Dark Matter’s “Nightmare Scenario” Looks More Likely Than Ever
Our great hope is that today’s indirect, astrophysical evidence will someday lead to successful direct detection. What if that’s impossible?
Newsletter
The Ring Nebula Has an “Iron Bar”
The Ring Nebula in Lyra, also known as Messier 57, is the most famous planetary nebula in the sky. It’s also one of the most imaged and studied objects of its class. But when Roger Wesson (Cardiff University, UK) and his colleagues analyzed a series of spectra taken between May and June 2023, they found something completely new: An oddly shaped “bar” of ionized iron gas that crosses the nebula roughly from west to east along the elliptical ring’s major axis.
BPAA’s Annual Meeting
The Board of Directors invites all members to attend BPAA’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 at 6 pm. The meeting will be held at Battle Point Observatory (10800 Battle Point Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA), with a virtual option for those who cannot attend in-person.
Thanks for visiting Under One Sky at BARN in December!
We are so grateful for the generous support of our community, both in financial gifts and through the gift of time through volunteering. None of what we do would be possible without your continued support of BPAA. We hope to offer so many more opportunities for discovery in the new year!
Astrophotography Special Interest Group
Chief Astronomer Chuck Wraith is organizing an astrophotography special interest group within the BPAA membership.
Planetarium Shows in January
Planetarium Shows at Battle Point Observatory. Shows offered at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm on the following Saturdays in January – 3 (12:30 show only), 17, and 31.
The Winter BI Parks And Rec Catalog Is Here— And We’re In It!
We’re teaming up with Parks and Rec once again for out-of-this-world classes! Introduction to Astronomy 101 (ages 16+) is back with another fantastic lineup of classes to get you off to a great start in astronomy.
Volunteer Open House at the Observatory – Saturday, Jan 24th
Are you interested in learning about how you can volunteer at Battle Point Observatory in 2026? Come drop by on Saturday January 24, 4:00 – 5:00 pm! We’ll be open for you to take a tour and chat about opportunities in the Planetarium, Education, Programs, and Facilities. Learn how easy it is to sign up in our Volgistics system. Tell us about what interests you have and how you would like to contribute your time and talents.
Women in STEM Book Club is on!
The Women in STEM book club will meet on Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6pm, starting in January.