The Fireworks Galaxy (upper right) and an open star cluster NGC 6939 lower left

Mid-Hudson Astronomical Star Party

Please join us in a celebration of the extraordinary night skies of the Catskills.  This region provides some of the best astronomical viewing east of the Mississippi, a legacy of John Burrough’s extraordinary championing of Catskill preservation.

Amateur astronomers from the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will set up their telescopes on the Woodchuck Lodge grounds, giving you close-up views of some exceptional celestial sights.  Over the course of the evening, you’ll be able to see the rings and moons of Saturn, the Andromeda and Triangulum galaxies, and the Heart and Soul and Veil Nebulae, to name only a few.

At 9 and 10 o’clock, an astronomer will give a “Sky Tour: pointing out the visible constellations using a laser pointer to make it clear what you’re seeing.

MHAA astronomers will provide a combination of visual telescopes, where you look through an eyepiece, and electronically assisted telescopes, which use specialized cameras to display exceptionally detailed video images of deep space objects.  The attached image of the Fireworks Galaxy was captured during a recent Star Party, and will be visible on September 28.

The event is weather-dependent and will be cancelled if it rains or clouds are likely to obscure the views.  Check the Woodchuck Lodge Facebook Page to confirm the event is happening.