New Dark Matter Map Shows the Universe in Detail
Scientists using JWST have created the largest and highest-resolution map of dark matter ever, shedding light on the universe’s evolution.
Science
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?
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.
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.
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.
BPAA Member Perk: Astrospheric
Have you heard about Astrospheric? It’s an important weather forecast tool for North American astronomers and astrophotographers, and an expanded version is available for free to BPAA members!