Spring is coming, and that means the Placitas Star Party isn’t far off. This year’s event will take place at the Placitas Community Library on Friday, March 15th. The star party BEGINS AT 6PM WITH Solar Viewing. At 7pm The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) own Star Master, Tom Grzybowski will offer a presentation of the important stars that will be visible—Jupiter, Uranus, double stars, and star clusters. By then the sky will be dark and viewing will continue into the night. There will be a variety of types and sizes of telescopes to guide you to the wonders of our dark skies.
The Placitas Star Party is free and open to all people between the ages of ages 1 day and 120 years. So bring your family, friends and your curiosity. The enthusiastic members of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) will be on hand to share their knowledge of the heavens as well as the different telescopes on hand. Star Parties are a fun and informal way to learn, meet other sky watchers and inspire lifelong learning about our universe.
It is highly recommended that you arrive well before dark for ease of parking and for watching the setup of the various types of telescopes. Dress warmly and only use red flashlights or headlamps in the observing area in order to preserve night vision. This event is co-sponsored by TAAS and the Placitas Community Library. Please have only parking lights on as you come into the parking lot. PCL’s magnificent “Parking Jedi” will be on hand with their light sabers to direct you. If you bring a flashlight, please cover it with red which is the only light which does not affect night vision.
Directions: From Albuquerque, take I-25 North to Exit 242 (Bernalillo). Turn right (East) on to Highway 165 and travel approximately 4.5 miles. The library is on the left (North) side of the road–if you pass the fire station, turn around!
For more information, see www.taas.org , www.placitaslibrary.com , call 867-3355 or email to taas@taas.org.. We look forward to seeing you and the stars on Friday March 15th at 6pm or later.
