Astronomy Cafe – March 3, 2025

20250303-AstroCafe-LunarObserving

Observing Mercury from Victoria – Feb 28th – David Lee & Kirsten Pedersen; Observing Opportunities – David Lee; Astronomy Day – May 3 – Randy Enkin; Astrophotos (Sep 2024 images from Cattle Point) – Ken McGill; The Problem with Lunar Eclipse Crater Timing (Citizen Science) – Randy Enkin; Space Mission News – Chris Gainor.

President’s Message – March 2025

Evening at the Plaskett - Star trails of Pleiades, Taurus and Orion dominate the sky behind the historic Plaskett telescope

Being asked to step into the role of President for the RASC has put me into a reflective mood. Future versions of this column will likely feature ruminences on what the RASC means to new members, the incredible contributions the society has made to the community over the last 111 years, and the wonderful friendships we all benefit from being in a group of like-minded individuals. Today, I’m going to focus on something unique to RASC Victoria, which is the opportunity to request a handful of nights on the 1.8 meter Plaskett telescope each year. – Dan Posey

Astronomy Cafe – Feb 3, 2025

Crux & Carina constellations

The Night Sky In Chile – Jeff Pivnick; Astrophotos of the Southern Hemisphere – Joe Carr (Costa Rica 2009), John McDonald (New Zealand 2010); Argentina – Patagonia in 2014 – Randy Enkin; New Zealand visit in 2000-2001 – Dave Robinson; How is the Plaskett telescope mirror cleaned? – Marjie Welchframe; Dave Payne’s Astrophotography & Interpretation; Events – Randy Enkin, Lauri Roche, Chris Gainor, David Lee.

Presentation: Pitcairn Islands Outreach – Bryon Elliot

Byron M. "Packpuppy" Elliot

Pitcairn Islands Outreach! “Celestializing” the H.M.S. Bounty Mutineers! – Bryon Elliot. Wednesday January 8, 2025 starting at 7:30PM. Location: University of Victoria, Bob Wright Centre, Lecture Theatre A104. Who knew “Mutiny on the Bounty” was based on a true story?! Please join me as I tell the tale of my unforgettable adventure on Pitcairn Island, the paradisiacal home of the mutineers’ descendants. I’ll touch on their captivating history, and reveal some of the brilliant celestial wonders I shared with them in their pristine night sky.