Local astronomers set 2010 star parties

Stars Over Sisters has established its star watch schedule for 2010 (see page 20). Set to begin its third year of activity, this group of local stargazers is dedicated to bringing a heightened awareness of astronomy, as well as an appreciation of the beauty of the night sky, to the Sisters community.

In cooperation with the Sisters School District and Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), eight events are planned for this year. Amateur astronomers from the Sisters Country bring their telescopes and their knowledge of the night sky to share with all interested

comers.

The popularity of these star shows seems to be

growing. In 2009, two of the events drew crowds of 40 to 50 people. And word is spreading outside the region about what is going on here. Last season's activity was highlighted by the gift to the Sisters School District of a computerized eight-inch Celestron telescope, courtesy of Oregon Public Broadcasting and the National Science Foundation. The presentation was made at the May star watch by Jim Todd, planetarium director of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

A new feature is planned for the 2010 season. Prior to the start of each star watch event, a slide presentation describing what to expect for that particular evening will be shown in the SPRD community center. Following the show, participants will be directed to the soccer field, located northwest of the high school building, where the sky observation will take place.

Students in Rima Givot's high school astronomy class will play key roles in the spring observing sessions. In April and May they will develop and present PowerPoint shows and co-lead the star watches. Beginning in early April, the high schoolers will visit middle school students to help teach them about astronomy.

If you've ever wanted to know more about the night sky, such as constellation identification, or where to find star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies; or if you already have this knowledge and would like to share it with others, then consider attending some of the scheduled star watches. These events are open to everyone and there is no

charge.

Be sure to dress warmly. Even warm summer days can turn very cold at night. It's OK to bring a small flashlight with you (a red lens is best) to help find your way to and from the telescope field, but stargazers request you turn it off when you reach the telescopes.

Sister High School is located at the west end of town, 1700 W. McKinney Butte Rd.

When inclement weather threatens, call Ron Thorkildson at 541-549-8846 on the afternoon of a particular event for a status

check.