Hello North Stars!  This page is specifically intended to keep you updated on the club.  Return here for upcoming dates and events with the club as well as reminders, and fun at-home assignments.

Next Club meeting: Saturday, January 3, from 9-10:30 a.m. 

What is a Planet?  How is it that each planet is so different from one another?  Why is Pluto no longer part of the exclusive club?  We'll answer these questions by classifying the planets and demonstrate the scale model of their size and distance from the Sun.  So get ready as we will continue our explorations of the Universe through fun activities and a visit to the Planetarium to catch up on what we can find by looking up in our own backyard!

Click here for '09 Registration Form

Grundy Observatory Update

For information regarding Grundy's public observing session please visit  http://fandm.edu/x11609.xml  . 

 Check the listed webpage frequently on the day of Grundy observing for updates regarding if the observatory will be open or not as it is weather permitting. 

We encourage you to join us at the Grundy Observatory every 3rd Monday evening of the month. These meetings will provide opportunities to do some actual stargazing while learning the night sky.  Family members are encouraged to attend. 

Next Grundy Observatory Meeting: Monday, December 15

Planet(s) visible: Jupiter, Venus                   Moon phase: Waning Gibbous, rises @ 8:21 pm EST
 

The Grundy Observatory is located on Baker Campus just off the Harrisburg Pike.

From Harrisburg Pike turn onto President Ave.

Head South, towards downtown, on President.

Turn right onto to Hillcrest, towards Lancaster Country Day School, or Valley Road.

Continue to Wilson Drive and turn right. Go North on Wilson to the very end of the street, where you see a chain link fence and gate ahead of you.

Drive through the gate and keep going until you see the observatory. Parking is available beside the building.  If full, please park in open area on the right right after you pass the gate.

North Star Challenge

Here’s a little pre-meeting warm-up activity/question to work on at home:

Using your planispheres try to find Auriga the Charioteer in the northeastern sky around 6:00 p.m. EST.  Its brightest star, Capella, sometimes help gives it away.  Auriga is considered a winter constellation.   While looking for Auriga, can you also find Taurus the Bull?

Illustration represents December 6 at 6:00 p.m. EST

Illustration created by The Sky 6

If you ever have any questions please contact me, Cosmic Mike cosmicmike@fandm.edu, or Erin Magagna erin.magagna@fandm.edu,  Phone: 291.4315