Menu

Newsletter

2023_0420_SRCF_data_center_Aerials_Sunrise_Bonin_9 (1)

Ready, Set, Process: Preparing for Rubin Observatory’s Data Deluge

The NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, starting in late 2025, will begin the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST)—the most expansive sky survey ever conducted. Using a 3,200-megapixel camera built at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, it will capture an 8GB image every 40 seconds, revisiting the same sky regions every three nights. This decade-long project aims to uncover rare cosmic events by collecting vast amounts of astrophysical data. The observatory is jointly funded and operated by the NSF and DOE.

Read More

vaVcbxMRLGUXrrmxu6pPF5-650-80

James Webb Telescope Spots ‘Cosmic Owl,’ Super-Rare Structure Formed from Colliding Ring Galaxies

Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a peculiar owl-faced structure formed by the rare collision of two ring galaxies. This cosmic event, located billions of light-years away, offers a unique opportunity to study galaxy evolution. Ring galaxies like Hoag’s Object emerge when a smaller galaxy passes through a larger one, creating shock waves that push stars and gas into a ring around a central core.

Read More

STScI-01K47ZQ63EQ919RD23C62RHQPY

NASA’s Webb Observes Immense Stellar Jet on Outskirts of Our Milky Way

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope captured a rare and massive stellar jet erupting from a growing protostar in the Sharpless 2-284 nebula. The jet spans 8 light-years—twice the distance to Alpha Centauri—and resembles a double-bladed lightsaber. The protostar, about ten times the mass of our Sun, lies 15,000 light-years away. Scientists were surprised by the discovery, as such powerful outflows of molecular hydrogen from massive stars are uncommon in our galaxy.

Read More

1-the-accident-silane-ac-web

NASA Study: Celestial ‘Accident’ Sheds Light on Jupiter, Saturn Riddle

A mysterious brown dwarf nicknamed “The Accident” is helping scientists uncover why silicon is rarely detected in the atmospheres of gas giants like Jupiter, Saturn, and similar exoplanets. Discovered in 2020 by a citizen scientist through NASA’s Backyard Worlds project, The Accident has an unusual mix of traits seen in both young and old brown dwarfs. Its unique features allowed it to evade standard detection methods. Recent observations using the James Webb Space Telescope have provided new insights, with findings published in Nature on September 4.

Read More

3I-ATLAS-orbit-July-4-ST

Mars Orbiters Will Have Front-row Seats to Interstellar Comet

The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, the third-known object from deep space to enter our solar system, will not approach Earth closely but will pass within 30 million kilometers of Mars on October 3rd. This proximity offers a rare opportunity for observation using cameras and spectrometers aboard Mars orbiters like Mars Express and ExoMars. Scientists hope to capture images of the comet’s coma, though resolution limitations and signal strength may restrict results to monochromatic visuals. Spectral data would be a bonus, but no guarantees are being made.

Read More

hubble-1200x800

Scientists Discover a Powerful and Surprisingly Long-Lasting Gamma Ray Explosion Outside Our Galaxy

A team of scientists has observed an extraordinary gamma ray explosion outside our galaxy that lasted much longer than usual. Typically, gamma ray bursts are brief, but this one persisted for an entire day, making it a rare and puzzling event. Detected in July and reported in September, the phenomenon was studied using both ground-based and space telescopes, including Hubble. Researchers are still investigating its origin, and more data is needed to pinpoint its exact location. The findings were published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters by a European-led team.

Read More

sundial-scopes

Equinox Under the Stars

Battle Point Observatory
Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 pm
a partnership event with IslandWood
Tickets on sale now! Battle Point Astronomical Association’s Programming Coordinator, Eleanor Uyyek, will present a planetarium show for you to learn more about the fall equinox. If there are clear skies, Astro Ambassadors will demonstrate telescopes on Sundial Hill. Join in an evening tour up to the rooftop of the newly renovated Observatory! Discover all that this non-profit community resource has to offer to the public, educators, and to members.

Read More

volunteer

Observatory Volunteer Opportunities for September

We are grateful for our amazing volunteers! Lots of ways to connect with Battle Point Observatory this September. Check out descriptions below, and sign up as a volunteer at https://bpastro.org/volunteer/ to see more details.

Read More

BIParksWEB7.21.25-1-1 banner

Education Opportunities Through BI Parks and Rec!

The first sessions of our fall classes, offered in the BI Parks and Rec Fall catalog, are happening this month!
Planet Pioneers (ages 8–12) and Galaxy Guild (ages 13–17) are back with all-new content, and we’re excited to introduce a trial run of our brand-new adult series: Introduction to Astronomy 101 (ages 16+). You asked for adult classes, and we heard you. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting new venture!

Read More

Load More