Archives > Celina Record > News
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Friends of Prosper Library to host evening stargazing session Tuesday
Staff Report
The Friends of the Prosper Community Library are looking skyward on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 22 and invite stargazers of every age to join in an astronomy program that includes breathtaking views through a high-powered telescope and a conversation with an amateur astronomer.
"That night, we will be treated to not only the opportunity to hear and ask questions of a highly entertaining speaker, but we will also get to look at some incredible views of the night sky over Prosper," said Roger Flood, president of the Friends.
The program starts at 6 p.m. in the Prosper Library on the campus of Reynolds Middle School, 700 N. Coleman St.
Participants will see extraordinary detail of the moon and will be able to see the planet Jupiter in amazing clarity. In addition, stargazers will have a chance to see the Orion nebula, part of Orion's belt, and learn to recognize the winter's prominent constellations. Other stars on the gazing agenda are Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, and Aldebaran, the eye of the constellation Taurus.
Attendees will learn how to find Polaris, the North Star, and will learn about eight other constellations. Jones plans to help participants identify 20 of the 50 brightest stars in the night sky.
The program will open with a short orientation in the library, reviewing sky maps of each constellation and diagrams showing how to find the stars in the sky. This will be followed by time outside to look through the telescopes and to pick out the winter constellations in the eastern and southern skies, and the northern constellations related to Polaris.
"I guarantee that you'll never look at the winter sky again without recognizing your new celestial friends," said Flood.
There is no charge for the program and prior knowledge of astronomy would be helpful, but is not a requirement.
"People with no background in astronomy will walk away with a new appreciation for the heavens, and will be able to identify stars and constellations that they've seen all their lives, but never knew their names," Flood said.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: News «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
