(Submitted 2026-03-08)

Recent events:

  • February 7 & 8 – Astronomy Days (Raleigh)
    • Coordinator: Chris C
    • Volunteers: many
    • Recap: Chris C –
Thank you everyone who were able to volunteer there time for Astronomy Days 2026.  The final attendance count for this Astronomy Days was just over 15000 people which is surprising considering how the date was moved twice.  I have already communicated to Kari my thoughts for what can be changed or done better next year and noted a few changes that can make the exhibits better while putting in the same amount of effort.
Again, thank you everyone!

 

From the moment we were able to spot Jupiter around 6:10pm until after 7:30pm, we had a non-stop line of students and parents excited to view Jupiter and M42. I estimate at least 150-200 people. Having above freezing weather was a pleasant change.
Thanks to Jesus for volunteering with me!

 

Despite soupy skies, Jayme Hanzak (CHAOS) and I were able to intermittently view Jupiter, Saturn, and M42. I estimate 50-70 students and parents were able to observe these objects.
Thanks to Jayme for coming out to help tonight.

 

I had the pleasure of presenting “Constellations and Classical Mythology” to the 7th and 8th period classes at Martin Middle School for the Gifted.

I was truly amazed by the depth of knowledge of these students, ages 8–11. They are currently studying both Astronomy and Mythology, and it showed. The students were completely engaged throughout the presentation — in fact, a few of them could probably step in and give the talk themselves!

The questions they asked reflected genuine curiosity and an impressive understanding of the material. It was a joy to present to such an enthusiastic and well-prepared group.

I look forward to returning to Martin Middle School for future presentations.

On Saturday I was at Marbles Children’s Museum in Raleigh serving as the visiting NASA Ambassador and Member of the Raleigh Astronomy Club.

I brought my telescope and printed images of Jupiter (with its moons) and Saturn. The staff taped the images to a wall across the room, and I aimed my telescope at them. When the children looked through the eyepiece, the tiny wall pictures suddenly became giant planets.

It was priceless watching their faces light up. They’d look at the small picture… then peek through the telescope… and suddenly — BOOM — Jupiter filled the view. Instant astronomer!

  • February 28 – Stargazing on Tap Star Party (Cameron)
      • Coordinator: Steve B
      • Volunteers: Blair, Alan, Sally, Ollin, Debbie, Jesus, Steve B
      • Recap: Steve B –
We had clear skies to try to view the “parade of planets” at James Creek, but we never saw Mercury as it was too dim to be seen in the twilight, and Saturn wasn’t visible to the naked eye before Venus set below the distant trees.
Skies remained clear of clouds, but as the temperature dropped near the dew point, everything got wet, and light fog settled on us a couple of times. The Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Orion, and Horsehead nebulas were still viewed. About 30 people came over to talk to use and view through our telescopes, binoculars, and screens.
Thanks to Blair, Alan, Sally, Ollin, Debbie, Jesus, and myself for coming down to Cameron.

 

  • March 4 – The Willard Rooftop (Raleigh)
    • Coordinator: Susan H
    • Volunteers: Dean, Blair, Chris C, Lauren, Susan
    • Recap: Susan H –
We had a good outreach event at the Willard on March 3, 2026.
The sky was cloudy with a few stars popping out now and again. Everyone was very excited to view Jupiter and the Moon. We had quite a few pictures left from Astronomy Days to pass out to the participants, they were a big hit! Especially the Jupiter, Mars, Pleiades and Moon images. 
Overall it was a busy successful evening with @80-100 guests in attendance.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered:
Dean, Blair, Chris, Lauren & myself

 

We had reasonably clear skies Saturday, and were able to view Jupiter, M42, M44, M45, and the Rosetta Nebula and others. Skies were not very dark in part due to multiple nearby street lights. About 25 families attended for the hour long event. Despite that, the skies very stable and views of Jupiter were very sharp. The participants were appreciative and asked a lot of good questions.
Thanks to Susan and Dean for joining me. We may schedule another event here in the fall.

 

Upcoming Events:

Notes:

The Outreach Committee is looking for volunteers to coordinate events and assist at events with or without a telescope. To join the committee send a blank email to [email protected]. Any club member is welcome, regardless of experience level. We will train you! To volunteer for an event, register via the RAC Calendar event entry.

Event coordinators: please send an email after the event to [email protected] indicating:

  • How many RAC members volunteered.
  • Estimate of how many attendees were present.
  • Brief synopsis of the event: what interesting things were observed, attendee reactions, host impressions, etc.