It is an opportunity to participate in hands on safe solar viewing and enjoy the day. In combination with the Spring Family Weekend at St. Vincent College in Latrobe the Outdoor Adventure Fest (A.K.A. 14th Annual Westmoreland Earth Day Event) will be held at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 1 PM to 6 PM Saturday, April 23, 2016. It will include safe solar observing and astronomy demonstration as part of a whole schedule of events.
Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh’s delegation is led by member Glenn Smith, MS, MEd and includes a contingent of Astronomy Students from Mr. Smith’s Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood Campus EPS150 Astronomy Class. There will be telescope viewing and poster discussion and demonstrations. This is AAAP’s 13th consecutive year participating in this event. It presents a great outreach opportunity for astronomy and light pollution awarenesss in Westmoreland County and occurs when the club is promoting the star party season schedules.
Other parts of the event include the all day Petting Zoo, Nature Obstacle Course, Nature and Art Exhibits, Trout Unlimited Fly Fishing Demonstrations, Rock Climbing Wall, Justin Beck Live Music, Falcons In Flight Live Animal Show by the National Aviary, and more.
If you have never participated in safe solar viewing this presents an educational opportunity to learn more about it. The image above, shared by AAAP member Dan Pedan, is similar to what one will see. Fortunately sunspots are currently visible on the face of the Sun this week and skies look clear for Saturday.
WARNING: Never look directly at the sun either with or without a telescope unless properly filtered, as permanent eye damage can result.
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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis.