Hobnob with the Stars
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For all intents and purposes, summer is over. Most kids are back to school. Scouts of all types are gathering around the campfires again. Youth groups are regrouping. And the days are getting shorter.
Why, come to think of it, this is the perfect time to consider having a party. But not just any party. This one involves using paraphernalia that would offend no one. One need bring nothing but a profound curiosity to this shindig. No designated drivers are required, no police will be called, and people of all ages are invited. It is a time to turn on, tune in, and look up. The soiree I am referring to is what is known in the amateur astronomy world as a "star party."
A star party can happen anytime people want to get together to marvel at the sky. It might be as simple as inviting some celestially knowledgeable person to take your group on a visual trip through the night sky with all its ancient stories and mesmerizing science. Or you can up the interest value by busting out a few scopes.
Having several telescopes available to your group is like putting a microscope to a butterfly. Without a microscope, of course, the butterfly is a beautiful creature. But get close-up views of its wings or body or antennae and its stunning design elements jump right out at you. So it is looking at the night sky with a telescope.
For example, hidden from naked-eye view but brought to life with a scope are the awesome creatures astronomers know as globular clusters and open clusters --- areas in the sky that can fill your field of view with hundreds or thousands of twinkling stars.
Scopes bring out the detail of planets, too: the magnificent rings of Saturn, the streaked weather patterns on Jupiter, the crescent shape of a partially lit Venus.
With a telescope one can see the different colors of stars --- the reds and blues, the whites and orangey yellows.
And sharing all this with friends or students in a star party setting under the dark skies is a great time of fellowship, one in which the total collective excitement is greater than the sum of the parts.
"But I don't have a telescope!" you exclaim. Fear not! I know people who do.
All around the country amateur astronomy groups lie in wait. These groups of men and women with their own telescopes and equipment live to share the beauty of the skies with others less fortunate.
You can find a constellation of astronomy clubs in or around your city by visiting several websites, including skyandtelescope.com, astronomy.com, and astronomyclubs.com.
Picking the right time for your party is very important. The astronomy club people can help you here, but below are just a couple of quick tips before you call them up.
The deeper we get into winter the earlier it gets dark, which is great for groups with kids who have to be home early. The downside is that the winter weather isn't always an ally for stargazing, and it can get a wee nippy.
Stay away from nights on or around full Moon. That Moon, for which we are otherwise extremely thankful, makes a mess of the skies with its overwhelming brightness. Probably the best nights are those surrounding the First Quarter Moon. This only-half-lit Moon is high above at sunset and sinks towards the horizon thereafter, hardly interfering at all. And the shadows on the surface of the Moon at that time take your breath away.
Consider what planets might be up and viewable. For example, Saturn is absent at the moment but at the end of the year will reappear in the western skies. And Saturn with its other-worldly ring system is always a show-stopper.
Just between you and me: Keep in mind that although many astronomy clubs will do parties for free, donations to their club are graciously accepted. And pizza offerings help --- a lot.
I hope this all puts some ideas into your head. Go now and knock heads with others in your particular group and see if this doesn't appeal to them, as well. A star party is a great and thoroughly meaningful chance to get together with friends, and with them dive into the vast treasure chest of the night skies.
Mark Ritter teaches astronomy at Temecula Valley High School and can be reached at mritter@firstlightastro.com.
Posted by Administrator at 2004.09. 4 12:14 PM | Comments (0)
