Upcoming Events

 Cassie Metzger will discuss what active galactic nuclei (AGN) are (spoiler: black holes are involved!) and how we study them. She will talk about the different types of AGN and what studying AGN in the field of High-Energy Astrophysics looks like. Cassie is an Astrophysics major at Washington University in St. Louis. She works in an astrophysics research lab on campus that specializes in High-Energy Astrophysics, which is the study of objects in space that produce energies on the higher end of the electromagnetic spectrum (ultraviolet, x-ray, gamma ray).  

 As we wrap up the 2022/2023 observing season, please join us at Robinson Preserve. Sunset is 8:15 and the event will start at 8:30. We can start setting up by 7:00. The feature attraction is the first quarter Moon, the perfect phase for observing. We also have Venus in the western sky. This is the event where each year we seek out and marvel at Omega Centauri, the largest and most impressive globular cluster in the sky!!! Other deep sky objects will be determined based on sky conditions. We look forward to seeing you there!!!

 Suncoast Stargazers Director of Astronomical Outreach Howard Hochhalter will update us on the Suncoast Stargazers involvement with the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida. This is a group of organizations whose mission is to increase science based environmental understanding, conservation, and restoration through collaboration and public engagement. 

 Summer Doldrums Event, Robinson Preserve:

Rather than completely giving in to the lousy summer astronomy weather here in Florida, we will try to take advantage of a unique morning opportunity before those clouds roll in. We will activate our solar telescopes to view the sun as it works its way towards solar maximum in 2025. Then we have a waning gibbous moon nicely placed that morning for more traditional viewing. Finally, if the skies are really good, we have a chance to see Jupiter in the daytime skies!!!

 Partial Solar Eclipse, Robinson Preserve:

First contact is at 11:50 AM and maximum eclipse is at 1:25 PM when the sun will be approximately 60% covered by the moon. Final contact when the moon leaves the sun’s edge is at 3:03 PM. Safety equipment will be available to view this wonderful show compliments of the sun and moon.

On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 US states and we have arranged to go to Dallas, TX for the event.  Dallas is on the line of 100% coverage for over 4 minutes.  We have decided to add a week vacation to do some fun touristy activities before and after the event.  Some should be of interest to all ages and personalities, from golfing to roller coasters, from BBQ to the oldest Tex-Mex in town,  from skyscrapers to horseback.  Details to follow via email.

DETAILS:  $159/night +tax, 2 free breakfasts per room.  You may select how many nights you want to stay.

I have a block of 10 rooms set aside – so first come first serve. 

Reservations via the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s web site:   https://book.passkey.com/e/50526992

To view the hotel use:  https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/dallas/dalem/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-CP-_-US-_-DALEMDetails to follow.

click here to see prior events