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President's Message Welcome to the website of the Central Valley Astronomers! Astronomy is a wonderful hobby and profession, focusing on the study of the vastness of space beyond our planet. Depending on your level of expertise, it can be intimidating to wade through the variety of information and equipment available. That, however, is exactly why we are here! Whether you just want to learn a few star and constellation names, or you want to photograph the heavens in their beauty, or anything in between, we can help you explore the options and make this fun hobby your own. Our membership comprises amateurs, professionals, and even teachers and professors. We have arranged a variety of activities to help you get to know us and learn about astronomy. Our club meetings are a great way to meet our most active members face to face. Most meetings have an educational element, with a presentation by one of our members or a guest speaker, followed by coming events and general club business. Our dark sky star parties, typically at Eastman Lake, are the best way to learn about the various types of equipment available to amateur astronomers, be it a basic pair of binoculars or the many types of optics available today. We even do camping star parties up at Courtright Reservoir, for those who want to experience the darkest skies available in the area for multiple nights. If you are wondering how to get started, please give one of us a call or send us an E-Mail. If you have an interest in space, we want to help you achieve your goals! Astronomy is a rewarding hobby and a wonderful adventure – we hope to see you soon! Scott J. Davis, President Central Valley Astronomers |
Astronomy in the News (Space.com RSS Feed) Blue 'Sap Moon' Shines Bright in Stunning Skywatcher Photos (April 2, 2018) This past weekend, skywatchers across the world pulled out their cameras to capture the splendor of the Blue Sap Moon. Read Full Article ... In Photos: The Last 'Blue Moon' of 2018 (April 2, 2018) The last "Blue Moon" of 2018 shone bright for skywatchers around the world on March 31. Here are some of the most amazing photos from Space.com readers. Read Full Article ... WFIRST Work Continues Despite Budget and Schedule Uncertainty (April 2, 2018) Despite problems with another large astronomy mission and its own threatened cancellation, NASA's Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) is expected to clear a major review next month after having reduced its costs. Read Full Article ... NASA Hires Lockheed Martin to Build Quiet Supersonic X-Plane (April 2, 2018) NASA has taken a huge leap forward in its quest to create an aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound without causing the ear-splitting sonic boom. Read Full Article ... X-Rays Could Spell Doom for Life on Planets Around Red Dwarfs (April 2, 2018) Intense radiation from red dwarf stars could make their planets uninhabitable or restrict life on such worlds to the oceans, a new study suggests. Read Full Article ... '2001: A Space Odyssey' Turns 50: Why Haven't Humans Been to Jupiter Yet? (April 2, 2018) Five decades after the famous "2001: A Space Odyssey" movie came out, we still don't have astronauts operating near Jupiter. What is so difficult about the planet's environment? Read Full Article ... '2001 A Space Odyssey' 50 Years On: Q&A with Computer Scientist Stephen Wolfram (April 2, 2018) In April 1968, Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke released “2001: A Space Odyssey," which has delighted and confounded audiences for 50 years now. Read Full Article ... |
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