April 5 – What’s Up: A Down to Earth Sky Guide

Want know what will be visible in the night sky during the month of April? Want to learn what constellations, Moons phases, planets and other celestial objects will be out during April? If so join us on Friday, April 5 in Sperry Observatory for a presentation on what you can see in the night sky in April. And there may be some space news too. The presentation is given in an educational, interesting and easy to understand format for ages 5 and up. Sperry Observatory opens at 7:30 pm and the presentation begins at 8:30 pm. Register for the event when you enter the Observatory.

And a reminder to SAVE THE DATE, SATURDAY, MAY 4TH, for ASTRONOMY DAY! Our theme is “The Science of Star Wars”. This will be held at Trailside Nature & Science Center in the afternoon and will continue at Sperry Observatory in the evening. This event is being presented by 2 astronomy clubs – Amateur Astronomers, Inc. and the North Jersey Astronomical Group.

The event will be from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Trailside Nature & Science Center located at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ, 07092. In the evening it will be held at Sperry Observatory from 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. The event is free, is open to the public and there’s free parking at both locations.

At Trailside there will be several activities. These include robotics demonstrations, many children’s activities that include planets and space things like Star Wars and making Ewoks, reading sessions for young children on astronomy related topics, and short presentations on Exoplanets, NASA robots, and the science of Star Wars. In addition there will be science demonstrations on light spectrum, a gravity well and the search for cosmic rays. Also included will be presentations and displays of meteorites and geology. And weather permitting, there will be safe solar observing and a solar system walk. This event is for all ages.

At Sperry Observatory in the evening there will be a presentation on the OSIRIS-REx Mission which brought back pieces of asteroid Bennu. And we will have observing through our 2 large telescopes, weather permitting and door prizes. And members of AAI and NJAG may bring their telescopes to set up outside for observing with he public. Sperry Observatory will be open whether conditions are good for observing or not. This event is for all ages. Register for the event when you enter the Observatory.