Join our MVAS astronomy club at the awesome Barton-Brown Observatory for a very special FREE event -- Stargazing through our huge 16" Meade telescope, and watching the Geminid Meteor Shower that peaks that night!! We might see up to 100 meteors (otherwise known as shooting stars") streaking across the sky per hour!!
We’ll start the night inside the observatory with our telescope. Planets Jupiter and Saturn will be up that night, along with many other interesting objects including the Andromeda Galaxy. All night we’ll also keep our eyes to the skies for “shooting stars” (meteors) from the Geminid meteor shower.
The Geminids are often rated as the best meteor shower of the year. Known for spectacular colorful, bright, slow-moving streaks that often leave a trail behind them, they offer an exciting night sky show. Meteor showers occur when Earth crosses the trail of debris typically left behind by a comet, particles ranging in size as small as a grain of sand to the size of a pea. They hit our atmosphere at high speeds, heat up and glow as they zoom across the sky. Some of the objects are larger and create an exceptionally bright fireball, and when they explode (called a bolide) they are quite a sight to see. The Geminids are unique because they are not a result of a comet, but from debris from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This year, the night of December 13 / 14 is the peak – the night when we’ll see the most meteors!
So, bring along your family and friends to join in the fun. The observatory building and our telescope are behind the Waterville Public Library, and there is lots of parking. It is only about a 15-20 minute drive from Utica. Our club members will be there to answer questions. This year the Moon and its moonlight will not be an issue, so it should be a great fun night. Please remember to dress warmly: winter coats, hats and boots are recommended.
Please monitor our website and Facebook page for updates – the event is weather permitting. We need your help to wish for clear skies, and hope you will join us for this special night sky event!!
Also check out other Sports events in Waterville, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Waterville.
