Holiday Greetings CHAOS.
This year has flown by as we are in mid-November already. We have had quite a year of celestial event and wonders. A total eclipse in April, Auroras, at least three. A couple of comets and waiting for T Coronea Borealis to go Nova for us soon. It’s keeping us in suspense.
There has been much that has surprised us.
We had two star parties this year that had a couple of hundred folks at Staunton River State Park. The March party was a bit damp, but we did get some observing in. Not a total washout. We did close it town early due to a couple of inches of rain coming in on Saturday. The Fall event, even though starting off damp, became awesome from Wednesday on. In fact, the skies were amazing all through October, starting with our Wednesday at the park. We had guests from Ohio, South Carolina, New York and from Canada. It was one our better events. Congratulations CHAOS!
I’m looking forward another year of sharing the views of the heavens with those who come to our observing sessions. We have met so many folks at Washington Duke Inn. People from India, China, New Zealand and Australia. Not to mention those from Maine to Arizona. It’s been quite a year.
Even the session at Staunton River State Park have been jaw dropping. Luke Matthews, a resident of South Boston and a CHAOS member, spends much of his time observing at the park. He kept a spread sheet of the number of people he met this year. It is over a thousand people. They are coming because Staunton River is an IDA Dark Park, something achieved by the park with the assistance of CHAOS. I applaud all of you for sharing, talking and giving of your time to share the wonders of the heavens and expanding the minds of children and adults we cross paths with.
Here’s to an exciting 2025!
Clear skies,
Jayme Hanzak
President of CHAOS