Friday, Aug 13th, 2010 Star Party @ Nielsen Obs to proceed as planned

The clear sky clock says we have clear sailing for tonight's star party at the Nielsen Observatory. Perhaps the new telescope will be mounted by then...

I hope to see you there at 9pm. Come on out and let's watch for some late Perseid meteors. For more information visit Denny Bodzash's site here:

We will also be hosting a group of inner city children at the observatory tomorrow (Saturday) night weather permitting. Additionally, tomorrow night is the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society's annual Ohio Turnpike Astronomer's Association meeting.

The Solar Viewing Session at Lakeview Park, scheduled for Sunday the 15th is cancelled.

Be aware that at this time of year anything can happen weatherwise so don't be fooled by the warmth of the day. Temperatures can fall dramatically after the sun sets. To be on the safe side, bring a sweater, jacket, gloves, cap and coat. Then you can add or subtract layers to fit your personal needs.

The Nielson Observatory address is 13630 Diagonal Road LaGrange, Ohio. It is located at the Lorain County Metroparks Carlisle Reservation, specifically at the Equestrian Center Entrance. When arriving, be sure to go slow, because the entrance to the Equestrian Center is not lit and is very easy to miss in the dark. Rely on headlights to illuminate the sign. Watch the street numbers for 13630 or enter the address into your GPS.

Upon entering the drive, pass through the gate and proceed down a long winding road through the woods. The road will eventually split, with one fork continuing into the woods and the other branching off to the right. Keep left and go deeper into the woods. (The right fork goes to a service building.) You will soon come to a steep curve, cross a bridge and emerge in a clearing. After driving up a low hill, there will be a parking lot and restrooms to the right. Park in the lot and walk to the observatory across the road along a narrow path. The Observatory is south of the parking lot, or left of the road you just drove in on.

 

The Nielsen Observatory is staffed by the members of the Black River Astronomical Society, who have been bringing amateur astronomy to Lorain County Residents since 1949. To learn more about Black River Astro visit our website at
http://www/.BlackRiverAstro.org