By Joan Mieritz
San Juan Stargazers
Our club has offered these amazing calendars for the past 12 years because they are an easy and fun way to learn more about astronomy.
The world’s bestselling astronomy magazine (Astronomy Magazine) annually publishes this calendar with dramatic images of nebulae, spiral galaxies, star-forming regions and other mysteries of deep space.
Now that the James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, is exceeding expectations, it is easy to fill a calendar with just James Webb discoveries and there actually are four different calendars like that, but you will have to find and order those yourself.
The James Webb Space Telescope has become a specialist for photos of protostars (baby stars that are just coming into being) such as the amazing March 2026 photo of Herbig-Haro 797 and the June 2026 photo of protostar HP Tauri.
The very first protostar photo was taken by the Webb in 2022 because of its sensitivity to infrared light, which allows it to penetrate the dusty shrouds that inhabit star-forming regions. Before the James Webb we did not know fabulous photos of stars being born could be taken and would be so amazing.
My plan in writing this article was to pick my favorite photo and tell you about it. But, notice that I’ve already told you about five photos. There is much information given right on the calendar for you to study, with the whole month to figure out what it means and to learn details about it. The calendar can become a family activity when you explore and discuss the wonder of each photo. It is comparable to having a course in astronomy. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this calendar. It can keep you amazed for an entire year.
Also, each month the calendar details planet visibility, meteor showers, conjunctions and other observing opportunities, as well as moon phases and major astronomical events.
To get a calendar, call (303) 995-2888 and leave a message with your name and phone number. You will be called back to set a convenient time and location to meet. Calendars are $20, but if it is being purchased for a child it will only cost $15.
Selling these calendars is a fundraising project for our club, but we consider it most important to get a child started on studying astronomy.
We only have seven extra calendars, the reason being that Chimney Rock National Monument was closed during the fall government shutdown when we were going to have special major lunar standstill programs bringing in many extra visitors. Since the standstill happens every 18.6 years, I did not think the program would be canceled, but this made a lucky opportunity for you.
February 2026 meeting
I need to mention in this article that the Stargazers will have our first meeting of 2026 on Feb. 5 starting at 6 p.m.
There are so many members who will be gone for part of this holiday season and people get disappointed when they miss one of our interesting lessons. It is better to just take some time off, especially during such a snowy time of year.
There will be article during the middle of January to tell about the program on Feb. 5.
Always remember that if roads are slick it is not worth the risk to drive to the meeting. We will hold the program at a future time.
Joining the Stargazers
If you would like to join the San Juan Stargazers, you will also receive Reflector Magazine (again with hard copies), which is the publication of the National Astronomical League of which you automatically become a member.
To join both groups and get an excellent astronomy magazine, annual membership is only $25 per individual or family. You can join the club at any of our meetings or on our website.
Check out our continuously changing website, sanjuanstargazers.org, with new information and spectacular photos.
We can be your connection to our extraordinary universe.
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