October Presentation: William Herschel, the Greatest Observer Ever
Larry Mitchell
October 7, 2026
William Herschel is famous with astronomers everywhere, but few know of his many, many accomplishments. Herschel constructed the finest optics and telescopes the world had ever seen, and he built the largest telescope. He published a total of 127 scientific papers and was the first to try and explain the workings of the universe. His observations were phenomenal. He truly was the genius of the 18th century and today is justly recognized as the Father of Modern-Day Astronomy.
The presentation will be given by Larry Mitchell. Larry is the author of the “Visual Mysteries of the Universe” books, chairman of the Texas Star Party Advanced Observing Program, recipient of the TSP Lone Stargazers and Omega Centauri Awards. Additionally, he has discovered an asteroid, discovered a supernova, and presented lectures worldwide.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 7, 5 pm: Monthly pre-meeting dinner
Asian Garden, 2074 Nevada City Hwy, Grass Valley
Google Maps location
Each month we get together for family-style Chinese food and socializing prior to our meeting. Members: watch the Groups.io email list to RSVP.
Wednesday, October 7, 7 pm: Monthly meeting and presentation
Gene Albaugh Community Room, Madelyn Helling Library,
980 Helling Way, Nevada City
Google Maps location
Larry Mitchell will present "William Herschel, the Greatest Observer Ever."
Saturday, October 10, 7 pm: Monthly star party
Gravel lot at corner of Old Downieville Hwy and Hwy 49, Nevada City
Google Maps location
Bring your friends and family, a telescope if you have one, and warm clothes (it gets cool after the sun sets) and join fellow club members and the public in observing the night sky. Please park with your headlights pointing away from the telescopes. Weather will affect the schedule. Members should watch the Groups.io email list for details and updates.
Monday, October 19, 6 pm: Student outreach at Grizzly Hill School
Grizzly Hill School, 16661 Old Mill Rd, Nevada City (near North San Juan)
Google Maps location
We will be doing a star party with elementary students at Grizzly Hill School. This event was fun last year, and we expect this year to be no different. Please join us to help share the night skies with a new group of students. Members should watch the Groups.io email list for details and updates.
Wednesday, October 21, 5 pm: Astronomy on Tap
1849 Brewing Company, 468 Sutton Way, Grass Valley
Google Maps location
Join us for beer and blather the third Wednesday of every month.
Saturday, November 7th, 5 pm: Potluck and star party at Ania's house
Home of Ania Brandysiewcz
See email copy of Newsletter for address and map.
This event always has good food, good camaraderie, and plenty of stars. Mark your calendar to join us again. Please bring a dish to share with others, and BYOB if desired. If you have them, please also bring your own telescope and binoculars. The nights can be cool, so plan to bring warm clothing, too.
** Note **
For the “Summer Season” (July and August) the NC Astronomers will sometimes meet on-line via Zoom for special programs. Club members will receive the keys to the Zoom conference in their email via Groups.io.
NC Astronomers Meets on the 1st Wednesday each month at 7pm in the
Madelyn Helling Library Community Room
980 Helling Way
Nevada City, CA 95959
(September – May)
** NC Astronomers “YouTube” channel **
Many of the presentations are recorded and posted to the club’s YouTube channel.
Please see https://www.youtube.com/@ncastronomers9981/videos