moon phases

  posted 6/28 N J A A   S P E A K E R   E V E N T posted 6/28  
Special Speaker Program: NASA's Ross Henry July 17th.
In 10 years Ross went from Voorhees High School graduate to team leader for a payload project on the last Space Shuttle servicing mission to Hubble. Come hear an outstanding speaker and role model.


seven men with varied talents and unyielding resolve formed the New Jersey Astronomical Association - a not for profit corporation dedicated to bringing astronomy to the general public. They devised and executed a plan to build an observatory, bringing the wonders of space to the people.
    Today The Paul H. Robinson Observatory - which houses the largest telescope in New Jersey open to the public - is located in Voorhees State Park - stands as a monument to this effort. Our membership consists of people from all walks of life who share a love of astronomy.

Does astronomy in New Jersey interest you or your family?

Stop by the Paul Robinson Observatory on any public evening and see what one of our qualified observers can show you. Click here for hours of operation.


On June 6th, conveniently a Saturday, the Moon occulted Antares. The Moon was full so very easy to see and passed in front of this bright star, many NJAA telescopes and binoculars were in place for this event - as was a CCD camera. Antares slipped behind the Moon at about 10:40, then reappeared out the other side at about 11:18.

Both players were very bright, although we had many observation tools pointed at the event it looked great to the naked eye. Members and the public alike were treated to a fine show!

CCD camera projects are managed through our research committee. Find out more about our research committee, participation is open to all members. Meeting are the third Sunday of every month at 6:30. Interested in joining? Click here.
7/3 - Herschel yields new galaxy image
The European Space Agency (Esa) has released a stunning image of the spiral galaxy M51, otherwise known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. full story
7/2 - Ocean Hidden Inside Saturn's Moon
Astronomers have found the strongest evidence yet for an ocean beneath the icy shell of Saturn's Enceladus, suggesting it could join the exclusive club of watery moons in our solar system. full story
7/1 - SARYCHEV PEAK VOLCANO
Perfect timing. On June 12th, just as Russia's Sarychev Peak volcano was erupting for the first time in 20 years, the International Space Station flew directly overhead. full story
6/30 - In search of NASA's next rocket
NASA's plan to return to the moon by 2020 is looking shaky - rather like Ares I, the rocket it hopes will carry astronauts to space. full story
6/29 - Spirit Rover Begins Making Night Sky Observations
When your rover has abundant energy but can't go anywhere, what's a scientist to do? How about making observations of the evening and night skies on Mars? full story
6/28 - Free Spirit! Web Site Launches to Save Stuck Mars Rover
The plucky Mars rover Spirit has a whole team of NASA engineers on Earth trying to find an escape route out of the Martian sand dune that has snared the robot for weeks, and now it has a Web site. full story
6/27 - Instrument has potential to detect water on Mars
With the whoosh of compressed gas and the whir of unspooling wire, a team of Boulder scientists and engineers tested a new instrument prototype that might be used to detect groundwater deep inside Mars. full story

The NJAA operates on leased premises administered by The State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry