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:

• Thursday August 27. Night Sky Network Webinar. Join the NASA Night Sky Network at 5:00 PM Pacific Time for a special panel on the life and legacy of Dr. Nancy Grace Roman, as part of the Astro Society's "Astronomy @ 250" conference! The panel will explore Dr. Roman’s scientific vision, leadership, philanthropy, and enduring influence on astronomy. You can register to watch live on Zoom or you can watch (without registering) live or later on YouTube.
• Thursday August 27. Partial Lunar Eclipse. In Humboldt County, the Moon will rise at 7:48 pm, already partially eclipsed. The maximum eclipse, with 96% of the Moon in shadow, occurs at 9:13 pm. The partial phase ends at 10:52 pm, and the penumbral phase ends at 12:02 am (August 28). If you are clouded out try the livestreams from Griffith Observatory or Time and Date.
• Saturday September 12. Observing at Kneeland. Weather permitting, we will hold our regular September observing session 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 Barry Ridge Webcam, and check back here for any last-minute updates. Dress warmly and arrive in time to set up before dark. Sunset will be at 7:30 pm.
• Saturday September 19. International Observe the Moon Night. We will set up observation stations at various locations to invite the general public to participate. Details to follow.
• Tuesday September 22. Autumn Equinox. At 5:05 pm the equatorial plane of planet Earth sweeps northward across the center of the Sun, making the Sun appear to be moving into the southern hemisphere of Earth's sky. On our human calendars, this event marks the beginning of northern hemisphere Autumn, and southern hemisphere Spring.
• Friday September 25. Opposition of Neptune. The planet Neptune, at magnitude 7.7, appears directly opposite the Sun in the night sky. Here's a finder chart. Watch it for a few days as it glides past an 8.7 magnitude star.
• Saturday September 26. AOH Zoom Meeting. Login information will be sent to all dues-paying members.

Dues-paying members can get a downloadable and printable calendar of current astronomical events, historical events, and AOH activities here [at https://www.astrohum.org/members_only/calendar.php].

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 https://www.goldenstatestarparty.org/], Joshua Tree Night Sky Festival [at https://www.skysthelimit29.org/night-sky-festival.html], Nightfall Star Party [at https://nightfallstarparty.com/], Oregon Star Party [at https://www.oregonstarparty.org/], Yosemite Glacier Point Starry Night Skies [at https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/naturalist-walks-programs/#collapse-26967.