On Friday, April 21 a star party was held at Stanley Park featuring a spectacular night sky and an abundance of young potential astronomers and scientists. About 40 sixth and eighth grade students and eleventh and twelfth grade science class students along with their teachers and parents attended the party hosted by Mark Bagdy and a group of local amateur and professional astronomers. The local astronomers provided telescopes as well as expertise in indoctrinating the students to some of the wonders of the night sky.
The night, which started out slightly overcast, soon cooperated by clearing up to the delight of everyone. Before darkness fell, Bagdy demonstrated the vast differences of the solar system via a walking tour, and explained the basis of star formation to students. Students also met with the astronomers and had a hands-on introduction to the various telescopes and equipment used. The first object to magically appear as if a light bulb had turned on in the fading twilight was the magnificent planet Saturn.
Students and parents were amazed at seeing its fascinating ring structure and its enormous moon, Titan, which is the largest in the solar system. Then, as the sky darkened other gems of the night began to appear featuring constellations, binary star systems, globular star clusters in the shape of balls and clouds of colorful gas like the Orion Nebula, where the process of star birth is taking place; or far away galaxies millions of light-years away from our own Milky Way.
A pause to observe the bright passing of the International Space Station added to some of the observational ‘firsts’ for many people in attendance. The evening was capped off by the view of the magnificent gas giant Jupiter, the biggest of all the planets with its colorful cloud bands and enormous moons just as they were rising over the mountains.
Everyone was also treated to food goodies provided by the teachers and astronomers. Everyone had a great time. Students and families were asked to support the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, which is to be built on the school property next to where the star party was held.
Another star party is planned for the fall.
