Free astronomy program, guided tours planned at Hobbs
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/63333/
ROGERS Saturday will mark the fourth of six scheduled astronomy programs at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area for 2008. The 8: 30 p. m. program will take place at the parks Hidden Diversity, Multi-Use Trail parking lot on Townsend Ridge Road.
The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will present the program and provide several high-powered telescopes.
According to Jack McDaniels, president of the Sugar Creek group, July offers plenty to see in the night sky.
This is the weekend for fireworks, and we will have some celestial fireworks of our own to see, McDaniels said. We should see Mars setting in the West with Saturn trailing. Views of Saturn should show her magnificent rings, and we should see several of her moons, including Titan. Meanwhile, the giant planet Jupiter is rising in the east and should be visible as the evening star. This is the season for those wonderful globular clusters of hundreds and even thousands of tightly packed stars, and we will have a number of them to view.
Individuals are encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Society members will answer questions regarding night viewing equipment. Binoculars are also excellent for amateur night sky viewing.
The program is designed for beginning astronomers. Children / scout groups, adults, and families are all welcome.
The program will go on even if the sky is partially overcast. In the event of rain, the program will be canceled.
Also free guided trail tours will be available on Saturday and Sunday.
Shaddox Hollow Trail: One tour at 9 a. m. on Saturday and Sunday
Van Winkle Hollow Trail: Tours at 8 a. m., 10 a. m., noon, and 2 p. m. on Saturday and Sunday.