Public Observing Night May 11, 2013

8:00 till 10:00 pm. 

At John Rudy Park, York, PA. Observatory

The York County Astronomical Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the science of astronomy.

Expand your mind by taking in the expanse of the universe. 

Come and view the night skies with us through one of our telescopes and let our experienced members guide you on a tour of celestial wonders, including stars, planets, nebulae, and the moon. You are also invited to bring your own telescope and share your experiences with other amateur astronomers. Star Charts are available to help your exploration of the nighttime sky.

The May 11, 2013 Night Sky for Public Observing.

 May Constellations

The brilliant stars of winter are fading from view setting in the west and giving way to the fainter stars of spring and summer rising in the east as the night progresses.

Sun

The Sun sets at 8:11 this day. It is located in the constellation Aries the Ram.

 Moon

The Moon this night is visible as a waxing crescent with 3% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated right after sunset above the western horizon. 

Planets Visible May 11th evening sky

Jupiter is visible in the western sky after sunset in the constellation Taurus the Bull. Jupiter will be 07°31'07" degrees above the Moon.

Saturn is visible in the eastern sky after sunset on the border of constellations Libra and Virgo. Saturn appears 14 degrees from the bright star Spica in the constellation of Virgo.

Venus will be very low just above the horizon after sunset and difficult to see but will be rising higher in the sky in the coming weeks.

Comets

The comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS) is located in the north circumpolar constellation Cepheus this night at ~7.9 magnitude. The comet will be only 01°23'28.742" from the 3.2 magnitude star Errai in Cepheus.

Meteors

The Eta Aquarids can be seen around April 21 and they persist until about May 12; They peak on May 5/6. At this time, observers in the Northern Hemisphere are likely to see about 10 meteors every hour,

 Take a memorable tour with members of the York County Astronomical Society of Galaxies, planets, the moon and the constellations of the night sky.

Stars and Constellations Astronomical Pronunciation Guide

The May 11, 2013  Night Sky Below Looking:

North - South - East - West - Zenith

Directions to Observatory

See: Directions

Explore the Wonders of your Universe

Astronomy Picture of the Day

The Known Universe

LIGHT POLLUTION OF OUR NIGHT SKIES

 What does light pollution look like?

What does your nighttime sky look like? Try this fun interactive game to see how light pollution affects the stars you see at night: 

Light Pollution also see: Globe At Night

International Dark Sky Association

The York County Astronomical Society holds a public observing session every month, check this website for times. 

The club's telescopes will be used to show the public many of the fascinating objects that are up in the nighttime sky. We will also be showing people how to use Star charts to identify the stars and constellations that are up in the nighttime sky. The public is encouraged to bring their own telescopes, if they have one, to learn how to use them more effectively. If you are interested in buying a telescope, this is a great place to ask questions.

For information on events, scheduling a private party star watch, directions to the observing site, or for general Society information please email YCAS at: E-Mail YCAS Membership applications are available upon request.

For more information about these or other YCAS events, you can contact us by e-mail at: E-Mail YCAS

While on the observatory's premises: no smoking, food, pets (except guide dogs) or flash photography is permitted, thank you. In accordance with the ADA, those with disabilities who wish to gain access within York County Parks should telephone the County of York human services offices at (717-771-9099).

The York County Astronomical Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the science of astronomy to all concerned Unless otherwise advertised, Most star watches are held at our observatory, located in John Rudy County Park, at 400 Mundis Race Road in York County, Pennsylvania, 17402 , they are free and open to the public. If you have a red-filtered flashlight please bring it along.