The National Star Party at Irving Nature Park was well attended with about 290 people showing up to look at the night sky. For many, it was their first look at Saturn, Jupiter and its moons, double stars, and our Moon itself. Clear skies and low humidity afforded good viewing.
Above~ Have a look around (click the pic, use your mouse to navigate). This was at the Observing Area, above the Interpretative Shelter. Most of the crowd had left by this point.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday with a Canada-wide National Star Party.
In Saint John, Irving Nature Park hosted the public along with local members and guests of the SJAC and RASC NB Centre with an evening of stargazing, Starting at 9:00 pm with a brief talk by Saint John astronomer Curt Nason at the observing area, about a dozen telescopes were set up to give the public night sky views. It continued till about 11:30.
Chris Curwin of Astronomy by the Bay also hosted a Facebook Live Event. Many tuned in from all across the country. He also posted an video which you can view on Facebook here (8.37 min).
James Carroll, Irving Nature Park’s Site Manager, gave the crowd a welcome followed by Curt Nason from the SJAC and RASC.NB informing everyone what to expect.
Early evening highlights were the craters and mountains on the Moon, Jupiter with its moons, and Saturn with its fascinating rings.
As with all park events, this was offered free of charge by J.D. Irving, Limited. The Park also provided hot chocolate, and stayed open late to accommodate the public and astronomers.
You may be also be able to see more pics on the Facebook Event page.
Irving Nature Park has been good for local astronomy and has made the Park and staff available for many events, among them the annual Moonlight Snowshoe Walk. Leading into the Park is also the site of Saints Rest Beach, where astronomer Chris Curwin sets up a telescope on most clear evenings for public viewing which he calls Astronomy by the Bay.
See also National Astronomy Day 2018 at Irving Nature Park
Maps~
See also~
National Astronomy Day Irving Nature Park 2018
Outreach Events
Outreach~ Summer 2017
Outreach~ Spring 2017
Outreach~ Winter 2016-17
Outreach~ 2016
Partial Solar Eclipse in Saint John
Astronomy Day in Rockwood Park
Moonlight Snowshoe Walk
What a great website. See you Saturday night
Where is the Interpretive Centre located at in the Irving Nature Park?
Hi Cheryl– Basically about a 1/3 into the Park. After you take the road to the right up the hill, past the parking lot at the bottom, it is the 1st road to the left. You will see a shelter with open sides and a parking lot. Park there, then walk up to the Observing area. Thanks for the question–I will post maps on the website when I get a chance.