Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

Your Bridge to the Stars

Wagman Observatory

Wagman Total Lunar Eclipse Party

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Wagman Observatory will be open to the public for the Total Lunar Eclipse on Sunday night January 20 starting 10 PM until 2 AM. Totality lasts from 11:41 to 12:44 AM. Mid-eclipse is at 12:12 AM. Guests will also have the opportunity to observe other celestial wonders during this event.

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.

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

Wagman Moonrise Star Party – Saturday, September 29th at 7:15pm

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Come see the planets Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. Watch the Moonrise at 10:10 PM. It’s all part of the show during the September Moonrise Star Party sponsored by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh.

Observe the Hercules Cluster, the Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy. Uranus and Neptune will be available for observing later that evening. This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 29 starting about 7:15 PM EDT.

The Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory [Read more…] about Wagman Moonrise Star Party – Saturday, September 29th at 7:15pm

Wagman Observatory Star Party – Saturday September 15th at 7:30pm

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Come see the planets Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and the Six Day Old Moon. It’s all part of the show during the September Star Party sponsored by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh.

Observe the Hercules Cluster, the Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy. This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 15 starting about 7:30 PM EDT.

The Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory [Read more…] about Wagman Observatory Star Party – Saturday September 15th at 7:30pm

Wagman Mars Star Parties July 27 & 28, 2018, 8:45 PM

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In honor of Mars making its closest approach since 2003  Mars Star Parties at Wagman Observatory have been added to the AAAP Star Party Schedule on Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28, 2018, 8:45 PM. The Mars  2018 close approach inspires us to offer a special opportunity to see features of the Martian surface such as light and dark areas, streaks and lines. We are hoping the clouds on both planets cooperate. Just as we have had a rainy/cloudy summer here, a massive dust storm has broken out on Mars. We look forward to clear skies and seeing you and Mars at Wagman Observatory, 225 Kurn Rd, Tarentum, PA 15084 – Phone: (724) 224-2510, June 27 and 28, 8:45 PM. Free and open to the public. Donations greatly appreciated.

Note: Mars 2018 opposition occurs on July 27. Mars will reach its closest approach to Earth at 3:50 a.m. EDT (0750 GMT) on July 31. The Red Planet will also be at its brightest since 2003, when Mars made its closest approach to Earth in almost 60,000 years. Mars at its 2018 opposition will be 35.8 million miles (57.6 million km) away and will have nearly doubled in brightness since June 26. These close approaches occur on a 26 month cycle. Currently, Mars is brighter than it has been in 15 years!

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