Spooky Nights and Sparkly Skies
To the Members of AOSNY Astronomy Club,
October 2024 is packed with spectacular celestial events, making it a prime month for stargazing. Early in the month, the Draconid meteor shower peaks on October 8th. While usually modest, it occasionally surprises with a burst of activity. Later, on October 21st, the Orionid meteor shower, originating from Halley’s Comet, will grace the skies with fast-moving meteors.
Mars and Venus are particularly bright in the morning skies, making them great targets for early risers. Meanwhile, Jupiter shines brightly in the evening sky, offering a stunning sight through telescopes or binoculars. As well, we see the Summer Triangle drift off into the West and Orion rises in the east…. Watching this giant, rise again starting earlier and earlier each evening, reminds us that the winter night sky is rapidly approaching…
This year, October brings us a rare treat: the chance to view a naked eye comet! Discovered at China’s Tscuchinshan Observatory (anglicized as Purple Mountain Observatory) in January 2023, comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has survived its approach in the heat of the Sun and is readying to reappear in mid October’s evening skies. If it continues to remain intact, the comet may be around magnitude 3 to 4—just within reach of unaided eyes from a dark location. Use of wide field binoculars or a wide field telescope should fairly easily bring it within view. The altitude and time will depend on the day you observe, but to give you an idea of how to find it, start looking west approximately 10º above the horizon. Your own fist held like you are holding a mug handle is approximately 10º when completely at arm’s length. A steady phone camera may bring out the comet for you to do your initial location of it when trying to find it. Be looking October 12–15th beginning around 7pm from a dark location with a clear view of the horizon. Good luck!
We encourage all AOSNY members to share their photos of celestial events from this year for inclusion in the 2024 AOS calendar! Whether you’ve captured the meteor showers, bright planets, or any other breathtaking night sky moment, your contributions are invaluable to our community. Please upload your images to the AOS Calendar Photo Submission link found in the AOS Celestial Observer Newsletter and on the AOS Hotline.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of AOSNY, and we have some big celebrations planned! Stay tuned for more details.
Let’s make this year’s calendar a stunning showcase of our collective passion for astronomy!
Upcoming AOSNY Guest Speakers:
- October 13: Please note the new date. We welcome Dr. Marcia Bartusiak, President Emeritus M.I.T.
Topic: The Day We Found the Universe: A Centenary Celebration – Hubble vs Einstein. - 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.
So, with all this club energy running rampant, we are enthused to make sure that programming and volunteer outreach events continue to get better. Club trips will continue to be scheduled at even greater places of interest, and finally, we hope that all of you, as members, continue to grow and enjoy sharing the wonders of the night sky. This is your club, and together, we will keep exploring and marveling at the universe, one star at a time.
Clear skies and happy stargazing!
Warm regards,
