Free Public Observing Session 

February 25th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at YCAS Observatory, John Rudy Park York, PA

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.

What's Up for February 25th Night Sky?

Tantalizing treats to tempt the telescope

On this night the Moon is only 3 degrees from the planet Venus. Mercury is low on the western horizon at 6 p.m. 

Above Mercury is Uranus, Venus and Jupiter. Mars is rising in the east.

 In the northern sky low on the horizon is the comet 2009/P Garradd just below the Little Dipper in the constellation Draco the Dragon. The comet will be closest to Earth on 2012 March 5 (1.27 AU). See: Orbit view.

The Moon

Click Moon to enlarge

The Moon

On this night the New Moon will be at a Phase 15.56% lit. It will be 403504.11 km from earth. The Moon will be in the constellation Pisces the Fishes.

Planets Visible in the evening February sky.

Mercury: Mercury is low on the western horizon on the border of the constellations Aquarius and Pisces. Next night Mercury will be in Pisces. Mercury sets at 7:00 p.m. A flat horizon is needed. Through a telescope Mercury can be seen to go through phases as our Moon does. This night Mercury will be79.91% lit. Similar in appearance to a 3/4 Moon.

Venus:  Venus on the 25th is in the west at dusk. Venus sets about 9:30 p.m. and will continues to gain altitude above the horizon each night. Venus goes through phases as our Moon does and this night will look similar in appearance like a better than 1/2 full Moon with it's phase at 65.36% lit. The bright glow of Venus will be the dominant feature of the evening sky for the next several months.

Jupiter:  Jupiter the largest of the planets glows brightly high in the sky as the sunsets and is located in the constellation Aries the Ram. Jupiter seen through one of the telescopes at the YCAS observatory will show you the cloud bands of the planet and a few of the star like many moons of Jupiter. Jupiter sets at 10:49 p.m.

Uranus:  Uranus through a telescope reveals a small pale bluish disk. Uranus' blue color is the result of absorption of red light by methane in the upper atmosphere. Uranus sets at 8:02 p.m.

Mars: Ruddy Mars rises at 6:28 p.m. EST. The red planet’s disc is still quite small when compared to Jupiter’s, but modest instruments should be able to see the planet’s north polar cap and dark markings scattered across its rust-hued deserts through a telescope of 8 inches or greater diameter. The best time to observe Mars is after 10:00 p.m.

Saturn: Saturn does not rise until 10:00 p.m. The best time to observe the ringed planet is still just before dawn when its near the meridian.

 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 February 25th Night Sky Below Looking:

North - South - East - West - Zenith

Explore the Wonders of your Universe

Astronomy Picture of the Day

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

For all Observing activities at John Rudy Park, if the weather is 
questionable, please check our voice message at 717-578-9109 for notice of 
any late cancellation or for an updated status, check this website. 

 If it is clear or mostly clear, the activity will 
occur as scheduled. If it is completely cloudy, raining or snowing, the 
activity will be cancelled.

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.