Squirrel Valley Observatory-MPC W34

10/22/2024

Some parting dslr shots of Comet 2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS from last week. Fading and slightly washed out with the full moon.

10/15/2024

Last nights view of Comet C/2023 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS

10/11/2024

A few more pictures from last nights Aurora display.

09/26/2024

04/16/2024

The solar corona and prominences during last weeks eclipse.

01/12/2022

The James Webb Space Telescope, ( as imaged from the observatory last night) heading out to it final destination at Lagrange point 2 about 1 million miles from earth. It was imaged over about a 45 minute time period. JWST can be seen moving in the center of the frame. https://jwst.nasa.gov/content/webbLaunch/whereIsWebb.html

10/06/2021

I am pleased to report that Squirrel Valley Observatory is now an official member of the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN). We at Squirrel Valley Observatory are honored to join the skilled members of this United Nations sanctioned planetary defense network.

"IAWN was established (2013) as a result of the UN-endorsed recommendations for an international response to a potential NEO impact threat, to create an international group of organizations involved in detecting, tracking, and characterizing NEOs. The IAWN is tasked with developing a strategy using well-defined communication plans and protocols to assist Governments in the analysis of asteroid impact consequences and in the planning of mitigation responses. Currently, IAWN includes members from Europe, Asia, South and North America."
IAWN website https://iawn.net/about/members.shtml

08/25/2021

Credit NASA Asteroid Watch: "Will an asteroid ever hit Earth? There are no known impact threats to Earth for the next century, but small meteoroids disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere all the time!"

Dr. Kelly Fast, one of our experts, tells us more:

Will an asteroid ever hit Earth? There are no known impact threats, but tiny meteors burn up in Earth’s atmosphere all the time! NASA asteroid expert Dr. Kel...

08/17/2021

RIP

Carolyn Shoemaker was, like her husband Gene, a legend in the astronomical community. In a career that didn't begin until after she finished raising the couple's three children, she discovered 32 comets and more than 800 asteroids.

Carolyn was not only a celebrated scientist but an inspiring mentor, beloved member of the Lowell Observatory family, and just a delightful person. We will miss her wit, humility, and charm.

07/29/2021

My thanks to the staff of the Fleischmann Planetarium for a very enjoyable visit. Had a great talk with Paul and Seth. Located on the campus of UNV, a superb educational facility to visit if ever in Reno. Go Wolfpack!