This Saturday's Public Star Party

[Ken E.]

I am excited to be among those hosting the first Public Star Party of 2026.  Richard Ren and I expect many club members to share views through their personal telescopes while Jose Urias runs the observatory’s Illig scope. Festivities begin just before sunset (7:27pm) on Saturday March 28th at Alpha Ridge Park in Howard County, Maryland and continue until 11:00pm. There is no cost to participate in this event.

This is my favorite time of year to observe.  With the splendors of Orion still high in the southwest while the galaxies of Ursa Major and Leo rise in the northeast, our guests can expect a variety of objects to observe. We may even be able to catch a glimpse of The Great Andromeda Galaxy early in the evening.

Undoubtedly stealing the show, the moon’s 79% illuminated disk will be visible all night. Meanwhile, Jupiter rides high above the horizon throughout the event.  Unfortunately, The Great Red Spot will not be visible until much later in the night.  However, we can observe Europe disappear behind Jupiter’s limb at 8:51pm.  Our guests can see Venus low on the western horizon at sunset, but telescopically, its tiny 10” disk will be awash in atmospheric turbulence.  Uranus sets at 11:30pm for those wishing to see its tiny blue-green disk. 

Public Star Parties are not weather dependent. If skies are cloudy, indoor and outdoor activities will still be available.

We look forward to seeing you beneath the stars.

Ken Everhart

[Richard Ren]

All,

Please join us tomorrow night for the HAL's first Public Star Party of 2026. The Party will be held at Alpha Ridge Park starting at sunset (approximately 7:30 pm) and last till 11:00 pm.

Jose, Ken, and I will host the party with Jose operating the observatory.

So far, clear skies are predicted by most weather forecast websites. The temperature will be in the mid 30's with a soft breeze.

The seeing condition is expected to be excellent.

Please dress warmly. Bring your hats and gloves if you plan to stay outdoors for a while.  

Clear skies,

Richard Ren

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