Astronomers of Humboldt

Upcoming Events

The Astronomers of Humboldt are now scheduling observation meetings for Club members and guests on the weekend nearest the new moon. And, in addition, we are holding Zoom meetings for members on most weekends nearest the full moon.

Next events:

Saturday November 30. Observing at Kneeland. Weather permitting, we will meet at Kneeland Airport. Before you go, check the weather forecast, the Kneeland Clear Sky Chart, the GOES West satellite imagery (single frame or timelapse), the air quality index, and the Kneeland Airport Sky Cam. And check back here for any last-minute changes. Dress appropriately and arrive in time to set up before dark. Sunset will be at 4:49 pm.
Saturday December 7. Jupiter Opposition. Jupiter is due south at midnight, which means it is in the sky for the entire night.
Thursday-Friday December 12-13. Geminid Meteor Shower. According to the American Meteor Society, "The Geminids are usually the strongest meteor shower of the year and meteor enthusiasts are certain to circle December 13 and 14 on their calendars. This is the one major shower that provides good activity prior to midnight as the constellation of Gemini is well placed from 22:00 onward. The Geminids are often bright and intensely colored. Due to their medium-slow velocity, persistent trains are not usually seen. ... In 2024, a nearly full moon will greatly reduce the number of meteors seen. If your skies are clear and transparent, you can still see many bright meteors by facing a direction with the moon at your back."
Saturday December 14. AOH meeting on Zoom. We will hold a Zoom meeting from 7 to 9 pm. Login information will be sent to all dues-paying members.
Wednesday December 18. Night Sky Network Webinar. "2024 Astronomy Picture of the Day" with Dr. Robert Nemiroff at 6 pm. AOH members can get more information at the Members' Webinar page.
Saturday December 21. Winter Solstice. At 1:21 am the Sun reaches its greatest southern declination in Earth's sky, giving us Northerners the year's shortest day and longest night. Traditionally, this day marks the beginning of astronomical winter.
Saturday-Sunday December 21-22. Ursid Meteor Shower. According to the American Meteor Society, "The Ursids are often neglected due to the fact it peaks just before Christmas and the rates are much less than the Geminds, which peaks just a week before the Ursids. Observers will normally see 5-10 Ursids per hour during the late morning hours on the date of maximum activity. There have been occasional outbursts when rates have exceeded 25 per hour. These outbursts appear unrelated to the perihelion dates of comet 8P/Tuttle. ... In 2024, a half-illuminated moon will be present in the morning sky and will obscure the fainter meteors."
Tuesday December 24. Greatest Western Elongation of Mercury. Mercury rises at 6 am and by 7 am is shining at magnitude 0 in the southeast at an altitude of 10 degrees. Look for it well below and far to the left of the crescent Moon (note the first-magnitude star Spica right next to the Moon).
Saturday December 28. Observing at Kneeland. Weather permitting. Check back here later for details.

Dues-paying members can get a downloadable and printable calendar of current astronomical events, historical events, and AOH activities here.

Here are links to some west coast star parties: California Dark Sky Festival [at https://www.easternsierraobservatory.com/california-dark-sky-festival], Golden State Star Party [at http://www.goldenstatestarparty.org/], Joshua Tree Night Sky Festival [at https://www.skysthelimit29.org/night-sky-festival.html], Nightfall Star Party [at http://nightfallstarparty.com/], Oregon Star Party [at http://www.oregonstarparty.org/], Yosemite Glacier Point Starry Night Skies [at https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/naturalist-walks-programs/#collapse-26967.