Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

Mingo Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Party

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Event

Perseid Meteor Viewing Party -  More information to follow

Perseid Press Release:
The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh invites you to the Mingo Creek Park Observatory for the annual Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Event, weather permitting, Sunday evening, August 11 into Monday morning, August 12. Perseid meteors are best observed with the eyes alone. There is no need for binoculars or telescopes. The observatory grounds will open at 7PM. Dress warmly. Bring a comfortable chair and lean back to watch "natures fireworks."
 
For more information on the Mingo Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing: http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/event-view.cfm?Event_ID=48743 or phone 724-348-6150 .
For more information on the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh: www.3ap.org

Perseid Viewing Guide: http://www.universetoday.com/103826/the-2013-perseid-meteor-shower-an-observers-guide/

Rise and Set for Capella a good reference for the Rise and Set of Perseus:
 
Capella

MONONGAHELA, PENNSYLVANIA
Location: W 79°55'12.0", N40°12'00.0", 350m
(Longitude referred to Greenwich meridian)

Time Zone: 4h 00m west of Greenwich

Date Rise Az. Transit Alt. Set Az.
(Zone)
h m ° h m ° h m °
2013 Aug 09 (Fri) 23:09 18 09:25 84N 19:36 342
2013 Aug 10 (Sat) 23:05 18 09:21 84N 19:32 342
2013 Aug 11 (Sun) 23:01 18 09:17 84N 19:29 342
2013 Aug 12 (Mon) 22:57 18 09:13 84N 19:25 342
2013 Aug 13 (Tue) 22:53 18 09:09 84N 19:21 342


Public viewing event.

The moon sets 10:36 PM.  Afterwards the sky will be dark and especially prime for viewing peak Perseid meteors, and deep sky objects like nebulae, clusters, double stars, distant planets, etc. August 11, the radiant in Perseus rises around 11 PM.

Before moonset, the Moon will be visible.

Sunset 8:21 PM
Moonset 10:36 PM
Dark descends 10:04 PM
 
 
AAAP 2013 Star Party Schedule

Mingo Creek Park Observatory
Apr 19 - 20
May 17 - 18
Jun 14 - 15
Jul 12 - 13
Aug 9 - 10
Sep 7
Sep 28
Oct 12
Oct 26
Bundle -Up Starfest: November 9, 2013 5PM Start

Public is invited to the 2013 Mingo Creek Observatory Public Star Party
Season. Location: Mingo Creek Park Observatory, Mansion Hill Road Extension, Finleyville, PA 15332 Individual dates will be updated as needed. All astronomy events are weather and staff permitting and vary with the season of the year and astronomical events. Groups leaders please email  MingoSPCoordinator@3ap.org  in advance. For more information:
www.3ap.org and https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/event-list.cfm?ClubID=675

Date: Sunday, August 11, 2013

Time: 7 p.m. - 4 a.m. Eastern

Location: Mingo Creek Park Observatory
1 Shelter 10 Road
Finleyville, PA 15332
Finleyville, PA 15332

Information for Visitors

Location Details

Mingo Creek Park Observatory
Mingo Creek Park Observatory 1 Shelter 10 Road, Finleyville, PA 15332 Phone 724-348-6150 Mingo Creek Park Observatory is atop Mansion Hill Road Extension, beyond Shelter 10. Latitude 40.211 degrees, Longitude -80.020 degrees, Declination -9 degrees Map and Directions: http://www.co.washington.pa.us/documentcenter/view/199
1 Shelter 10 Road
Finleyville, PA 15332
Finleyville, PA 15332
(click to get directions)
check weather forecast
check clear sky chart
Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh Website
Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh Website

Notes:
Typical Mingo Star Party Events Include:

* Safe Solar Viewing through permanently mounted solar telescopes

* Night sky viewing through two permanently mounted club-owned telescopes and various portable member-owned telescopes

* Planetarium shows/movies on various astronomy topics, virtual night-sky tours, and guest lectures in the Richard Y. Haddad Planetarium's domed-roof theater 

* Children's "Story Time" and science demonstrations on various astronomy topics (such as how comets are made)

* Self-paced activities and observing challenges in the newly redesigned "Command Center" Activity Zone with opportunities to earn rewards by completing the Astronomy Passport program

* Short educational films on monthly astronomy topics playing on a loop in educational center

* Member-submitted photos from the Kevin J. Brunelle Astrophotography Contests shown on a looping slideshow

* Interactive educational posters, globes of the planets, 3D and tactile displays, asteroid and space shuttle tile samples, and more to explore throughout the entire building


Additional Information:

Park along the Observing Hill Road. Please turn off headlights and use Parking Lights, between Shelter 10 and the Observatory. Handicapped Parking is available next to the Observatory Building.

The observatory has no running water but does have a park style handicapped accessible outdoor restroom.

Smoking/Vaping is Prohibited, not only inside but also outside on the observatory grounds. Smoke damages the delicate telescope optics.

No Alcohol is permitted on the observatory grounds.