RAS and Francis Emma Inc. will host a skywatch and a talk at Belmead on the James in Powhatan. Astronomers and visitors are welcome to set up their telescopes in the paved area near the mansion and observe as long as they like, but no telescope is required, just an interest in the night sky. … Read more
Solar eclipse tomorrow afternoon-Warning: Don’t stare. Even at maximum eclipse, a sliver of sun peeking out from behind the Moon can still cause pain and eye damage. Direct viewing should only be attempted with the aid of a safe solar filter. More info here, including how to see multiple images with your fingers. http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/17oct_sunseteclipse/
At the Fall picnic we were treated to great food, marvelous company and some extremely comfortable temperatures along with beautiful views in the afternoon. Clouds prevented astronomical observing until about 11:00 PM when they parted and offered a beautiful, clear, dark sky. Many, many thanks to all of our members, friends and guests who attended … Read more
RAS member Bryan Hartley captured some great images of the lunar eclipse in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. Enjoy! Thanks to Bryan for sharing his images!
John Goss, president of the Astronomical League, found an item in a 1950 issue of the Astronomical League’s magazine, The Reflector. The news item welcomes the Richmond Astronomical Society into the League! Image below courtesy of John Goss. For more information about the Astronomical League and the benefits it offers, visit http://www.astroleague.org/. Membership in the … Read more
According to Spaceweather.com: “The first of two CMEs expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field on Sept. 12th arrived on schedule. Although the geomagnetic storm it provoked was technically only minor (G1-class), Northern Lights were observed as far south as Arizona.” Spaceweather further reports: “A second and potentially more powerful CME is still en route. … Read more
Did the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Mission just find a Gamma-Ray Burst originating in Andromeda? Turns out the answer is no, but it’s still interesting. Read more here.
Were ripples in the fabric of space time truly discovered this past March? This is a World Science Festival live stream event, enabling you to listen to a singular conversation, among the world’s most respected pioneers in cosmological theory and observation. Big Bang & Brews | Science Pub RVA.
The first photo of the Orion Nebula compared to one taken by an iPhone.
A supernova has appeared in the Messier 82 galaxy – visible in moderate size telescopes and a well-placed imaging target. More information here.