From the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute:
HOWL AT THE PLANETS IN THE NIGHT SKY AT PARI
Rosman, NC (October 12, 2016) – The public is invited to join PARI astronomers Friday, October 28, to give a Halloween “Howl at the Planets.” PARI telescopes will be used to scan the night sky for five planets, the largest asteroid and other objects in our fascinating solar system. The event is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the PARI campus.
“The cooler fall night skies lend themselves well to stargazing” says PARI Astronomer/Educator Dr. Bob Hayward, “and during our observing session we’ll be looking for planets starting with a sunset glimpse of Venus, the closest and brightest of them all, and ending with a telescopic observation of Neptune, the farthest and dimmest. Since there will be no moon in the sky, we will have dark skies affording us the chance to see faint telescopic objects such as Uranus, Neptune and perhaps even Ceres, the largest of the asteroids and the only dwarf planet located in the inner reaches of the solar system. Ceres is the smallest of the known dwarf planets but the largest object in the asteroid belt. So, bring the entire family for what promises to be a fascinating opportunity to view rarely-seen objects as we howl at the planets in the night sky.”
Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. The cost is $15 per person. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or call (828) 862-5554. If inclement weather prevents the outdoor observations, this program will be cancelled and registrants will be notified by 4 p.m. the day of the event. PARI will apply any payment toward another evening special program or provide a refund upon request.
For additional information contact Sarah Chappell at schappell@pari.edu.
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