This year, Astronomy Day falls on Saturday, May 10, and the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society (KAS) has a full day of activities planned. What a great way to introduce yourself, your family, or your friends to the wonders of our universe!
This star party, complete with outdoor lecture, happened August 2, 2013, as part of the Tahoe Star Tours // photo by Ryan Berendsen
The first activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Portage District Library located at 300 Library Lane. KAS club members will have telescopes set up outside to allow visitors safe, close-up looks at the Sun. Inside, hands-on activities include “Make a Planisphere,” “Big Dipper Clock,” “Constellation Can,” and “Decorate a Star.” Club members also will make three presentations about the night sky: “Rhapsody of Lunar Observing” at 11 a.m., “Oddballs, Snowballs, and Other stuff to see” at 1 p.m., and “Sky Pictures — Finding the Constellations” at 3 p.m.
Then, at 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Avenue, I will deliver the keynote talk, “How Big is the Universe?” It’s a fun, illustrated lecture that starts here on Earth and ends up at the edge of the observable universe.
As a special bonus, I’ll follow “How Big … ?” with a second, much shorter talk in which I’ll give preview the observing highlights for Astronomy Day’s grand finale — observing under the night sky. We’ll all then move outside and view through telescopes set up and staffed by the knowledgeable membership of the KAS.
It sounds like a fun day. Oh, did I mention it’s free? Now, it sounds like a terrific day. For more information, including maps to each part of the event, go to http://astroday.kasonline.org/directions.html.
I hope to see you there!