Year: 2020

Solstice sunrise above Root River Park
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Solstice December 21, 2020 sunrise

December 21, 2020 Josef Chlachula Comments Off on Solstice December 21, 2020 sunrise
On Monday December 21, 2020 at 10:02 UTC (4:02 AM CST) Sun has reached the southernmost point in the Earth sky. Picture shows sunrise above Root River Park, even though sky was mostly cloudy. There was a surprise on the opposite side of the horizon in form of Sun dog, something rare to see.
Morning Mercury under Moon
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Morning Mercury

November 13, 2020 Josef Chlachula Comments Off on Morning Mercury
Weather permitting, second half of the November is a good time to see Mercury on East horizon before sunrise! To spot Mercury can be difficult. On Friday November 13 2020 it was actually very easy. Mercury was visible under sliver of the Moon between two trees, as you can see on picture taken at 5:52 AM (exposure 1.3s, ISO 800). […]
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Minnesota Statewide Virtual Star Party by the Bell Museum

November 9, 2020 John Martin Comments Off on Minnesota Statewide Virtual Star Party by the Bell Museum
When you look up at the night sky, do you ever wonder how different it would look under really dark skies? What do others across the state see compared to the view in your town? What actions can you take to protect our night skies or help scientists understand the effects of light pollution? Join us for the Bell Museum’s […]
Sky above us
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The Most Astounding Fact

July 15, 2020 Josef Chlachula Comments Off on The Most Astounding Fact
By Mitchel Medvec The video idea came from a day when I was incredibly bored, sitting on my couch during quarantine watching astrophotography videos on youtube. I have always had an incredible interest in astronomy and the cosmos in general, which is why I am currently majoring in Astrophysics at the University of Minnesota. It wasn’t until I started this […]
Comet NEOWISE
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Comet C/2020 F3 Neowise seen early July

July 3, 2020 Josef Chlachula Comments Off on Comet C/2020 F3 Neowise seen early July
There is bright comet on the morning sky! On Friday July 3rd I went to the Root River Park, but stopped my car immediately after turn from County Rd 1 SE on 80th St SE. Above East horizon there was rising Auriga with bright Capella on left side and bright Morning star – Venus on the right side. At 4:31 […]
Constellation Canis Major at Oxbow
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Winter Sky above Oxbow

February 28, 2020 Josef Chlachula Comments Off on Winter Sky above Oxbow
On Friday February 28 the Rochester Astronomy Club hosted Public Sky Observing at Oxbow Park. It was a nice winter day, that turned into beautiful evening for observing. This public event started at 6:30 PM and several RAC members provided telescopes. Tables and chairs were also setup inside the visitor center so observers could warm up and see presentations by […]
Mercury and Venus
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Evening Mercury

February 7, 2020 Josef Chlachula Comments Off on Evening Mercury
The first three weeks of February 2020 there is good chance to spot elusive planet Mercury on the evening sky. Mercury is the innermost planet and doesn’t go far from Sun. This time of year Mercury can be seen on the evening sky about half hour after sunset. High above southwest horizon, there is also visible much brighter planet Venus. […]