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- Category: Observing Program
Well, alignment is perhaps an overused word. But during late January and into February six planets will be visible
as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are all visible in the night sky. Uranus and Neptune can't be seen without binoculars or a telescope. That leaves Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn to put on a show.
Venus and Saturn are very close together in the south-west sky. High in the south above the constellation of Orion, you'll see Jupiter shining bright. High in the east is the red planet Mars. No need to rush, but join us on Friday nights 7:30-9:30pm for free public observing through telescopes at Observatory Park, Turner Farm. (Observing is weather dependent. Check here at the website for our notice or check @AnalemmaSociety on X (formerly Twitter) or on the AS Facebook account. Best to check before driving to the park and finding that we're not open because of poor or very cold weather. )
The four planets will be visible during January and February. Jupiter and Mars will be visible through the Spring. Take care for outside observing and dress warmly. No reservations required. Or, register to come to the Astronomy Festival on the evening of February 15. For the Astronomy Festival, registar at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes/
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- Category: Observing Program
Ever wonder what telescope to buy? Refractor, Reflector ... Big Scope or a Little Scope ... Dobsonian Mount ... or maybe just a good pair of binoculars and a star catalog. As they say, this isn't rocket science. Here's an excellent article: So You Wanna Buy a Telescope - Advice For Beginners by Ed Ting. Ed walks through the type of telescopes and eyepieces and even the types of binoculars that will help you get started with a great view of the sky.
"The simplicity part is important...Beginners need early success, and the 6" or 8" aperture is big enough to throw up a bright image of most common celestial objects."