Mingo Observatory Star Parties on August 11th & 12th (Perseid Meteor Shower Watch)

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The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh invites you to a Star Party at Mingo Creek Park Observatory (Located in Mingo Creek Park, Mansion Hill Extension, past Shelter 10) in Washington County, PA. Phone #: 724-348-6150

Date: Saturday, August 11
Time of Safe Solar Observing: at 6:30 PM
Time of Night Sky Observing: approximately 8:45 PM

Weather Permitting for Observing – Planetarium Presentations occur rain or shine

The Star Party events on August 11 will consist of the following:

* Safe observing of the Sun beginning approximately two hours before sunset.

* After dusk observe the wonders of Read more

Wagman Mars Star Parties July 27 & 28, 2018, 8:45 PM

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In honor of Mars making its closest approach since 2003  Mars Star Parties at Wagman Observatory have been added to the AAAP Star Party Schedule on Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28, 2018, 8:45 PM. The Mars  2018 close approach inspires us to offer a special opportunity to see features of the Martian surface such as light and dark areas, streaks and lines. We are hoping the clouds on both planets cooperate. Just as we have had a rainy/cloudy summer here, a massive dust storm has broken out on Mars. We look forward to clear skies and seeing you and Mars at Wagman Observatory, 225 Kurn Rd, Tarentum, PA 15084 – Phone: (724) 224-2510, June 27 and 28, 8:45 PM. Free and open to the public. Donations greatly appreciated.

Note: Mars 2018 opposition occurs on July 27. Mars will reach its closest approach to Earth at 3:50 a.m. EDT (0750 GMT) on July 31. The Red Planet will also be at its brightest since 2003, when Mars made its closest approach to Earth in almost 60,000 years. Mars at its 2018 opposition will be 35.8 million miles (57.6 million km) away and will have nearly doubled in brightness since June 26. These close approaches occur on a 26 month cycle. Currently, Mars is brighter than it has been in 15 years!

Star Parties at BOTH Wagman and Mingo Observatories on July 20 & 21, 2018

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This weekend, July 20th and 21st, there’s a double bonus of FOUR star parties to pick from (two each at Mingo and Wagman Observatories). For all of the details and to check out the public service announcements click on the links below…

Mingo Creek Park Observatory (Washington Co)
Times: 6:30PM Safe Solar Observing; 9:00PM Night Sky Observing
https://3ap.org/2018/07/mingo-observatory-star-parties-on-july-20th-21st/

Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory (Allegheny Co)
Times: 8:45PM Night Sky Observing
https://3ap.org/2018/07/wagman-observatory-star-parties-on-july-20th-21st/

Wagman Observatory Star Parties on July 20th & 21st

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See a region of space where stars are being born, catch a dazzling views of four bright planets, visit the craters of the moon and marvel at our Milky Way Galaxy’s finest clusters and nebulae. It’s all part of the show during July Star Parties sponsored by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh. .

The Star Parties start Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 at 8:45 PM EDT at the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes Regional Park, Frazer Township, Pa., near the village of Russellton, in northeastern Allegheny County and some 18 miles from Pittsburgh.

This is an opportunity for amateur astronomers, Read more

Mingo Observatory Star Parties on July 20th & 21st

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The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh Invites you to a Star Party at Mingo Creek Park Observatory (Located in Mingo Creek Park, Mansion Hill Extension, past Shelter 10) in Washington County, PA

Dates: Friday and Saturday, July 20 & 21, 2018
Time of Safe solar observing: at 6:30 PM
Time of Night sky observing: approximately 9:00 PM

Weather Permitting for Observing – Planetarium Presentations occur rain or shine

Come and learn about the Mingo Creek Park Observatory, the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, and astronomy in general. The evening events consist of the following:

• There will be safe observing of the Sun beginning Read more

Laurel Hill (Scenic View) Star Party, July 14, 2018

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The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh will bring their popular family program to Laurel Hill State Park, Saturday, July 14, 2018,8:30 PM to 10:30 PM – Scenic View at Laurel Hill. Experience a guided tour of the sky! 8:30 PM astronomy presentation will lead the program of observing the heavens through the privately owned telescopes our members. Venus, Mars,  Jupiter, and Saturn may also be visible that night. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, Read more