HGMS Monthly Meeting

6p – 9p, South Meeting Room, HGMS Education Center (in the Sandra Moon Community Center), 7901 Bailey Cove Rd SE, Huntsville.  (Map)

Did You Know?

An ancient Oort Cloud comet is making a rare appearance this month.  Last seen 80,000 years ago, comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible in night skies for the next few weeks.  This “once in a lifetime” comet was discovered last year approaching our inner solar system for the first time in documented history.  Look in the Western sky, right of Venus, 45 minutes after sunset.  And after sunset on October 16th, the brightest Full Moon or “Supermoon” this year (aka “Hunter’s Moon”) will be visible, too.  Source:  WAAY31 News.

November:  Topaz – Colorless topaz that’s been treated to blue is a mass-market gem, but fine pink-to-red, purple, or orange gems are one-of-a-kind.  Top sources include Ouro Prêto, Brazil, and Russia’s Ural Mountains.  Citrine – This gemstone’s color comes from traces of iron.  Citrine is perhaps the most popular and frequently purchased yellow gemstone and an attractive alternative for topaz and yellow sapphire.  Source:  Gemological Institute of America.