There was an above average attendance of 85-90 guest observers at our last Topsail Hill star gaze for 2021. Observing started in the early afternoon with the Sun. Even though NASA & NOAA scientists have announced that solar cycle 25 has begun, there was little activity visible on the solar surface. As the Sun dropped behind the tree line, the solar telescopes were put away and nighttime equipment was set up. Venus was easily visible in the dimming daytime sky and as the sky darkened, Jupiter and Saturn followed. Several deep sky objects were also viewed along with a quick look at Neptune before a light haze and a dwindling number of guest observers ended the event.
Club members who were able to support Topsail Hill were:
- Dave Halupowski
- Tom Haugh
- Dennis & Marietta Hausch
We would like to thank the management and park rangers of Topsail Hill Preserve state park for allowing us to share our passion for the night sky. We look forward to a more ‘normal’ star gaze schedule and to Topsail Hill skies in 2022.