The Monthly Meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association's (PAA) will take place June 6th as a “Hybrid Meeting”, both online and in-person at our traditional physical location of the Rotary Education Centre/Guest Services Building, Riverview Park Zoo. Nothing can stop the spread of information and knowledge by the members of the PAA, including our ability to accommodate those that can’t physically be at the meeting. Our work around involves using a Zoom platform. To participate via Zoom, just make sure that in advance, you opened a (free) Zoom account on whatever iphone or tablet or device you wish to participate with and then contact https://www.peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.phpfor the password and link to our evenings classes and presentations. If you wish to participate in person you are more than welcome to do so at the Zoo.
Our “Novice Astronomy Classes” are focused on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy. You will be introduced to astronomy related subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence. In this month’s Novice Astronomy Class: “Stellarium 101”, most people learn best by doing. This class is designed to do just that. By having Stellarium (planetarium software) already downloaded and installed, you will be ready to follow along and get up to speed quickly. Then you too will appreciate why a planetarium program like Stellarium is so indispensable. We will immerse ourselves in the features of Stellarium interactively to get you up and running quickly. Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to download and install Stellarium (navigate your browser to stellarium.org) in your operating system of choice (e.g. Windows, MacOS) prior to the meeting. Then, working together, we will explore the power of Stellarium. Whether this is your first introduction to Stellarium or you are a seasoned user, you are guaranteed to learn something new. Tune in to be enlightened! If you are even remotely interested, be on-line by 6:00 p.m. to see what you can learn about exploring the Universe around you. The classes will run about 45 minutes each session, before our regular meeting resumes. There’s no obligation to stay for the meeting that follows, but you are more than welcome to if you wish.
Shortly after 7:00 p.m. we will have a presentation by club member, Rick Stankiewicz, will present a talk entitled “What I did on My Winter Vacation”, You will want to see the results of Rick's trip to southern Arizona this past winter. His pictorial tour will show the beauty and diversity of what there was to do with a lot of planning and a little good luck. From astronomical wonders to wildlife and cultural experiences that will illustrate why this region is such a draw for tourism during our Canadian winters. Whether joining us on-line or in-person you will not be disappointed and you will learn a lot! Why not check this out? You don’t need to be a member to see this presentation or anything else listed. The price is right…it costs you nothing but your time.
The Sky This Month will be posted on our club website for all to access.
There will also be the usual opportunities to have your questions answered, at no charge. All we ask is that you either come and see us in person at the Zoo or register in advance at https://www.peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php. This is an all ages meeting and the venue is totally barrier free at the Zoo or just relax at home and “live and learn” as they say. Also, you don’t need a telescope to participate, but a curious mind helps.