See an Exploding Star in Cassiopeia

A rare treat for visual observers this week: a new nova in Cassiopeia is within reach of amateur telescopes. A nova occurs at the end of a star’s life and are somewhat rare events, especially those that can be glimpsed with backyard equipment. Sky & Telescope’s Bob King explains everything you need to know to catch it while it’s still visible:

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/bright-nova-erupts-in-cassiopeia/

You can view the remains of a recent (relatively) spent star in the Crab Nebula (M1), called a supernova remnant (SNR). It’s visible shortly after sunset looking westward, you can use Stellarium or other star chart to locate it.

https://earthsky.org/clusters-nebulae-galaxies/crab-nebula-was-an-exploding-sta

For everything else happening this week, check out this week’s Sky At A Glance column from S&T:

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-march-26-april-3/

Fundraiser update: We’re well on our way with $375 out of $3,500 raised so far - thanks to everyone who’s contributed! If you'd like to help spread the word about our "Community Telescopes" fundraiser, you can visit the GoFundMe link here:

https://gofund.me/075961e3

Join Standley Lake Stargazing for “Science & Cinema: Interstellar (Part 2)” Wed. April 7 @ 6:00 PM (Mountain Time) for a discussion of the science portrayed in Christopher Nolan’s space epic! Email register@standleylakestargazing.com to sign up. (Reminder - no program March 31!)

Stay well, and clear skies!