The Monthly Meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association's (PAA) will take place December 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.  This month's session is a continuation of our Astronomy Class Series, Lesson 27 in the series, “Making Sense of Astronomy Terminology”. Over the course of the last twenty-six lessons the Novice Astronomy Classes have covered a lot.  Any discipline has its own set of lexicon and astronomy is no exception.  This jargon can be intimidating to the uninitiated and can be a barrier to newcomers.  With this in mind, lessons strive to limit new vocabulary to a manageable level wherever possible without diluting the subject matter unduly.  Nevertheless, the vocabulary we have been introduced to amounts to a considerable list.   This class will serve as a review of many of the essential and common terms relevant to understanding astronomy.  Come along with us as we revisit astronomy jargon from A to Z

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 heavenly bodies in motion and the resultant 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 members of the “PAA Seestar Group”. This merry band of astronomers will be showing us what they have been up to, both a collective and individually,  using their unique computerized telescopes to record a variety of celestial objects across the Universe. This will be a perfect opportunity to learn how easily it can be to document the heavens.  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.  

This meeting is also our Annual General Meeting (AGM), which means we will have elections for some executive positions and learning about what we have accomplished this past year. Be sure to stick around for our Christmas Social,  which is always part of our AGM’s.

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.