Free Public Observing March 10, 2018
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
At John Rudy Park, York, PA. Observatory
There will be an Astronomy Program in the Observatory if cloudy.
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 listen to a screen astronomical presentation on the current night sky and a variety of astronomical topics, then view the March skies with us through one of our telescopes. Let our experienced members guide you on a tour of celestial wonders, including stars, planets, nebulae and the moon. We also invited you 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 as members laser point the night sky. While this is a free event, your generous donation will help us to continue to bring astronomical events to the York County area.
For all observing activities at John Rudy Park, if the weather is questionable, please check our voice message at 717 759 YCAS (9227) for notice of any late cancellation or for an updated status, check this website.
To Observatory See: Directions
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 changed to an astronomical presentation in observatory.
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
Sun
The Sun on February 10, 2018 rises at 7:06 a.m. and sets at 5:37 p.m.. Located in the constellation Capricornus.
Moon
Click on Moon to enlarge image.
The Crescent Moon does not rise until around 3:30 a.m. in the constellation Ophiuchus.
Planets Visible for February Public Observing Night
Uranus
Uranus is located in Pisces and sets at 10:51 pm.. At around 7:00 pm it is visible about 40 degrees above the western horizon.
Constellations for 8:00 P.M.
The Big Dipper is low in the northeastern horizon. To the left of the Big Dipper is the Little Dipper which contains Polaris the north star. See How to use the Big Dipper to find Polaris the north star. See: Finding North Star. In the north is the Little Dipper, Cassiopeia lies to the left and slightly above the Little Dipper. Andromeda “the Princess of Ethiopia” is to the left of Andromeda containing M-31 (the Andromeda Spiral) galaxy. Almost overhead is the constellations Gemini “the Twins”. Orion “the Hunter” is located high in the southeast sky. Above Orion is the constellation Taurus “the Bull”. Above almost overhead of Taurus is the constellation Auriga :the Charioteer”. These are just a few of the many constellations visible this night. The Winter Circle sometimes called the Winter Hexagon is high over head. The winter Circle is an asterism, a grouping of bright stars in the winter night. The Winter Circle, consists of Orion�s bright red star Betelgeuse. Rigel, in Aldebaran, Capella, in Procyon, in Sirius, and Castor and Pollux in Gemini. See: Earth Sky Winter Circle.
View the February 10, 2018 Night Sky Below
North – South – East – West – Zenith
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
Directions to Observatory
See: Directions
Explore the Wonders of your Universe
The Known Universe
Our sun is almost one million miles in diameter and a million earths would fit in it.
It takes light eight minutes to reach us from the sun.
The last star shown in video is VY Canis Majoris which takes light about 5000 years to reach us that is light traveling at 186,000 miles per second x 60 seconds in a minute x 60 minutes in an hour x 365 days in a year x 5000 years. VY Canis Majoris is (almost 2 billion ) 1.7 billion miles in diameter.
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