What’s Up: A Down to Earth Sky Guide.

Join us on May 3 for our monthly presentation about what you can see in the sky for the current month – which is May. Learn what constellations are visible and maybe planets. Find out about Moon phases and more. This presentation is given in an educational and easy to understand format for ages 5 and up.

And a reminder to (click on this link ==>) 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. Register for the event at Sperry Observatory.

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 ages 8 and up. Register for the event when you enter the Observatory.