SJAA Beginning Astronomy Class and Star Party Tonight!
Can't tell the Encke Division from Cassini division? What are festoons and
Barges? The San Jose Astronomical Association Observational Astronomy Class
is here to help you! This informal monthly series will teach basic
astronomy, the constellations, the movement of the sky, and the use of the
telescope. It occurs every third quarter moon Houge Park Star Party
Night until November. No Reservations needed and you can join the class at
any time. The class is a free public service provided by the SJAA. The
tonight's (Friday, April 25th) class starts at 7:30 PM in the hall at Houge
Park. The Class starts off with a "Sky Tour" by SJAA President Mike Koop,
pointing out how to find the constellations and planets. Next up is Shallow
Sky Diva Akkana Peck who will take us on a grand tour of the planets,
giving expert advice on what to observe on each through your telescope.
Weather permitting, after the class we will be pointing out the
constellations in addition to viewing the planets and other deep sky
wonders through telescopes.
Akkana's Shallow Sky Website:
http://www.shallowsky.com
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B) Houge Park Star Party Fri April 25th 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM Weather Permitting
Public observing session on the grounds at Houge Park. Families welcome.
Feel free to bring your scope and share views with others. Right now the
Clear Sky Clock shows a clearing coming through at about 10 PM. Maybe we
will have sucker holes before that. Come on out and join in on the fun!
Clear Sky Clock for San Jose:
http://cleardarksky.com/c/SanJoseCAkey.html?1
Sunset: 7:52 PM
Civil Twilight: 8:19 PM
Nautical Twilight: 8:52 PM
Astronomical Twilight: 9:27 PM
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Directions to Houge Park:
Houge Park is in San Jose, near Campbell and Los Gatos.
>From Hwy.17, take the Camden Avenue exit. Go east 4/10 mile, and turn
right at the light, onto Bascom Avenue. At the next light, turn left onto
Woodard Road. At the first stop sign, turn right onto Twilight
Drive. Go three blocks, cross Sunrise Drive, then turn left into the park.
>From Hwy.85, take the Bascom Avenue exit. Go north 0.2 miles, and turn
right at the first traffic light, onto White Oaks Road. Run another 0.2
miles to the first stop sign, then turn left onto Twilight Drive. You will
now be passing the park. Turn right at the first driveway, into the
parking lot.
See Map at
http://www.sjaa.net/img/houge.jpg
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Clear Skies,
Mike Koop
President, SJAA
Email any comments, questions, or flames to
Koopm@No-Spam
