Back Bay Amateur Astronomers

Girl Scouts visit the Planetarium

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Event

I would like if weather permits for there to be some telescopes that girls can do some viewing of the night sky, even though the city lights will be pretty bright. Chuck has agreed again this year to do a private showing for us. Last year we had about 70 girl scouts/adults attend. I am not sure what you usually do for a scout program. GSUSA announced space badges this year for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors (Kindergarten through 5th grade.) There is also a Night Sky badge for the Seniors level which is 9th and 10th graders. I know this is not much help. I wish I had have been able to attend one of the events before, so I would know better what to ask. Please feel free to email, call or facebook message or messenger me.

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Eastern

Information for Visitors
Instructions for the Public:
The almost-Full Moon rises at 8:11 PM, after the sun sets at 7:17 PM.  Weather permitting, after twilight ends (about 7:45) you will see the planet Mars, the Orion Nebula, and bright stars in Orion, Canis Major, Canis Minor, and Gemini.

Event Report

Comments and anecdotes about the event:
The VB Planetarium was full of active Girl Scouts and their leaders, and Planetarium Director Chuck Dibbs did a masterful presentation on the dome, illustrating the solar system and each of its planets and their orbits, and explaining the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun crosses the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator. He also pointed out many constellations, and explained why we see different constellations at different times of the year. He then showed a presentation of the history of the telescope and how telescopes work and are used to observe the night sky. Five BBAA members were ready to set up telescopes: Arch Walpole, Shawn Loescher, Leigh Anne Lagoe, Jeff Goldstein, and George Reynolds. Unfortunately, the weather prohibited the BBAA members from setting up telescopes outdoors in the rain. Another Girl Scout astronomy session may be booked for October.