Star Night:
on May 6 2009, it was National Star Night in Canada. It was a fantastic event where many people gathered at schools, fields, farms and many other locations that could escape the most severe light polution, and see the stars. In the early 1960's the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada held an annual Star Night in Westmount Park, Montreal. It consisted of many people, pro, amateur or those just wanting to look up, giving them a chance to see through various telescopes to view the happenings of the sky.
This year I noticed that even the Americans celebrate such a night. At the University of Arizona, in Tucson, many people gathered, setting up their scopes, some tents and chairs just to view the late night show of the stars. They have been doing so for 13 years now but this time it was special. All over the world such an event took place as it was the International Year of Astronomy. There where special events and many people introduced to the stars as many organizations and centers held up 'view here' signs and invited people to look through scopes, small and large, and help introduce others to the sky.
Such an event as this should be done more often, as it helps get many to look, and many more to never look down or forget.
D.J
Resources
- Sky and Telescope Magazine - Purchase or Join
- Night Watch by Terence Dickinson