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Martz-Kohl Observatory
non-profit organization devoted to the amateur astronomer
Author: Andy Felong
Members only!
Andromeda Galaxy
Member, Dave Wilkins, assembled this fantastic image of the Andromeda Nebula (M31, NGC 224) from 55 images of 1-minute duration. Images were taken near Kinzua Point, close to Warren, PA in July, 2020. The nebula is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth and the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way. The galaxy’s name stems from the area of Earth’s sky in which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda
Welcome to the observatory
Welcome to the Martz-Kohl Observatory
Photo by Richard Carlson. Taken in August 2019 after renovations were complete.
Cold Day at the Observatory
A bit of snow, some clouds, some sun – 17 degrees F – possibly good seeing at night!
Photo by member, Dave Wilkins. January 2020
Observatory at Night
There is actually very little light around the observatory but the long exposure makes it seem pretty bright.
Night-time photo by Dave Wilkins, member from Warren, PA. Taken in April 2019 after renovations were complete
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Congratulations to the Frewsburg Lions Club for 75 years of service! The Martz-Kohl Observatory is very proud to be located in the hamlet of Frewsburg, in the Town of Carroll, New York and greatly appreciates support from the town, its businesses and other organizations. One of the Lions Club's strategic objectives is to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired. The observatory is operated by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. One emphasis of our association is observational astronomy, well-rooted in public education and enjoyment of the starry skies.
We celebrate and are humbled by the inclusion of an image of our facility’s telescope domes on the 75th anniversary commemorative medal of the Frewsburg Lions Club. Thanks to the club and we hope to join you in many more years of service!
A simple road map to constellations and bright stars using the Big Dipper as a navigation aid. Shared from the Library Telescope project that the Martz-Kohl Observatory will soon join.
Thank you Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for providing the funding to make this possible!👏
Images by member, Kyle Lynch. Taken remotely via the recently automated 24” Martz Telescope.
Check out the night sky - tonight and tomorrow - May 23-34
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Last night was not a good night to view the stars but when the cloudy sky turns green, yellow, blue and purple, you know SOMETHING is going on! An aurora, also known as the Northern Lights, is occasionally seen in our area. Auroras show up as dynamic patterns of bright lights that can appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers that can cover the entire sky. Auroras are named after Aurora, the ancient Roman goddess of the dawn.
So, what causes an aurora? In the ionosphere (100-500 miles above the Earth), the ions of the solar wind collide with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen from the Earth's atmosphere. The energy released during these collisions can cause a band of colors or halo to form around the North or South Pole.
Image by member and prolific astrophotographer, Dave Wilkins 👍 🔭I took these pics last night from oak hill road in Frewsburg looking north
Spectacular! I have only seen the Northern Lights here once and that was way back in the early 2000's. It was absolutely spectacular!! My hubby and I were in our boat out on Chautauqua Lake and we were heading south toward Celoron. We had just gone under the bridge and there they were!! I had never seen anything like it. We cut the motor of the boat and just sat there in awe!! It was vibrant and every color of the rainbow!! God's fireworks are the best!! Hope to see them again in my lifetime!!
Reynold Guzman & Theresa Beezer Tobar
Beautiful
What?! I missed it!?
We saw turquoise spots a couple night ago around sunset. Would hat have been auroras? they were not bright, and did not last too long.
Was this picture taken last night??
Wendy Johnson
Cray Cray
What time was this? I looked last night but didn’t see anything….
The Lyrids are coming! The Lyrid Meteor Shower is expected to peak around April 21-23. Since the Moon sets early, it will not obscure the night sky and you can expect to see 10-20 meteors per hour. The Lyrids can be a bit unpredictable and have, in the past, had surges of up to 100 per hour. Best viewing is after midnight when the constellation, Hercules, is high in the sky - about half way to the zenith at about 45 degrees up from the eastern horizon at 1:00am. Look for the bright star, Vega, which is close to the Lyrids' radiant. The radiant is the point in the sky from which the paths of meteors appear to originate. Meteors can, however, show up all over the sky.
Dedicate some time if you want to really experience this meteor shower. You won't see much in 5-10 minutes! Dress warmly (in layers). Lay down on a blanket with pillows to support your head and neck or use a lawn chair. Best viewing is with the naked eye as you can see a wide swath of the sky. Your neck can get very sore tilting up for long periods of time. Use support!
Want to learn more about meteoroids, meteors and meteorites- oh my? We have a video for that! Check out this very entertaining video presentation by Dr. Alexandra Yep on the Martz-Kohl Observatory website: martzobservatory.org/dr-alexandra-yep-2022/Shannon Carnahan Melissa Nelson Klenke
Amanda Pike
Lauren Kate
Gregg
Currently planned for November 2024. Mission is to fly around the Moon but not to land.Fly ‘em to the Moon!
NASA has named the crew of the #Artemis II mission. These explorers represent the best of humanity, daring to forge new frontiers in space on behalf of humanity.
Reid Wiseman, Commander
Victor Glover, Pilot
Christina Hammock Koch, Mission Specialist
Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist
Artemis II will fly the crew of four to the Moon and back to Earth!
Together, we are going!ACT NOW! Applications are due by April 15! Martz-Kohl Observatory and Falconer Central Schools are thrilled to offer Chautauqua County students entering grades 6 through 9 a weeklong "launch into space" STEM camp experience. The day camp will be held July 17 - 21, 2023. Students will learn about the history of space observations and explorations, build their own telescopes, learn how to use the 24" telescope at the observatory, and build and launch model rockets. Working with a NASA Ambassador in hands-on lab, students will investigate the spectrometry of stars. Other guest speakers and activities are planned.
Visit martzobservatory.org/space-stem-camp/ for additional information, to ask questions, and to request an application.Andre Graham this looks fun!!
Maree Ann Dunn
Kimberly Diane
Tu crees que a Gino le guste? Karina Lozada
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