Austin Astronomical Society throwing party for the stars at Canyon of the Eagles

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR

BURNET — Have you ever wondered where the North Star appears in the night sky? Or maybe you looked up, noticed a bright light and thought, “That star is awfully close,” but it turned out to be a planet.

Or you’ve asked yourself: What is a nebula or how can I see a galaxy?

Well, you can take a trip up to the Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park on Jan. 25 and get all those questions answered during the monthly Austin Astronomical Society’s Star Party. The organization holds the event to give people a chance to learn about the heavens above and all the wonders that appear once the sun goes down.

“Right now, Jupiter is a big attraction; it’s even possible to see four of its moons,” said Joyce Lynch, the society’s outreach chair. “It’s possible with some of the larger telescopes to actually see the different bands of Jupiter.”

Society volunteers will have the Eagle Eye Observatory open with its two telescopes (16 inches and 12 inches) available for people to peer through. Lynch said many society members also bring their own telescopes and set them outside in an open field, allowing more people to have a look at the stars, planets, satellites and, possibly, a meteor or two.

The idea behind the monthly Star Parties is to give people a chance to explore the night sky and learn about the many aspects of it. Lynch said society members will explain many of the things people see in the sky such as constellations, nebulas and galaxies.

“We always point out the North Star and how to find it by using the Big Dipper,” Lynch said. “We point out some of the different constellations and what they look like, to some people.”

Some of the constellations visible in the winter sky include Orion, Gemini, Canis Major and Cassiopeia. The society hosts the monthly parties throughout the year because, as the Earth moves around the Sun, different constellations and stars become visible.

“The sky is constantly changing,” Lynch said.

You might even catch a glimpse of a meteor shooting across the sky.

“We usually see some satellites,” Lynch added. “We’ll explain how people can tell the difference between a satellite and a plane.”

The underlying purpose of the monthly events is simply to get folks interested in the night sky and astronomy. And Lynch emphasized this is about astronomy, not astrology.

“Who hasn’t looked up a the sky and wondered about the stars,” Lynch said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The Star Party starts at 5:30 p.m and goes until 8:30 p.m. As the daylight hours lengthen through spring and summer, Lynch said the times will be adjusted to reflect sunset.

The event is open to anyone and free (there is a gate fee at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park.) The park is located at 16942 RR 2341 on the northeast shore of Lake Buchanan.

There are a few rules for the Star Party such as no dogs allowed on the field and no smoking.

“We also ask people not to use white lights on the field because, once your eyes become accustomed to the night, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to readjust if you look at a white light,” Lynch said. “People can bring red flashlights. We’ll also have some to use if people don’t have their own.”

Even if it’s overcast, Lynch said society volunteers still will be at the observatory. Usually, they’ll hold a program inside the observatory that still gives people a better understanding of the night sky.

The only time the event gets cancelled is in serious weather such as hail, sleet or extreme temperatures. For up-to-date information on the Star Party or just more information in general about the Austin Astronomical Society or astronomy in general, go to www.austinastro.org.

“Just come out and have some fun,” Lynch said. “We love talking to people about astronomy and sharing it with other people.”

daniel@thepicayune.com

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Austin Astronomical Society’s Star Party

WHEN: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 and at various times once a month

WHERE: Canyon the Eagles Nature Park, 16942 RR 2341 on northeast shore of Lake Buchanan

ADMISSION: Free, although gate fees apply

FOR MORE: Go to www.austinastro.org