Today on DSO we’re going star gazing with a group of amateur astronomers. One night last August Gary met up with members of the Saint John Astronomy Club and they introduced him and others to their unique form of outdoor recreation. After a talk about the constellations and their origins, the group of children and adults went outside to look through telescopes at the night sky. Although cloud was rolling in, the planet Jupiter and three of its moons were clearly visible through the telescopes set up by members of the club.
Astronomy Club members Peter Jensen & Ann McAllister
Astronomy Club member Peter Jensen says it’s an ideal time to learn more about the hobby because this is the International Year of Astronomy. “Four hundred years ago Galileo was actually the first person to record observations of the sky,” says Jensen. “Back then everyone thought the earth was the centre of the universe.” To celebrate the telescopes 400th anniversary, the club is trying to promote a passion for the night sky by giving as many people as possible their own ‘Galileo Moment’ by looking through a telescope.
“I’ve always liked the night sky even as a kid” says club member Ann McAllister. “It’s the age and immensity of the universe and the fact that when you’re looking at the stars, because they’re so many light years away, you’re seeing them as they were back in time.” Whenever you look up and see all those stars on a clear night and sense the infinite expanse of the universe, you can’t help but experience one of those ‘Wow’ moments.
Curt Nason has been interested in astronomy since grade two. He loves the silence and beauty of it all. Nason says it’s a great way to get rid of stress because it’s just you and the universe. He also enjoys introducing others to the hobby. Nason says all you need to do is look up. If you have a pair of binoculars, he says you can spend hours just looking at the Milky Way. Hope you enjoy this star gazing adventure on DSO-111.
A young stargazer observing the planet Jupiter
Back on earth we have a comment about a change that Baxter State Park in Maine wants to bring in for 2010. They are considering reserving more places for Maine residents who want to climb Mount Katahdin. We have music on the show from Tara Leigh Cobble and Everyday Atlas. There’s still time to cast a vote for DSO in the Peoples Choice Podcast Awards. And we welcome your emails at doingstuffoutdoors@yahoo.ca
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