Supermoon a spectacle for skywatchers

Take a look up at the sky tonight for what may be one of the most spectacular moon viewings of 2022.

The moon was at perigee (the point in the moon’s orbit at which it is closest to Earth) just after 2 a.m. and will reach fullness right before noon today. The close timing of the moon’s perigee and fullness makes this a supermoon, a term originated by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has a great webpage that details the July and August full moons, including the origin of each moon’s name, explains history of the “supermoon” designation, and features other sky highlights to look for during the morning and evening hours. Go to solarsystem.nasa.gov/news/2255/full-moon-guide-july-august-2022/ for more information.

The appearance of this month’s full moon spans three days, from Tuesday through Thursday, so hopefully our skies are clear enough to catch a glimpse.

July 16 marks 53 years since Apollo 11 launched from the Kennedy Space Center and carried astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins to the moon. The astronauts made it to their destination on July 20, 1969, an historic date that is recognized each year as International Moon Day.

Elks host Country Dance Night

The Tahoe-Douglas Elks host Country Dance Night on July 30 at the Lodge, 1227 Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

The event is open to anyone age 21 and older with a $5 cash cover. DJ Dustin Valcalda will spin the tunes, and dance lessons will be offered throughout the evening. The bar will be open and accepting credit cards only for food and drink. Burgers, hot dogs, and fries will be served from 5-7 p.m. with dancing to follow.

This will be the third country dance night at the Lodge this year. Organizers said the event has been very popular and they invite folks to “…dust off your cowboy hat and put on them boots…come out and kick up some fun!”

Aktion Club lends a hand

Members of the Kiwanis Aktion Club of Carson Valley sold cold refreshments and helped distribute bike parade supplies during the Town of Minden’s July 4 celebration.

Aktion Club advisor Gary Dove said the group raised nearly $550, which will help fund the DJ at the upcoming “A Night Among the Stars” prom dance hosted by the 2022 Douglas County Leadership class.

This is the second year for the red-carpet event, which is held for developmentally disabled adults 18 and older who reside in the Carson Valley and surrounding areas. Members of KACCV, Special Olympics, The Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others have been invited to the Sept. 17 prom, and attendees may bring up to two guests.

Anyone interested in supporting the event with financial assistance or a raffle prize can send an email to promsforacause@gmail.com. Kiwanis International is a service organization dedicated to “Improving the world one child and one community at a time” (kiwanis.org). The mission of Aktion Club is “to provide adults living with disabilities an opportunity to develop initiative, leadership skills, and to serve their communities” (aktionclub.org).

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.