The 15th Annual Astronomy at the Beach (Kensington Metropark, September 9-10, 2011)

Schedule of Events

The following is the schedule of events for the 15th Annual Astronomy at the Beach (held at Kensington Metropark, located near Brighton, Michigan).

Schedule for Friday September 9, 2011 (6:00 PM to Midnight) and Saturday September 10, 2011 (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

• Various Astronomy Movies—Short professional quality video vignettes on astronomy, space exploration, and NASA missions.   The Metropark Trailer is located near the Parking lot and accommodates small groups.
• Solar (Sun) & Sunspot Viewing (Clear Skies Only)—If it is clear, visitors will be able to look through solar filtered binoculars and telescopes at the sun. If we are lucky, we will be able to see some sunspots and solar prominences. 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).
• Space Exploration Displays and Make & Take Activities—Posters, handouts and various Make & Take activities related to space and astronomy.
• Astronomy Equipment, Books, etc—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. (See also Pictorial Essay—Sponsors).
• Nightsky Planetarium Presentation—The night sky simulation tours the constellations for the current evening sky using a portable planetarium. Free tickets available for each time slot at the Detroit Science Center vendor table (audience size is limited).
• All About Comets and Comet Making Demonstration—Learn what these special celestial visitors are and what they consist of from the Kensington-Metropark Nature Center Interpreters as they make one up from dry ice and common household ingredients. (See also Pictorial Essay—Sponsors).
• Telescopes for Beginners—Learn about the different types of telescopes and other astronomy equipment at this talk. What to look for and what to avoid.  A great opportunity to ask questions.
• Our Vanishing Night (Light Pollution Talk)—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? & Fire and Ice—John Potts (Detroit Science Center) & Gerald Dunifer (Wayne State University) will demonstrate how cold space can get through a series of graphic demonstrations using liquid nitrogen and everyday common objects. This is a fun and surprising talk that everyone will enjoy.
• Astronomy 101 and 3D Movie—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 ever gazed at the night sky with wonder and awe. Beginning with the moon and the planets, and ending in the far 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! Concludes with a short 3D movie tour through the constellations.
• Feature Presentation: “What’s New In Our Universe”—Dave Eicher, the Editor-in-Chief of Astronomy Magazine will take us on a quick photo tour of the astronomy breakthroughs and discoveries of the last 15 years.
• Constellation Laser Tours (Clear Skies Only)—Want to learn how to find your way around the night sky? If it is clear, you can locate the major summer constellations from this tour of the night sky and hear the mythology stories of the ancients who named them.
• Sky Tour Scavenger 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 for ages 3 to 17 years.
• General Viewing (Clear Skies Only)—If it is clear, there will be the opportunity to look through any of the binoculars and telescopes: We expect to be able to see Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and a great number of other fascinating objects such as galaxies, double stars, nebulae and multiple star systems. (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 © 1996-2011, 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.bob@gmail.com or Kensington Metropark at 1-800 477-3178.

This page last modified September 10, 2011.