The Wolf Moon & The Hunter

Students viewing Orion
and Sirius.

Our first viewing this semester was on January 15 and it featured a full January Moon (aka The Wolf Moon) along with Jupiter and the constellation of Orion. The weather, while cold, was not as cold as some nights I've personally went out observing. Regardless, we deemed it dangerous to make our way to the soccer field, given the amount of icy snow that would have been in our path, but the hill outside of A-Building never seizes to disappoint (despite the parking lot lights).

Speaking of parking lot lights, it was tough to see anything in the Northern skies; wish we had control over when to turn these lights on and off. However, we were still able to make out Polaris, and the Big Dipper. For those of you who were in Astronomy last fall, you might remember how different the position of the Big Dipper is from where it was back in August.
(Check here for that picture).

Parking lot light obstructing our view of the Northern sky.
Notice the Big Dipper, and part of the Little Dipper.

Full Moon through telescope.
Taken by Samer Hariri, 1/15/14

We did have the opportunity to look at Jupiter through the AstroScan telescope, and we were able to see three of its four visible moons. It was around this time that some people started heading back into the building as it was getting colder. Those who braved the cold however got to see the full Moon through the telescope. I must note that I added a polarizing filter to the lens as to not damage our vision. Overall, it was a great first viewing - I hope you all come more prepared for the weather next time! DRESS WARMLY!

Clear Skies!

- SHH