Geology is a little different for us, but we are an eclectic lot and have widely varying interests. Recently RAS member Randy Tatum hosted Michael Davias and friends from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences to sample the sediments underlying the RAS Ragland Observatory. As it turns out, our observatory sits in one of a number of a “Carolina Bays,” which are depressions along the Atlantic seaboard that are often not readily visible from the ground, but can be identified through aerial photography and LIDAR. Michael Davias is hoping to use data from the cores collected at our observatory to help understand more about the formation of these interesting features. The core data will also enhance general understanding of the geology in the Bon Air area where our observatory is located.
If you have read more than a few of our updates, you will have had the pleasure of seeing some beautiful images captured and processed by Madhup Rathi. In addition to taking pretty pictures, he also submits asteroid tracking data to the Minor Planet Center & University Of Arizona scientists, as they are interested in … Read more
I visited Cape Hatteras last weekend for the purpose of stargazing. I went ten years ago and had one excellent night under dark skies. This year did not go so well.
Last time I stayed at Frisco Woods Campground, right on the northern shore of the island. The trees blocked the lights from the town. Very dark skies with good view to the NE and NW. My site was the most northwestern, right on the water, The adjoining land is undeveloped. The car blocked the other camper’s lights.
This weekend I first tried the ramp at the very southeast of the island. On Google maps this looked like the best spot, farthest from town and with a clear view to the southeast. The paved road ends with a small parking lot right at the beach. It was the perfect site – in the daytime. It would have been perfect. Except for the lighthouse. The bright beam sweeps over the site like car headlights, ruining any chance of dark adaptation.
I packed up and tried the airstrip road a few miles west in Frisco. Also away from town, but too many mosquitoes. The constant breeze at the beach isn’t strong here, and there were pools of standing water. The lights from town were too close.
Next stop was the first beach access point west of Frisco. This wasn’t a bad site. It’s a parking lot with bathrooms. Check. A wood ramp leads to the beach. Check. At the top of the ramp is a convenient deck with a good southern view. Check. The dunes east and west block the lights from the town somewhat. Check.
I set up and enjoyed ten minutes of nice views until the clouds rolled in. 🙁
On the way back home I saw a nice site just south of Rodanthe at mp 46. A beach access lot surrounded by tall scrub. The bend in the road keeps car headlights pointed away. Might be worth checking out next time.
We had a good crowd last Friday night, including lots of young children–like this one, looking through Dan Salkovitz’s telescope. Jim Browder also had his video feed hooked up, and he got fantastic displays of Saturn.
RAS member Randy Tatum receives national recognition as a recipient of the Walter H. Haas Observer Award from the Astronomical League! At ALCON 2016, this years annual convention of the Astronomical League, RAS member Randy Tatum was honored by the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers with the Walter H. Haas Observer Award for excellence … Read more
. As many of you know, The Richmond Astronomical Society has developed a partnership over the past few years with Belmead in Powhatan which is a beautiful, historic and convenient dark sky location. We have held joint observing and outreach education events at Belmead near the mansion and at more light-shielded sites on the property. … Read more
As Earth passes through the debris of Comet Swift-Tuttle late this week, the glowing trains of dying meteors will streak across the night sky, marking the annual return of the Perseid meteor shower. Source: Perseids to ignite across skies late this week in one of best meteor viewing opportunities of 2016 – AccuWeather.com
This week and early next, the nearly full Moon will make deep-sky viewing nearly impossible, but Mars will be untouched, as will that other category of stellar gems, double stars. Neither is affected much by moonlight, so bring it on. Source: Follow Mars to His Double Star Lair – Sky & Telescope
RAS Board Meeting – February 29, 2016 President Jim Browder called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Attendees (11+1): Jim Browder, President Jim Blowers, Treasurer Chris McCann, Secretary Gary Cowardin Michael Pitchford Mike Lico Ken Wilson Betty Wilson Dave Medici Ted Bethune Madhup Rathi Thomas Profitt (non-board) Missing (2): Matthew Roy, … Read more
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