Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

Your Bridge to the Stars

Outreach

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…] about Wagman Observatory Star Parties on July 20th & 21st

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

International Dark Sky Assn.-Pittsburgh Chapter to be hosted by AAAP at Wagman Observatory, 6:30 PM, Thursday, June 7, 2018

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The Pittsburgh Chapter of the International Dark Sky Association will hold a meeting on Thursday, June 7 at 6:30 pm at Wagman Observatory. We’re hoping to discuss new streetlights and strategies for darker skies. Invite friends! Bring portable chairs, if you like. The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh supports dark skies and light pollution outreach.

Urban Outreach Star Parties at the Schenley Overlook

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Urban Outreach Star Parties are at the Schenley Overlook unless otherwise noted.

All times are from 9PM-11PM.

May
Sunday 5/6 (Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower) [Rescheduled to Mon., 5/7, due to inclement weather.]
Monday 5/7 (Weather Makeup Date) 
Thursday 5/17
Sunday 5/20 (Weather Makeup Date)
Tuesday 5/29 (Emerald View)
Thursday 5/31 (Emerald View Makeup)

June
Sunday 6/10
Monday 6/11 (Makeup)
Tuesday 6/19
Thursday 6/21 (Makeup)
Friday 6/29 (Emerald View)
Saturday 6/30 (Emerald View Makeup)

July
Friday 7/13
Sunday 7/15 (Makeup)
Sunday 7/22
Monday 7/23 (Makeup)

August
Friday 8/3 (Emerald View)
Saturday 8/4 (Emerald View Makeup)
Saturday 8/11 (County Star Party – Boyce) – New Moon!
Tuesday 8/14
Thursday 8/16 (Makeup)
Friday 8/24
Saturday 8/25 (Makeup)
Tuesday 8/28 (Emerald View)
Thursday 8/30 (Emerald View Makeup)

September
Thursday 9/6
Monday 9/10 (Makeup)
Sunday 9/16
Tuesday 9/18 (Makeup)
Friday 9/30

October
Monday 10/1 (Makeup)
Thursday 10/4
(Emerald View)
Sunday 10/7 (Emerald View Makeup)
Friday 10/12
Sunday 10/14 (Makeup)
Sunday 10/21
Monday 10/22 (Makeup)

November
11/1 (Emerald View – No Makeup Date)

If you would like help learning how to set-up and use your own telescope or binoculars, please feel free to bring them and arrive an hour early. AAAP telescope volunteers will share views through their telescopes.

This free event is being run by the Pittsburgh City Park Rangers. Park ordinances are enforced at all times. All ages event. Leashed dogs are permissible but must be under the direct control of their owners, and must remain a minimum of 10 feet away from the telescope at all times.

 

AAAP 2018 Star Party Season Kicks-Off This Weekend

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The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh kicks-off its 2018 Star Party Season this weekend with the added “fireworks” of the Lyrid Meteor Shower and the weather looks good to very good all weekend! Wagman Observatory will have a star party on both Friday and Saturday starting at 8:05 PM. Mingo Observatory will open on Saturday at 6:00 PM for Safe Solar Viewing. Also on Saturday during the day, there will be AAAP telescope viewing and astronomy activities at the Westmoreland Earth Day, 1-6 PM, Winnie Palmer Nature Center, Latrobe, PA. On Sunday, AAAP will be at the Mt. Lebanon Earth Day (SUNDAY, 22nd APRIL 2018,11am – 3pm, MT LEBANON PARK, 900 Cedar Blvd, Mt. Lebanon, PA15228) offering telescope safe solar viewing and astronomy activities.  At Laurel Hill State Park the Earth Day Celebration starts early at 9AM, Saturday, at the Visitor Center.

During the daytime events, enjoy safe solar viewing and astronomy activities.  Night sky observing begins at dusk. Look for Lyrid Meteors when the sky darkens. These meteors will be best seen before dawn on Saturday and Sunday mornings. See the planet Venus. View the Waxing Crescent Moon. Catch a last glimpse of the Orion nebula and other wonders of the Spring sky such as the galaxies in the Coma-Virgo Cluster, planetary nebulae and star clusters. These events are free and open to the public. Star party donations are appreciated. Be sure to obtain our 2018 Star Party Schedule, printed copies at our events and downloads on our website.  Contact AAAP via Facebook or our website calendar for more updates and more information.