Astronomy Day 2008

Saturday, May 10, 2008

RAIN OR SHINE

3PM to 11PM

Sky Meadows State Park

Welcome Stargazers!

Join NOVAC for Astronomy Day at Sky Meadows State Park (http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sky.shtml) on 10 May 2008. Come out at 3PM to observe the Sun! Stay until nightfall to see some planets and deep sky objects!

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 a talk by Steve Squyres, Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University. Dr. Squyres is the Principal Investigator for the Mars Exploration Rover project; he is also author of the book Roving Mars: Spirit, Opportunity, and the Exploration of the Red Planet. Steve is a fascinating and engaging speaker; he'll share with us the latest results of his team's research and his insights on this hugely successful project.

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!

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)

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 but please ask the owner before using. It's best to control children around expensive astronomical equipment. Remember, telescope mirrors are sensitive to cigarette smoke and bug spray. Pets should not be brought onto the observing field.We look forward to seeing you!