The Metroparks are hosting a public star party and Perseid observing night at Stargate! It's the night before the peak of the shower, but we should see some good meteors. We'll also have a waxing Moon along with Jupiter and Saturn to enjoy.
The Metroparks will charge their daily admission of $10 if you do not have a yearly pass. W.A.S. members in good standing (i.e. who have paid dues for this year) who are helping with may be entitled to access Stargate as volunteers. If you have any problems getting in for free as a member, call observatory chairman David Baranski, president Jeff MacLeod, or program chair Jonathan Kade.
Bring a lawn chair, some bug spray, and remember even in summer it's best to wear layers for observing! Meteor showers are not very equipment heavy, but they're very weather-sensitive. Hope for the best!
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What to expect at a Stargate open house: you get to use our equipment and our volunteers' knowledge to see what's out there in the sky tonight.
We usually stay as long as the skies are clear and there are interested observers - usually around midnight, but on nice nights even later.
You don't have to stay the whole time - though we ask that you aim your headlights away from the observing field in case you have to leave early. Feel free to email us (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/contactUs.aspx) if you have any questions.
We only require a few things for your safety and enjoyment:
It will be getting dark around 8:00 PM, so please plan to be at the observatory earlier. Be careful with headlights on your way in, especially after sundown. Make sure to turn the dome lights off if possible, and park your car facing away from the observing field if you have running lights.
Please don't use white light flashlights when others are observing. Others will have flashlights, but if you'd like to bring your own, you can easily make a red-light flashlight that will help you get around in the dark and is safe for night vision. You can read ideas here (http://cs.astronomy.com/asycs/forums/t/10521.aspx).
No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Other advice to help you make the most of your evening:
Weather, especially in Michigan, is unpredictable. We are always (some might say irrationally) hopeful, but if there's a solid chance of an extended downpour we are not likely to do any observing! If you're not sure about the weather, call Jeff MacLeod, David Baranski, Riyad Matti, or Jonathan Kade (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/officers.aspx) to check if the open house has been canceled.
Observing is an outside activity, so dress accordingly - a little warmer than the temperature would indicate. Even in the summer, it can get surprisingly chilly at night. Like any other activity, the key to lasting is layers, layers, layers! In the wintertime and early spring, plan to wear at least two layers of every garment: socks, pants, and a shirt. Core temperature is important too, so pay extra attention to keeping your torso warm - an insulated vest can work wonders.
Importantly, the Camp Rotary grounds have full-service public restrooms, with warm running water and other modern conveniences.
If there's something specific you'd like to see, we'll do our best to make it happen. We have safe, filtered solar telescopes to look at the sun in amazing detail (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/astro_photos/detail.aspx?id=25501605@N07&photo=2402535178) before it gets dark; if you're interested in seeing our local star, let us know and we'll try to make a telescope available.
The Metroparks will charge their daily admission of $10 if you do not have a yearly pass. W.A.S. members in good standing (i.e. who have paid dues for this year) who are helping with may be entitled to access Stargate as volunteers. If you have any problems getting in for free as a member, call observatory chairman David Baranski, president Jeff MacLeod, or program chair Jonathan Kade.
Bring a lawn chair, some bug spray, and remember even in summer it's best to wear layers for observing! Meteor showers are not very equipment heavy, but they're very weather-sensitive. Hope for the best!
----
What to expect at a Stargate open house: you get to use our equipment and our volunteers' knowledge to see what's out there in the sky tonight.
We usually stay as long as the skies are clear and there are interested observers - usually around midnight, but on nice nights even later.
You don't have to stay the whole time - though we ask that you aim your headlights away from the observing field in case you have to leave early. Feel free to email us (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/contactUs.aspx) if you have any questions.
We only require a few things for your safety and enjoyment:
It will be getting dark around 8:00 PM, so please plan to be at the observatory earlier. Be careful with headlights on your way in, especially after sundown. Make sure to turn the dome lights off if possible, and park your car facing away from the observing field if you have running lights.
Please don't use white light flashlights when others are observing. Others will have flashlights, but if you'd like to bring your own, you can easily make a red-light flashlight that will help you get around in the dark and is safe for night vision. You can read ideas here (http://cs.astronomy.com/asycs/forums/t/10521.aspx).
No alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Other advice to help you make the most of your evening:
Weather, especially in Michigan, is unpredictable. We are always (some might say irrationally) hopeful, but if there's a solid chance of an extended downpour we are not likely to do any observing! If you're not sure about the weather, call Jeff MacLeod, David Baranski, Riyad Matti, or Jonathan Kade (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/officers.aspx) to check if the open house has been canceled.
Observing is an outside activity, so dress accordingly - a little warmer than the temperature would indicate. Even in the summer, it can get surprisingly chilly at night. Like any other activity, the key to lasting is layers, layers, layers! In the wintertime and early spring, plan to wear at least two layers of every garment: socks, pants, and a shirt. Core temperature is important too, so pay extra attention to keeping your torso warm - an insulated vest can work wonders.
Importantly, the Camp Rotary grounds have full-service public restrooms, with warm running water and other modern conveniences.
If there's something specific you'd like to see, we'll do our best to make it happen. We have safe, filtered solar telescopes to look at the sun in amazing detail (http://www.warrenastro.org/was/astro_photos/detail.aspx?id=25501605@N07&photo=2402535178) before it gets dark; if you're interested in seeing our local star, let us know and we'll try to make a telescope available.
Date: Sunday, August 11, 2019
Time: 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Eastern
Location:
Stargate Observatory
20505 29 Mile Rd
Ray, MI 48096
