The 16th Annual Astronomy at the Beach (Kensington Metropark, September 21-22, 2012)

Astronomy at the Beach

Astronomy at the Beach is an annual event hosted by Kensington Metropark and the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs (GLAAC). The 16th Annual Astronomy at the Beach star event will be held September September 21st and 22nd 2012. It runs from 6:00 pm to midnight rain or shine both nights.

There will be astronomy talks on topics ranging from how to choose and use a telescope, introduction to astronomy, a comet making demonstration for the kids, how cold is outer space, why light pollution is making it harder to see stars and what you can do to help reverse the trend. We haven’t announced our featured speaker yet, but we promise you’ll be excited when we do! Camera Mart and Great Red Spot Astronomy will have various astronomy products including telescopes, binoculars, eyepieces, books and computer software on display and for purchase.

Using a portable planetarium, there will be night sky simulation tours of the constellations and other current objects. There will be a Children’s Sky Tour Treasure Hunt for the kids to participate in. Come early to view sun spots and/or stay and observe dozens of celestial objects until midnight through the many telescopes provided by the GLAAC members (weather permitting).

Go here for more information about this event.

Pictures from Previous Events.

• Pictorial Essay—Pictures from the Beach.
• Pictorial Essay—Setting Up.
• Pictorial Essay—Solar Observing.
• Pictorial Essay—Sponsors.
• Pictorial Essay—Visitors and Telescopes.
• Pictorial Essay—Volunteers.
• Other “Astronomy at the Beach” Photographs.

Information from Previous Events.

• Pictorial Essay—Guest Speakers From Previous Years (1998 to 2001).
• Pictorial Essay—Guest Speakers From Previous Years (2002 to 2009).
• Pictorial Essay—Guest Speakers From Previous Years (2010 to present).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2011 (Color Version). (File size 929K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2011 (Black and White Version). (File size 930K).
• The Schedule of Events for 2011.
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2010 (Color Version). (File size 808K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2009 (Color Version). (File size 2135K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2009 (Black and White Version). (File size 577K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2008 (Color Version). (File size 463K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2008 (Black and White Version). (File size 430K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2007 (a PDF document). (File size 212K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2006 (a PDF document). (File Size 915K).
• Kensington “Summer Star Gaze” (June 2-3, 2006).
• Kensington “Summer Star Gaze” Flier (a Microsoft Word Document). (File Size 1509K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2005 (a Microsoft Word Document). (File Size 566K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2004 (a Microsoft Word Document). (File Size 566K).
• The Planetary Alignment of 2004.
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flier for 2003 (a Microsoft Word Document). (File Size 462K)
• Mars (the focus of the 2003 event).
• Astronomy at the Beach (The Great Planetary Alignment of 2002).
• Information about the International Space Station (the focus of the 2001 event).
• A Movie of Comet S4 (Linear). (This comet was visible during the month of July 2000).

Other

• Directions to “Astronomy at the Beach.”
• The night sky isn’t as dark as it used to be, for information on why this happened and what you can do about it.

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Sponsors

• Kensington Metropark. Kensington Metropark is operated by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority includes the city of Detroit and the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne (all within the State of Michigan).
• Camera Mart USA.
• Co-Op Services Credit Union.
• Cranbrook Institute of Science.
• Detroit Science Center.
• Eastern Michigan University Planetarium.
• Great Red Spot Astronomy Products.
• Henry Ford Community College.
• University of Michigan-Dearborn.
• Wayne State University Planetarium.
• GLAAC (the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs). GLAAC is a loose association of amateur Astronomy Clubs in Southeastern Michigan who band together each year to provide an enjoyable, family oriented activity that focus on our hobby, Astronomy and Space Sciences. Our primary aim is to have fun by learning about Astronomy and Space Sciences, educating others through talks and star parties, and sharing our resources with others who share our interest, including local schools, scouts, and other organizations. GLAAC consists of the following member organizations:
  • The Astronomy Club at Eastern Michigan University.
  • Ford Amateur Astronomy Club.
  • Oakland Astronomy Club.
  • Seven Ponds Astronomy Club.
  • Sunset Astronomical Society.
  • University Lowbrow Astronomers.
  • Warren Astronomical Society.

Sunset Over Kensington Metropark.

Credits

Copyright © 1996-2012, 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
• The Telescope Field—Dave Snyder
• Sunset Over Kensington Metropark—Al Bates

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.bob@gmail.com or Kensington Metropark at 1-800 477-3178.

This page last modified March 13, 2012.