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

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 Twelfth Annual Astronomy at the Beach star event will be held September 5th & 6th, 2008. It runs from 6:00 pm to midnight rain or shine both nights.

There will be a special talk by Dr. Mary Putnam from the University of Michigan Astronomy Department on “How Do You Feed A Galaxy?” In addition, 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.

• 2008 Astronomy at the Beach Flyer. (File size 463K).
• The Schedule of Events for the 2007 event, the schedule for the 2008 is likely to be similar to the 2007 event.

With two portable planetariums, there will be night sky simulation tours of the constellations and other current objects. The Grosse Pointe North High School RATz Radio Astronomy Team will have graphics, computer displays and other media. 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). Representatives from Rider’s Hobby Shops will be on hand (there will be various astronomy products including telescopes, books, binoculars, eyepieces, computer software on display and for purchase).

There is no admission fee to attend but a Metropark vehicle pass is required. (Vehicle pass can be purchased at the gate for a fee of $4.00). The event takes place at Maple Beach (inside Kensington Metropark; Unlike previous years, the event will not be held at Martindale Beach). Food and beverages can be purchased at the Metropark concession stand.

Seating may be limited, so bring chairs. The night sky isn’t as dark as it used to be: it is harder to see stars, galaxies and nebulae. For information on why this happened and what you can do about it. People will be looking through telescopes! The use of white light of any kind makes this difficult. So, please be considerate and use only lights with red filters. And do not use flash photography.

Go here for directions to Kensington Metropark.

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).
• The New Detroit Science Center.
• Rider’s Hobby Shop of Livonia.
• Cranbrook Institute of Science.
• 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.
  • The Ford Amateur Astronomy Club.
  • The Seven Ponds Astronomy Club.
  • The University Lowbrow Astronomers.
  • The Warren Astronomical Society.
• Jack and Cecelia Brisbin.

More

Sunset Over Kensington Metropark.

• 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.
• Directions to “Astronomy at the Beach.”

Information from Previous Events.

• Pictorial Essay—Guest Speakers From Previous Years (1998 to 2001).
• Pictorial Essay—Guest Speakers From Previous Years (2002 to present).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flyer for 2007 (a PDF document). (File size 212K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flyer for 2006 (a PDF document). (File Size 915K).
• Kensington “Summer Star Gaze” (June 2-3, 2006).
• Kensington “Summer Star Gaze” Flyer (a Microsoft Word Document). (File Size 1509K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flyer for 2005 (a Microsoft Word Document). (File Size 566K).
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flyer for 2004 (a Microsoft Word Document). (File Size 566K).
• The Planetary Alignment of 2004.
• The Astronomy at the Beach Flyer 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).

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
• 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@wowway.com or Kensington Metropark at 1-800 477-3178.

This page last modified June 8, 2008.