The Vera Rubin Observatory, after 13 years of construction, is set to achieve “first light” in August 2024, marking a new era in astronomy. Originally known as the LSST, this observatory will capture the cosmos with an 8.4-meter-wide mirror and the most advanced camera ever built, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
Author: Michael Cooke
Galaxy Zoo Reopens with New Data from ESA’s Euclid Space Telescope!
The Galaxy Zoo is back with an exciting new project. For the first time, the public can explore data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid space telescope. Every image in this dataset is likely one that no one has seen before, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific discovery. Euclid scientists need your […]
Celestial Events and Society Updates: An Exciting End to Summer
Greetings to the Society, We are still eagerly awaiting the once-in-a-lifetime event of nova T Coronae Borealis, which erupts spectacularly every 80 years. Astronomers currently predict about a 70% chance that T Corona Borealis will go nova by September and a 95% chance that it will occur by the end of the year. This nova […]
Celestial Wonders and Society Updates: A Stellar Summer for SMCAS
Greetings to the Society, The hits keep coming this year, with the excitement of the aurora borealis being visible in the San Francisco Bay Area on May 11 and 12, 2024, due to a rare solar storm. This spectacular display of natural beauty was a rare treat for our region, delighting both seasoned astronomers and […]
Gear Up for the Celestial Spectacle of the Year!
Greetings to the Society, The anticipation is building for what promises to be the highlight of the year: the total solar eclipse on April 8th, visible across North America! Many of our society members, including myself and my daughter, are venturing to Texas to witness this awe-inspiring event firsthand. We eagerly look forward to the […]