Greetings to the Society,
Summer Ho!
As spring winds down and summer begins, let’s hope for more clear skies than cloudy ones! Warmer weather brings more opportunities for stargazing—and for getting involved with the club. It’s also time to start thinking about elections for a new Board of Directors.
Have you considered becoming more active in the club? We welcomed a few new faces to the board last year, and we’d love to add more! If you’re worried about the time commitment, don’t be—it’s just one meeting a month, and every bit of help counts. Nominations will open soon, so please give it some thought.
May
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, peaks on the nights of May 5–6. If skies are clear, it should be a great show for early risers.
Also making headlines is the potential outburst of the “Blaze Star”—T Coronae Borealis. This rare recurrent nova, located in the constellation Corona Borealis, could erupt in the coming weeks. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many amateur astronomers, so stay tuned and keep your eyes on the northeast sky! Hopefully we will see it this year after is was a no-show last year.
June
June 21 marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year—and the official start of summer. From then on, the nights will slowly begin to lengthen again.
Looking for truly dark skies? Don’t miss the Golden State Star Party, happening June 25–29. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get away from the city and experience breathtaking views of the night sky with fellow enthusiasts.
Looking Forward to Clear Skies
As we set our sights on the stars, let’s hope for cloudless nights and spectacular celestial views. Whether you’re joining an event, observing from your backyard, or considering a board nomination—thank you for being part of our community.
Clear skies and happy viewing!
River trekking in Taiwan.
Michael Cooke
President, San Mateo County Astronomical Society