Astronomy

Tucked away on the roof of the Museum's parking garage, the Gilliland Observatory is a wonderful resource for our starry-eyed public. Equipped with a computer-controlled, Celestron CGE 1100 Schmidt Cassegrain telescope and staffed by knowledgeable Museum employees, this is the perfect place to end a Friday evening at the Museum.

The Gloucester Area Astronomy Club invites you to a presentation on the benefits of taking up astronomy! Come learn about the telescopes, how to use them and where to buy them. This presentation is geared toward the general public and is meant to be an orientation for first time astronomers or people who want to up their game. If your child has been bugging you for a telescope or you are interested in trying it out for yourself - take advantage of this opportunity, and you'll be well on your way to a fulfilling hobby that the whole family can take part in!

The Museum of Science hosts a special planetarium presentation geared to engage kids ages 6 and under in the world of Astronomy! Elmo and Big Bird team up to introduce young children to the start in Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky at the Hayden Planetarium in Boston! Follow along with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, as they take you on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun, and the Moon.

This evening's program will focus on the northern lights, what causes them, and when and how to observe and photograph them. You will learn how to use the Internet to track their activity so that you can determine on your own when observing opportunities will arise. Do not expect to view them on the evening of the program.

Come to Halibut Point State Park for a FREE star party with the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club! Take a tour of Cape Ann's skies and learn from amateur astronomers who have been watching the skies for years! There will be telescopes, and goodies, and double stars and star clusters and the moon and more. This final Star Party of the season is free and open to the public. Come and enjoy our dark Cape Ann sky!

International Observe the Moon Night will be held on Tuesday, Septmeber 25th, 6:30 PM on the Manchester Public Library lawn. Join us as we use high gear binoculars, several telescopes, and create a night of moon fun for the whole family. Last year, Youth Services Librarian Sara Collins participated in the first ever Observe the Moon Night here at Manchester with over 50 people of all ages passing through the many scopes and NASA binoculars on the lawn.

Cap off the summer with some scurvy fun my mateys - AAAARGH! Search for treasure, cover yourselves in tattoos, battle with balloon swords and indulge in an outdoor water battle at the our 3rd annual Pirate Invasion. Pirate treats, silly games and treasures to take back to yer own ship!

Join the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club for a unique opportunity to witness a rare natural phenomena.  On Tuesday, the 2012 Venus Transit will take place starting at 6:03PM and be visible until sunset.  The North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club will be setting up equipment for viewing this event safely using professional equipment!  The public are invited to come by for just a look, or stick around to get the most out of the experience!  Check their website for the latest weather updates!

Come to Halibut Point State Park to enjoy a wonderful sunset at the ocean's edge, and to witness a rare astronomical event with the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club. Weather permitting, Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will make their equipment available to the general public for viewing the 2012 Venus Transit. Come for a quick look or stay for the entire show!  Either way you experience a rare natural phenomena in a beautiful waterfront setting! Setup begins at 5pm, and the transit will begin ~6:03pm.

Undoubtedly, one of the fondest memories anyone can have in astronomy is the moment an individual takes in a first view of the Moon through a telescope. You know, of course, that its surface is covered with craters. But did you also know that there are mountains, valleys, and more exotic features?  Join North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary for a close up look