The 12th Annual Astronomy at the Beach (Kensington Metropark, September 5-6, 2008)

Schedule of Events

The following was the schedule of events for Eleventh Annual Astronomy at the Beach (held at Kensington Metropark, located near Brighton, Michigan). The schedule for the 2008 event has not been set yet, however it is likely to be similar.

Schedule for Friday September 21, 2007 and Saturday September 22, 2007 (6:00 PM to Midnight)

Events marked with an asterisk (*) only take place if the skies are clear. If cloudy, these events will be substituted with others at the Pavilion.

Details

• Sunspot and Sun (Solar) Viewing—If it is clear, visitors will be able to look through solar filtered telescopes at the sun. If we are lucky, we will be able to see some sunspots and solar prominence. Look for the scopes and binoculars with the yellow balloons. (NEVER look directly into the Sun either naked eye or through a telescope without using an approved solar filter). (See also Pictorial Essay—Solar Observing).
• Miscellaneous Space Exploration DVDs—“Lunar Exploration,” “Mission to a Comet” and “Your First Look Inside a Comet” (These DVDs may be replaced or supplemented with others on related subjects if availability permits.)
• Astronomy Equipment, Books, etc.—Rider’s Hobby Shop will have various astronomy products including telescopes, binoculars, eyepieces, books and computer software on display and for purchase. (See also Pictorial Essay—Sponsors).
• Portable Planetarium/DSC Starlab Nightsky Presentations—Nightsky simulation tours of the constellations and other current objects using a two portable planetarium.
• Children’s Sky Tour Treasure Hunt (Clear Skies Only)—Using a worksheet, children move around our telescopes and binoculars to view the moon, planet(s), nebulas, star clusters and galaxies. Upon completion, a certificate of achievement and a prize are awarded. Age 3 to 17 yrs.
• Radio Astronomy—The Grosse Pointe North High School RATz Radio Astronomy Team use graphics, computer displays and other media to answer the questions: What is radio astronomy, How the RATz team built a radio telescope and What they learned by doing so.
• Space Exploration Displays—Posters, handouts and various Make & Take Activities related to space and astronomy.
• Basic Astronomy Equipment Talk—Thinking about buying a telescope? Learn about the different types of telescopes and other astronomy equipment at this talk. A great opportunity to ask any equipment question you like.
• All About Comets and Comet Making—Learn about these special celestial visitors and what a comet is made up of by watching how a comet can be made from dry ice and common household ingredients. (See also Pictorial Essay—Sponsors).
• Our Vanishing Night—Want to know why you can’t see very many stars from your neighborhood? Learn about how light pollution is making it harder to see stars and other astronomical objects, and what you can do to help reverse the trend.
• How Cold Is Outer Space?—Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy for Delta College Kevin Dehne demonstrates how cold space can get through a series of graphic demonstrations using liquid nitrogen and everyday common objects. A fun talk that everyone will enjoy.
• Astronomy 101—A fascinating introduction to the science and hobby of amateur astronomy. In the tradition of “Science for Poets,” Astronomy 101 is a painless astro-primer for anyone who has every gazed at the night sky with wonder and awe. Beginning with the moon and the planets, and ending in the infinite reaches of intergalactic space, participants are taken on a glorious journey through the Universe in which we live. Sure to inspire, guaranteed to fascinate, Astronomy 101 is an experience not to be missed!
• “The Orion Manned Program and the Mission to Return to the Moon”—A presentation by Strategic Operations Leader Robert Landis, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Orion will be used to reach the International Space Station, but its primary mission will be to return to the Moon, and then as the re-entry vehicle into Earth’s atmosphere.
• Tour of the Constellations (Clear Skies Only)—Want to learn how to find your way around the night sky?  If it is clear, you will be shown how to locate the major summer constellations in this night sky tour.
• General Viewing (Clear Skies Only)—If it is clear, there will be the opportunity to look through any of the telescopes: We expect to be able to see the Moon, Jupiter and a great number of other fascinating objects such as galaxies, double stars, nebulas and star clusters. (See also Pictorial Essay—Visitors and Telescopes).

Food can be purchased at the Metropark Concession Stand (the concession stand will be open until 11:00PM). (See also Pictorial Essay—Sponsors).

More

• Main Page.
• Pictorial Essay—Solar Observing.
• Pictorial Essay—Sponsors.
• Pictorial Essay—Visitors and Telescopes.
• Pictorial Essay—Volunteers.

Credits

Copyright © 1996-2008, Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs.

All photographs on this page taken at Kensington Metropark during “Astronomy at the Beach.”

The following photographs were taken by:

• C’mon Dad!—Greg Burnett

Web page constructed by Dave Snyder.

For questions about “Astronomy at the Beach,” contact Dave D’Onofrio at Dave1ACT@aol.com, Bob MacFarland at stargzr@wowway.com or Kensington Metropark at 1-800 477-3178.

This page last modified April 19, 2008.