A Note from our Planetarium Director |
Happy summer, Astro Friends!
As we head into July, note that July 5 is aphelion day. At precisely 3:27 p.m. PDT, Earth will be furthest from the Sun in its orbit. That's right—we are further from the Sun during our summer time. This fact, along with the fact that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere are two clues that the seasons are not caused by Earth's elliptical orbit. Instead, the seasons are caused by Earth's tilt.
In the sky, we are quickly losing Venus and Mars in the west. By mid-July, they will both have disappeared into the sunset. When is the last day you'll be able to spot Venus? Just as we lose Venus and Mars, though, look for Saturn rising in the east after sunset, followed about an hour later by Jupiter.
Although the nights are short in the summer, there are several seasonal-favorite constellations to enjoy. Look to the south-southeast for Scorpius the Scorpion and Sagittarius the Archer. Looking east, you hunt for the Great Summer Triangle, made out of Vega in Lyra the Harp, Deneb in Cygnus the Swan, and Altair in Aquila the Eagle. For an extra challenge, see if you can spot Hercules. Despite being a famous hero, there are no bright stars in Hercules.
We are taking a break from star parties for the summer, but do check out our new mini-series on the Moon on our YouTube channel. Until next time, stay safe and stay cool!
Wishing you clear, dark skies,
Toshi Komatsu
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The De Anza College Planetarium is fully and solely funded through donations and ticket sales. With the Planetarium facility closed for the time being due to the pandemic, the Planetarium programs need your help now more than ever. Donate today and help us reopen as soon as it is safe.
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Past Events with the Planetarium |
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Re- Watch our Virtual Star Party from June 18 |
Check out our final virtual star party of the season. We focused on views of the Moon and welcomed the summer constellations. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and tune in.
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Tour Outer Space at Home or School! |
This coming school year, our field trips are available online and in person! From September to June, virtual field trips will be available M-F. Starting January 2022, through June, we will also be back to offering in-person field trips in the Planetarium at select times M-F. Visit our website to learn more about programming and scheduling. All field trips align with K-8 science standards. Check out the trailer for virtual field trips below!
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Give the Gift of Lights and Wonder! |
Did you know we sell gift cards? Give the gift of an astronomy or laser show to friends and family this season. Visit us at the planetarium, it's full of stars.
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July 12 - Conjunction of the Moon, Mars and Venus |
Quite close to and just above the "Evening Star," Venus, a crescent 3-day-old Moon is glowing softly in the western twilight. Look for earthshine: the faint glow of sunlight reflecting off Earth and lighting up parts of the Moon that would otherwise be dark. Look closely at Venus in binoculars as the sky darkens and you may catch a glimpse of the red planet, Mars, just below and to the left of Venus. |
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July 17 - Moon at first Quarter |
First Quarter is a great time to explore the Moon through binoculars or a small telescope! The maria basins, created by ancient meteor impacts, were formed beginning about 3.9 billion years ago during a period of intense bombardment by asteroid-sized bodies. The basins were subsequently filled by outflows of basaltic lunar lava, which was proven when the Apollo astronauts brought back lunar samples. Cooling of this lava completed the process, resulting in the smooth, dark appearance of the basin floors. |
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Join us for a summer of engagement and learning in a rigorous yet supportive atmosphere with our top-notch instructors! |
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Registration Open for Elementary School! |
This summer, we will be entering our 37th year of summer enrichment programs and all classes will be online. Registration for elementary grade levels is open now.
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Elementary School (Grades 3 -5) July 12 - July 30
Classes include Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading and Writing, Math and Art! Check our website for the complete course offerings.
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In the Euphrat Museum of Art |
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Sources of Solace - Student Show |
The 2021 Student Art Show features animations, drawings, digital art, graphic design, photography and sculpture created by De Anza students during the 2020-21 academic year. Many of these pieces represent students’ responses to, or reflections on, the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent events – and the search for hope and resilience. |
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The First Responder by Babak Rastgar
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Untitled by Jesse Supetran
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Like Mother Like Daughter by Abrielle Terzian
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De Anza College Online Community Education for Students of All Ages |
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Learn at your own pace online with Ed2Go! Click here to register.
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Enhance Your and Your Student's Education with Ed2Go |
De Anza’s Community Education Division offers more than 450 online courses that are informative, fun, convenient, highly interactive and designed for students 14 & up! There are dozens of courses that will boost your student's academic base such as Science, Math, International Languages, Art, SAT prep, Programming courses like Python and Java and more. Click here for more information.
Start dates:
- July 14
- August 11
- September 15
- October 13
- November 17
- December 15
Late registration is always available. For more information, please visit our Ed2Go Online Instruction Center.
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Learn more and register for our new online courses for professionals with UGotClass!
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New Online Courses for Professionals with UGotClass! |
For our adult students who want to enhance their resumes, there is no better time than now! Join us for our newly expanded online courses that cover topics such as:
Business
Business Communication
Health
Human Resources
Leadership
Management
Media Marketing
Personal Development
Social Media
Technology Skills
Training and Education
Training for K-12 Teachers
Video Game Design
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Teach an Online Community Education Class |
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We Want You to Share Your Knowledge & Expertise!
Are you interested in sharing your knowledge and teaching a class online within the De Anza Community Education Division? All of our classes are enrichment-based, short-term, not-for-credit classes for children through adults. Our classes are offered for their unique quality and diverse appeal. We currently offer a broad range of classes and we always want to expand our offerings with stimulating community learning opportunities. Click here to learn more!
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