For those loyal CMASers who have wondered about the star party scheduled for Brower Observatory this weekend, at the peak of the Geminid Meteor Shower, it’s nearly certain that this crazy weather will nix it. Clouds are anticipated through Saturday, and if they part by Sunday night, fog threatens to appear instead. All told, not a hopeful week for astronomers. We’ll leave it simply that, if we are able to hold a star party on any night this weekend, we’ll treat it as a flash party. If the skies suddenly clear, a message will arrive inviting everyone to assemble on short notice.
The good news is that we have another opportunity next week. We’ll aim for Saturday, December 20th, 2014, at 6:30pm at Brower. Earlier setup welcome, per usual. That’s well after the peak of the Geminids, but actually much closer to the new moon, as well as an ideal night for sleigh-watching. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, most blinking red lights in the sky are not airplanes, but the noses of the of lead reindeer from the many teams required to distribute Santa’s toys worldwide. We’ll show you some in the eyepiece at the star party, so watch your “In” box for further details… and to all a good night!
