But outer Space, At least this far, For all the fuss, Of the populace, Stays more popular, Than populous. – Robert Frost
Stargazers,
It appears that we will need to set the star party for next week, Saturday, September 19th at Stonebridge Golf Course. We will begin at sunset.
Hard to believe but September 22nd is the first day of Autumn. This is the Autumnal Equinox, equal day and night.  Many stand eggs on their end in celebration of this celestial event. Interesting notion, if you think about it…..  mmmmm.
We will hold a star party at Stonebridge Golf Course on Saturday, August 15th, starting at sunset.
This is an interesting question because under a few different conditions, we might be able to see a solar and a lunar eclipse every month. The reason the question has been raised is probably because we have a total solar eclipse on July 22nd. The eclipse this week will be seen in parts of India, China, and the Pacific Ocean. It has been reported that because of where it will cross the surface of the Earth, more than a billion people will be able to witness this event, depending on the weather of course.
A Total Eclipse Over Africa by Cees Bassa
Remember that a solar eclipse is when the Moon’s shadow falls on the Earth and blocks the sunlight from reaching us. As things are now, we have to be at the correct location on Earth for this event to be seen because the shadow of the Moon covers only a very small portion of the Earth at a time.  That is why people travel across the planet to be in the path of the Moon’s shadow to experience the solar eclipse.
Now, a lunar eclipse is when the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. The Earth is much larger than the Moon so the Earth’s shadow is much larger than the Moon and can actually completely cover it a couple times over. When a lunar eclipse occurs, everyone on Earth that can see the Moon can see the eclipse.
For either a solar or lunar eclipse to occur, the Earth, Moon and Sun must be lined up. Each month there is a partial alignment which occurs but because their orbits are not in the exact same plane, the Moon and Earth are too far north or south for the eclipse to take place. Under ideal conditions an eclipse would occur each month. As it is, we have to observe them when they happen.
In review, the alignment for a solar eclipse is fairly rare and it is even rarer that we are in the correct location on Earth to observe the eclipse when it does occur. This is evidenced by the fact that in order to see the Solar Eclipse on the 22nd we will have to travel half way around the world. For these reasons, it is not common to see a solar eclipse.
Stargazers,
We will hold our next Star Party on Friday, May 15th, with a weather out makeup on Saturday, May 16th. The Star Party will be held at the Stonebridge Golf Course and will start at sunset.  More about it as the date approaches.
Special feature is this week’s Meteor Shower….
Please keep your questions and comments coming…
Crystal Skies,
Bob
For those of you who have said you do not know much about astronomy or the night sky but “prefer to stare (into the sky) in wonder and amazement – to be “star-struck” so to speak”, perhaps you might come out to one of the star parties and let me show you some of the finer details in the night sky. You might become even more “star-struck” by the additional detail and beauty that I might be able to share with you.
Due to rain, tonight’s star party is cancelled…
Star Party at Stonebridge Golf Course – January 3rd at 5:45 p.m.: The January Star Party will be held this Saturday night at Stonebridge Golf Course beginning around sunset (5:42 p.m.). It will still be light enough to get around until 6:10 p.m. or so. The stars and planets will begin to become visible shortly after 6 p.m. so make sure you have arrived to the location before then. Be sure to dress warmly with layers. We are hoping for clear skies and moderate temperatures. Featured objects will include Jupiter, Venus, a First Quarter Moon, Andromeda Galaxy, Coathanger Cluster, Perseus Double Cluster, and a host of deep sky objects, constellations and satellites.
Directions to Stonebridge Golf Course: Go north on Martha Berry Blvd, continue on beyond Berry Mall. You will see the turn to the left before you get to Armuchee High School and Pasquales Restaurant. Continue on Stonebridge Golf Course Road, crossing Old Summerville Road, until you come to the Clubhouse.
If you have a telescope or binoculars, bring them. If you don’t, that is fine too. Come expecting to see some pretty cool things. Sunset is at 5:42 p.m. so try to be there before 6:00 p.m. where it will still be light enough to see your way around.
See You Saturday evening at Stonebridge Golf Course.