KENNETT SQUARE — Members of the Chester County Astronomical Society will share their telescopes, binoculars and knowledge of the stars with all those attending and guide visitors of all ages through the night sky on Sat. Oct 12, starting at 7 pm at Anson B. Nixon Park. Several telescopes will be set up for viewing, and celestial wonders will be pointed out using a green laser light.
The program provides an orientation to the stars and planets with the help of a green laser light, which makes it easier to follow the leaders as they visit (point) to the stars.
Later this fall, there will be additional astronomy-related events.
Sat. Oct. 12 is a special day; “Fall Astronomy Day.” Astronomy Day is a grass roots movement designed to share the joy of astronomy with the general population – “Bringing Astronomy to the People.” On Astronomy Day, thousands of people who have never looked through a telescope will have an opportunity to see first hand what has so many amateur and professional astronomers all excited. Astronomy clubs, science museums, observatories, universities, planetariums, laboratories, libraries, and nature centers host special events and activities to acquaint their population with local astronomical resources and facilities.
There will be a sky full of wonders to gaze upon. The Moon will be just past first quarter, so participants will be able zoom into the terminator, the line between light and darkness. At the terminator, viewers will be able to see shadows of craters, mountains and valleys. And a special feature called the “Lunar Straight Wall” will be visible, and that is exactly what it looks like! Participants will also be able to see the Moon occult (cover) a star, a rare event.
The planet Venus will be setting at the start of the star party and that is the only planet that is visible during the event. But overhead will be the Summer Triangle that contains many beautiful star clusters. And in the east will be our neighbor galaxy Andromeda, with several hundred visible billion stars.
Everyone interested in learning the basics on the moon, the constellations, the Milky Way and much more is invited to attend. Bring your friends; kids bring your parents. Parents bring your kids!
If you plan on attending, bring a small flashlight (less light pollution), dress for the weather, and meet at the Tino Leto Athletic Fields, North Walnut Street, about ¼ mile north of the main Nixon Park entrance.
For more information, contact Don Knabb of the Chester County Astronomical Society by e-mail at observing@ccas.us , or Pete Kennedy of Friends of Anson B Nixon at 610-444-4479 or pkiii@verizon.net
For more information about astronomy in Chester County, go to the Astronomical Society Website: www.ccas.us
