Welcome to WNAS Astronomy!

The Western Nevada Astronomical Society (WNAS) is an amateur astronomer group located in Carson City, Nevada. WNAS is the operating group of the Jack C. Davis Observatory, an open to the public observatory which holds weekly star parties.

Annular Eclipse on May 20th in Carson City


Join us at the Observatory

A relatively narrow strip of land through northwestern Nevada, which includes Carson City, will be the "path of annularity" for a magnificent annular solar eclipse on Sunday, May 20. Western Nevada College's Jack C. Davis Observatory will be poised to provide spectacular views of this astronomical event through specially filtered telescopes. The general public and area students are invited to come to the observatory beginning at 4 PM. The eclipse will begin looking northwest in Carson City above the Sierra Nevada mountains at 5:16 PM and will end at 7:38 PM (click here for detailed time predictions).

It has been almost two decades since the last prominent solar eclipse has been observable inside the continental United States. Approximately one third of all solar eclipses are classified as annular eclipses, so area citizens are in for a real astronomical treat courtesy of natural and predictable solar system processes.

Great care should be taken to not attempt to look at the Sun and especially during the solar eclipse. Observatory staff will be on hand to assist enthusiasts to see the eclipse in a safe and comfortable manner using solar filters on all telescopes. Severe damage to the eye can ensue by viewing the Sun at any time, so be safe and enjoy the eclipse using appropriate equipment.

The Davis Observatory has a special solar telescope with a video camera that will track the Sun and project the entire eclipse on a large video screen inside the observatory. You will also see sun spots and possible solar prominences projecting out in space from the Sun. Several other telescopes outside on the observation deck will also show the Sun's changing appearance through all stages of the eclipse. The Sun is becoming quite active as it is approaching its new Solar Maximum with an increasing population in sun spot counts.

As in any skyward happening, the weather and cloud formations will be a factor. Let's all wish for those great western blue skies and unobstructed views over northwestern Nevada this May 20th.

Robert D. Collier, Director, Jack C. Davis Observatory

Come See the Stars

The Jack C. Davis Observatory is open every Saturday night (weather permitting), with lectures on the cosmos, open telescopes, and tours of the facilities. There is no fee to participate in these events. Come and enjoy the cosmos with us!

Thank You WNAS Members for a Fantastic Party!

A huge thanks to all members who brought the wonderful dishes and desserts (and even the KFC).

Congratulations to Scott, one of our newest members, who won a new 8" telescope.

For the finale, we were treated to liquid nitrogen ice cream. Click here to view photos and youtube video of this crazy event.

Congratulations to Our Two Newest Members

The Western Nevada Astronomical Society (WNAS) recognized two young fourth grade students in the Carson City School District for their curiosity and great interest in space science. Camille Swanson and Chloe Roman will be traveling to Huntsville, Alabama this summer to attend a NASA Space Camp. Mike Thomas, President of the WNAS presented a one year honorary membership to them before a Saturday evening lecture in front of their parents and their teachers on 3/31/2012. The Jack C. Davis Observatory director, Prof. Robert Collier also wished them a wonderful and stimulating adventure this summer as well.
Chloe Roman Certificate Camille Swanson Certificate

Upcoming Star Party Lectures


*** New Observatory Spring Hours ***

Observatory doors open at 6:30 PM
Lectures begin at 8:00 PM

Saturday, May 19:
Slide-show lecture "The Moon" by Mike Thomas

Saturday, May 26:
Slide-show lecture "Isaac Newton" by Mike Thomas

Saturday, June 2:
Open House and Telescope Clinic. There will be no lecture. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.