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On March 14th, our own Jim Johnson will present the topic 'What it takes to be an Astrophotographer'.

The formation of our nearest neighbor, the Moon, has long been the source of much speculation and debate. Did it break off from the young Earth? Was it a captured asteroid? Was it a planet that failed to form? Was it the result of a massive impact and, if so, with what object? (Well, at least we know it's not made of cheese and there is no Man in the Moon!)

This month, Grace Coventry will provide a presentation on the new ZWO Seestar S50 smart digital telescope that HAL has recently acquired. Topics to be discussed include:

• The smart digital telescope paradigm (compared to traditional optical telescopes)
• Seestar specifications overview
• How the Seestar compares with other digital telescopes on the market
• Different observing modes on the Seestar, with sample images
• Seestar image post-processing
• What the Seestar does well, and not so well
• Final thoughts
• Q&A

How far apart is everything in our solar system? It can be hard to imagine, but this activity can help! The relative distances between the orbits of the planets will be illustrated. Images in textbooks often depict the planets squeezed together, but this model shows how far apart they are, especially beyond Mars.

Listen to the cosmic storyteller, Outerspace Bob, as he expounds on the enigmatic and elusive black holes that are found in nearly every large galaxy.

The 3rd meeting of AstroSchool will be this Thursday, June 8th, from 6:30 until 8:30 at the RNC (Robinson Nature Center). There is no charge, and we'll be meeting in one of the classrooms on the mezzanine level. We'll be talking about the scientific and engineering marvel, the James Webb Space Telescope.

Listen to the cosmic storyteller, Outerspace Bob, as he describes the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). What’s the big deal? Isn’t the Hubble Space Telescope enough? How far away from Earth is it? Why? Learn why the JWST is worth the money spent on it.

Listen to the cosmic storyteller, Outerspace Bob, as he describes the rings of Saturn and shows pictures and videos of them. Are they solid? Marvel at the intricacies of the separations between the rings. Look at some of the weird shapes of the "shepherd" moons. Learn how one moon is even now creating a new ring. Join us, it will be a visual pleasure. At the Robinson Nature Center (RNC), on the mezzanine level, Thursday, May 11th, 6:30 - 8:30.

• Saturn Cassini Photographic Animation
• The Orbit(s) of Saturn's Rings
• If Saturn Were in Place of the Moon (© Ron Miller BNPS)

Step right up! Thursday, April 13th, is the first AstroSchool since the pandemic. It will be in the planetarium of RNC at 6:45 PM. The tickets are going fast, so call 410-313-0400, the Robinson Nature Center (RNC) front desk, and reserve your seat!
Note: This is a members-only event for HAL members.

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