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Astronomy Day 2009 Saturday, May 2, 2009 RAIN OR SHINE Sky Meadows State Park
Enjoy the wonderful views of the landscape and night sky from the flanks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The program features solar observing through safe filters, telescopes to look at and look through when the stars come out, and presentations about astronomy and the night sky. Rain or shine (we'll have a tent set up), the public is invited from 3pm to 11pm to enjoy this day in observance of amateur astronomy! You don't need any experience at all to enjoy Astronomy Day, nor is it necessary to bring equipment. If you own a pair of binoculars, go ahead and bring them; they're great for looking at the night sky. Sky Meadows State Park charges a small fee ($4 per vehicle) for parking, but the event itself is completely free. NOVAC members are admitted free upon presentation of a membership card (available from the members-only section of the Web site. If you're not a member but would like to become one, you can join the club online and print your membership card just a couple of minutes later.) A printable flyer with basic information and directions is available for download. Preparation begins before leaving home. Dress warmly! Evening temperatures can be chilly. For lighting, cover a flashlight in red cellophane (the darker the better). Bring along water to keep hydrated and plan on staying the entire evening or as long as the weather allows. Feel free to walk around and enjoy the sights through the equipment on display. Just about any telescope owner will be glad to let you have a look, but please ask the owner before using. Children are welcome, of course, but please help us to encourage them to be careful around expensive astronomical equipment. We ask that you refrain from smoking around the telescopes; the telescope mirrors (and some of the owners) are sensitive to cigarette smoke. Pets should not be brought onto the observing field. We look forward to seeing you! |
© NOVAC
