By Joan Mieritz
San Juan Stargazers
The San Juan Stargazers Astronomy Club monthly meeting is on Thursday, Sept. 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. sharp at a new location, the Community United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 434 Lewis St.
If you would like coffee/tea, cookies and some stimulating conversation, you can arrive shortly after 6 p.m. for our social time. Because we are indoors, it may be necessary to again wear masks depending on local COVID conditions. It is so much easier to be safe than sorry.
We will have a fabulous program about “The Sun, Our Favorite Star” with guest speaker Dr. Stephen Keil, former director of the National Solar Observatory at Kitt Peak and consultant for the next National Solar, which is on Maui and will be fully operational this winter.
Keil received his BA at U.C. Berkeley and his Ph.D. in physics and astronomy at Boston University. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. Now he is enjoying his retirement in Pagosa.
He will talk about the latest research being done and possible problems we may experience on earth. He will share things that are exciting and reassuring and answer any questions.
You will also be able to order a 2022 Deep Sky Mysteries Calendar to be paid for when you get it in late October ($15). It is so beautiful, so educational and is a fundraising project for the club’s scholarship fund. Every family and all Pagosa Springs grandchildren should have one.
If you would like to join the San Juan Stargazers, you will also receive Reflector Magazine which is the publication of the National Astronomical League of which you automatically become a member. To join both groups and get an excellent astronomy magazine, annual membership is only $25/ family. You can join the club at any of our events.
The San Juan Stargazers Club is part of the National Astronomical League, celebrating its 75th year of service, and includes over 250 clubs from all over the U.S. Our local group also has a website, www.sanjuanstargazers.org. Check it out.
We welcome everyone to learn more about our amazing universe and its most important star. Hope to see you.
