Sorauren Stargazers
Summer 2021 Season Wrap-up
Thanks to everyone who came out to our three Sorauren Stargazing events in August. We were blessed with mostly clear skies and good viewing for a park located in a bright city.
Through the telescope, we had good views of the four biggest moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn, with many participants seeing these celestial sights for the first time with their own eyes. We took tours of the brightest summer constellations and stars and learned how to find Polaris, the North Star. Venus appeared briefly and over the course of the three viewings, our own Moon got brighter, giving us some great views of the craters and “seas.” We saw five Perseid meteors on August 12, many satellites, and enjoyed a bonus fly-over of the International Space Station on August 2. There is always something to see in the sky!
Many asked for more opportunities to view and learn about the night sky. Use the form below to sign up for Sorauren Stargazing alerts and event notices (the email list is used only for this purpose). Or follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @SoraurenPark for future Stargazing gatherings.
Announcing Summer 2021 Program
Calling all astronomy buffs or buffs-to-be! Sorauren Stargazers is announcing a 2021 program of planet watching, constellation touring and meteor viewing, all in a friendly, everyone-welcome and COVID-safe format.
Note: All dates are tentative! Stargazing relies on clear skies and there’s no point if the clouds roll in.
Best to sign up to the Sorauren Stargazers email list below for date confirmations, alerts and news, and follow @SoraurenPark on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates. If you’re an experienced Stargazer and would also like to volunteer to help, let us know.
Meet by the shipping container near the baseball diamond at the times indicated. Dress appropriately for cool evenings.
2021 Program and What You Need
Learn the Summer Constellations and See the Rings of Saturn
August 2 (alternate dates August 1 or 3), 9:30 pm
We’ll take a tour of the summer constellations and their mythologies while keeping an eye out for Saturn in the south-east sky (may be tricky with downtown lights). A small telescope will be available. Scope owners: feel free to bring your scopes.
Perseid Meteor Shower
August 12 (alternate nights August 11 or 13), starting 10 pm
August 12 promises to be the best night, and the later the better. Bring blankets, camping mattresses, pillows, or your soccer chair. No other equipment needed.
See the Moons of Jupiter
August 19 (alternate night August 20), 8:30 pm
A small telescope will be available to see the four pinpricks of light – the largest moons of Jupiter – that Galileo saw in 1610, turning cosmology on its head. We’ll take a tour of any other night sky delights as well.
Sorauren Stargazers Email Alert Sign-up
Complete this form to get email alerts on alternate dates, cancellations, and special opportunities like International Space Station fly-over viewings. Also let us know if you’d like to volunteer and have any special experience or stargazing equipment. You can unsubscribe from this list and the list is not shared or used for purposes other than Sorauren Park information.
