October 2025

Contact Michael Corvese (corvesemichael@gmail.com) if you would like to give a
short (less than 20 minutes) talk

A review of the life of William Tyler Olcott, a notable amateur astronomer and well-known author who was also a founding member of the AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers). A visit to the sites associated with his life and observing, as well as a review of his many books on astronomy.

The observatory’s telescopes will be available for observing (weather permitting), or set up your own telescope on the grounds.

Choice of Grinder (Italian Deluxe, Turkey or Roast Beef), Spinach Pie or Salad (Garden, Garden w/ Grilled Chicken).

More information at registration link.
$15 per person.
Pre-order and payment with registration required.

Smart telescopes have become quite popular. One of their selling points is the ease with which amateurs can build stacked time exposures of deep-sky objects. But can we make collecting scientific data just as easy?

The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) is now investigating how to simplify the extraction of quality brightness measurements from smart telescope images. Along the way, the AAVSO's Smart Telescope Working Group has answered fundamental questions about the achievable quality from popular smart telescope models, how to make image analysis painless (and quite automated), and how to provide quick feedback to the observer in the form of lightcurves and descriptions of how their images and data are being used.

There's nothing more frustrating than putting resources into place for a night of sky watching when the weather doesn't turn out as planned. Just a subtle change in present weather conditions can have a drastic effect on the forecast, especially pertaining to sky cover. This presentation will dive into how meteorologists forecast different types and levels of cloud cover, and what tools they use to determine it. What you'll learn during this presentation will not only help avoid potential disappointment, but will give a better sense of what certain elements of a weather forecast mean. Join us as we discuss how Earth and space sciences relate and rely on one another!

Dr. Simons will discuss our emerging picture of the formation of galaxies in the early universe and their evolution to the present day. Galaxies evolve in a lively ecosystem, assembling through actions that re-shape their structure on short timescales. First, I will show how this bears out in the imaging and spectroscopic observations of real galaxies. Then, I will show how we are using hydrodynamical simulations of galaxies to interpret these observations, to make forecasts for our next generation of observatories, and to probe the detailed structure and kinematics of the circumgalactic gas around galaxies.

Pizza, snacks, soda, water and coffee included with basic registration.

Come observe the Sun! Check out the varied equipment our members use to capture solar images. If you have something unique to share, bring it along and setup in our courtyard.

A celebration of the lives and contributions of members Tina and Dave Huestis. We will also invite those present to share their special memories.