June 21, 2017 as part of the RIA56 project "Look at the stars", the Orenburg Astronomical Club "Orion" held another astronomical trip. The event was held outside the city, in the blue zone of light pollution, to provide ideal conditions for observing the starry sky.
Event details
Organizers and support
Organizers:
- Astronomical community "Orion"
- RIA56 project "Look at the stars"
Event information
Venue:
- Location: 30 km from Orenburg along the Saraktash highway.
- For those who do not know how to get there: meet at 9:00 at the monument to Yuri Gagarin (Gagarin Avenue) in the pocket on the way to the center.
Date and time: 21.06.2017
Participation conditions:
- Participation is paid: 200 rubles per person.
- Children - free of charge.
- It is recommended to have a personal vehicle. If this is not possible, you can find free seats with other participants.
Necessary things:
- Warm clothes (it is cool at night).
- A camping mat or chair for comfortable seating.
- Tea in a thermos, cookies, candies.
- Good mood!
Astrotrip program
Lectures and stories:
- Myths and legends of constellations: participants were told about myths associated with constellations and the planets of the Solar System.
- Orientation in the starry sky: everyone learned to find the North Star and the Spring-Summer Triangle (Vega, Altair, Deneb).
Observations:
- Giant planets: Jupiter and Saturn. Three satellites were observed on Jupiter, one of which was setting behind the planet's disk at the time of observations (a rare phenomenon - an eclipse of a satellite!). It was also possible to discern red stripes on the surface of Jupiter (winds and hurricanes).
- Double star Albireo: a beautiful double star in the constellation Cygnus.
- Globular cluster M13: an object in the constellation Hercules appeared before observers in all its glory.
Equipment:
- Sky-Watcher Dob 10" SynScan: the largest telescope in the Orenburg region with a primary mirror diameter of 254 mm and an automatic guidance system.
- Sky-Watcher 135 mm and 114 mm: two additional telescopes for observations.
Master class:
- Astrophotography: participants who brought DSLR cameras were able to take photos of globular clusters, planetary nebulae and galaxies.
Results of the astrovisit
On June 21, 2017 about 50 people (including a third of the children) gathered outside the city to spend the night under the starry sky.
Lectures and stories:
- Participants learned myths associated with the constellations and planets of the Solar System.
- Everyone learned how to find the brightest constellations of the northern sky, the North Star and Spring-Summer Triangle.
Observations:
- Despite the shortest night of the year, the sky was dark enough to observe the Milky Way from horizon to horizon.
- Through three telescopes, participants observed:
- Jupiter and its satellites (including a rare eclipse of one of them).
- Saturn.
- The double star Albireo.
- Globular cluster M13.
Astrophotography workshop:
- The event ended with a practical lesson in astrophotography. Participants took photos of globular clusters, planetary nebulae and galaxies.
"We are glad that we can share our love for the starry sky and help others discover the beauty of the Universe!"