Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

Your Bridge to the Stars

Events

Wagman Observatory Saturday, September 9, 2017 Moonrise Star Party

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You are invited to a Moonrise Star Party at the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh’s  Wagman Observatory, Saturday, September 9, 2017, 7:40 PM

The Saturday, September 9  Wagman Moonrise Star Party starting about 7:40 PM EDT  creates an opportunity to view the Moon and the September Sky. Observe the Moon along with the Hercules Cluster, the Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy  and much more.  Uranus and Neptune will be available for observing later in the evening.

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. These events are family friendly. There is no charge for these events, although donations are appreciated. Read more about Star Parties here.

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.

For updates, check back here and AAAP Facebook or phone the observatory, 724-224-2510,  the night of the event. Wagman Observatory Clear Sky Chart.

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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May 19 & 20, 2017 Mingo Star Parties,

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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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[Read more…] about May 19 & 20, 2017 Mingo Star Parties,

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

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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…] about 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

Wagman Observatory Star Parties – March 31 and April 1, 2017

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Saturday’s Star Party was shortened due to clouds.

 Friday’s Star Party is cancelled due to inclement weather

Early Spring Sky at March 31 and April 1, 2017 Wagman Star Parties sparkles with wide array of bright stars, bright planets Jupiter and Mars and the Waxing Crescent Moon 15% and 25% illumination respectively.

 

Wagman Observatory opens AAAP’s 2017 Observatory Star Party Season (See Full Schedule Below) this Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1.

The public is invited to see a region of space where galaxies are found in clusters, be dazzled by one of the largest birth places of stars, visit the craters of the moon and view two planets in the evening sky.   It’s all part of the show during the first Spring Star Parties sponsored by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh.

This time of year 10 first-magnitude stars are in the evening sky at once. No other season, even winter, can offer so many.

Wagman Observatory Star Parties start 7:40 PM EDT Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1 at 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.  There is no charge, although your donation is gladly accepted to continue outreach events.

This is an opportunity for amateur astronomers, students and the general public to observe the wonders of the spring sky and say good-bye to some of the Winter Constellations. Visitors will have an opportunity to observe the Moon several nights before First Quarter, and the planets, Mercury and Jupiter.

Did you get a telescope recently and don’t know how to use it? Bring it along and members of the AAAP will help!

Looking to buy a telescope, accessories, star charts and books? Wagman Observatory is the place to start. We’ll have free handouts, guides and booklets to point visitors in the right direction.

The Star Party will be held WEATHER PERMITTING. The public should call 724-224-2510 for more information.

 

2017 AAAP Observatory Star Party Schedules and Star Party Dates

Wagman Observatory Schedule Brochure Download  Mar 31; Apr 1; May 5 & 6; Jun 2 & 3; Jun 30; Jul 1, 28, & 29; Aug 25 & 26; Sep 9 & 23; Oct 7 & 28; Nov4

Mingo Creek Park ObservatorySchedule Brochure Download:   Apr 21 & 22; May 19 & 20; Jun 23 & 24; Jul 14 & 15; Aug 11 & 12; Sep 15 & 16; Oct 14 & 28; Nov 11

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