Presentation by Randy Hemann

When the Sky Glows: How the Northern Lights Work

Auroras have inspired myths and scientific inquiry across various cultures and throughout history. In this talk, we will explore the interactions between solar activity, Earth’s magnetic field, atmospheric chemistry, and human perception that create these stunning light displays. The colors and visibility of auroras depend on altitude, atmospheric composition, and the tools used by observers. Modern technology enables us to predict, study, and observe auroras in greater detail, benefiting both scientific understanding and our personal enjoyment.

Dr. Randy Hemann is president of the Rochester Astronomy Club and NASA Solar System Ambassador. Randy is a retired physician and former chief medical officer from Rochester, Minnesota. His interest in astronomy was planted at age 10 in his backyard on a cold winter night when his 3-inch reflector telescope “discovered” Saturn as this new “star” entering the constellation of Orion. That indelible impression never left him. Later in life, after extensive education in medicine and establishing his career, he purchased a 6-inch reflector telescope from a friend — and then it began. He joined a local amateur astronomy club and has performed as its president for the last 25 years. He enjoys producing daytime and nighttime astronomical outreach events for local schools, scouts, libraries, and regional state parks. Now retired, he and his wife Lynne travel the country in his motorhome, always toting several telescopes for impromptu campsite night observing sessions with others. He often pulls a trailer that houses his 18- and 30-inch Dobsonian telescopes for more extensive observing opportunities.

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 9.9 days after New Moon, planets Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here.

Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another reason.

Moon on Friday February 27 evening


Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky February/2026, Phases of the Moon 2026, Planets rise and set 02/27, Sun and Moon 02/27, Sun today, Holidays 2026
Moon Features You Can See From Earth,
Messier list, Caldwell list, Double stars list, Carbon stars list

Calendar 2026 in development

☿ – Mercury, ♀ – Venus, ♂ – Mars, ♃ – Jupiter, ♄ – Saturn, ⛢ – Uranus, ♆ – Neptune

Facebook page

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips.

Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting.

We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person or via ZOOM. To attend the meeting virtually via ZOOM, you will need to register using the link below.

You only need to register once to gain access to all of these meetings for 2026

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIUeCDoRgWWDNE3KB0c6g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Beginners guide to the Astrophotography

Presentation by Michael Benson

Astrophotography captures the breathtaking beauty and secrets of the cosmos. It requires specialized equipment to collect faint light over long exposures, revealing details invisible to the naked eye. From capturing the vibrant colors of nebulae to the majestic dance of galaxies, astrophotography allows us to witness astronomical phenomena in stunning detail, pushing the boundaries of human observation. This unique form of photography not only produces awe-inspiring images but also serves as a powerful tool for scientific discovery, helping us understand the universe’s vastness and composition.

Mike Benson, PhD. is a retired VP of Research and Development for Hormel Foods at their Jennie-O Turkey Store facility. Mike is an avid astrophotographer who enjoys editing and taking astro pictures in his backyard and anywhere else he can find dark skies. He uses his SkyWatcher Esprit 100 refractor for astro images and has rented time on various telescopes in Chile, Australia and Spain for some of his southern hemisphere images. Mike loves the night sky and is an active member of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

Observing

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 8.4 days after New Moon, planets Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Uranus bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here.

Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another reason.

Moon on Friday March 27 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky March/2026, Phases of the Moon 2026, Planets rise and set 03/27, Sun and Moon 03/27, Sun today, Holidays 2026
Moon Features You Can See From Earth,
Messier list, Caldwell list, Double stars list, Carbon stars list

☿ – Mercury, ♀ – Venus, ♂ – Mars, ♃ – Jupiter, ♄ – Saturn, ⛢ – Uranus, ♆ – Neptune

Facebook page

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips.

Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting.

We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person or via ZOOM. To attend the meeting virtually via ZOOM, you will need to register using the link below.

You only need to register once to gain access to all of these meetings for 2026

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIUeCDoRgWWDNE3KB0c6g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Wonders of the Spring sky

Presentation by Robert Fealey

Robert Fealey is a retired neurology doctor.  Robert is interested  in space exploration topics, like e.g. research of the Saturn moon Titan by spacecraft Cassini and lander Huygens. He has a small observatory in his backyard with a 10″ Meade telescope and a few smaller telescopes and digital cameras. He is passionate about astrophotography and he is an active member of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 6.9 days after New Moon, planets Mars Jupiter Uranus bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here.

Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another reason.

Moon on Friday April 24 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky April/2026, Phases of the Moon 2026, Planets rise and set 04/24, Sun and Moon 04/24, Sun today, Holidays 2026
Moon Features You Can See From Earth,
Messier list, Caldwell list, Double stars list, Carbon stars list

☿ – Mercury, ♀ – Venus, ♂ – Mars, ♃ – Jupiter, ♄ – Saturn, ⛢ – Uranus, ♆ – Neptune

Facebook page

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips.

Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting.

We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person or via ZOOM. To attend the meeting virtually via ZOOM, you will need to register using the link below.

You only need to register once to gain access to all of these meetings for 2026

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIUeCDoRgWWDNE3KB0c6g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips.

Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting.

We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person or via ZOOM. To attend the meeting virtually via ZOOM, you will need to register using the link below.

You only need to register once to gain access to all of these meetings for 2026

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIUeCDoRgWWDNE3KB0c6g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips.

Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting.

We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person or via ZOOM. To attend the meeting virtually via ZOOM, you will need to register using the link below.

You only need to register once to gain access to all of these meetings for 2026

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIUeCDoRgWWDNE3KB0c6g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips.

Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting.

We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person or via ZOOM. To attend the meeting virtually via ZOOM, you will need to register using the link below.

You only need to register once to gain access to all of these meetings for 2026

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIUeCDoRgWWDNE3KB0c6g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please come to the Rochester Astronomy Club monthly meetings! These meetings are free and open to the public. Each month we will try to bring you a different presentation and share observing notes and tips.

Agenda will be published on the Sunday before the meeting.

We are offering these meetings in a hybrid fashion, you can attend either in person or via ZOOM. To attend the meeting virtually via ZOOM, you will need to register using the link below.

You only need to register once to gain access to all of these meetings for 2026

Registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pXIUeCDoRgWWDNE3KB0c6g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.