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# Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club

Looking up since 1956

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://lhastro.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Great Targets in the Night Sky - August](https://lhastro.org/great-targets-in-the-night-sky-august/) - [table id=3 /] M22- Messier 22 Messier 22, colloquially known as the Sagittarius Cluster, is a captivating globular cluster residing in the constellation Sagittarius. Positioned approximately 10,000 light-years from Earth, it graces our night sky with its luminous presence, boasting an apparent magnitude of around 5.1, making it visible to the naked eye under dark
- [Top Astrophotography Targets for February](https://lhastro.org/top-astrophotography-targets-for-february/) - LHAAC's favorite astrophotography targets for the month of February.
- [LHAAC resumes in-person events at White Memorial](https://lhastro.org/lhaac-resumes-in-person-events-at-white-memorial/) - The club held its first in-person public event in more than a year with a new talk called "Juno at Jupiter" on August 27. The last two public talks of 2021 are "Saturn - the real Lord of the rings", in October and our popular annual astro-imaging roundup in November. See the calendar page for
- [May 26 talk on Roving Mars](https://lhastro.org/may-26-talk-on-roving-mars/) - This talk is sponsored by The Oliver Wolcott Library. To join the talk, go to the Library's site: https://www.owlibrary.org/adult-events.aspxScroll down until you see "Roving Mars - The Red Planet with Pete Kandefer" and follow the link. (The notice in the Waterbury newspaper on 5/13 referred to this site instead of the library's.)
- [Founding Club Member Paul Pompa Passes Away at 96](https://lhastro.org/founding-member-paul-pompa-passes-away/) - On 12/21/2020 the club learned that much loved and founding member Paul Pompa had passed away the previous day. Below are some words from the secretary about Paul's involvement with the club. Paul was one of the founding members of LHAAC in 1956, was active for many years and served several years as president. He
- [WMCC - Hoffleit Observatory Update June 2020](https://lhastro.org/wmcc-hoffleit-observatory-update-june-2020/) - Lots of progress has been occurring during quarantine on LHAAC's Hoffleit Observatory with a brief summary below. Suffice to say future star parties at White Memorial will be getting a definite upgrade. On May 9 Chip M, Mark C, Denis W and Liam went to the observatory and built the flap in the west wall
- [Astrophotography Talk 2020](https://lhastro.org/astro-photography-talk/) - Last week our club president Joe Dougherty presented his ever-popular Astrophotography Talk where he gave a basic overview of what astrophotography is and how it works, as well as showcased images that he and other club members have taken over the years. Check out the Talk below! We have also been working on the calendar
- [Club News for 5/15/20](https://lhastro.org/club-news-for-5-15-20/) - Coming Events and Star Parties: - 05/15/20: Star Party online via Facebook, 8:00pm; talk topic: Our Magnetic Sun- 06/19/20: Star Party at White Memorial, 8:00pm; talk topic: to be announced- 07/17/20: Star Party at White Memorial, 8:00pm; talk topic: to be announced Star Parties:05/15; 8:00pm: talk topic - Our Magnetic SunIf you've done solar observing
- [Members brave single digit temps to capture lunar eclipse](https://lhastro.org/members-brave-single-digit-temps-to-capture-lunar-eclipse/) - Club members Denis Williamson, Mark Croce, Jamie Caron, and Liam O'Brien were on the scene the night of January 20th to view the last lunar eclipse for North America until May 16th, 2022. Despite temperatures of 4F or -12F with windchill factor, some intrepid members managed to keep their camera going long enough to capture all the
- [LHAAC Art Show - Starlight: Astronomy meets art](https://lhastro.org/lhaac-art-show-starlight-astronomy-meets-art/) - The LHAAC will be having a gallery show at Five Points Gallery Annex from November 16th through the 25th. Opening night reception is Friday, November 16th 6-8:30pm (refreshments will be served). Come to see photographs of galaxies, nebula, planets, the moon, and even the Aurora Borealis! Members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy club will be available
- [Top Astrophotography Targets for March 2018](https://lhastro.org/top-astrophotography-targets-for-march-2018/) - [table id=2 /] M3 - Messier 3 Wikipedia DSO-Browser M3 is a globular cluster in the constellation Canes Venatici. This is a great object for beginners, it is quite bright and can produce stunning images with a variety of setups. Reddit example #1 Reddit example #2 Reddit example #3 M42 - Orion Nebula Wikipedia DSO-Browser
- [Rare Sighting of "Bantam Phantom" at WMCC](https://lhastro.org/rare-sighting-of-bantam-phantom-at-wmmcc/) - Just in time for the Halloween season, authorities believe that the photo above is the first time that the elusive "Bantam Phantom" has been captured on film. Recent sightings in South Carolina where he is known as "Pumpkin Head" may also be true, since reported sightings only occur in the dark and South Carolina recently experienced
- [Eclipse 2017 Wrap-up](https://lhastro.org/eclipse-2017-wrap-up/) - Total eclipse 2017 was a big event in many ways, not only was it the first total eclipse to cross the contagious United states in nearly a 100 years, but it was a door buster in terms of crowd size for both club members at White Memorial and those scattered across the lower 48, including
- [Member presentation at the Connecticut Star Party](https://lhastro.org/member-presentation-at-the-connecticut-star-party/) - At 10:30AM the 23rd of this month, member Pete Kandefer will be giving a presentation on meteor impact sites at the Connecticut Star Party (CSP); a brief description of the talk is below. The CSP runs from September 22nd to 24th at the Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen, CT, rain or shine. For more information
- [The Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017](https://lhastro.org/the-great-american-solar-eclipse-of-2017/) - What's all the fuss about? "A total solar eclipse is when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, lasting for up to about three hours from beginning to end, according to NASA. The lunar shadow will darken the sky, temperatures will drop and bright stars will appear at a time that is normally broad
- [Russ Leonard builds 6in refractor](https://lhastro.org/russ-leonard-builds-6in-refractor/) - Member Russ Leonard recently put the finishing touches on a brand new 6in F/15 refracting telescope, mounted on a DIY Alt-Az mount built from stained Oak, the design utilizes a friction clutch complete with precision settings circles, much like a Dobsonian. Weighing in at almost 500lbs and standing taller than Russ (who is pretty tall to start with) this telescope means business,
- [PiKon Telescope - DIY, 3D printed, Raspberry Pi enabled](https://lhastro.org/pikon-telescope-diy-3d-printed-raspberry-pi-enabled/) - This neat project from Royal Astronomical Society member Mark Wrigley showcases what can be done with new low cost disruptive technologies like 3D printing and single board computers such as the Raspberry Pi. Costing only ~$312 as a fully built kit or much less if you have some of the parts and tools needed. This is among one
- [Member published in Astronomy Technology Today](https://lhastro.org/member-published-in-astronomy-technology-today/) - Member Shef Robotham recently had an article published in the "Astro Tips" section of Astronomy Technology Today, detailing a modification for mounting the guide scope used for imaging. You can see a copy of the article below (click to enlarge). Great job Shef!
- [Work on the Observatory telescope nears completion](https://lhastro.org/work-on-the-observatory-telescope-nears-completion/) - In April, 2016, members of the Mattatuck Astronomical Society and the Litchfield Hills club installed the motors and electronics needed for the telescope to move. Next step is star testing to make sure the optical components are aligned and working properly. When done, the telescope will be operated under computer control, making it possible to
- [News From New Horizons Spacecraft](https://lhastro.org/news-from-new-horizons-spacecraft/) - The New Horizons mission to Pluto was a complete success. On July 14, 2015, the spacecraft flew past Pluto at 7 miles per second and took thousands of photos and measurements. Over the next month a few hundred low-resolution images were returned to Earth. (Images and lots more information about the mission here.) The first
- [Gravitational Waves Discovered](https://lhastro.org/gravitational-waves-discovered/) - At a press conference on Feb. 11, 2016 we learned that researchers detected gravitational waves, predicted a century ago by Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity. In the early 1600's Johannes Kepler worked out the mathematics of the motions of the planets, showing that they orbit the Sun in nearly circular ellipses. Though Kepler's laws
- [New Horizons Spacecraft Approaches Pluto](https://lhastro.org/new-horizons-spacecraft-approaches-pluto/) - The New Horizons spacecraft, launched in January 2006, is now in the Pluto system and returning photos. It will fly by Pluto and its 5 known moons on July 14. This region of the Solar System contains a number of Pluto-like objects; what makes Pluto particularly interesting is that it appears to have an atmosphere
- [Unusual Comet Survives a Fiery Plunge](https://lhastro.org/unusual-comet-survives-a-fiery-plunge/) - Click here to view an animated image sequence of the comets trip around the sun. Astronomers using NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) are puzzling over a new comet that recently made a dive towards the sun and lived. According to recent observations the comet appears to be getting brighter as it heads earthwards, possibly turning into a
- [Observatory repaired](https://lhastro.org/observatory-repaired/) - The observatory at White Memorial was built in 1996 by the Mattatuck Astronomical Society and has been showing signs of age. In November, 2013, members of MAS and LHAAC got together to repair the rails for the roll-off roof. We believe those repairs will outlive most of us. The 17.5" telescope has been installed, replacing
- [LHAAC and MAS members repair telescope](https://lhastro.org/lhaac-and-mas-members-repair-telescope/) - The 16 inch telescope now in the observatory is not the original one. The 17.5 inch telescope originally built by members of the Mattatuck club was removed some years ago to be equipped with automatic tracking. The project languished but is now back on track. Members of the two clubs are working to complete the
- [Incoming! Comet C/2014 Lovejoy Makes An Appearance](https://lhastro.org/comet-c2014-lovejoy-appearance/) - Comet Lovejoy is at its best this week and next, especially now that the Moon is gone from the evening sky. The comet is glowing at about 5th magnitude well to the west of Orion early in the week — nice in binoculars and possibly visible very dimly to the unaided eye, depending on your sky conditions.

## Pages

- [Home](https://lhastro.org/) - Since 1956 the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club has promoted the enjoyment of amateur astronomy through public star parties, education, and meetings.
- [Membership Success](https://lhastro.org/membership-success/) - You're part of the family now! Thanks for joining! You should receive an email containing the content of this form sent to the email address provided; if any information is incorrect please send an email to our club secretary at lhaacsec@gmail.com. Also, be sure to bring your dues payment to the next club meeting if
- [Request a star party](https://lhastro.org/request-a-star-party/) - Request a Star Party Beginning in 2009 the LHAAC started a popular series of star parties at our observatory on the grounds of the White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield with the goal of bringing opportunities to enjoy the sky to the local community. We also have done events for the Oliver Wolcott Library in
- [Membership](https://lhastro.org/membership/) - LHAAC Membership Thank you for your interest in our club. Founded in 1956, the mission of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club is to promote the enjoyment of amateur astronomy through education, meetings, and public outreach. We host stargazing events and presentations for schools and community service organizations. Members agree to abide by club by-laws,
- [Beginner Resources](https://lhastro.org/media/beginner-resources/) - Getting started in Astronomy A guide to free and paid resources on telescope selection, astronomy software, books, magazines and tutorials for beginning and intermediate astronomers. Planetarium Software Mac SkySafari - $9.99 for the basic version Stellarium - See description below; free Cartes du Ciel - Draws maps of the sky; free Windows Stellarium - An
- [Newsletter](https://lhastro.org/newsletter/)
- [Sign Up](https://lhastro.org/membership/sign-up/) - Join in on the Fun! Thank you for your interest in our club. Founded in 1957, the mission of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club is to promote the enjoyment of amateur astronomy through education, meetings, and public outreach. We host stargazing events and presentations for schools and community service organizations. Members agree to abide
- [Observatory](https://lhastro.org/about/observatory/) - White Memorial Observatory Built in 1997 by members of the Mattatuck Astronomical Society (MAS), the Dorrit Hoffleit observatory at White Memorial has been a tremendous asset to the club members and the public. The observatory is currently maintained and operated by the Litchfield Hills club. In late 2019 we removed the 17.5" telescope and put
- [About](https://lhastro.org/about/) - Early History Of The LHAAC Originally presented by Ward Edgerton After taking a course in astronomy at the old Torrington High School in the early part of 1956, a group of students decided to organize a club to continue their scientific interests. Their instructor, George Mahoney of Harwinton, readily agreed to the club’s formation. An informal
- [Public Star Parties](https://lhastro.org/about/public-star-parties/) - Star Parties As part of the club's outreach effort we hold a public star party once a month from February through November at the White Memorial Conservation Center, a sprawling 4,000 acre wildlife preserve and nature center, located just off Route 202 5 minutes from both Litchfield and Bantam. The evening starts off by having a
- [Club Officers 2025-26](https://lhastro.org/about/club-officers/) - President - Jamie Caron Vice President - Ashley Frazer Secretary - Denis Williamson - (Email) Treasurer - Peter Thomas Board Member at large - Alex Cole
- [Calendar](https://lhastro.org/calendar/)
- [Contact](https://lhastro.org/contact/) - Send a message Whether it's a question, comment, or a good joke, we love hearing from you. Just fill out the form below and the club secretary will get back to you as soon as possible.
- [COVID-19 Update](https://lhastro.org/covid-19-update/) - COVID-19 Updates - As of early 2021 Club Meetings Due to state restrictions on indoor meetings, we're now holding club meetings via Zoom; if you would like to join a meeting, please let the club secretary know at lhaacsec@gmail.com. We also have an active Discord server where club members communicate about ongoing projects and observing
- [Meeting Minutes](https://lhastro.org/membership/meeting-minutes/) - Meetings Minutes Latest Meeting: Past Minutes: 2019 December November October September August June May April March February January 2018 December November October September August June May April March February January 2017 December November October September August June May April March February January 2016 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May
- [Shop](https://lhastro.org/shop/)
- [Presentations](https://lhastro.org/media/presentations/) - Presentations Note: See this accompanying doc file for the presentation notes. Technical Presentations
- [Media](https://lhastro.org/media/) - Gallery
- [Membership List](https://lhastro.org/memberships/)
- [Protected Content](https://lhastro.org/protected-content/)
- [Registration](https://lhastro.org/register-2/)
- [Thank-You Page](https://lhastro.org/registration-complete/)
- [Account](https://lhastro.org/account/)
- [Protected Content](https://lhastro.org/protected-2/) - Oops, wrong galaxy... The content you are trying to access is only available to members, sorry. If you are a member then please login using the link below: Login
- [Star Parties/Club Meetings](https://lhastro.org/media/star-parties/) - About Photos of the club star parties, club meetings, outreach events, and all kinds of other tomfoolery.
- [Deep Sky Objects](https://lhastro.org/media/deep-sky-objects/) - About Deep-sky objects are astronomical objects other than individual stars and solar system objects (such as Sun, Moon, planets, comets, etc.). The classification is used for the most part by amateur astronomers to denote visually observed faint naked eye and telescopic objects such as star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
- [Register](https://lhastro.org/register/) - Oops, it looks like you aren't a member, or you might be logged out. [subscriptionform]
- [News](https://lhastro.org/news/)

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