Igniting curiosity, inspiring discovery
Welcome to the SoCal Stargazer Society, where the boundless mysteries of the cosmos meet the curious minds of Southern California. We are a vibrant community of stargazing enthusiasts, astronomers, and adventurers, united by our shared passion for exploring the night skies. Whether you're a seasoned observer or new to the wonders above, our society offers a gateway to awe-inspiring celestial experiences. From captivating stargazing events under the pristine SoCal skies to educational workshops that unravel the secrets of the universe, we are here to ignite your curiosity, foster connections, and inspire a profound connection with the cosmos. Join us in discovering the beauty and majesty that lie beyond our horizons, and embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and wonder with the SoCal Stargazer Society.
Picture of the Day
Galaxies in the River
Large galaxies grow by eating small ones. Even our own galaxy engages in a sort of galactic cannibalism, absorbing small galaxies that are too close and are captured by the Milky Way's gravity. In fact, the practice is common in the universe and illustrated by this striking pair of interacting galaxies from the banks of the southern constellation Eridanus, The River. Located over 50 million light years away, the large, distorted spiral NGC 1532 is seen locked in a gravitational struggle with dwarf galaxy NGC 1531, a struggle the smaller galaxy will eventually lose. Seen nearly edge-on, in this sharp image, spiral NGC 1532 spans about 100,000 light-years. The NGC 1532/1531 pair is thought to be similar to the well-studied system of face-on spiral and small companion known as M51.
