​On the evening of Saturday, November 4th the Horizons Observatory will partner with the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park to offer a free night sky event.  Starting at 5:30 pm in the Park’s Visitor’s Center, Rob Hanson (co-director of The Horizons Observatory) will present a simulation both describing and explaining the phases of our moon, a pattern which has occurred for more than four billion years.  After the presentation, we’ll step outside to witness the full moon rising over the fields of Billings Farm (weather permitting).  A telescope and astronomical binoculars will be available for viewing.  Please note, the moon phase presentation will occur regardless of the weather.
 
Dress appropriately for an autumn evening outside.  We're looking forward to seeing you and your friends for a night beneath November’s “Full Beaver Moon”!
 
 

Saw this in the Hartford List serve. For those not in the list serve here's what you missed.
Scott H.
​
Brain Buzz: Hidden Figures in Astronomy: The Harvard Computers
Jan 25, 2017 6:00 pm 
Vermont Institute of Natural Science 
6565 Woodstock Road, Quechee, VT 05059
Ever wonder what you are looking at in the night sky? Curious how early astronomers investigated space?  Dartmouth graduate student, Mackenzie Jones, will introduces us to astronomy’s “hidden figures”, the Harvard Computers, and takes us on an in-depth exploration of their accomplishments at a time when women astronomers were rare.  If weather permits, we will be outdoors to observe the stars and constellations discovered by these women.  Come stargaze with us! This special Brain Buzz event will be held at the VINS Nature Center, 6565 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT. This event is FREE and open to the public.  Refreshments will be provided.  Donations greatly appreciated. Brain Buzz: Locally sourced science and scientists.   Come share in the discussion and learn about the exciting research that Upper Valley residents are involved with here and around the world.   Brain Buzz is presented in partnership by Dartmouth School of Graduate Studies, Upper Valley Food Coop and Vermont Institute of Natural Science.  
Cost: free
Contact: 802) 359-5000 x245, info@vinsweb.org, http://www.vinsweb.org/index.php/visit/activities-calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2017/01/25/15145/35/Y2Q5NTc1ZTI2YTNjMWI1MzEwYWQyYTUwMWVmNmIzMDI=/brain-buzz
See all the colorful details on dailyUV.com

Hello Horizons Observatory Supporters,
Please be aware that the Horizons Observatory will be open to the public this Sunday night (November 13th) to view the Super Moon (weather permitting).  The observatory will open from 5:30pm-7:00pm for moon gazing with the observatory's 14' Celestron telescope as-well-as binocular viewing.  Dress warmly.  Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.  We're looking forward to seeing you and your friends on what promises to be a beautiful autumn night beneath a rare Super Moon!

​Hello Horizons Observatory Supporters,
Please be aware that the Horizons Observatory WILL be open to the public to view tonight's Super Blood Moon Eclipse.  The dome will open from 9:30pm-11:20pm for moon gazing with the observatory's 14' Celestron telescope as-well-as binocular viewing.  Dress warmly.  Please do not bring flashlights since this will reduce our ability to view the sky.  We're looking forward to seeing you and your friends on what promises to be a beautiful autumn night beneath a rare Super Moon Eclipse!
Total eclipse begins: 10:11pm
Greatest eclipse: 10:47pm
​Total eclipse ends: 11:23pm

As a culmination of our Cosmic Scales week at the National Park, the Horizons Observatory is hosting a stargazing event for Friday, September 26th from 7:30pm – 9:00pm.   The entire public - is welcome.  Visitors will have the opportunity to view stars, star clusters, and nebulae through the observatory’s 14” telescope - and to enjoy a night sky tour lead by a Horizons docent.  Please keep flashlights at home in that the observing sight needs to remain as dark as possible.

The observatory is located at The Pomfret School.  If the forecast holds and it is clear, it will also be quite cool so dress warmly!  We look forward to spending a wonderful evening under the stars with you.  The event will be canceled in the case of cloudy skies.

Sincerely,

Rob Hanson, Bill Heston, Scott Holson, Paul Otavsky

Horizons Observatory Docents

Yesterday afternoon a powerful X-class flare ripped through the Sun's lower atmosphere and sent a blast wave directly toward Earth that should arrive early Friday morning. - See more at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/powerful-solar-flare-091020143/?et_mid=691740&rid=246610980#sthash.VgcE6To2.dpuf

STARGAZING EVENT CANCELED

Please note that the forecast for cloudy skies tomorrow night will cancel our planned Summer Stargazing event on Wild Apple.  However, we are planning a stargazing event in mid-September at the observatory.  Details on the September event will be posted on this blog when the date is finalized.

Summer Stargazing on Wild Apple Road, Pomfret, Vermont

August 15 if weather permits

8:30pm – 11pm

Come explore the night sky with us on a beautiful, tucked-away farm in Pomfret, Vermont.  We’ll be joining the Jones Family at on Wild Apple Road where skies are dark and the stars shine bright.

The highlights of the night sky we’re hoping to view will be: the Hercules star cluster, the Ring Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and Alberio (a lovely blue and yellow binary star system), and the Lagoon/Trifid stellar nurseries.  There is a possibility we may catch Saturn - the absolute jewel of the sky – before it sets below the horizon.

The timing of this event will be weather dependent; the skies have to be clear to star gaze!  A notice via the Horizons Observatory blog will be sent out 48 hours before the event to let you know if weather will cancel.  If it’s a go, please arrive by 8:30pm in order to avoid headlights in the viewing area.  Directions to the site: From Stage Road in Pomfret, take Wild Apple Road for    miles.  At the top of a steep part, the road makes a sharp turn to the left. Go left.  The next drive on the left is the Jones’s place:  2395 Wild Apple Rd.  You’ll see a bunch of cars parked there.

Layered clothing and a sense of adventure are recommended!  If you bring a flashlight, please keep it off near the viewing area – or use red light.  One of the reasons we’re trekking so far into the country is to get away from white light – so we don’t want to bring it with us! 

Clear skies!