SJ Astronomy

This event is one of several different introductions to astronomy offered by SJAA. The Universe is a big place, but during this presentation, we'll focus more on what we can see in the night sky and on our own solar system. We'll talk about asterisms, constellations, how we see distant stars, galaxies and then return to our own planetary neighborhood. And when you get back home, you might notice more astronomy around you every day!

We'll take the first 15 minutes to give a short tour of the night sky using the planetarium software Stellarium. The talk will start at 8:00.

The talk will be presented by Wolf Witt. Wolf is not an actual astronomer, nor has he ever played one on TV. However, he's been interested in outer space since he was a kid and still thinks that the universe is an amazing place. He's been with SJAA since 2013, and now he'll share with you his enthusiasm and some of what he's learned about the cosmos. Maybe you'll think it's amazing, too.

This event is an on-line Zoom event, complementing our in-person events in Houge Park.

(Photo: Pleiades Open Cluster, captured from Stellarium)

This is the monthly business meeting of the SJAA Board of Directors. Meeting is held at Houge Park in San Jose, and is open to all.

(Please note: This meeting is an In Person event at the location provided above.)

It’s there for us year round, lighting our days and providing energy for our lives, so maybe it’s time to give it a closer look. Join SJAA for amazing and detailed views of the Sun, and be assured that we’ll be using special telescopes that will keep your eyeballs perfectly safe.

We’ll have white-light telescopes with dense solar filters that reveal sunspots. Further, we’ll show you hydrogen-alpha telescopes that isolate a very specific color of red that reveals prominences (colloquially often thought of as solar flares; see video below) and intricate texture within the Sun’s chromosphere (its atmosphere).

We can also share with you a little about how the Sun works and how complex magnetic fields drive the number of sunspots and prominences that we’ll see on a given day.

A few minutes after 1:30, we'll have a short, informal introductory talk, and at other times, you can enjoy the views and ask questions about the Sun, telescopes, or astronomy in general.

Often we also have a station where you can get a better feel for the huge scale of our solar system! And you'll get a solar system you can fold up and carry in your pocket.

You may bring your own telescope. If you have a properly filtered white light or H-alpha telescope and want to share views with others, please arrive at 1:00 or earlier, so you have time to set up before the event officially starts.

Since we'll be out in the Sun, consider coming prepared with a hat, sunscreen and water. Conditions may be hot!

And with this video you could prepare yourself with a better understanding of solar flares (and how they're different from prominences): https://youtu.be/EgKTeVQegbk

Many of SJAA’s events, like this one, are public and free to attend, but if you’re enjoying what SJAA has to offer, consider becoming a contributing member for only $20 per year: https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/

For more info on this public solar observing event, visit: https://www.sjaa.net/events/solar-observing/

[Photo: Sun image (at 304A) from NASA SDO (https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/) 2022-10-08]