The next NCAMN Star Party at the Fred Berry Nature Center will take place on February 27, 2023, with a starting time of 6:30 pm (moved up from 7 pm to take advantage of the higher positions of Jupiter and Venus in the west).

Both planets will fit comfortably into the field of view of a small telescope at low power. We should be able to see Jupiter's 4 moons and the phase of Venus. Both features were used by Galileo as compelling evidence for the Copernican model of the solar system.

After studying the planets, we'll turn our attention to the bright gibbous Moon and its maria, craters, and mountain ranges. As human bases on the Moon become more likely in the future, we will continue to learn more about its possibilities for science and development.

Finally, if time permits, we will conclude with a laser pointer tour of the visible constellations.

As always, the quarterly star party is led by NCAMN's Jeff Hoeper and AGFC's Ken Forman. This event qualifies as continuing education for NCAMN members.

Members should dress (overdress!) for the weather, which can be quite cold on clear March evenings. We will cancel if clouds are likely and will send a notice of cancellation to those registered for the event. Bring binoculars if you have them and a tight-fitting ball cap too. (You'll see the value of the ball cap at the event.)