Fall Night Sky Series, Class #3: The Milky Way; Spiral Arms; Galactic Center and Anti-Center; Perseus, Triangulum, Aries; The Planet Uranus

A few constellations are introduced in each class-their myths, history and interesting stars. We also cover deep sky objects such as the beautiful nebulae and clusters that never cease to awe and amaze. Planets are presented when viewable and all are presented over the course of a year. One class in summer is devoted entirely to our Moon.

After each class (sky conditions permitting), we go outside to locate the constellations just presented. We then move to the Observatory's telescopes to view objects within the featured constellations, until or beyond 10:30 PM (11:30 PM daylight time).

Handicapped parking and wheelchair access are available at the entrance to the observatory.

At The Robert Ferguson Observatory (map). Park in the gravel area near the horse corrals just outside the gate to the Group Camp/Observatory site. You do not need to pay the park day use fee to attend the class, however you must obtain a parking pass from us and take it back to your car before the class begins.

Email nightsky@rfo.org for preregistration instructions. Or, arrive a half-hour early on the night of your first class to register, as space allows.

Prices include admission to the State Park at class time.

The focus is on learning the night sky in a "geographic" sense...locating yourself in our solar system, our Milky Way and our local galaxy cluster neighborhoods!