Meeting & Comet Watch: From Shepard to Swan

Greenish glow of Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) against a star field, photographed October 2025.

This past Sunday we had our regular club meeting — followed, somewhat spontaneously, by a “comet watch” star party. Normally, impromptu events are an automatic no for me, but I wasn’t about to miss the chance to glimpse a newly discovered comet. Unfortunately, Lisa was out sick this time (feel better, bathroom buddy!), so I … Read more

September Meeting Recap: Spheres, Planes, and Pumpkin Pancakes

Illustration of Earth centered within a celestial sphere, with golden reference lines and surrounding constellations.

August was a wash. August was a particularly uncooperative month for astronomy in our area. Literally every event was cancelled due to weather. So, our September meeting became an opportune time to collectively vent our frustration—and to find out what we might (hopefully) look forward to in the month ahead. Club President Paul took the … Read more

Buckets, Brain-Fire, and a Great Big Wobble

Vintage star chart of northern constellations centered around the North Celestial Pole, with months labeled around the outer edge

It was a rainy, yucko day—the kind that makes you want to cancel everything. But I dragged myself to the Village Inn for one reason: Skip’s presentation. The room? Leaking. Buckets, folding caution signs, and water dripping from ceiling tiles and light fixtures just behind us. It was slightly alarming—electrical fire, anyone? Fortunately, that didn’t … Read more

May Meeting Recap: Science Overload & Bathroom Destiny

Confused man shrugging under northern lights with question marks above his head

This month’s meeting was held in a completely different location—the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, provided by a couple of club members. I wasn’t expecting the dirt road, but yes, I was in the right place. The building had a rustic charm, with a spacious meeting room, exposed ceilings, and a brick façade along the … Read more