High Desert Astronomical Society (HiDAS)

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

During one of our HiDAS Member Telescope Workshops, members Zaii Damian and Bri Perez captured this beautiful image of M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy, using a smart telescope called a Seestar.

Located about 31 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, M51 is one of the most famous galaxies in the night sky. It was the first galaxy whose spiral structure was identified, and its magnificent spiral arms are filled with regions where new stars are actively forming. The smaller galaxy visible beside it, NGC 5195, is interacting with M51, helping create the stunning shape we see today.

The light in this image has traveled approximately 31 million years to reach Earth. Every photon captured by Zaira and Bri began its journey long before humans existed.

Great job, Zaira and Bri, and thank you for sharing your astrophotography with the HiDAS community!

06/13/2026

You don't want to miss this!

The early evening western sky June 16 & 17, 2026

The crescent moon passes Mercury and Jupiter, then Venus.

Look to the west 60 minutes after sunset on June 16 & 17.
• On the first evening, the crescent moon full with earthshine glows right of Jupiter and above Mercury. Use binoculars to positively spot Mercury struggling in the remaining twilight.
• Castor and Pollux will be almost lost in the twilight. Again, binoculars help greatly.
• The next evening finds a somewhat thicker crescent moon glowing above brilliant Venus.
• Binoculars reveal a hidden surprise. The Beehive Cluster, M44, is immediately below the moon on June 17.
• Two nights later, brilliant Venus crosses just north of the Beehive.

End your day with this captivating scene!

06/12/2026

Just after sunset last night, HiDAS Vice President Dave Meyer captured this cellphone photo of Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury shining together in the western sky.

This week's view is especially special because Venus and Jupiter recently reached a close conjunction, appearing almost side-by-side from our perspective on Earth. At the same time, Mercury joined the scene low on the horizon, creating a stunning three-planet lineup often referred to as a "mini parade of planets."

While Venus and Jupiter are easy to spot thanks to their brilliant brightness, Mercury can be much more challenging to find since it never strays far from the Sun. Capturing all three planets together in a simple cellphone photo is a great reminder that you don't need expensive equipment to enjoy the wonders of the night sky.

Great catch, Dave!

06/10/2026

Tonight look toward the West right after sunset (8:03pm)

06/10/2026

Today’s Summer Solar Observers Program session was a great opportunity to spend some time observing and studying our nearest star.

A special thank you to HiDAS member and AAE student David Papp for helping operate the solar telescope in the observatory and for documenting the solar features he observed throughout the session. David recorded several interesting features visible on the Sun, helping us track and better understand the dynamic activity taking place on its surface.

06/06/2026

Unfortunately, due to the forecast of heavy winds this evening, we will be canceling tonight's Public Observatory Night.

Strong winds limit our ability to safely open the observatory dome and also create poor atmospheric seeing conditions, which significantly impacts telescope views of the night sky.

We know many of you were looking forward to joining us, and we're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

06/03/2026

High Desert Astronomical Society member Todd Charlson captured this stunning image of the Rho Ophiuchi Cloud Complex with an impressive 18 hours of total integration time!

Located about 460 light-years from Earth, the Rho Ophiuchi Cloud Complex is one of the closest star-forming regions to our Solar System. This remarkable region contains a mixture of colorful reflection nebulae, glowing gas, and dark interstellar dust clouds surrounding the bright star Rho Ophiuchi in the constellation Ophiuchus.

The intricate dust lanes and vibrant colors visible in this image reveal the beauty and complexity of a stellar nursery where new stars are being born.

Amazing work, Todd! Thank you for sharing this incredible image!