The Local Group

We’re Back!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Local Group had cancelled all of our “in-person” activities.  We have been holding our monthly meeting virtually on Zoom.  With the new COVID-19 health guidelines, we can now begin to gather out doors once again.  As a result, we are starting to schedule public outreach events after July 1, 2021 with the understanding that each activity will be re-assessed based upon prevailing conditions.

The Local Group will continue to hold monthly meetings virtually via Zoom!  The Zoom link will be provided in the announcement for each meeting so keep checking this site.  Our club newsletter continues to be distributed to members through the normal channels.

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July 10th, 2021 Vasquez Rocks! by: Dave Flynn

It was a hot day when we arrived to set up our equipment for our first post-pandemic public star party at Vasquez Rocks.  Temps were near 100 degrees with a light breeze helping to alleviate the worst of it.  A few of us set up some H-alpha solar scopes but unfortunately the Sun was rather quiet with no sunspots and only a small fringe of solar flares.  Those were still appreciated by the folks arriving early for the event.

As sunset approached, the crowds started arriving and ultimately the lot was pretty full.  Our telescope workshop was well attended.  Due to this being summer, nautical twilight (when the stars come out) wasn’t until about 9:15.  Once they did, folks got to enjoy a conjunction of Mars and Venus, a constellation talk, views of nebulae and star clusters, a few double stars and some astrophotography.  All-in-all it was a great evening with lots of family fun had by everyone.

The Local Group would like to extend a special thanks to the park staff for their flexibility in supporting such a late evening event.  You folks are awesome!  We’ll be back on Oct. 9th with a sundown time of 6:25.

We even made the paper:  https://signalscv.com/2021/07/a-party-with-the-stars/

More information can be found on the event page:  http://www.lgscv.org/events/591

Observing the Sun by: Simon Tang

When i got into Astronomy, I always wonder how these amazing pictures that I would see and take would look over a period of time.

Since i’ve only been doing this for about 2 years, I would see little to no change since everything in space moves at a … more

Exploring the Galaxy in 3D by: Simon Tang

This is a fun way to explore the galaxy. Go ahead…. click around and zoom about.

Click here to go to original website

Solar Eclipse Event by: Simon Tang

For all of you who are NOT traveling to points North to watch the Great Solar Eclipse of 2017, The Local Group will be having our own FREE eclipse viewing event here in Santa Clarita. … more

Stay Safe During the Solar Eclipse by: Simon Tang

If you didn’t already know, we have a Solar Eclipse coming in August 21st. Most of the US will be able to enjoy views of the event, so named “The Great American Eclipse”. But before you run out into the streets to watch this amazing event. Here are a few … more