The monthly meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association's (PAA) will take place October 6th as a “Hybrid Meeting”, both online and at our traditional physical location of the Rotary Education Centre/Guest Services Building, Riverview Park Zoo. Even these troubled times cannot stop the spread of information and knowledge by the members of the PAA. 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.php for the password and link to our evenings classes and presentations. If you wish to participate in-person you are welcome to do so at the Zoo, but “masking” maybe required, please and thank you!
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 17 in the series, “Meteor Showers”. A bright streak passes quickly and silently in the night sky. You have just witnessed a shooting star; a meteor. Did you make a wish? Every day about 45 tons of meteors burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. If you are patient and looking in the right direction you can see a handful on any given night. Periodically throughout the year this sporadic event turns into a more dramatic outburst. This month, we look at this special occurrence - a meteor shower. We will learn about the circumstances that cause a meteor shower, how to prepare and view this spectacular display and when significant meteor showers occur.
During the second half hands-on segment of the class, we will explore how the interaction of the Sun, Earth, Moon system align to bring us lunar and solar eclipses. This will be your chance to shine as you interact with others to grasp the dynamics of our solar system. Get a leg up on the upcoming partial solar eclipse this month (Oct.14th) and the total solar eclipse of Apr.8th, 2024.
Come join us at the PAA’s next Novice Astronomy Class to learn about the night sky and take your first step in becoming acquainted with astronomy. Join us anytime!
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. there will be a brief meeting. The main event for this month will be a presentation by none other than CBC’s Quirks and Quarks host, Bob McDonald! Bob will be Zooming to us from the West Coast to talk about his book, “An Earthling’s Guide to Outer Space”. Bob McDonald has been bringing science to the public for more than 40 years. In addition to hosting Quirks & Quarks, the award-winning science program that is heard by 800,000 people each week, McDonald is also science correspondent for CBC TV’s The National and host of the children’s series Head’s Up. He was also host of the CBC Children’s series Wonderstruck. He has written and hosted numerous television documentaries and more than 100 educational videos in Canada and the United States. As a writer, he has authored six bestselling science books, and contributed to numerous textbooks, magazines, and newspapers (including The Globe and Mail). McDonald has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science within Canada and we are honoured to have him talk to us all on October 6th! Why not check this out? You don’t need to be a member to see this presentation. 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.
This month’s Telescope Roundtable will be done by member Rick Stankiewicz. He will be talking about his iOptron “SkyTracker” portable mount.
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.
