The second Crestview library astronomy workshop was attended by 8 guests. Since only one of them had been to the first meeting, Tom started off with a beginning astronomy presentation. It is intended to provide the people who check out the library telescope some simple instructions and an idea of what to expect. This briefing explains Astronomy in general and starts with the solar system, then continues to objects viewable in deep space. The pictures used as examples are supplied by club members. Using amateur imagery gives a better representation of what will be visible in the library telescope. Each attendee was given a club handout and The Evening Sky Map.
Next, the constellation Lyra was discussed since it is currently directly overhead at dusk. The constellation’s mythological background was explained. Then objects visible in the libraries 4.5″ Newtonian telescope were shown. The Ring Nebula (M 57), several binary stars, Vega and the globular cluster M 56 were discussed.
Finally, astronomical events that would be visible before the next meeting (18 Sep 2012) were listed.
[Update:] One of the public guests was a member of the press. He wrote up the workshop in the Crestview News Bulletin. The library staff sent the link for the online write-up to Tom.
We would like to thank Brian Hughes for bringing the workshop to the attention of so many future astronomers.