The Monthly Meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association's (PAA) will take place November 1st 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.  This month's session is a continuation of our Astronomy Class Series, Lesson 26 in the series, “Electronically Assisted Astronomy”. There is nothing like the experience of looking through an eyepiece, especially for the first time.  This is something everyone should partake in at least once in their lifetime.  For those that do, this can be a transformative event igniting a lifelong interest in astronomy and the wonders of the night sky.  As familiarity with the planets, Moon and deep sky objects grow, they may eventually desire to see them in greater detail and in colour.  Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) is a path that can accomplish this desire.  The products available today make the transition easier than ever before.  In this month’s Novice Astronomy Class, we take a look at the advantages of EAA, what equipment choices are available and the astonishing plug and play operation some of these offerings exhibit. 

In the second interactive portion of the class we will examine the often confused concepts of rotation and orbit.  Once again, volunteers from our audience will help demonstrate these celestial movements.  You are sure to come away with a better appreciation for bodies in motion and the resulting consequences they produce.

If you are even remotely interested, be on-line by 6:00 p.m. to see what you can learn about 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 from member Dave Messervey entitled,“A Visit To Green Bank”.  This rather unique small town in the mountains of West Virginia is home to the world’s largest steerable radio telescope.  The talk will include features of the National Radio Quiet Zone in which the observatory is located, photographs of many of the telescopes in use at the observatory and a brief history of the development of radio astronomy. Whether joining us on-line or in-person you will not be disappointed and you will learn lots!

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.