Greetings to the Society,
Remembering Friends
It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of our longtime member and past president, Ed Pieret, who left us peacefully on October 30 with his wife by his side. Ed served SMCAS in many roles over the years — President, Vice President, mentor, and friend — and his energy, humor, and generosity left an indelible mark on our community. Many will fondly remember his “Comet Chef” presentation and his tireless enthusiasm at star parties and school events.
We also pause to remember Ken Lum, another cherished member we lost earlier this year. Both Ed and Ken embodied the curiosity and kindness that make our society so special. Their passion for the night sky will continue to shine through all of us who look upward in wonder.
Celestial Highlights & Year in Review
As 2025 winds down, the skies are still serving up plenty of beauty to close out the year:
- November 16–17 – Leonid Meteor Shower: Known for its swift, bright meteors, this year’s Leonids arrive under a dark sky with minimal moonlight — great conditions for viewing.
- December 13–14 – Geminid Meteor Shower: One of the best annual showers, often producing over 100 meteors per hour at its peak.
- December 21–22 – Ursid Meteor Shower: A quieter but charming show in the final nights before Christmas, with almost no moonlight interference.
- November’s Beaver Moon and December’s Cold Moon will both appear slightly larger than usual as near-perigee “supermoons.”
Looking back, 2025 brought us some memorable sights — the brief “disappearing rings” of Saturn as they turned edge-on, a visit from interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS, and the excitement of NASA’s ESCAPADE launch to Mars. A good year to remind us how much there still is to explore, both near and far.
Wishing You Clear Skies
As we gather for the final meetings of the year and head into the holidays, let’s take a moment to appreciate the people who make this society shine as brightly as any star. Thank you all for your enthusiasm, your generosity, and your shared love of the cosmos.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday season — and clear skies for the year ahead.
Clear skies,
Michael Cooke
President, San Mateo County Astronomical Society