Friday, July 10, 2009

Star Gazing at the Texada Island Fly-in

This week there was a full moon gracing the skies over Hole in the Wall here in Coastal BC.

After a full week of sunshine, high wispy clouds moved in, a precursor to an arriving warm front. We love sunny skies here on the Sunshine Coast, but we do need the occasional rain to keep our forests so green. But now it is back to sunny days and starry nights. And that's a good thing.

Powell River Books will be hosting a Star Party at the Texada Island Airport Fly-in on Saturday, July 11, at 10:00 pm. Wayne (with a little help from me) will set up two telescopes in the airplane camping area. The goal is to introduce people to astronomy and the availability of affordable telescopes. The Star Party is part of our contribution for the International Year of Astronomy and to encourage everyone to look to the skies.

Wayne is an enthusiastic amateur astronomer. He has three telescopes, a Meade ETX125 (125 millimeter) Maksutov-Cassegrain, a Meade LX90 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain, and a Edmond Astroscan (for fun). For newbie amateurs astronomers, here are a few of his recommendations:

Thanks to everyone on Texada Island who came out for the Star Party in the airport camping area. We hope you enjoyed your evening. Look for us again next year at the annual fly-in. -- Wayne and Margy

6 comments:

  1. a beautiful capture margy.
    hope the vent is a success tomorrow evening.
    have a lovely weekend.

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  2. What a great idea. Have a bunch of fun...we are looking forward to more great sky/star photos

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  3. Great snap! Looks like a giant star, painting the sky with its energy...

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  4. Beautiful pictures Margy and oh how I would like to be there. I love the night sky and I am so appreciative of the face that we have little or now light pollution generated on this island. I have walked home from a neighbours house up coast on a moonless night and the only way I have made it home is by walking the yellow line in the middle of the road....really! Have a wonderful weekend with the stars.
    Smiles

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  5. Oh, these are the times when I wish you still lived down here. Would be great to join you!
    What a marvellous photo of the moon with reflecting moonshine! Wow.

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  6. Cool photo of the moon and reflections in the water...

    Great shot!!

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy