July 16, 2021: COVID-19 Update: Pandemic health precautions have caused the cancellation of all club meetings, public star gazes, outreach events, and other gatherings through August 31, 2021, and possibly longer. Private star gazes for very small groups are available. When possible, we will post virtual, online links to our monthly speaker presentations.
NASA image
2 August 2021
– Gas Giant Saturn Closest to Earth for the Year
NASA image
5 August 2021 – Club Meeting Presentation
— Thursday night, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. —
This free speaker presentation will be offered virtually using the online Webex video-conferencing platform. Follow this link for instructions on how to join this virtual meeting presentation.
TESS Delivers New Planets and Science Opportunities
– presented by
Joey Rodriguez, PhD, Michigan State University
Since its launch in 2017, NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has been scanning the sky to discover small planets around nearby, bright stars. TESS’ combination of precision, cadence, and sky coverage has led to several large planets discovered and a wealth of knowledge in the field of stellar astrophysics. Read more…
Club Members-Only Star Gaze in August
Image credit: club member Jerry Sherman – taken from Grassland Mtn. Observatory
Continue to check this home page as weather conditions could postpone or possibly cancel this star gaze. Check again after 5:00 p.m. on the afternoon of the observing session for the latest info and update.
6 August 2021 — Friday night — This club members-only star gaze will be held at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County, with a weather backup night of Saturday, 7 August. Find out more…
9-11 August 2021
– Conjunction of a Young Moon with Mars and Venus
Illustration courtesy of
Sky & Telescope
