Summer Stargazing with Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) and Horizons Observatory

Monday, August 5, 2013

8:30pm – 11pm

The forecast calls for clear skies this Monday evening (8:30-11pm), August 5th in central Vermont so the UVLT / Horizons Observatory stargazing event is on! This free event is hosted by Wild Apple Farm in Pomfret (a UVLT conserved property) and led by Horizons Observatory Co-Directors Rob Hanson, Scott Holson, and Paul Otavsky.

If possible, please RSVP for detailed directions and site information.  The journey to the observation point is not obvious and slightly adventurous so it is best if we know you are coming.  Contact Anna Slack at:  anna.slack@uvlt.org or 603-643-6626 x102 to register.

Come explore the night sky with us on this beautiful tucked-away farm.  Wild Apple Farm is a 560 acre property located on Wild Apple Road in Pomfret, VT.  It is a unique site for stargazing due to its largely unobstructed horizon and lack of light pollution – almost zero!   

The highlights of the night sky include the Hercules star cluster, the Ring Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and Alberio (a lovely blue and yellow binary star system), and the Lagoon/Trifed stellar nurseries.  There is a possibility we may catch brilliant Venus and Saturn - the absolute jewel of the sky – before they set below the horizon.

Please arrive by 8:30pm in order to avoid headlights in the viewing area.  As well, please note that this event is weather dependent; the skies have to be clear to star gaze!  If clouds move in, the event will be postponed. 

Sturdy footwear, warm layers (the temperature may drop to the 40s before we’re done), and a sense of adventure are recommended.  If you bring a flashlight, please turn it off well below the hilltop – or use red light.  One of the reasons we’re trekking so far into the country is to get away from white light – so we don’t want to bring it with us!