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Mingo Creek Park Observatory 2018 Star Party Schedule

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Mingo Creek Park Observatory 2018 Star Party Schedule About Mingo Creek Park Observatory: Become an AAAP member and help support the Star Party promotion of astronomy education in The observatory is located in Mingo Creek County southwestern Pennsylvania. Membership dues Park, Nottingham Township in the northeast Hosted by the help to support the costs of operating and section of Washington County about 10 miles east maintaining both observatories. of Washington, PA. The park is located off Route Amateur Astronomers 88 or Route 136 with easy access off Interstate 43. Inside the park the observatory is at the end of Association of Pittsburgh The AAAP has an observatory located in Deer Mansion Hill Extension Road across from the Lakes Regional Park near Russellton, PA in Henry Covered Bridge on the top of the hill past the northeast corner of Allegheny County. Shelter 10. The observatory houses two permanently mounted Nicholas E. Wagman Observatory telescopes and a planetarium. The refractor Latitude: 40.627 Degrees, telescope has a Lunt solar scope for solar Longitude: 79.813 degrees W observing, opening up daytime activity. The Phone: 724-224-2510 Richard Y. Haddad Planetarium, with a 20 ft. digital planetarium dome displays the night sky indoors and is utilized for special presentations and 2018 Star Party Schedule for astronomy lectures. Wagman Observatory At the Apr 20 & 21 Latitude: 40.211 degrees Mingo Creek Park Observatory May 18 & 19 Longitude: 80.020 degrees W Phone: 724-348-6150 June 22 & 23 July 20 & 21 Aug 17 & 18 For more information on AAAP activities and memberships: Sept 15 & Sept 29 Mail: AAAP, P.O. Box 314, Glenshaw, PA Oct 13 & 27 15116 Nov 10 Email: [email protected] Check the website www.3ap.org for driving Check the website at www.3ap.org 2018 Star Party Schedule directions to the Wagman Observatory April 21 Follow us on Facebook General Tips for Driving to Star Parties May 18 & 19 Drive during daylight when possible to NOTE: There is no running water at the June 8 & 9 help spot landmarks observatory. There is an outdoor handicap July 20 & 21 Drive slowly and carefully - Watch for accessible restroom. Food and beverages are not Aug 11 & Aug 18 wildlife as both observatories are located available at the observatory. Smoking is not within parks. permitted as it will foul the optics on telescopes Sept 7 & 8 both in the observatory and on the grounds. Oct 6 & Oct 20 Nov 3 Bundle-up What is a Star Party? Telescopes and the Planetarium at Mingo Creek Park Observatory Star Parties are: 24” Ritchey-Chretien Free to the Public! (Donations are greatly appreciated though.) Reflector Telescope Enjoy stunning views of A wonderful family activity and it’s educational too! deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebula, star clusters, comets and When do Star Parties start? super novae. Star Parties start around dusk which varies from month to month. Solar observing will start about 10” D&G Refractor 1.5 hours before the Sun sets. with 4” Lunt Solar How do I get to Mingo Creek Park Telescope A Star Party is an opportunity to... Observatory? Observe various night sky objects through the Observe sharp images telescopes with the guidance of knowledgeable From the North: Take exit 9 off I-79 South. of the Moon, planets, amateurs to answer your questions. Follow Route 519 south to Route 136 where double and multiple you’ll go left. Go approximately 6 miles and Attend a presentation in the planetarium and stars as well as globular look for “Mingo Creek County Park” signs. learn about different topics related to Turn left onto Sichi Hill Road. At the bottom astronomy. clusters. Observe the Sun safely on the of the hill bear right and take the next right Participate in a night sky tour given by one of into the park. Follow the park signs to Shelter our members. attached Lunt. 10 and the Observatory Talk with members who have set up their personal telescopes around the observatory to From the South: Take I-79 North to I-70 East. learn more about astronomy in general and Follow directions below for East and West. about their particular telescopes. Get help with your own telescope. From the East and West: Take I-70 to Interstate 43 North. Take Monongahela Exit What do I bring to a Star Party? 44 and head west on Route 136 toward Washington. Go about 1.3 miles and turn right Bring appropriate layers for the weather. It can on Mansion Hill Road. Go through the Henry get cold even on summer nights. Head cover, gloves and an extra coat are always a good Richard Y. Haddad Planetarium Covered Bridge and cross the road to go up the idea. hill toward Shelter 10. Continue past Shelter Learn about astronomy with sky shows and 10. The observatory is on top of the hill. Something to drink, either hot or cold, once special speakers and astronomy presentations. again depending on the weather A blanket or folding chair to help relieve any The planetarium will operate during Star Party Tip: Find the best directions from your nights regardless of the weather. The first show neck or back strain location to Mingo Creek County Park. Once of the evening will be at approximately 7:00. inside the park follow the park signs to the Your curiosity and questions Observatory. .
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