Recent Public Events

Solar Viewing at Miller Memorial Library, Hamden CT, Thursday, April 24

By Laurie Averill

Nine ASNH volunteers operated solar viewing telescopes and a binocular for this 1-1/2 hour afternoon event near Josh’s Jungle playscape, giving 60 appreciative people safe views of the Sun. The weather was clear, and the Sun active. We observed an exceptionally long lasting, swirling prominence at the pole, Sunspot groups with their umbra and penumbra, and filaments through refracting and reflecting telescopes and binoculars with different solar viewing systems—hydrogen-alpha filters, solar filters, and projection for views of the Sun’s chromosphere and photosphere.  Al Washburn provided handouts about the structure of the Sun and NASA’s JPL sent materials about solar missions to distribute to attendees. Hamden Library staff coordinated and supported the event, reserving parking for us near the observing site and providing continuous on-site help.  The library also gave ASNH a donation of $125.

Young’s Pond Park, Saturday, May 24

By Donna Pursley

The day was on and off clouds so we were unsure what would be happening at night.

It stayed with on and off clouds. There were enough sucker holes to be able to find the brightest objects. We could see the bright stars Arcturus and Vega and the double Mizar. We were also able to see Mars. There were 4 scopes and about 20 people. They were all very nice and interested in everything. A couple from the Bronx drove here for the event for a short getaway. Just before we left for the night, the ISS flew by which was a nice ending.