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It is your last chance in 2016 to view Late Autumn Sky with the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh at the Mingo Observatory Star Party, Saturday, November 12 , 4:00 PM, EST, Safe Solar Observing; and approximately 5:30 PM EST, Night Sky Observing. Mingo Observatory, Mingo Creek County Park, Washington County, PA.,  Address: Mingo Observatory, 1 Shelter 10 Road, Nottingham Township, PA 15301 GPS Coordinates: 40.2110 N, 80.0190 W. PDF of Park map here. From Henry Covered Bridge follow Mansion Hill Road Extension up hill into park to the fork, where Shelter 10 Road branches to the right. Take Shelter 10 Road beyond Shelter 10 dimming lights at  the extensive clearing where atop hill to the left the observatory rests.  Park along the road below the observatory, handicapped parking at top of hill. It is suggested to use GPS coordinates rather than the address in programming a GPS to locate the site. Please call the observatory at 724-348-6150 if needed.   Mingo Creek Park Observatory and its grounds, as a part of Mingo Creek County Park, are a non-smoking and no alcohol permitted area.

Upon opening at 4:00 p.m. guests may experience SAFE Solar viewing through our 4” Lunt Hydrogen Alpha Telescope mounted on the 10” D & G Refractor also set up for  SAFE Solar viewing in filtered white light. At approximately 5:30 PM, as dark descends and weather permits we will open our 24” Optical Guidance Systems Reflector and the 10” D & G Refractor to viewing wonders of the night sky. Enjoy views of Venus, Saturn and its rings, Mars and the craters of the Moon, Star Clusters, Nebulae (Ring Nebula, Orion Nebula, and others), Galaxies, Double and Multiple Star Systems, etc.   Our Richard Y. Haddad Planetarium opens at 6:30p.m. rain or shine for Sky Shows, Movies and Lectures.

The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh invites the public to the Mingo Observatory October Star Parties on October 21 and 22, 2016.

The Friday, October 21 Star Party begins at approximately 6:30 PM.  The Saturday, October 22 Star Party begins at 4:30 PM with Safe Solar Viewing through the 4” Lunt Hydrogen Alpha telescope.   Following safe solar viewing during the day, viewing of the night sky will begin at approximately 6:30 PM.  Sunset is 6:29 PM.  View the night sky through the AAAP’s  10” D & G Refractor and the 24” Optical Guidance Systems Reflector Telescope and the AAAP Member Telescopes on the observing hill. Other offerings include planetarium shows and presentations inside the Richard Y. Haddad Planetarium and tours of the stars and constellations under the night sky.

Mingo Observatory is located inside of Washington County’s Mingo Creek County Park, at 1 Shelter 10 Road Finleyville, PA 15332,  Latitude 40.211 degrees Longitude -80.020 degrees.  If using GPS, coordinates work better than the address.  Call 724-258-6150 for more information.

These October Star Parties will feature planets: red Mars, ringed Saturn, and brilliant Venus. The features of the Moons craters and plains will be seen. The Orionid Meteors, remnants of Comet Halley peaking October 20-21, 2016 will streak the skies over Mingo this weekend. Our large telescopes will reveals mysteries of  Autumn Deep Sky Objects such as spiral galaxy NGC 210,  the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635), the Pinwheel Galaxy (M33), Stephan’s Quintet, and more! ISS Pass and Iridium flare information here.

There is no charge for your visit, but we greatly appreciate donations to help cover operating expenses.  Reservations are not needed and there is no limit on group size. The observatory and its outdoor park style restroom are accessible to persons with disabilities. There is no running water on the premises. Guests are reminded to dress for the chill in the October night air, especially on the observing hill. As we are located inside of Mingo Creek County Park there is  no alcohol or smoking permitted.  Please drive slowly and cautiously especially in darkness and be alert for pedestrians and guests in place. After dark please limit the use of white lights as safety permits.  Our entirely volunteer AAAP Member staff looks forward to your visit. [Read more…] about AAAP Mingo Star Parties, October 21 and 22, 2016