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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trip to the Observatory: Booking Now Available!
With the new school year starting, we’ve updated and re-released our booking form. View a list of our available planetarium shows and movies, then fill out the form to be sent a link to the booking page!
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.