Wagman Observatory Star Parties, May 5 and 6, 2017
***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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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis based heavily on the Press Release of Tom Reiland, Wagman Director.
May 19 & 20, 2017 Mingo Star Parties,
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, May 19 & 20
Times: Safe solar observing; 6:30 PM
Night sky observing; approximately 8:30 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 May night sky. Some objects observed may include views of Jupiter and its moons, Mars and the craters of the Moon. 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. AAAP Vice-President Kathy DeSantis will be making a special presentation during the May Star Parties.
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.
Becky Nichols
Director
Mingo Creek Park Observatory
Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh
Visit our website to get more information at www.3ap.org.
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Respectfully submitted, Kathy DeSantis based nearly all on the Press Release of Becky Nichols, Mingo Observatory Director.
Astronomy Lecture: From John Brashear to 21st Century Optics and Telescopes, by Blaise Canzian, Ph. D., 7:30 PM May 12, 2017, Science Stage, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA
From John Brashear to 21st Century Optics and Telescopes, by Blaise Canzian, Ph. D.
The public is invited to the Amateur Astronomer’s Association of Pittsburgh’s Monthly Meeting Lecture, Friday, May 12, 2017, 7:30 PM, at the Science Stage of the Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Telescopes have evolved both in technology and mission since the early days of John Brashear’s company. Today’s telescopes are tasked with satellite laser ranging, laser satellite communication, challenging astronomical research, and satellite imaging. Complex engineering combined with new technological advancements in optic fabrication have expanded our space situational awareness and enable astronomers to explore the universe like never before.
Dr. Blaise Canzian, Ph. D. has a B.A. in Physics from Cornell University and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the California Institute of Technology. He is currently the systems engineer group manager for L3 Brashear and has Read more →