On this evening of June 20, a group of about 50 optimistic stargazers ignored the weather forecast to come out to one of the summer’s Cronyn Observatory public nights.
June has been a fantastic month for planetary observers. On this evening, lucky viewers were treated to a spectacular conjunction between the planets Venus and Jupiter and the moon. The trio formed a beautiful triangle in the cobalt blue twilight sky.
Four telescopes were deployed on the observatory’s upper deck, where the visitors were treated to closeup views of Venus, Jupiter, the moon, the rising Saturn, Vega, and the star complex of Mizar and Alcor. The night air was muggy, and a steady breeze made for great seeing. Volunteers on the observing floor were Peter, Bob, Dale, Emily, Dilini, Matt, Henry, Heather, Paul, Mark, and Tricia.
In the lecture theatre, Sahar gave two talks titled “The Life Cycle of Stars”.
After a long wonderful evening of astronomy, if to say enough is enough, the clouds finally decided to roll in at closing time.
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