The Galileo Galilei Astronomy Club
Astronomy at Montfort is so much fun. Every week we have 10-20 kids who discuss the planets, galaxies, the nature of light, the possibility of alien life, rocketry, the planned mission to Mars, and so much more. We even debated whether or not Pluto is a planet.
Astronomy is the mother of all sciences. It holds a very central place in Montfort's classical curriculum and is described by Plato as an essential part of the perfect education. Astronomy is also one of the most central activities and popular clubs of The Montfort Academy. Our club is named after Galileo Galilei, who lived in the 1600s and is considered the father of the scientific method.
Using our rooftop observatory and Celestron 11-inch Schmidt-Cassgrain reflector-refractor telescope, donated by the Order of Malta, along with specialized eyepieces and astrophotographic equipment donated by the Mary Clancy Foundation, as well as our specialized Stellina Astrophotographic equipment made by French company Vaonis, members of the Astronomy club have witnessed and photographed galaxies, nebulae, planetary and lunar movements, craters and mountains, sunspots, and many other celestial wonders.
JUPITER: ITS CLOUD BANDS AND GREAT RED SPOT
SATURN AND ITS RING SYSTEM
TRANSIT OF MERCURY ACROSS THE SUN (LOOK FOR THE BLACK DOT IN THE MIDDLE—THAT’S MERCURY!)
ORION NEBULA
COMET NEOWISE, SUMMER 2020 (LOOK IN THE CENTER OF THE PHOTOGRAPH FOR THE LARGE TAIL)