Over the River and Through the Woods

That’s what we did to get to the Star Party held at the Mingo Creek Observatory.

In fact we even went over a one lane covered bridge. It was worth the drive as we saw Venus through two different telescopes and also a double star “ Albireo (β Cygni) in the constellation Cygnus. When viewed through a telescope, it spectacularly resolves into two contrasting stars: a brighter golden-amber star and a stunning, sapphire-blue companion”

All the astronomers, Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh were welcoming and helpful. There were activities for kids and a box of space related prizes, stickers, squishy stars, with a sign to take a few items. There was a planetarium show as well.

Driving down the hill through the woods in the dark was a bit gripping but we made it back to civilization. What a great star gazing party.

Shanti loved the star gazing party
When we left
When we arrived
Shanti photographed a young deer
The Covered Bridge

January 2010 Stars

From the Archives:

A photo of Moravian Stars in the Friendship Neighborhood taken January 2010.

Space Station Sighting Sunday Night

You might have to strain your eyes to see it in the photo. The space station sighting on Sunday night. The little white dot to the left,over the neighbors house roof, is the space station. Traveling 4.7 miles per second. Erika’s dad knew what time to see it in the sky, thanks to an app he has.

It tells him where and when to see satellites and such in the night sky. It was really bright. Although it was over Sunset Beach Florida when we saw it, we were standing in Columbus, Ohio.

My iPhone was the camera.

Constellation Captured in Okanogan

constellation captured
Big Dipper Over David's House in Okanogan WA

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Shutter Speed: 79.0s
  • Image Date: 8/9/10 2:00:00
  • no tripod, no cable release, propped on a chair with my finger holding the shutter in bulb setting, releasing as motionlessly as possible