Arlington Astronomy Nights at Robbins Park
We have Not Yet Posted This Year's Information for This Event Yet
If new information for this event is already available for this year, please let us know.
If new information for this event is already available for this year, please let us know.
| Dates: | Only on 7/27, 8/17, 9/14, 9/17 between 7/27/24 - 9/17/24 |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Kids, Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free |
| Category: | Science & Technology |
Each night we'll have at least one telescope out to view objects in the night sky.
Like last year, the best planets for viewing aren't up until close to the fall (the outer planets move slowly relative to our years, so they're still close to where they were last year) but we'll still have plenty to look at.
Since last year every single Astronomy Night was rained out, this year I'll plan some repeats with themes, and hopefully we'll get at least some, if not all, of them in.
The events are totally informal and fun for all ages. Weather permitting, the dates are as follows:
July 27th (8:45pm): One month later after the previous session, the Moon is in the same part of its orbit, and out of evening sky. We'll have the same goals as the Astronomy Night on June 29th -- wonders of the deep sky!
August 17th (8:00pm): A nearly full Moon rises as the sun sets and we'll take the chance to look at the Lunar geography, being able to see almost the entire 'light side' of the Moon. We'll view the same features of the Lunar surface as on June 15th, but this time with a little different lighting. If you saw the Moon then, see how the view now compares!
Sept 14th (7:15pm): A month after the previous session, the Moon is again nearly full. This time, it is followed through the sky by Saturn. Saturn will be keeping us company in the evening for several months. While views are clearer when it is higher in the sky, it is never a bad time to see Saturn in a telescope!
Sept 17th (9:00pm): The full moon rises this evening at sundown, but we'll gather a little later to see a partial Lunar Eclipse. The Moon enters the penumbra (partial shadow) of the Earth at 8:41pm and will hit the edge of the full shadow (umbra) at 10:12pm. It just barely grazes the edge of the shadow, reaching maximum eclipse at 10:44 before reversing the stages out the other side. We won't see the Moon go dark much at all, but it will be bathed in the red light filtering through thousands of sunsets around the planet Earth.
Each Astronomy Night will generally start when the stars come out and usually lasts a couple hours.
To add the schedule to your own calendar, import the ICS file.
If it is overcast we'll have to cancel and hope for clear weather next time, but as long as there are some stars visible we'll give it a shot.
For reminders and weather decisions, consider joining my announcement mailing list.
Weather decisions for questionable nights will also be posted on this site.
We set up the telescopes on the observation area of Robbins Farm Park that overlooks Boston.
Please note: it will be dark in the park! Bring a flashlight, but please keep it aimed at the ground while you're in the park. Parents, please help your children remember this rule. It takes your eyes a while to adjust to the dark, and you'll see more in the sky once your night vision is working. Keeping your flashlight pointed at the ground helps everybody keep their eyes adjusted to the dark. Red light doesn't hurt night vision as much so a red flashlight or red cellophane over a flashlight helps a lot! Consider using bug spray too.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected]
| HOURS | ↑ top |
• July 27th - 8:45 pm
• August 17th - 8:00 pm
• September 14th - 7:15 pm
• September 17th - 9:00 pm
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
61 Eastern Ave., Arlington, MA, 02476 map
If it is overcast we'll have to cancel and hope for clear weather the follow night, but as long as there are some stars visible we'll give it a shot. For reminders and weather decisions, consider joining my announcement mailing list. Weather decisions for questionable nights will also be posted on this site. Rain dates are the following night for each date.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Arlington Astronomy Nights at Robbins Park before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
