Drake Observatory- Des Moines Iowa

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Observatory fall lecture series spotlights the sky
09/09/2011


The Drake Municipal Observatory 2011 fall lecture series will begin on
Friday, September 9, with "The Sky is Blue and I’m seeing Green," a
talk that will explore the daytime sky, clouds and “sundogs” (bright
spots that appear to ring the sun).

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 8
p.m. at the Drake Municipal Observatory, 4898 Observatory Rd. in
Waveland Park in Des Moines.

The Drake Municipal Observatory series, presented every Friday through
October 28, consists of non-technical, illustrated presentations by
Drake Astronomy Lecturer Herbert Schwartz, along with Associate
Professor of Physics and Astronomy Charles Nelson. All lectures begin
at 8 p.m.

The series theme this fall is “I Spy the Sky,” with each lecture
centering on a sky-themed topic.

Each discussion will be followed by the opportunity to view stellar
objects through the observatory's large refracting telescope and
several smaller reflecting telescopes.

This fall, weekly topics are as follows:

•Sept. 9: "The Sky is Blue and I’m seeing Green" -- The daytime sky,
clouds and “sundogs” (bright spots that appear to ring the sun).
•Sept. 16: “The Permanent Night Sky” -- Almost seasonal changes, Earth
motion changes, and basic star navigation.
•Sept. 23: “The Autumn Sky” -- Constellations and other visual objects
and seeing with binoculars and a telescope.
•Sept. 30: “The Winter Sky” -- Constellations and other visual objects
and seeing with binoculars and a telescope.
•Oct. 7: “The Spring Sky” -- Constellations and other visual objects
and seeing with binoculars and a telescope. The oldest grouping and
the newest add on.
•Oct. 14: “The Summer Sky” -- Constellations and other visual objects
and seeing with binoculars and a telescope.
•Oct. 21: “The Other Sky Objects” -- Looking at the sun safely and
finding comets, satellites and aurora.
•Oct. 28: -- “The Christmas Telescope” -- How to shop for a telescope.
The programs are held regardless of the weather, although the
selection for observation is subject to change due to sky conditions
or other special circumstances. Individuals, families and small groups
are welcome to attend the presentations. A parent or responsible adult
must accompany children.

For more information, contact Drake's Department of Physics and
Astronomy at 515-271-3141.