The telescope library is an amazing resource for RCA members. To find out more information about the library click right here!

New members are welcome to meet at 6:30 PM before the General Meeting for an orientation and introduction to Rose City Astronomers.

If you have questions about the club or things you'd like to discuss with other newer members, bring those with you!

Deciphering the Early Universe: From Photons To Publications

Brandon Matthews, Department of Physics, University of North Texas

When you look at an image from the James Webb Space Telescope, you are seeing more than just a picture. You're looking at the result of billions of photons filtered, counted, and interpreted by astronomers. But how do we know what we’re looking at when an object is just a speck on an image, or if the raw data are just lines, spikes, and dots? In this talk, we will explore how astronomers decode the distant cosmos using spectroscopy and photometry, guided by theoretical models and the mechanics of quantum physics. Brandon will focus on the latest JWST observations of extremely high-redshift galaxies and explain how we identify these objects and estimate their key properties -- often from just a faint signal buried in noise. This is an insight into the process of how light becomes knowledge, and how some of the most distant galaxies ever seen are recognized not by their appearance, but by their physical signatures.

The Women's Astronomy Special Interest Group focuses on Community, Learning & Mentorship with Monthly Meetings and Events.

An email blast with event information will be sent out to members.

We have a new SIG that is forming for radio astronomy. If you want to try your hand at radio astronomy, or just learn a little more about this facet of astronomy then you are welcome to attend our SIG meetings. Mike Caba and Matt Vartanian will co-host this SIG virtually on the fourth Thursday of every month.

 Join us at noon on the first Fridays of every month for good conversation and good food! All members are welcome!

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭? If you’re an RCA member, you’ll find the event details and registration link in your email inbox. Space in the universe might be infinite, but space for Downtowners is limited to 20 attendees, so sign up early!

Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced astro-imager — whether you're using a CCD, DSLR, point-and-shoot or film camera — this group can help you achieve better images with less effort and frustrations.