Current Issue · April 2026
Vera C. Rubin Observatory: Opening a New Era of Discovery
The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is set to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos. With its 8.4-meter mirror and 3.2-gigapixel camera, the Rubin Observatory will photograph the entire southern sky every few nights — generating more astronomical data than all previous telescopes combined. What does this mean for amateur astronomers and our understanding of dark matter, dark energy, and the Solar System?
The Rubin Observatory represents a fundamental shift in how astronomy is done — from targeted observations to a continuous, all-sky survey that will detect billions of objects and catch transient events as they happen. For amateur astronomers, this means access to an unprecedented stream of alerts about asteroids, variable stars, supernovae, and more.
The Sky This Month
April 2026
Moon Phases
New Moon Apr 27 · First Quarter May 4 · Full Moon May 12. New Moon window ideal for deep sky.
Planets
Saturn in Pisces rising before midnight. Mars fading in Gemini. Venus brilliant in morning sky before dawn.
Meteor Shower
Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 21–22. Radiant in Lyra near Vega. Up to 20 meteors/hour under dark skies.
Deep Sky Highlight
M3 globular cluster in Canes Venatici at its best in April — one of the finest globulars in the northern sky.
Solar Observing
Solar activity remains elevated. Safe solar viewing at club events with H-alpha and white light filters.
Dark Sky Window
Best observing: April 20–May 5 around new moon. Star party planned for April 18 at Williamson Valley.
From the Board
Club Leadership
Spring Is Here — And So Are the Stars
As we move into spring, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a remarkable start to 2026 this has been for the Prescott Astronomy Club. Our January and February meetings drew record attendance, our Starry Nights star parties have been well attended, and the club continues to grow in both membership and energy.
This month’s meeting features Ardis Herrold from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory — this is exactly the kind of world-class astronomy presentation that makes PAC one of the premier astronomy clubs in Arizona. Bring a friend, invite a neighbor, and help us share the wonder of the night sky with our community.
Club News & Announcements
What’s Happening
New Loaner Telescope Available
The club has added a new Orion 8″ Dobsonian to the loaner telescope program. This brings our lending inventory to three telescopes and one pair of giant binoculars. Contact the president to schedule a checkout and orientation session.
School Outreach Program Growing
PAC volunteers visited two local elementary schools in March, introducing over 200 students to the night sky. We are scheduling spring visits and need volunteer telescope operators. Contact Brian Blau if you can help.
Dark Sky Advocacy Update
The City of Prescott is reviewing its outdoor lighting ordinance this spring. PAC board members are engaged in the process to advocate for dark sky-friendly lighting standards. Members who wish to participate in the public comment process, contact the board.
METASIG Dinner — May
The next METASIG dinner is scheduled for May. Location TBD — watch for the club email announcement. These casual dinners are a great way to connect with fellow members outside of a dark field.
Member Astrophotography
Images from the Field
Equipment & Technique
Learn & Improve
Choosing Your First Eyepiece Upgrade
Your telescope’s stock eyepieces are a starting point, not a destination. A quality 8–10mm wide-field eyepiece can transform the views through almost any telescope. Look for: eye relief, apparent field of view, and edge sharpness. Ask a club mentor for hands-on advice at the next star party.
Getting Started with Electronically-Assisted Astronomy
Devices like the Seestar S50, Dwarf II, and similar smart telescopes have opened up astrophotography to beginners. Several club members have experience with these tools and are happy to demonstrate at upcoming events. The APSIG meets monthly to share techniques.
Guest Column
Member Contributions
Your Article Could Appear Here
The Ephemeris welcomes contributions from all PAC members. Whether you want to share a recent observing experience, review a piece of equipment, write about an astronomy topic that fascinates you, or reflect on your journey as an amateur astronomer — this space is for you.
Astronomy is enriched by the many perspectives of people who love it. From the first-time stargazer to the decades-long observer, every story contributes to the fabric of our club’s community. Consider writing a short piece for the next issue.
Contribute to the Next Issue
The Ephemeris is a member publication — it grows and improves with your participation. Submit astrophotos, articles, equipment reviews, observing reports, or ideas for future content.