Rescheduled for Friday, September 17
Enjoy a summer evening on a farm south of town taking in unobstructed views of the sunset and the night sky.
Many of us have apps on our phones that can help identify celestial bodies. But there’s something to be said for identifying planets and constellations in the night sky with your naked eye right from your backyard or favorite campsite. Knowing which of the brighter stars is Polaris or the North Star can be considered a ‘life skill’ to help orient yourself in the dark. Watch the moon from day to day and you will start to understand its changing phases. By identifying a few key constellations, you can distinguish the brighter planets from the background stars.
Learn about the night sky from Dr. Andrea Dobson, Astronomy professor at Whitman College. She will share her expertise on lunar and planetary cycles, how to find Polaris and other major planets like Jupiter and Saturn in the late summer sky. We will have two telescopes available for use, including a 22" F5 Dobsonian and 6" F12 AstroPhysics. Guests must be able to use a small ladder and step stool in order to access the telescopes.
For more information about this event, please contact Katy Rizzuti at katy@bmlt.org.
Cost: $25 for BMLT members, $30 for non-members. Registration closes Thursday, September 16 at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Farm south of town. Address available after registration.
Suitability: Open to ages 10+
Things to bring: Camp chairs, blankets, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater in case it cools down after dark, personal telescopes
Based on COVID-19 guidelines, BMLT will not provide transportation to this event. We will observe the guidelines provided by the Washington State Department of Health and Oregon Health Administration.
BMLT COVID-19 Policy for Outdoor Events: All participants at outdoor events, including but not limited to education, conservation, and recreation gatherings, will be required to wear masks except when the event leaders determine that social distancing can provide sufficient safety to allow unmasked activity.