The Clubs first meet at the observing site was another success. 9 members were in attendance, including the wife and myself. The weather wasn't the greatest as a significant drop in temperature and increase in wind drove us all indoors. Unfortunately the seeing conditions (the amount of sparkle and shimmer of stars) being not so good for viewing, put a hamper on Saturday night.
Hopefuly the weather and temperature make a change for the better next weekend. I will do my best to keep the club posted on future outtings, and I hope to see as many or more members next time out.
Keep watching the skies.

Thin cresent moon at sunset from the obsevrving site

With such an improvement in the weather, the first club night is tonight. For all those in the club who would like to meet at the observing site, I will be there from 7:30 until about 12:00. The entrance to the observing site is located on Unsworth Ave, between Kieth Wilson and Lickman Ave. near the elementary school. There will be a sign to watch for. See you all there!

Last nights inaugural meeting was considered a success, although not all members were able to attend. We did raise a possible new member or two as well. Our next club meeting is currently scheduled for April 21st, the debut night for the club. Shaw cable will be filming a piece about the club, so I hope that as many members can make it as possible.

The club is now up and running. We are able to use the site on Friday and Saturday nights when the weather permits. However, Mark who has donated the land prefers that I be present on all observing nights to moderate any activities. We are hoping that the weather improves soon and the ground dries at the site. The April debut night will be here before we know it.

More Astro Photos

A decent attempt at a close up of Jupiter. Celestron C8 and modified webcam.

 Composite of Jupiter and it's moons.

The Orion Nebula, north is at left. Antares 152mm Achromatic Refractor and Canon 350D.

Stacked frames from webcam and Clestron C8.

The Double Cluster in Perseus. Celestron C8 and Canon 350D.



Planetary Conjuction

Jupiter and Venus in conjunction on March 13th, 2012. The Plieadies Cluster can be seen near top center.

Chilliwack Night Sky Observers Debut Night

There has been a change for the date of the debut night for Chilliwack Night Sky Observers. The event is now scheduled for Saturday April 21st (weather permitting) from 7pm on. It is a great night for a debut since the planets Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn will be in the sky to view, the Lyrids meteor shower should put on a good show and a thin cresent moon may also be in the sky to view just before sunset.

With no shortage of great targets to view, please come out and support our group and learn a little about the universe we live in. Also you can show your support even if you don't come out to the debut night. Earth Day is April 22. All you have to do is turn off all unecessary lights and other power sources for one hour at 8pm local time. That's it. Help reduce power consumption and ligtht pollution in one easy step.

Sunset thrills

 

Tonight the planets Mercury, Venus and Jupiter can be seen in the West if you have a clear horizon and Mars  pairs with the moon in the East. If clear skies allow, arorae from a massive solar eruption the day before yesterday could show. However the full moon may prevent any from being seen. Enjoy !

Club Meet and Greet

There is going to be the inaugural meeting of the Chilliwack Night Sky Observers at The Canton Garden in Chilliwack on Monday, March 19th at 6pm. A meal is optional. I hope to see many attend.