Hello darkness, our old friend.
And hello, Stargazers!
As we welcome November, our nights grow longer, giving us more time to explore the wonders of the cosmos. November 2nd provides our club, a night at the Jones Beach Energy Center, where we will show registered visitors and club volunteers, some of the wonders of the night sky while enjoying the new moon. November 3rd at 2AM, our clocks go back 1 hour, providing a month that brings some exceptional celestial events, starting with the Orionid meteor shower, which continues through early November after its late October peak. The Leonid meteor shower will also peak on November 17, offering up to 15 meteors per hour.
November 15 brings us a special treat—a full moon at 4:28 PM Eastern Time, known as the Beaver Moon. This full moon is also a supermoon, the last of four supermoons in a row for 2024. A supermoon occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee, appearing larger and brighter. The name “Beaver Moon” reflects the time of year when beavers are most active, preparing for winter, and historically, when people set traps for their fur.
In addition to the moon and meteor showers, we have the unique opportunity to observe Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks as it makes its way through our sky. This comet, with its distinct fan-shaped tail, is a rare visitor, only passing by Earth roughly every 71 years. Alongside it, Comet 2023 Tshinshushan will be visible with binoculars or small telescopes, adding to our November celestial lineup. And for those in northern regions, recent solar activity might bring enhanced northern lights, creating breathtaking auroral displays.
We’ll cover all these exciting events in our upcoming meetings, along with telescope nights and guest speakers. Be sure to check the calendar for stargazing nights—November skies offer ideal conditions for deep-sky viewing. Bundle up, bring your telescopes, and let’s make the most of these crisp, clear nights.
Upcoming AOSNY Guest Speakers:
- November 3: Welcoming Dr. Adam Burgasser, University of San Diego, Director, Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences.
Topic: 1 Million MPH and Currently Leaving Our Galaxy. - December 1: Scott Harrington, Guest Speaker, 2024 Astronomical League.
Topic: Binoculars – The Little Instrument That Can? - January 5: Welcoming in-person Astronomical League President Chuck Allen.
Topic: LIVE.
These events are sure to provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for all who attend, continuing our tradition of bringing the best and brightest minds in astronomy to our community.
Let’s not forget our Annual Holiday Party, to be held on December 7th or 14th, with the location to be determined. If this event has a turnout like our Summer Picnic, where nearly 50 people attended and great conversation flowed well into the evening, it’s sure to be another memorable gathering. This event is always a highlight of the year, offering a wonderful opportunity for our members to come together, celebrate the season, and participate in a special Astronomy Team Building Event. We look forward to many of you joining us this year to wrap up another fantastic season of stargazing and community outreach.
Clear skies and happy stargazing!
Warm regards,
