The Crawford Park Astronomy Club is gearing up for a stellar summer, inviting astronomy enthusiasts to join them for a series of night sky viewing events. With the recent surge in interest following a total solar eclipse, there’s no better time to gaze at the wonders of our universe.
Viewing the Night Sky – Summer Schedule
Mark your calendars! The Astronomy Club will meet on the 4th and 5th Saturdays of each month, 30 minutes after sunset, at the Lowe-Volk Nature Center. The schedule for the summer meetings is as follows:
- July 27 – 9:15 PM
- August 24 – 9:15 PM
- August 31 – 8:30 PM
Be sure to dress for the weather, as the program will proceed rain or shine.
Celestial Wonders Await
At these gatherings, attendees will have the opportunity to look through a 10-inch cave telescope with a freshly cleaned mirror, ensuring crisp and clear views of the night sky. Here are some of the celestial sights you can expect to observe:
Big Dipper
An asterism in the constellation Ursa Major, the Big Dipper is a prominent feature in the northern sky. Nearby, you can spot several large galaxies and the binary star system Mizar and Alcor.
Arcturus
The fourth brightest star in the night sky, Arcturus is part of the constellation Boötes, the Herdsman. This orange giant star also includes a double star system known as Epsilon Boötis.
Corona Borealis
Known as the “Northern Crown,” this small but distinct constellation is nestled between Boötes and Hercules. Its most famous star is Alphecca.
Hercules
Home to some of the oldest stars in our galaxy, Hercules boasts the Great Globular Cluster (M13) and the bright globular cluster M92.
Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543)
This planetary nebula, one of the first to be discovered, is located in the constellation Draco. It is an expanding shell of gas from a dying star, located about 3,000 light-years away.
Scorpius
Featuring the closest globular cluster M4 and the red supergiant star Antares, Scorpius is a summer sky favorite. Antares is known for its distinct reddish hue and significant size.
The Center of the Milky Way
The area around which our entire galaxy rotates, the center of the Milky Way, is a fascinating and densely packed region of stars and other celestial objects.
Upcoming Astronomical Events
In addition to the viewing nights, several notable astronomical events are on the horizon:
Full Moons
- July 21 – Buck Moon
- August 19 – Sturgeon Moon
Meteor Showers
- Perseids Meteor Shower (July 14 – September 1): Peak on August 12, renowned for its bright meteors.
- Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower (July 18 – August 21): Peak on July 30, offering a steady display of meteors.
Join the Fun
Bring your curiosity and a sense of wonder to Lowe-Volk Park this summer. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a novice looking to learn more, the Crawford Park Astronomy Club welcomes you. For more details on these events and other programs, visit the Crawford Park District website or follow them on Facebook.
