Wagman Observatory Star Parties, Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1, 2017

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Wagman Observatory Star Parties, Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1, 2017, 8:55 PM

See a region of space where stars are being born, catch a dazzling view of Jupiter in the evening sky and Saturn by 10:30 PM. Visit the craters of the moon and marvel at our Milky Way Galaxy’s finest planetary nebulae and star clusters and more with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh at the AAAP’s  Wagman Observatory  June 30 and July 1  Star Parties.

This invitation to amateur astronomers, students and the general public is part of AAAP’s annual series of star parties occurring March – November at the Wagman and Mingo Observatories. There is no charge for these events, although donations are appreciated. Read more about Star Parties here.

These June 30 and July 1 Wagman Star Parties create an opportunity to view the June/July sky: Jupiter and several of its moons, followed by Saturn, its rings and some of its moons, our own Moon at First Quarter, the dazzling Hercules Cluster,  the Ring Nebula and much more.

Regardless of your experience or ability level you will be welcome to join the throng of avid sky watchers. Perhaps you have a telescope and do not know how to use it? Bring it along and members of the AAAP will help! Likewise if you are considering a telescope purchase or the addition of accessories, star charts and books Wagman is a good place to start. Members of the AAAP will help!

The Star Parties will be held WEATHER PERMITTING. The public should call 724-224-2510 for more information. The Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory is located in Deer Lakes Regional Park, Frazer Township, Pa., near the village of Russellton in northeastern Allegheny County and some 18 miles from Pittsburgh. Coordinates: Latitude 40.627 degrees N, Longitude 79.813 degrees W. Map and Directions under the About Tab at www.3ap.org and here.

Admission is free, though we gladly accept donations to cover the cost of operation. To reach Wagman Observatory, follow the Orange Belt (accessible from Routes 8 and 28) to Deer Lakes Park, near Russellton. Follow the road through the Park for 1.2 miles and turn left on to the Observatory grounds. Please use parking lights only when you drive through the gate.  In the observing rooms or near the outside telescopes please avoid use of bright lights: cell phones, white lights or flashlights, glow sticks, etc.  and especially no flash photograph. There is no smoking permitted anywhere on the site. Planning for next year? Wagman Observatory’s 2018 Star Party Dates have been published.

Note:  This weekend,  June 23 and 24 Mingo Observatory is holding star parties .

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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis based heavily on the Press Release by Tom Reiland, Wagman Director.

June 23 & 24, 2017 Mingo Star Parties

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UPDATE: Friday, June 23rd’s Star Party has been Cancelled due to severely inclement weather.

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

Dates: Friday and Saturday, June 23 & 24

Times: Safe solar observing; 6:30 PM

Night sky observing; approximately 8:45 PM

Weather Permitting for Observing.

Planetarium Presentations occur rain or shine, starting at 7:30 PM.

This Event Is Free and Open to the Public.

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 approximately two hours before sunset through the 4” Lunt Hydrogen Alpha telescope.
  • After dusk using both the 10” D & G Refractor and the 24” Optical Guidance Systems Reflector telescopes, observe the wonders of the April night sky.  Some objects observed may include views of Jupiter and its moons, Mars and the rings of Saturn.  Many deep sky objects may also be observed such as the Ring Nebula and other nebulae, clusters and double stars.
  • Presentations about current events in astronomy and the Mingo Creek Park night sky will take place in the Richard Y. Haddad Planetarium at various times throughout the night.  Former AAAP President John Holtz will be giving a presentation, Astronomer’s Bucket List, in the planetarium this month.  This will be an interactive discussion of things you can see in the sky

The Mingo Creek Park Observatory is handicap accessible. There is no charge for your visit, but we gladly accept donations to cover operating expenses. There is no reservation needed and there is no limit on group sizes.

NOTE: Mingo Creek Park Observatory and its grounds, as a part of Mingo Creek County Park, are a no smoking and no alcohol permitted area.  Mingo Creek Park Observatory is operated by an all-volunteer staff of members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh.

 

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CANCELLED: Mingo Star Party for Friday 06/23/2017

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Due to severe weather (tornado warning, downed trees, and flooding) in the area, the Mingo Star Party for Friday, June 23rd, 2017 has been cancelled.

The weather outlook for Saturday’s Star Party looks good, however, so it should still take place. As with all star parties, though, please be sure to check the website, calendar, or Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on cancellations.

2018 Wagman Observatory Star Party Dates

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 2018 Wagman Observatory Star Party Dates
April 20 & 21
May 18 & 19
June 22 & 23
July 20 & 21
Aug 17 & 18
Sep 15 & 29 (Dark Sky)
Oct 13 & 27 (Dark Sky)
Nov 10 Mid Autumn SP
Plan Ahead for 2018 Wagman Observatory Star Party Dates: The Star Parties will be held WEATHER PERMITTING. The public should call 724-224-2510 for more information. The Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory, owned and operated by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh is located in Deer Lakes Regional Park, Frazer Township, Pa., near the village of Russellton in northeastern Allegheny County and some 18 miles from Pittsburgh. Coordinates: Latitude 40.627 degrees N, Longitude 79.813 degrees W. Map and Directions under the About Tab at www.3ap.org and here.

Wagman Observatory Star Parties, June 2 and 3, 2017, 30th Anniversary

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Wagman Observatory Star Parties, Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3, 2017, 8:45 PM

See a region of space where stars are being born, catch a dazzling view of Jupiter in the evening sky and Saturn by 10:30 PM. Visit the craters of the moon and marvel at our Milky Way Galaxy’s finest planetary nebulae and star clusters and more with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh at the AAAP’s  Wagman Observatory  June  Star Parties  as we celebrate the 30th   Anniversary of the Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory this month.

This invitation to amateur astronomers, students and the general public is part of AAAP’s annual series of star parties occurring March – November at the Wagman and Mingo Observatories. There is no charge for these events, although donations are appreciated. Read more about Star Parties here.

These June 2 and 3 Wagman Star Parties create an opportunity to view the June sky: Jupiter and several of its moons, followed by Saturn, its rings and some of its moons, our own Moon 1 to 2 nights after First Quarter, the dazzling Hercules Cluster,  the Ring Nebula and much more.

Regardless of your experience or ability level you will be welcome to join the throng of avid sky watchers. Perhaps you have a telescope and do not know how to use it? Bring it along and members of the AAAP will help! Likewise if you are considering a telescope purchase or the addition of accessories, star charts and books Wagman is a good place to start. Members of the AAAP will help!

The Star Parties will be held WEATHER PERMITTING. The public should call 724-224-2510 for more information. The Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory is located in Deer Lakes Regional Park, Frazer Township, Pa., near the village of Russellton in northeastern Allegheny County and some 18 miles from Pittsburgh. Coordinates: Latitude 40.627 degrees N, Longitude 79.813 degrees W. Map and Directions under the About Tab at www.3ap.org and here.

Note: Bridge work on Russelton-Dorseyville Road is anticipated. If you take Saxonburg Blvd North, this detour is an option. Turn right onto Rte 910. Turn left onto Cove Run Road which is next to the Ice Cream Stand. Follow it to Mill Dam Road on your left (rough ride).  Follow this windy road to Rich Hill Road and Turn Left again.  (3 lefts in a row) Turn right onto Michael (Nursery) Road until it ends at Little Deer Creek Road, Russellton.  Turn Left here and follow it to the bank on right corner with Russellton-Creighton Road.  Turn right and you will see a strip mall on your right and a diner on your left. Go a tenth of a mile and under the train trestle.  Make a quick left into the Park and follow it to the top of the hill about 1.2 miles from the park entrance.  The Wagman Observatory is on your left.  Just reverse these instructions when you head home.

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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis based heavily on the Press Release and Detour by Tom Reiland, Wagman Director.

 

 

 

 

Wagman Observatory Star Parties, May 5 and 6, 2017

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***UPDATE: Friday and Saturday’s Star Party have CANCELLED due to inclement weather and SAFETY concerns, the heavy rain having saturated the field where cars park and guests walk between telescopes.***

 

Wagman Observatory Star Parties, Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6 starting at 8:20 PM EDT

 

Observe the wonders of the Spring Sky, galaxies in the Coma-Virgo Cluster, planetary nebulae and star clusters and more with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh at the AAAP’s  Wagman Observatory May Star Parties. This opportunity for amateur astronomers, students and the general public is part of an annual series of star parties occurring March – November at the Wagman and Mingo Observatories. There is no charge for these events, although donations are appreciated. Read more about Star Parties here.

 

The May Wagman Star Parties create an opportunity to view the planet Jupiter and the Moon three nights after First Quarter. Regardless of your experience or ability level you will be welcome to join the throng of avid sky watchers. Perhaps you have a telescope and do not know how to use it? Bring it along and members of the AAAP will help! Likewise if you are considering a telescope purchase or the addition of accessories, star charts and books Wagman is a good place to start. Members of the AAAP will help!

 

The Star Parties will be held WEATHER PERMITTING. The public should call 724-224-2510 for more information. The Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory is located in Deer Lakes Regional Park, Frazer Township, Pa., near the village of Russellton in northeastern Allegheny County and some 18 miles from Pittsburgh. Coordinates: Latitude 40.627 degrees N, Longitude 79.813 degrees W . Map and Directions under the About Tab at www.3ap.org and here. 

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