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The Rio Rancho Astronomical Society began in 1998 as an astronomy
club with Rio Rancho High School. Soon after its founding the
club expanded to become an public club, independent of the high
school. Over the years, we have grown and expanded, with new
members coming and going, to the current public club we are today.
We are open to all types of members, from beginning astronomers to
seasoned veterans. And no, you don't need to be a master
observer or even own a telescope to join. All you need are a
good pair of eyes and willingness to learn.
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Apollo 11: Catching Some Sun
Bright sunlight
glints and long dark shadows mark this image of the lunar surface.
It was taken July 20, 1969 by Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong,
the first to walk on the Moon. Pictured is the mission's lunar
module, the Eagle, and spacesuited lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin
unfurling a long sheet of foil also known as the Solar Wind
Composition Experiment. Exposed facing the Sun, the foil trapped
particles streaming outward in the solar wind, catching a sample of
material from the Sun itself. Along with moon rocks and lunar soil
samples, the solar wind collector was returned for analysis in
earthbound laboratories.
Source:
Astronomy Picture of the Day
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Upcoming Events
July 20, 8:00 PM Monthly Public Meeting at
Rainbow Park Observatory. Come
celebrate the 49th anniversary of the first moon landing of
Apollo 11 with the Rio Rancho Astronomical Society's monthly
public meeting on July 20th at 8 PM. In addition to the
celebration, our guest speaker will be Dr. Laurie Wells, who
will discuss the upcoming Mars opposition on July 31. This
approach will be the closest approach in our lifetimes (no, it
won't be as big as the full Moon). Stargaze after the meeting if
the weather permits.
For more information, contact RRAS Vice-President, Melanie
Templet at 505-220-5355.
Got Questions?
Send an Email
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