Our 2021 state park star gaze schedule, such as it was, ended at Henderson Beach.
Normally, Henderson Beach star gazes are our most heavily attended events. But 2021 was not a normal year, for so many reasons, and the star gaze at Henderson Beach was no exception. We only had about 25 guest observers during the event that started in the early afternoon with solar viewing. There was a little activity seen but you had to look very close to see a prominence. That will change as we get deeper into solar cycle 25. We had enough scopes set up that we were able to dedicate one to a daytime visible Venus. The half-lit planet was very easy to find in the daytime sky if you knew where to look.
Amongst the guest observers were two that brought and set up their own telescopes. Both were looking for assistance and we were glad to help each of them, one more successfully than the other. We always suggest bringing out personal telescopes; we are glad when people take advantage of the opportunity to join in the fun.
 Dennis & Tom discuss the upcoming solar cycle. |
 Dennis shows a guest a daytime visible Venus. |
 Guests took advantage of our invitation to bring their own scopes and join in the fun. |
 The pinkish “Belt of Venus” highlights the evening sky. |
As the skies darkened Jupiter and Saturn came into view with Saturn, of course, the more popular target. Several deep sky objects were viewed as well as Neptune when it rose high enough in the sky to clear the mucky atmosphere near the horizon.
- George & Renee Gollehon
- Dave Halupowski & Kennedy Odom
- Tom Haugh
- Dennis & Marietta Hausch
We would like to thank the management and park rangers of Henderson Beach 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 normal Henderson Beach crowds in 2022.