Wonders of the Winter 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.

Observation

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.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – February .

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 7 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky February/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 02/07, Sun and Moon 02/07, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Messier Catalogue

Presentation by Jay Mclaren

The Messier Catalogue is a list of 110 astronomical objects, primarily nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies, compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century. Originally intended to help comet hunters avoid confusing these objects with comets, the Messier Catalogue has become a popular target for amateur astronomers. Spring is an excellent time to observe many Messier objects in the Northern Hemisphere because numerous galaxies, including the iconic Virgo Cluster, are well-positioned for viewing during this season.

Dr. Jay W. Mclaren is retired Professor of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic. His research interests included physiologic properties of the eye, fluid turnover and pressures in the eye as they relate to glaucoma, cornea structure and disease, and physiologic optics. He has developed systems for noninvasively measuring turnover of fluid in the anterior segment of the eye, for monitoring intraocular pressure by telemetry, and for assessing cell and nerve densities in the corneas of patients.  Dr. McLaren is an author or co-author of over 100 papers published in professional journals and 2 book chapters.  He has B.A. degree in Physics and Mathematics from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and earned his Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Dr. McLaren became interested in amateur astronomy in the mid 1980’s, when Haley’s Comet was last visible.  He has completed the Messier, Caldwell Silver, and Hershel 400 Astronomical League Observing Programs. All of his observations have been visual and by star-hopping.  He currently uses a 12-inch Orion Dobsonian telescope.

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.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – March .

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 7 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky March/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 03/07, Sun and Moon 03/07, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Science behind Aurora Borealis

Presentation by Randy Hemann

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a breathtaking natural phenomenon caused by the interaction of charged particles from the Sun with Earth’s atmosphere. The Sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. When these particles encounter Earth’s magnetic field, they are deflected towards the poles. As these particles collide with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, they excite the gases, causing them to emit light in various colors, primarily green and red, creating the mesmerizing displays of light we know as the aurora.

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.

Observing

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.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – April .

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 4 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky April/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 04/04, Sun and Moon 04/04, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 5.4 days after New Moon, planets Mars Jupiter bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – May .

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 May 2 evening

Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky May/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 05/02, Sun and Moon 05/02, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Public Sky Observing of the planets Mars Jupiter bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – May .

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.

Resources: In the Sky May/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 05/24, Sun and Moon 05/24, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 10.5 days after New Moon, planets Mars bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – June .

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 June 6 evening


Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky June/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 06/06, Sun and Moon 06/06, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Public Sky Observing of the planets Mercury Mars bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – June .

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.

Resources: In the Sky June/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 06/21, Sun and Moon 06/21, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Public Sky Observing of the young Moon – 9.0 days after New Moon, planets Mercury Mars bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – July .

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 July 4 evening


Credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Resources: In the Sky July/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 07/04, Sun and Moon 07/04, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

Public Sky Observing of the planets Mars bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – July .

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.

Resources: In the Sky July/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 07/19, Sun and Moon 07/19, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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

8:30 PM Presentation about Sky

Join us for a captivating evening under the stars!  John Atwell will guide us on a celestial journey, exploring the wonders of the night sky. From the birth and death of stars to the vast expanse of galaxies, we’ll delve into the mysteries of the cosmos. We’ll also discuss the unique beauty of the summer sky, highlighting constellations, planets, and other celestial phenomena visible during this magical time of year. This public lecture is perfect for stargazers of all ages and will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the universe above.

John Attewell, PhD. is a vice president of the Rochester Astronomy Club. John is a retired statistician and he observes the sky with a Newtonian telescope on an equatorial mount. He is an officer of the North Central Region of the Astronomy League (NCRAL) and he is a Representative to the National Council of the Astronomy League.

9:30 PM Observing

Public Sky Observing of the planet Mars, bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

NASA and Astroleague have prepared an observing challenge for the general public on the 35th anniversary of the Hubble launch. To earn a silver certificate, you must do some outreach (on the web or in person) and observe at least one featured object each month and take a photo or draw it. Submit no later than the end of the following month. See more at Astroleague, NASA – July .

What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here.

Resources: In the Sky July/2025, Phases of the Moon 2025, Planets rise and set 07/26, Sun and Moon 07/26, Sun today, Holidays 2025
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