CHANGED: Now July 14, 2024 Youth Observing Session #1

WEATHER EVENT. DATE CHANGED.

Catering to the youngest observers. We will observe before dark and look at the craters and other features on the Moon. We will learn about the Moon’s phases and how its orbit around the Earth results in the phases we see. After that, those who would like to can stay past 9:00 to view darker sky objects. Once dark, we will swing the telescope around to look at a handful of prominent objects that are visible despite the Moon’s presence: The Ring Nebula M57 in Lyra; The Great Globular Cluster M13 in Hercules; The Whirlpool Galaxy M51 in Canes Venatici; and a beautiful star field NGC 6871 in Cygnus the Swan. Each object has been selected for young observers because of their relative prominence in an eyepiece.

This session will cater to the very young since we will be working in twilight rather than full darkness. Also see Youth Observing Session #2. All are welcome to attend both sessions…every night of observing is a unique experience.

We have several different telescopes that are on display including a 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain housed in a permanent observatory. Inside the observatory, you can watch deep sky objects grow in detail and full color on a wall-mounted monitor. Public sessions are co-facilitated by one or more of our growing cadre of astronomy cohorts: Mark Borton, Roger Charbonneau Jr, Jon Dean, Jay Drew, Scott Mallory, John Natale, Lee Polikoff, Parag Sahasrabudhe, Mark Strollo and Alan Sheiness.

Upon registration you will receive a link to directions and observing session guidelines. For questions or comments, please contact us at astronomy@lymelandtrust.org. Young or old, experienced or totally unfamiliar, we look forward to exposing you to our uniquely dark skies here in Lyme.

And if you have a telescope, we encourage you to bring it out. The more, the merrier. Just follow the guidelines in the pdf you receive when you RSVP.

Clear skies!

The Lyme Land Trust Astronomy Group aspires to inspire and pursue the advancement of knowledge of astronomy through public outreach programs including but not limited to observation events, education programs, and presentations about varied astronomical topics by our members and guest speakers.

If you like these programs and you are not currently a Lyme Land Trust Member, please consider joining us using the green Become A Member link at the top of the LLT page.