see the comet through our telescopes.
And bing a pair of binoculars. It's a beautiful solar system phenomenon visible to all who look in the western sky.
Sky & Telescope on-line magazine made a chart of where to look for the comet in the evening sky. It will continue to apear higher in the sky as we go through the month of October. But the comet will be travelling farther away from the sun and therefore its head (nucleus) and long tail (coma) will get fainter as the days roll on. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Fall Courses and Events at Observatory Park - 2024
Partial Lunar Eclipse - Public Event
Tuesday September 17 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Come to Observatory Park at Turner Farm and watch a partial lunar eclipse of the harvest moon. Only about 8 percent of the moon will be eclipsed by the earth's shadow, appearing to take a small bite out of the moon. The partial eclipse begins at 10:12 PM EDT, the maximum eclipse will occur at 10:44 PM with the partial eclipse ending at 11:15 PM. Nonetheless, it will be interesting. The planet Saturn will be seen nearby. View the eclipse and the night sky through telescopes. Attendees should dress for the nighttime temperatures and are welcome to bring their own telescopes. Gate will be open at 9:15 PM. The event is weather dependent, and will cancel if raining or heavy cloud cover. Check the main page of this Analemma website https://www.analemma.org/ or @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) for event updates.
Fall Equinox Celebration - Public Event
Sunday September 22 12-noon to 2:00 PM
Come to a Fall Equinox celebration public event at Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Learn about the path of the Sun on the equinox, the seasons of the year, sundials, observe the Sun through solar telescopes, and take a Solar System walk. Event is from 12 Noon to 2 PM on Sunday September 22. School and Scout groups welcome but recommend contacting us in advance via Analemma website email to coordinate. The event is weather dependent, and will cancel if raining. Check the main page of this Analemma website https://www.analemma.org/ or @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) for event updates.
Calendar
Date | Time | Title | Age |
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Fri Oct 4 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Oct 7 2024 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Telescopes | 8-Adult |
Wed Oct 9 2024 | 7:30PM | Looking at the Moon | 8-Adult |
Fri Oct 11 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Tue Oct 15 2024 | 7 PM | Comets: Exotic Visitors to the Inner Solar System | 8-Adult |
Fri Oct 18 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Oct 21 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri Oct 25 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Wed Oct 30 2024 | 7:30PM | Introduction to Astronomy – Night Sky & Constellations | 8-Adult |
Fri Nov 1 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Nov 4 2024 | 7:30PM | Telescope Observing for Beginners | 8-Adult |
Thr Nov 7 2024 | 7:30PM | Stargazing with Binoculars | 8-Adult |
Fri Nov 8 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sun Nov 10 2024 | 4:30PM | Scout Astronomy Merit Badge | Scouts |
Mon Nov 11 2024 | 7:30PM | Planet Adventure Night | 6-Adult |
Fri Nov 15 2024 | 7:30PM - 9:30PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Sat Nov 16 2024 | 5:00-7:30PM | Astronomy Festival | All Ages |
Wed Nov 20 2024 | 7:30PM | Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory | 8-Adult |
Fri Nov 22 2024 | 8:00PM-10:00PM | Free Public Night Observing | All Ages |
Mon Nov 25 2024 | 7:30PM | Find Your Way in the Night Sky: Intro to Star Maps | 8-Adult |
Fri Nov 29 2024 | --- | Thanksgiving Holiday - No Public Night Observing | --- |
Register at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/.
Locate our astronomy programs under Turner Farm Park (place selection) at the FCPA Parktakes website. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Our events and programs are under “Science and Technology” or “Events” category. Age range for our Parktakes programs is 8 to Adult unless otherwise stated. You must register for these classes in advance.
The Parktakes programs are held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory unless otherwise stated.
Free Public Night Observing on Friday Nights and special public events do not require registration.
Please dress appropriately for the outside weather. The nighttime programs will include night sky tours and looking through telescopes. Check the @AnalemmaSociety twitter account and http://www.analemma.org/Analemma observing tab for update tweets prior to the event.
Roll-Top Program Descriptions
Introduction to Astronomy
Instructors Analemma Society Staff
This program provides a general introduction to some fundamentals of astronomy and the universe we see in the sky around us. We will discuss the basic types of astronomical objects from the small to the large, the motions of the planets and stars, and interesting phenomena we can observe in the sky. The program covers different subjects in astronomy from class to class. Classroom discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Introduction To Telescopes
Instructors: Alan Figgatt and the Analemma Society Staff
Now that you have received a new telescope, how do you set it up and use it? Or are you considering buying a telescope? This class goes into introductory basics of Astronomy, observing the sky, and what you need to know to setup and use your telescope. Will provide hands-on use of telescopes and observing objects in the sky in the Roll-Top Observatory if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescope for assistance and advice. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Telescope Observing for Beginners
Instructors: Analemma Society Staff
This class covers for beginner and less experienced telescope users the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources you might use. Will provide hands-on observing with telescopes if the weather allows. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and for assistance. Supplements the “Introduction to Telescopes” class but can be taken independently. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Night Sky Tour at the Roll-Top Observatory
Instructor: Analemma Society Staff
This program is a fun tour of planets, constellations, stars, nebulas, and galaxies in the night sky that can be seen with the eye and in telescopes. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe around our planet. The classroom discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. If inclement weather, then we may offer a virtual sky tour. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Astronomy Festival
Instructors: Analemma Society & Riverbend Staff, FCPA
Saturday, November 16, 5 PM - 7:30 PM
We will have additional Astronomy Festivals in the Winter season.
Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through telescopes, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations round the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate and snacks available for purchase. The Festival is held at Observatory Park at Turner Farm and the Roll-Top Observatory. Event is canceled if raining or snowing. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Stargazing with Binoculars
Instructor: Dan Ward
Thursday, November 7, 7:30 PM
Binoculars offer a fine introduction to the sights that lie in our night sky. Learn about different types of binoculars and how to use them to find planets, galaxies, star clusters, nebulae and to visually stroll through the beautiful star fields of the Milky Way. Attendees are welcome to bring binoculars. Program includes an observing session to help you find objects visible in the night sky, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Finding Your Way in the Night Sky: Intro to Star Maps
Instructor: Cal Powell
Monday, November 25, 7:30 PM
This presentation will cover an introduction to sky coordinates, how astronomical objects are represented on maps of the sky, and how to read star maps to find your way among the stars in the sky. The talk will be illustrated by a variety of star atlases. The discussion is followed by an observing session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Looking at the Moon
Instructor: Cal Powell
Wednesday, October 9, 7:30 PM
This program covers basic information about the Earth's natural satellite, the Moon. Learn how to view and recognize features on the Moon's surface even with a small telescope. The class includes observing the Moon and other objects in the night sky with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Comets: Exotic Visitors to the Inner Solar System
Instructor: Bill Burton
Tuesday, October 15, 7 PM
Comets are fascinating objects that make infrequent visits to our celestial neighborhood and don’t stay for long. Originating in the far reaches of the solar system as clumps of ice and dust, comets undergo a remarkable transformation as they approach the sun and are heated by its radiation. Explore the life history of a comet and celebrate great comets of the past. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session with telescopes, weather permitting. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Planet Adventure Night
Instructor: Analemma Society Staff
Monday, November 11, 7 PM
This program is a tour of the planets and moons of our Solar System which are viewable in the current night sky. The classroom discussion is followed by an observatory session of planets and the stars beyond in telescopes, weather permitting. No knowledge of astronomy is needed, just an interest in learning about the universe. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Scout Astronomy Merit Badge
Instructor: Bridget McArdle
Sunday, November 10, 4:30 PM
This program satisfies most of the requirements to earn the Astronomy Merit Badge. Information on homework and details on what to bring is provided at the on-line registration form. The program will be held in the Roll-Top observatory at Turner Farm Park. Be sure to register at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
Fall - Public Observing on Friday Nights
Observatory Park at Turner Farm
The Analemma Society holds Friday Night Public Viewing Sessions at Turner Farm in Great Falls, VA.
Hours will remain until next Spring.
We maintain 4 telescopes in the Roll-Top Observatory for public viewing. In addition, we continue to invite the public to bring their own telescopes and set up outside the Roll-Top or as the weather warms, bring their own binoculars for observing on the grass. There is a lot to see in the night sky.
These public observing sessions at Observatory Park are open to all. Check the Event Notice box on this website or @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly twitter) under the Observing Update Tweets link for open or cancel updates on the Friday public viewing sessions. The Observing Page also has sky weather updates. Wear appropriate clothing - nights can be very chilly. The Roll-Top observatory has an enclosed classroom, but the observatory room is not heated and is open to the sky.
Breaking the Attendance Record
The combination of Scout Groups and Green Comet watchers brought 285 visitors and students to Observatory Park at Turner Farm on a very cold (18 deg and windy) Friday Night on February 3rd. At the end of May on a clear Firday night we had close to 300 visitors. For the Perseid Meteor Shower last August we had more than 2000 visitors at Observatory Park, Turner Farm. Come join us. And, don't forget to sign up with Fairfax County Parktakes for courses at Observatory Park at our Roll-Top Observatory and Educational Classroom at Turner Farm
Here's what's up in the sky for October 2024
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Viewing
There are 4 telescopes set up for viewing in the Roll-Top observatory including a 7" high quality refractor. For public sessions, we may also have telescopes set up outside the building along the walkway to look through. Members of the public are welcome to bring their own telescopes and set them up as well. If you bring your own telescope equipment and have not been at one of our public sessions before, we recommend you contact one of the volunteers first upon arrival so we can guide you on where to set up.
When you pull into the access road leading into the park, follow the road to the parking lot that will be to the left. Please put your headlights on low when entering the parking lot. All visitors must park in the parking lot. Enter through the pedestrian gate in the Northwest corner of the parking lot and follow the walkway up to the Roll-Top building (the squat building with the moveable roof). For public sessions, the Analemma Society will have a coordinator present to greet people and provide directions. But if the coordinator is busy or providing assistance inside the building, enter through the gray door on the walkway side of the Roll-Top building.
These events are very weather dependent. Check the Event Notice box on this website or the @AnalemmaSociety (formerly twitter) account under the Observing Update Tweets link for open or cancel updates on the Friday public viewing sessions.
Note: We have had several requests asking about bringing their dog to the park. Dogs are not allowed into the Roll-Top or RATO observatories and classroom unless they are service dogs. Having your well behaved dog outside on a leash is allowed by the FCPA. Picking up after your dog is a must.
Note: Fairfax County Park policy: no alcohol or marijuana in the park. Thank you.
Observatory Park has a New Telescope
Observatory Park at Turner Farm has a new telescope officially described as a "GSO 16 f/8 Ritchey-Chretien" telescope, purchased from Highpoint Scientific. The telescope is an open-tube truss (called a Serrurier truss) made of light-weight carbon fiber that holds the 16-inch quartz primary mirror. The RC assembly by Guan Sheng Optical (GSO) offers both visual observing and astronomical imaging.
The Ritchey-Chretien optical design means that both the primary mirror and secondary mirror are hyperbolic, a unique design that prevents both coma and chromatic aberation. The f/8 is the aperture ratio of primary mirror diameter to focal length, requiring the 16 inch mirror to have a tube that is about 45 inches long
Even though the mechanical design uses an open-tube truss, the primary mirror is mounted in a cell that is heavily baffled to prevent stray light and has cooling fans to provide temperature stability. The secondary mirror at the top of the open-tube truss is also baffled to prevent stray light.
Analemma Society selected this fine telescope to provide not only visual observing, but remote telescopic operation using CCD/CMOS cameras for astronomical imaging of the moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
Photo Credit: Bill Burton
Analemma Society covered by NBC on-line News
Emily Hung and crew from NBC created a 5-minute piece on light pollution, one of a series of 5-minute videos called Washington Wonders. At the beginning, Analemma Society President Jeff Kretsch is interviewed about seeing the night and providing astronomical outreach to the public (historic images of Observatory Park supplied by Christina Tyler Wenks. Tom Reinert, President of Dark Sky International discussed the impact of light pollution on wildlife and the importance of educating the public. Jill Johnson of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and Anne Lewis, Co-Founder of City Wildlife, focused on the brightening night sky's impact on migratory birds. Emily Hung commented in an email to Analemma Society,"Thank you for your patience and taking the time to share your expertise of the subject! My colleagues are currently working to get the story on NBC’s digital page..." Meanwhile, she shared an advanced copy of the NBC video intended for their on-line magazine with Analemma Society, presented below and temporaroily available at f.io/WhWV9Uwu
Circumzenithal Arc to End the Year
Dr. Jeff Kretsch frequents Observatory Park at Turner Farm and on the last day of 2023 took this photo of the sun's circumzenithal arc (sometimes called Bravais' arc) about 48 degrees from the sun, showing a rainbow of color. The arc (actually part of a circular halo) is created by plate-shaped ice crystals in the Cirrus clouds. The center of the arc appears to be at zenith (hence its name). For the sun angles to refract from the ice crystals to an observer on the earth, the elevation of the sun must be less than 32 degrees above the horizon. Note that blue is "on top" and red is "on the bottom". A normal rainbow created by water droplets has red on top.
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day - 19 Dec 2023
One of our Analemma Society volunteers, Steven Powell, is a dedicated astronomical observer. In a recent email, he said, "I'm happy to say that my 32 hour exposure image of the California nebula [NGC 1499] will be displayed as the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day on December 19th." You can find the full-size image on the NASA website: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap231219.html At right is a small thumbnail view.
His photograph and hundreds of other spectacular views of the cosmos can be found in the NASA Astronomical Picture of the Day archive at: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
Analemma Society honored with FCPA Harold Strickland Partnership Award
The Fairfax County Park Authority awarded Analemma Society the 2023 Harold Strickland Award for Collaboration and Partnership for creating programming for Observatory Park visitors that minimizes or eliminates park bond funding. This award, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp3VeBj4P-8, is decades in the making with a growing number of patrons and programs.
In the past 5 years, Analemma Society has worked with more than 18,000 visitors at Observatory Park. Analemma Society volunteers donate more than 1,800 volunteer hours per year, fundraise for telescope purchases and maintain scientific equipment, as well as provide education and programs and festivals that teach science, technology, engineering and math through astronomy at Observatory Park in Great Falls, Virginia.
This year's ceremony featured a tribute to the vision and years of dedication of Analemma Society late founder Charles Olin https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. Fairfax County Park Authority Dranesville district representatives Timothy Hackman presented the Harold Strickland Award to Christina Tyler Wenks, who accepted the award for Analemma Society and was also named an outstanding volunteer. The award was given to Charles's wife, Jacqueline Olin, as the couple founded Analemma Society and Observatory Park together.
More information about the Elly Doyle Awards and recipients may be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/awards/ellydoyle. These videos were produced by Fairfax County Channel 16 and are shared with permission in celebration of the work of the many Analemma Society volunteers.
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