The third meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association's Fall program will take place on November 1st in the customary location at the Rotary Education Centre/Guest Services Building, Riverview Park Zoo, Peterborough at 7pm.
This year’s “Novice Astronomy Classes” are focused on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy. You will introduce to astronomy related subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence. This month's session is entitled “The Sun, Earth, Moon System”. Learn about the day and night-time cycles, Solar and Lunar Eclipses and all the phases of the Moon. Questions will be answered, like why we have seasons and what influence the Moon has on the Earth (tides, stabilization, etc.). Come out and see how our Solar System works. If you are interested, be at the above mentioned meeting location by 6:00 p.m. The classes will run 45 minutes each session, before our regular meetings.
Before the main presentation, we will look at the “Sky This Month”. Be informed about the locations of the planets of the solar system and what is happening in the sky above us for the month to come.
Our main presentation for November will start shortly after 7:00 p.m. and this month, it will feature PAA Member, Sean Dunne’s talk, “A Photographic Journey through the Messier List of Deep Sky Objects”. About a year ago Sean got interested in putting his photographic and astronomy interests together and photographing all 110 deep sky objects in the famous Charles Messier List. While it is possible, further south, to observe all 110 objects in a single 24 hour period, Sean does not like to stay up all night, so he went at a more leisurely pace. Starting in March this year, he completed the List in August. This presentation is about his plan, equipment, trials and tribulations and the lessons learned in achieving his photographic goal. This talk will be a perfect example of what you can find to look at in the night sky by using your unaided eyes, but also with the use of binoculars and a telescope. Sean’s use of camera to capture his “objects” is a challenge that is worth learning from. Come out and learn about the night sky, the price is right…it costs you nothing but your time.
There will also be the usual opportunities to come and check out the PAA and all it has to offer, also at no cost. This is an all ages meeting and the venue is barrier free. Also, you don’t need a telescope to belong, but a curious mind helps.