other Land Trust events are here — return to Astronomy page
This POP-UP session is to take advantage of clear skies. The observatory will be open to observe one or more planets, the Moon, and to see other objects of interest. Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme. Upon registration you will […]
As Saturn makes its way to a western departure, Jupiter is well-established in the east. The constellations Orion, Gemini and Taurus now take center stage, climbing higher in the eastern sky. The Big Dipper is below Polaris, obscured by the tree line. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain […]
The Geminids peak the next two nights, and we have a clear sky with no moon. It will be FREEZING out and meteor observing means sit in a chair, so... bundle up, and bring a chair. I will also place an object or two in the observatory telescope, too, to observe one or more planets […]
CHANGED: If we get clear skies Friday, we should be able to observe several prominent winter-sky nebulae as well as Jupiter and Saturn. I will also attempt to land the 14” telescope on Comet 144P/Kushida. I admit in advance that I haven’t previewed it so I’m not at all sure if it can be captured! […]
Registration appreciated: education@lymelandtrust.org Join Misha Semenov-Leiva and Alan Sheiness for a presentation to learn about light pollution in the Connecticut River Valley. Find out about the effects of an artificially brightened night sky, including the effects on natural cycles in aquatic and terrestrial life. Alan will talk about his love of astronomy and the wonder […]
Now Orion dominates the southern sky. Jupiter is moving to the west, and Saturn has dipped below the horizon. In the northeast, some of Ursa Major's galaxies begin to peek above the trees. We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory. Inside the observatory, you […]
URGENT: Owing to the overcast skies forecast for tomorrow, the observing session has been changed to an indoor program: The Amazing Story Behind Solar Eclipses. The program will be held at the Lyme Land Trust Stewardship Barn, 12-1 Town Street, Lyme CT (not at the observing site!) and will last approximately one hour. The Lyme […]
The Lyme Land Trust Astronomy Group will present an information session at the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, featuring: How eclipses occur Why Earth’s solar eclipses are unique The April 8, 2024 eclipse and how to safely view it To register for the event, please follow this link: 03/11/2024 | The Amazing Story Behind Solar Eclipses […]
Facing south, Orion has slid over to the western half of the sky, and Leo rises in the east. Beyond Leo, the bright star Arcturus gives the early hint of spring on the march. In the north, the galaxies M81 and M82 in Ursa Major, and M51 in Canes Ventatici are well placed for viewing. […]
THIS POST IS INFORMATIONAL ONLY. A partial solar eclipse will occur in Lyme, CT from 2:13p to 4:37p. Maximum coverage of the Sun by the Moon will occur at 3:27p, at which point the Sun will be 90.3% obscured. AT NO TIME WILL IT BE SAFE TO OBSERVE THE ECLIPSE HERE IN LYME WITHOUT EYE […]
DATE COULD SHIFT BASED ON WEATHER- Leo and its bright star Regulus dominate the sky due south. To the right, the Milky Way is well down the western horizon, not to return to the night sky until later in June, this time in the east. Arcturus climbs in the eastern sky, and we can once […]
DATE COULD SHIFT BASED ON WEATHER- Virgo is climbing higher in the southern sky along with its neighbor Corvus to the right (west), and Libra to the left (east). Around to the north, the Big Dipper is upside-down high in the sky, seemingly spilling its contents down onto Polaris. We have several different telescopes that […]
© Lyme Land Conservation Trust, Inc. dba Lyme Land Trust. The Lyme Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
All rights reserved. A special thank you to the photographers that generously shared their work.
Ryan Quinn grew up in Lyme and graduated from Lyme-Old Lyme High school. After moving away for college and a career in education, he returned to the area in 2015 with his wife Baylee Drown to start a vegetable farm. In 2019 they were able to become Lyme landowners by purchasing what is now known as Long Table Farm. Prior to being a full time farmer Quinn has worked as a sailor, handyman, science teacher and outdoor educator.
“Moving back to Lyme gave me new appreciation for how the blend of community, open space, and ecology that thrive here have influenced my life. Lyme Land Trust’s mission to preserve and promote these features for the public good is near and dear to my heart. The Lyme Land Trust is one of the institutions that makes Lyme a special place to live.”
Jim’s primary responsibility is to oversee stewardship of the 3130 acres spread across 112 parcels that are owned or managed by LLT. He comes to us with a variety of experiences spanning ecological research and restoration, natural resource and sanctuary management, and environmental education. Improving the outlook for native biodiversity has always motivated Jim, whether by working with people, land, or preferably both at the same time. Most recently he served as conservation biologist at The Connecticut Audubon Society. He holds a BS degree in wildlife and fisheries biology from the University of Vermont and a MS degree in conservation biology from the State University of New York in Syracuse. Jim lives in Middletown.
“It is a giant honor to have this opportunity to help build on the substantial success of the Trust in a part of the world as special as Lyme.”
Wendy has lived in Lyme since 1982. Her career has encompassed a combination of art and the natural sciences; as a medical illustrator working at Yale University Medical School for 30 years, and a professor of art at Middlesex Community College for 10 years. She is currently the Open Space Coordinator for the Town of Lyme and co-chair of the Lyme Pollinator Pathway.
“I love the fact that the LLCT seeks to encourage the appreciation of the natural world by exposing people to the wonders of nature through education, guided walks and other opportunities. I believe that preserving the land in its most natural state is very important to the physical and mental health of our planet. I love to learn and there is so much to learn in the woods of Lyme, about the natural world, history and beauty.”
Tony has lived in Lyme since 1986. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Management and co-founder of Ecological and Environmental Consulting Services (EECOS) specializing in forest ecology and land use management.
“The Land Trust is critical for the protection of our ecologically diverse and unique near-coastal and riverine landscape, unmatched in the northeast.”
Kristina grew up in Old Lyme and has made Lyme her home since 2004. She held numerous jobs in the corporate world and most recently was the Administrative Director of Musical Masterworks, a nonprofit chamber music series in Old Lyme. As the Executive Director, she is responsible for leading the LLCT as it relates to the strategic direction and overall management of the organization. She identifies and implements short-and long-term strategic goals and is accountable to the Board of Directors for achieving those goals.
“The Land Trust protects land for perpetuity, provides outdoor recreation, and educates the surrounding community of the importance of conservation and environmental sustainability. We strive to be an example for other land trusts to follow.”
