Astronomical Society Plans Event

The Chester County Astronomical Society (CCAS), in cooperation with the West Chester Department of Recreation, invites the public to a night under the stars at Hoopes Park on Saturday, May 10.

Starting at 8 p.m., members of the club, a group of amateur astronomers formed in 1993, will be available as night sky tour guides. On the field, an assortment of telescopes will be focused on celestial bodies ranging from planets to star-forming nebulas.

In the park’s pavilion, there will be information tables on getting started in astronomy, purchasing astronomical equipment and raising awareness of light pollution. A special “Kid’s Corner,” with an astronomically-themed craft, will also be in the pavilion, for guests ages 2 to 7.

“Bringing Astronomy to the People” is the theme of Astronomy Day, coordinated by the Astronomical League. Astronomy clubs across the nation will host similar events the weekend of May 10. For more information about the league, interested readers may visit www.astroleague.org/al/astroday/astrofacts.html.

Hoopes Park is located off Ashbridge Street in West Chester, just southwest of New Street. Parking will be available in the lower parking lot along Ashbridge Street, and the observing field is a short walk up the hill from there.

To enjoy the event fully, guests should bring sturdy shoes for walking in the field, a jacket, a blanket to sit or lie down on, a flashlight and snacks if desired. Restrooms will be available onsite, but food and drink will not be sold in the park.

In the case of cloudy weather, CCAS will provide a slideshow in the pavilion in lieu of telescopic viewing. However, if it rains, the event will be cancelled.

More information about CCAS is available on its Web site, www.ccas.us.

TCC, inside/no pic P#2

MCC and GCC, inside/no pic, P#4

5-7-08 only

astro