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SAL’S ASTRONOMY CORNER astronomy for beginners Squaw Valley
Real Imaging Equipment used to take long esposure pictures of comet Lemmon
Sal's Astronomy Corner
Beware of Fake Astronomy Posts Flooding Social Media
In recent months, social media has been flooded with eye-catching—but false—claims about spectacular astronomical events. Many of these viral posts are artificially generated using AI tools that produce convincing images of “rare sky shows” or “double moons” said to be visible to the naked eye. While they may look amazing, most of these claims are completely unrealistic.
A good example involves the two comets currently passing through our solar system.
1. C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) This comet was discovered on January 3, 2025 by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona.
2. 2. C/2025 R2 (SWAN) This comet was discovered in September 2025 by Ukrainian amateur astronomer Vladimir Bezugly while analyzing data from the SOHO/SWAN instrument.
They are real objects, but they’re extremely faint and difficult to spot—even with a small telescope under dark skies. Despite what many posts claim, these comets cannot be seen with the unaided eye. False information like this spreads quickly because AI-generated photos and videos can make events like this appear totally different from reality.
If you’re a fan of astronomy or simply love gazing at the night sky, always check reputable sources before believing or sharing such posts. Reliable information can be found through sites like Astronomy Magazine (www.astronomy.com), and the American Astronomical Society’s news page (aas.org/news/astronomy-in-the-news). These organizations provide accurate, up-to-date skywatching details based on real scientific observations.
Astronomy is full of genuine wonders—meteor showers, planetary images, eclipses, and distant comets—but they rarely look as sensational as the fake AI images circulating online. For a truly rewarding experience, stick to trusted astronomy sources and enjoy the real beauty of our night skies.
Watch a decent short video about Comet Lemmon
https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/video-how-and-when-see-comet-lemmon
Red Smokey Glow from the Garnet Fire. (As seen from the SOS Classified News office in Squaw Valley, Ca 93675) Update: 6,483.9 acres scorched by Garnet Fire in Fresno County, continues to expand
Sal's Astronomy Corner
Preserving Squaw Valley’s Night Skies from Light Pollution
Light pollution, the excessive artificial glow that brightens the night sky, poses a growing challenge to astronomy worldwide. It obscures faint stars and galaxies, impeding professional research and dimming the joy of backyard stargazing. Globally, skies are brightening by roughly 9.6% each year, disrupting ecosystems, human health, and our view of celestial wonders. In Squaw Valley, California, a rural community 35 miles east of Fresno, this issue feels personal despite its distance from urban centers.
Tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Squaw Valley boasts naturally dark skies, perfect for marveling at the Milky Way’s splendor. Yet, light pollution encroaches even here. Some residents install overly bright security floodlights that scatter harsh light in all directions, washing out the night sky for neighbors. These unshielded fixtures dim the stars, eroding the area’s natural charm and frustrating local stargazers who treasure clear, dark nights.
While Fresno County, including Squaw Valley, grapples with high particulate matter pollution, light pollution often escapes scrutiny. The rural setting amplifies the impact of stray light, making it particularly disruptive. Thankfully, solutions are straightforward. We kindly encourage residents to switch off unnecessary security lights when not in use to maintain our pristine skies. Swapping unshielded floodlights for downward-directed, shielded fixtures ensures safety while preserving the starry view.
By adopting these measures, Squaw Valley can safeguard its night skies, nurturing astronomy and community pride in our cosmic legacy. Let’s unite to keep our skies dark and our stars
vibrant.
Edwin Powell Hubble, in front of a model of the 100-inch reflecting telescope
Sal's Astronomy Corner
October 2025
Moon Phases
The month opens with a First Quarter Moon on Oct 2 and features a Full Hunter’s Moon—and partial lunar eclipse—on Oct 7. Last Quarter falls on Oct 15, followed by a New Moon on Oct 21, setting the stage for excellent stargazing.
Planets
Saturn remains bright in Aquarius during evening hours. Jupiter reaches opposition on Oct 17, shining at its biggest and brightest all year, visible all night long. Mars rises before dawn in Cancer, while Venus dazzles as the brilliant “morning star.”
Meteor Showers
The Draconids peak Oct 8–9, sometimes flaring unpredictably. Later, the Orionids—dusty remnants of Halley’s Comet—reach their peak Oct 21–22, producing up to 20 meteors per hour under dark, moonless skies.
Historical Highlights
October is rich with astronomical milestones: Edwin Hubble’s first use of the 100-inch telescope in 1923, the first photos of Earth from space in 1946, Sputnik 1’s launch in 1957, NASA’s Galileo mission to Jupiter in 1989, and the first crewed launch to the International Space Station in 2000.
Closing Thoughts
With a lunar eclipse, Jupiter at its peak, and Orionid meteors under dark skies, October offers both beauty overhead and inspiration from history.
Sal’s Astronomy Corner
Another image of Orion
SAL’S ASTRONOMY CORNER
In Loving Memory of Tyler Thomas
June 12, 2025 — A Star Named in His Honor
A new star now shines in the night sky in memory of Tyler Thomas, a beloved member of our community whose sudden passing has left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him. On June 12, 2025, a star was named in his honor — a bright symbol of the joy, kindness, and light he shared with the world.
This star is part of a rare and powerful pair of stars more than 1,000 light years away. It burns hot and blue — one of the brightest types in the universe — and reminds us of Tyler’s energy and the way he lit up every room he entered.
If you’d like to find Tyler’s star, look toward the constellation Orion during the winter months. It rises in the east and is one of the easiest constellations to spot — known for the three stars that form Orion’s Belt. Tyler’s star is near that part of the sky, shining proudly and beautifully.
Tyler touched countless lives with his warmth, laughter, and generous spirit. He was a loyal friend, a loving family member, and someone who made the world a better place just by being in it. Though he may no longer walk among us, his light now shines from above — a comforting reminder that he is never far from our hearts.
Look up on a clear night, and you just might see a piece of him smiling back.
See it at star-registration.com Registry #: 5513-81694-3022174
Sal’s Astronomy Corner
A Star Party in the Sky: T Coronae Borealis Update! May 13, 2025 Hey, kids! Get ready for a cosmic adventure with T Coronae Borealis, the “Blaze Star”! This super-cool star, way out in space, is like a fireworks show waiting to happen. About every 80 years, it explodes (don’t worry, it’s safe!) and gets so bright you can see it without a telescope. Last time was 1946, and we’re still waiting for the next big show in 2025. Right now, the Blaze Star is playing hide-and-seek, staying dim. Astronomers checked in early May, and no boom yet! But they’re watching with giant telescopes, and it could light up any day, maybe by summer or fall. Want to spot it? Look for the Corona Borealis constellation—it’s like a sparkly crown in the sky after sunset. Use an app like Star Walk 2 to find it! When it pops, it’ll shine like a superhero star for days. Grab binoculars and tell your friends! Keep checking NASA’s website for updates. This is a once-in-a-lifetime sky party—don’t miss it!
For more info check out this website:
The American Association of Variable Star Observers