High Rock Tower Observatory

As we head into our long weekend, I hope you take a moment to breathe with the Cosmos

Take a moment to breathe with the cosmos 🌌

Above the Chilean landscape, the Milky Way stretches across the night sky. Off to the right, the Large Magellanic Cloud glows softly in the distance 160,000 light years away.

For as long as humans have existed, we’ve looked up at the night sky and wondered about our place in the cosmos. Scenes like this remind us why ✨

📷: NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory/NOIRLab/SLAC/AURA/H. Stockebrand

Tonight’s Starry Starry Night program at High Rock Tower in Lynn, MA, is 8-10 pm. One of the best evenings so far this year for observing!

Sunset is at 7:44 pm, which is also the time that the full moon will rise. Be sure to dress in layers as it's a bit windy today and tower can be chilly.

We should have some excellent views of the full moon and time-permitting, Jupiter.

Full Moon Key Features to Notice:

Ray Ejecta Systems: Bright streaks radiating from craters, most notably from Tycho in the southern hemisphere, which are visible to the naked eye or binoculars.

Lunar Maria ("Seas"): Dark, smooth basaltic plains formed by ancient volcanic lava flows. Key areas include Oceanus Procellarum (the largest) and Mare Crisium (a distinctive isolated dark oval).

Highlands: The lighter-colored, heavily cratered, and elevated areas that contrast with the darker maria.

Color Variations: The Moon is not just gray; "blue" maria indicate titanium-rich lava, while redder areas are titanium-poor.

The "Moon Illusion": When low on the horizon, the moon appears significantly larger than when overhead, often intensified by atmospheric color changes (red/gold).

There are 100 steps to the top of the observatory. There are no
restrooms or water fountains on the grounds, so please plan accordingly.