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.

This will be a Remembrance Day to remember because on November the 11th, 2019, the tiny planet Mercury will cross in front of the face of the Sun! This is called a “transit” and this won’t happen again in this part of Canada until May of 2049. Be a part of history, as there are only about 13 of these transits per century. They are rarer than lunar and solar eclipses.  You won’t want to miss this one or you will have to wait 30 years.

Come join the Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) to observe at this free public event (donations gratefully accepted), at Ashburnham Memorial Park on Armour Hill.          

WARNING! Never look at the Sun without proper eye protection!

A number of safe solar filtered telescopes and binoculars will be set up and members of the PAA will be there to demonstrate and answer questions. Be early because the transit will commence after sunrise, about 7:36 a.m. and will continue until approximately 1:04 p.m.

This event is weather dependent, but if at any time in the 5 ½ hours it is clear, the PAA plans to be there to witness and share this event.

Join Paranormal and Historical Association of Niagara for this unique opportunity to investigate the 159 year old Roselawn Mansion and Showboat Theatre. Tickets are $20 per person and this is an 18+ event. Tickets can be purchased bu calling the Roselawn Box Office 905-834-7572.