Featured Photograph
Messier 42, the magnificent Orion Nebula
© 2024 Klaus Brasch
Messier 42, the magnificent Orion Nebula, a favorite object in any amateur telescope, is usually portrayed in vivid, high contrast colors. While that looks spectacular, the reality is that one of our closest stellar nursery’s true colors are likely much more subdued. I have attempted to depict it in hues one might expect as seen in a large aperture telescope, showing the light pink emission regions and the bluish reflection veils surrounding the nebula’s core.
DETAILS: Astro Physics AP 155 Starfire shooting at f/5.2, though an IDAS LPS-V4 filter and a spectrally modified Canon EOS 6D Mrk II. Total exposure: 8 minutes at ISO 4000.
Klaus Brasch
The featured photograph is any astronomical photograph provided by one of our members. If you are a member and have a photograph you would like to submit, please send the request along with the photograph and description to: info@coconinoastro.org.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Presenter: Tom Polakis
Title: All About Asteroids
Since the first asteroid was discovered in 1801, astronomers have used widely differing approaches to learn about their nature. Nearly all asteroids are point sources that show no details through the largest telescopes, so clever methods to determine their properties have evolved. These include photometry, radar imaging, and stellar occultations. Tom’s presentation about asteroids will range from historical discoveries to modern science.
Tom Polakis has been an active amateur astronomer for 48 years, during which he has seen Saturn circle the sun 1 1/2 times. His main interests involve visual observing of all astronomical phenomena, and imaging of same with equipment ranging from a phone to a backyard observatory. He has a particular interest in describing the universe as an ever-changing entity. His writing and photography have regularly appeared in magazines such as "Astronomy" and "Sky & Telescope," and more recently he has been an author or co-author in refereed astronomical publications.
CAS Monthly Meetings and Astronomical Programs are held the
Saturday closest to the Full Moon at the Mars Hill Campus of
Lowell Observatory, Hendricks Center for Planetary Studies
Auditorium (6:45 pm - 8:00 pm)., unless otherwise noted followed
by refreshments, and informal discussion. Meetings are open and free
to the public.
