Mid map:
What:
This is an opportunity to look through a variety of telescopes at some of the incredible and diverse wonders that can be found in the heavens, chat informally about basic astronomy, and learn about the night sky.
The Willingboro Astronomical Society will host this free public Star Watch. Den is the Fan 50 host.
People of all ages are welcome to attend.
Be sure to dress warmly in layers for the cold,
including shoes and socks. ( Not summer)
Saturday, November 21, 2009
6:30 - 11 PM
If the weather is poor, this will be cancelled. BEFORE you drive to Turnersville or Batsto, check Den or Batsto Ranger (609-567-4559) for cancellation after 3:00pm.
Where:
Batsto Village
4110 Nesco Road
Hammonton, NJ 08030
Date:
Time:
RSVP:
Den: (856) 227- 9152 or email Den
Cost:
Free
Personalized
Directions:
Andromeda Galaxy
Saturn looking large
This is the make and model of telescope we'll be using. The l'il kid is there for size appreciation!
Far map:
Near map:
The Messier Objects
Because discovering comets was the way to make a name for yourself in astronomy in the 18th century, during the years from 1758 to 1782, a French astronomer, Charles Messier (MESS-ee-ay), decided to locate new comets.
However, the telescopes of the day weren't exactly high quality so observing comets was difficult. To make matters worse, there were a lot of "pesky" objects in the night sky that could be confused as comets.
So Mr. Messier painstakingly compiled a list of approximately 110 gray/white objects that were often mistaken for comets.
These objects eventually became known the Messier objects. In modern day, they were numbered and given the completely non-descriptive names of M-1 through M-110.
What they really are is fascinating:
o Groups of stars (Star clusters) containing up
to a million stars
o Grayish-white gaseous clouds called
nebulas
o Mixtures of nebulas and star groups
o Galaxies.
A pretty good numbered picture list with common names of these Messier objects can be found at http://www.seds.org/messier/data2.html
We'll be able to see some of these Messier objects through our telescopes, though our images won't be colored or as bright and large as the photos in that list!
If you want more detailed infromation about the Messier objects, you can download a database or a printable document (pdf format) from
The Moon
To make any look at the moon more fascinating, learn some interesting stuff about the moon.
Directions Starting Rt. 30 at Rt. 73:
1. White Horse Pike South, go 13.0 mi
2. Left on Pleasant Mills Rd, go 5.3 mi
3. Continue on Nesco Rd - go 0.8 mi
4. Arrive at 4110 Nesco Rd,
Bring:
o Snack and hot drink for yourself
o Binoculars if you have them
We'll look at any planets available and we'll turn our telescopes to some objects far out in deep space.
To increase you enjoyment, learn a little about these objects.
They're called the "Messier Objects".
