We are all astronomers — after all, the sky is right above us, and it’s free to observe. But while the sky is ideally accessible to all, encroaching light pollution has made it more difficult to truly enjoy the Moon, planets, and stars, let alone deeper sky objects.
National Astronomy Day is a step closer to the stars by “bringing astronomy to the people.” Created in 1973 by Doug Berger, then president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, this biannual celebration focuses on bringing the cosmos down to Earth in urban areas with star parties and traveling telescopes. Local astronomical societies, planetariums, museums, and observatories sponsor public viewing sessions, presentations, workshops, and other activities to increase public awareness about astronomy, and our wonderful universe. During National Astronomy Day, we can all become observers, with events across America and throughout the world.
This year, the Autumn National Astronomy Day is celebrated on Saturday, 5 October 2019. The Santa Fe Stargazers will be at the Vista Grande Public Library to help families explore all aspects of our cosmos.
Activities include:
1 – 2:30 pm Presentations and hands-on activities tailored for younger visitors (VGPL classroom)
2:30 – 3:30 pm Safe Solar viewing of our nearest neighbor (VGPL parking lot)
8 – 9:30 pm Star Gaze (telescope and binocular observing, VGPL parking lot)