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Posts by Westport Observatory

Sunlight piercing through dense, dark clouds over a flat horizon at dusk.

Sunlight piercing through dense, dark clouds over a flat horizon at dusk.

Too many clouds in the forecast to have any fun tonight at the Westport Observatory! The WAS Weekly Wednesday Star Party is cancelled for 4/22. We hope to see you under the stars next week!

๐ŸŒ http://www.was-ct.org/

#StarParty #Astronomy #WAS #NightSky #Connecticut #WestportObservatory

4 hours ago 1 1 0 0
Seismic waves on a map from an earthquake in Connecticut promoting a talk by Dr. Alan Kafka.

Seismic waves on a map from an earthquake in Connecticut promoting a talk by Dr. Alan Kafka.

Do you feel the ground move beneath your feet? Tonight we do. Prof. Alan Kafka โ€” in person at the Westport Observatory, Tuesday April 21 at 8pm.

was-ct.org/events/al...

#Earthquake #Seismology #EarthScience

1 day ago 0 0 0 0
High school student in a yellow sweater helping a young boy read a colorful book in a school library.

High school student in a yellow sweater helping a young boy read a colorful book in a school library.

A shoutout to our friends at the Westport Library! Staples High School students offer free drop-in homework help for elementary and middle schoolers โ€” Monday through Thursday, 4โ€“7pm. Sign up and just bring your work.

westportlibrary.org/...

#WestportLibrary #HomeworkHelp #WestportCT #Community

2 days ago 0 0 0 0
Map showing recent earthquake activity near eastern Japan with colored circles indicating quake locations and tectonic plate boundaries.

Map showing recent earthquake activity near eastern Japan with colored circles indicating quake locations and tectonic plate boundaries.


Seismic waveforms from Westport Astronomical Society showing three directional components over 70 minutes with distinct amplitude spikes around 50 minutes.

Seismic waveforms from Westport Astronomical Society showing three directional components over 70 minutes with distinct amplitude spikes around 50 minutes.

M7.4 Japan earthquake captured live on our seismograph this morning โ€” and tomorrow night, April 21st at 8, earthquake expert Professor Alan Kafka joins us IN PERSON at Westport Observatory, 8pm.

was-ct.org/events/al...

#Earthquake #Seismology #WestportCT #WestportObservatory

2 days ago 1 0 0 0
Seismograph chart from Westport Astronomical Society showing seismic activity over 60 minutes with marked earthquakes near Kermadec Islands, Solomon Islands, and Sumatra.

Seismograph chart from Westport Astronomical Society showing seismic activity over 60 minutes with marked earthquakes near Kermadec Islands, Solomon Islands, and Sumatra.

Our seismograph had a busy day โ€” 4 earthquakes picked up worldwide! Tonight Professor Alan Kafka explains why the earth shakes, even in New England. Tuesday night, Westport Observatory, 8pm.

was-ct.org/events/al... #Earthquake #Seismology #WestportObservatory #WestportCT

3 days ago 0 0 0 0
WAS members set up telescopes at dusk near buildings with red-lit trees in the background under a starry sky.

WAS members set up telescopes at dusk near buildings with red-lit trees in the background under a starry sky.

Finally Spring... and Summer and Fall! The April 2026 Field of View is here โ€” astrophotography, Observatory events, science lectures & more. Read it today! mailchi.mp/was-ct/fo...

#WAS #FieldOfView #Astrophotography #Astronomy #Stargazing #WestportObservatory #WestportAstronomicalSociety

3 days ago 1 0 0 0
White observatory tower with a dome next to several small white utility buildings under a cloudy sky surrounded by trees.

White observatory tower with a dome next to several small white utility buildings under a cloudy sky surrounded by trees.

The clouds called dibs on the sky tonight, 4/15. The universe will still be there next week. Come find us at our next WAS Weekly Wednesday Star Party!

was-ct.org

#Astronomy #StarParty #Westport #Connecticut #Stargazing #WAS #NightSky #WestportObservatory

1 week ago 2 0 0 0
Map showing earthquake epicenters in the Eastern US with concentric circles highlighting New York City, promoting a lecture on regional seismic activity.

Map showing earthquake epicenters in the Eastern US with concentric circles highlighting New York City, promoting a lecture on regional seismic activity.

Why do earthquakes strike the Eastern US so far from any fault line? Join us at the Westport Observatory for a lecture by renowned seismologist Prof. Alan Kafka! Also live on YouTube & Zoom.
was-ct.org/events/al...
#Earthquake #Seismology #Westport #WestportObservatory

1 week ago 0 0 0 0
Seismic graph showing stable activity with a sudden spike around 50 minutes on April 14, 2026, recorded by WSPT HHZ sensor.

Seismic graph showing stable activity with a sudden spike around 50 minutes on April 14, 2026, recorded by WSPT HHZ sensor.

Map showing the epicenter of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake near Reno, Nevada, on April 13 at 6:29 p.m.

Map showing the epicenter of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake near Reno, Nevada, on April 13 at 6:29 p.m.

Our seismometer caught last night's M5.7 Nevada earthquake from 2,700 miles away! The seismic waves hit our Westport station loud and clear. We don't just watch the skies โ€” we watch the ground too! www.nytimes.com/inte... #Earthquake #Nevada

1 week ago 1 0 0 0
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Close-up view of a spacecraft module with a solar panel orbiting near the detailed, cratered surface of a half-lit moon against a black space background.

Close-up view of a spacecraft module with a solar panel orbiting near the detailed, cratered surface of a half-lit moon against a black space background.

๐Ÿš€ Artemis 2 splashes down tonight at 8:07 p.m. ET off San Diego! All 4 astronauts expected safely aboard a Navy ship within 2 hours. History in the making! ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒ•
spacenews.com/nasa-p...
#Artemis2 #NASA #Orion #Splashdown

1 week ago 1 0 0 0
Long-exposure photo of star trails circling above a white observatory dome surrounded by dark forest trees at night.

Long-exposure photo of star trails circling above a white observatory dome surrounded by dark forest trees at night.

Star Party TONIGHT 4/8 at Westport Observatory! No Moon = perfect deep sky views. Orion sets, Venus shines, Jupiter glows. Open after 8pm!

๐Ÿ‘‰ was-ct.org/programs/...
Photo: WAS Member Dr. Steven Labkoff

#StarParty #WestportObservatory #NightSky #LookUp #WestportCT

2 weeks ago 1 0 0 0
Full moon visible through a spacecraft window surrounded by complex control panels and wiring inside the cabin.

Full moon visible through a spacecraft window surrounded by complex control panels and wiring inside the cabin.

๐ŸŒ• History made TODAY! Artemis 2 flies around the Moon & breaks the record for farthest humans from Earth โ€” surpassing Apollo 13's 1970 mark. Four astronauts. One epic lunar flyby.
๐Ÿ”— nasa.gov/artemis
#Artemis2 #NASA #Moon

2 weeks ago 2 1 0 0
Visualization of Earth's magnetic field lines interacting with solar wind in space.

Visualization of Earth's magnetic field lines interacting with solar wind in space.

We celebrated Artemis II at our observatory launch party โ€” and NASA delivered! ๐Ÿš€ The crew is heading through the magnetotail, uncharted territory for humans, toward an electrified, moondust-storming Moon. spaceweather.com/ #ArtemisII #NASA #MoonMission

2 weeks ago 3 0 0 1
Artemis II rocket on launch pad ready for liftoff during Westport Astronomical Society watch party announcement.

Artemis II rocket on launch pad ready for liftoff during Westport Astronomical Society watch party announcement.

Clouds cancel star party โ€” but we're watching a rocket go to the Moon instead! Artemis II Watch Party TONIGHT. Classroom opens 5:30 PM, liftoff 6:24 PM ET. Westport Observatory. See you there!
#ArtemisII #NASA #WestportObservatory #WAS

3 weeks ago 0 0 0 0
Promotional poster for a Westport Astronomical Society event on installing and using N.I.N.A. software, featuring a cosmic background and event details.

Promotional poster for a Westport Astronomical Society event on installing and using N.I.N.A. software, featuring a cosmic background and event details.

๐Ÿ”ญ Tonight! WAS member Carl Lancaster presents a deep dive into N.I.N.A. โ€” the free software that automates your imaging night. 7:30 PM, Westport Observatory. Seating is limited โ€” register now! ๐Ÿ‘‰ was-ct.org/events/nina
#Astrophotography #NINA #Astronomy

3 weeks ago 3 0 1 0
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NASA targets April 1st for Artemis II โ€” first crewed Moon mission since Apollo. A CME arrives right at liftoff, but looks like a glancing blow. Wildcard: sunspot AR4405 could still flare. ๐ŸŒž
๐Ÿ‘‰ spaceweather.com/
#Artemis2 #NASA #SolarStorm

3 weeks ago 0 0 0 0
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Fisheye sky view from Westport, Connecticut, showing faint stars and tree silhouettes around the horizon at dusk.

Fisheye sky view from Westport, Connecticut, showing faint stars and tree silhouettes around the horizon at dusk.

Our new AllSky Camera has a preview of the clouds we expect tonight, 3/25. The Westport Observatory's Weekly Wednesday Star Party is CANCELLED. Fingers crossed we see you next Wednesday! https://was-ct.org/

#StarParty #WestportObservatory #AllSkyCamera #WestportCT #WAS

4 weeks ago 0 0 0 0
Seismograph chart from Westport Astronomical Society showing red, blue, and black waveform spikes over a 60-minute period ending at noon UTC on March 24, 2026.

Seismograph chart from Westport Astronomical Society showing red, blue, and black waveform spikes over a 60-minute period ending at noon UTC on March 24, 2026.

Map showing an earthquake epicenter marked by a star near Tonga, with concentric circles indicating affected areas in the South Pacific Ocean.

Map showing an earthquake epicenter marked by a star near Tonga, with concentric circles indicating affected areas in the South Pacific Ocean.

Our USGS seismic equipment picked up the M 7.5 earthquake near Neiafu, Tonga this morning! Curious about earthquakes in New England? Alan Kafka visits us in April. was-ct.org/events/al...

#Earthquake #NewEngland #Seismology #WestportObservatory

4 weeks ago 0 1 0 0
Seismic recording showing calm blue and green lines and a sharp red waveform surge starting at 30 minutes, March 21, 2026.

Seismic recording showing calm blue and green lines and a sharp red waveform surge starting at 30 minutes, March 21, 2026.

Map showing the eastern coast of the United States and the North Atlantic Ocean with a star marking a location in the ocean east of the U.S

Map showing the eastern coast of the United States and the North Atlantic Ocean with a star marking a location in the ocean east of the U.S

M6.7 earthquake at 8:16 AM ET on the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge, ~1,900 miles from Westport Observatory โ€” detected on our USGS equipment. No tsunami threat.
was-ct.org/science/s...
#Earthquake #MidAtlanticRidge #USGS #NoTsunami #WestportObservatory

1 month ago 3 1 0 0
Tall observatory tower illuminated by warm light from an open door against a cloudy night sky.

Tall observatory tower illuminated by warm light from an open door against a cloudy night sky.

Bittersweet news โ€” our 2026 Messier Marathon at Westport Observatory is cancelled. It's the first day of spring and the clouds & rain are right on cue! Clear skies ahead! https://was-ct.org/

#MessierMarathon #WestportObservatory #Astronomy #Stargazing #Equinox #Spring #Messier

1 month ago 0 0 0 0
Large telescope mounted inside a red-lit observatory dome under a starry night sky.

Large telescope mounted inside a red-lit observatory dome under a starry night sky.

One day past the equilux, the Westport Observatory opens tonight at 8 PM for a final winter sky viewing. New moon means ideal conditions for galaxies, nebulae, and planets Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus. Dress warm. was-ct.org/programs/...
#WestportObservatory #NewMoon #Equilux #StarParty

1 month ago 0 0 0 0
Graph showing solar activity cycles with a fiery sun background, promoting a lecture by Dr. Lisa Upton on March 17, 2026.

Graph showing solar activity cycles with a fiery sun background, promoting a lecture by Dr. Lisa Upton on March 17, 2026.

WAS welcomes back Dr. Lisa Upton to our science lecture series! How well did we predict Solar Cycle 25 โ€” and what comes next? Tonight, March 17 at 8PM in our classroom.
was-ct.org/events/so...
#Astronomy #SpaceWeather #SolarCycle25 #Heliophysics #WestportObservatory #WestportAstronomicalSociety

1 month ago 2 2 0 0
Poster announcing Al Papsun's Cosmos photography exhibit and reception on March 21 from 2-5 PM at Connecticut Hospice.

Poster announcing Al Papsun's Cosmos photography exhibit and reception on March 21 from 2-5 PM at Connecticut Hospice.

Friend of WAS Al Papsun's photo show this Saturday March 21, 2โ€“5 PM at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford! 50+ photos, live jazz, free food & 20% of proceeds go to the hospice. Come support!

#Photography #CTEvents #Branford #ArtForACause

1 month ago 3 0 0 0
Three horizontal waveform graphs in blue, red, and green showing seismic data from Westport, CT, with time on the x-axis and amplitude on the y-axis.
HHZ = vertical
HH1 = North/South
HH2 = East/West

Three horizontal waveform graphs in blue, red, and green showing seismic data from Westport, CT, with time on the x-axis and amplitude on the y-axis. HHZ = vertical HH1 = North/South HH2 = East/West

Map showing southern Connecticut including New Haven, Bridgeport, and surrounding towns near Long Island Sound.

Map showing southern Connecticut including New Haven, Bridgeport, and surrounding towns near Long Island Sound.

A couple of small Connecticut earthquakes showed up on the seismic equipment at the Westport Observatory this morning, 3/15. You can see the 2.1M and 1.9M blips at 8:21AM and 8:26AM on the right side of the graph. patch.com/connecticu...

#Earthquake #Connecticut #USGS #EarthScience #WestportCT

1 month ago 0 1 0 0
White observatory tower with a dome and adjacent white buildings on a grassy field under a cloudy sky, surrounded by trees.

White observatory tower with a dome and adjacent white buildings on a grassy field under a cloudy sky, surrounded by trees.

The WAS March Field of View is here! Astrophotography, HVAC upgrades (thanks Gault Family Companies!), a new all-sky camera & more. Plus star parties and an astrophotography class later this month! mailchi.mp/was-ct/fo...

#WestportAstronomicalSociety #Astronomy #Astrophotography #WestportCT #Gault

1 month ago 2 1 0 0
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Logo featuring a large red letter G with stylized lines and a banner reading '160th Anniversary' next to the text 'Gault Family Companies'.

Logo featuring a large red letter G with stylized lines and a banner reading '160th Anniversary' next to the text 'Gault Family Companies'.

Major upgrade at the Westport Observatory โ€” made possible by Gault Family Companies, who covered 50% of our new mini-split systems! A huge thank you to the Gault team for their professionalism, and to our amazing members! ๐Ÿ’™
#WestportObservatory #CommunitySupport #LocalBusiness #Gault

1 month ago 0 0 0 0
Poster for 'Riding the Solar Cycle' lecture by Dr. Lisa Upton, featuring solar activity graph and fiery sun image, scheduled March 17, 2026.

Poster for 'Riding the Solar Cycle' lecture by Dr. Lisa Upton, featuring solar activity graph and fiery sun image, scheduled March 17, 2026.

WAS welcomes back Dr. Lisa Upton (SwRI). How well did we predict Solar Cycle 25; and what comes next? Join us March 17 at 8PM.

was-ct.org/events/so...

#Astronomy #SolarPhysics #SpaceWeather #SolarCycle25 #Heliophysics #STEM #WomenInSTEM #WestportObservatory #WestportAstronomicalSociety

1 month ago 3 1 0 0
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๐ŸŒง๏ธ We expect clouds, rain, and a chance of thunder this evening (3/11). Unfortunately the WAS Weekly Wednesday Star Party is cancelled tonight. We'll try again next week! was-ct.org

#WestportObservatory #WAS #StarParty #WestportCT

1 month ago 0 0 0 0
Promotional banner for a live classroom session on installing and using N.I.N.A. astronomy software, hosted by Carl Lancaster on March 31, 2026.

Promotional banner for a live classroom session on installing and using N.I.N.A. astronomy software, hosted by Carl Lancaster on March 31, 2026.

WAS member Carl Lancaster presents N.I.N.A. - a presentation on free astrophotography automation software! March 31st, 7:30 PM, Westport Observatory.

Very limited seating โ€” register now! was-ct.org/events/nina

#Astrophotography #NINA #WestportObservatory

1 month ago 1 0 0 0
Three seismograph readings in blue, red, and green showing a distinct seismic event spike on March 10, 2026, from Westport, CT, USA.
HHZ = vertical
HH1 = North/South
HH2 = East/West

Three seismograph readings in blue, red, and green showing a distinct seismic event spike on March 10, 2026, from Westport, CT, USA. HHZ = vertical HH1 = North/South HH2 = East/West

A 2.3M earthquake was detected near Sleepy Hollow, NY this morning at 10:17 a.m. โ€” picked up by the USGS seismometer at the Westport Observatory. Sleepy Hollow sits about 30 miles from the Connecticut border. Did you feel it?

patch.com/connecticu...

#Earthquake #NewYork #Connecticut #USGS

1 month ago 1 1 0 1