It's Astronomy Day!

It’s Astronomy Day! Astronomers from all over the world take this opportunity to do extra outreach and share the wonder of the night sky with new audiences. Sadly we’re unable to host any special events this year as a result of the current circumstances in society, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something new! 

Standley Lake Stargazing maintains a growing list of stargazing resources for new astronomers. A few recommended tools are the free digital planetarium Stellarium, and the interactive online tool called ‘Solar System Scope’ that lets you explore a 3D model of the solar system to scale, right from your computer or mobile device.

Resources - Standley Lake Stargazing

Free browser-based interactive star chart for any position on Earth on any date and time. Use this to to plan an evening under the stars and find planets, identify the Moon's phase and locate constellations. Charts can be printed on a white background for ease of use outdoors.

Sky & Telescope Magazine offers a weekly overview of upcoming celestial events, be sure to check that out too, this is a particularly exciting week, with the first quarter Moon, Venus and another meteor shower all this week!

This Week's Sky at a Glance, May 1 - 9 - Sky & Telescope

Friday, May 1 ■ As the stars come out this evening, look for Regulus under the Moon as shown below. The next brightest star in Leo's Sickle is yellow-orange Gamma Leonis, Algieba, also shown. As the evening grows late, watch their arrangement rotate clockwise.

We can’t wait to resume our normal star parties and live events, until then we’ll continue with our online outreach. If you’re able and would like to support our volunteer efforts, you can donate using Patreon, any amount is helpful and your support is instrumental in helping share the night sky.

Standley Lake Stargazing is creating Astronomy/science education, telescope sessions, STEM outreach | Patreon

Standley Lake Stargazing serves the Arvada and greater Denver communities by providing captivating experiences through astronomy with the aim of promoting science to the general public. Standley Lake Astronomy offers customizable lectures, interactive displays and professional grade telescopes presented by experienced astronomers integrated into a complete, portable observing experience suitable for all ages and communities.

As always-

Stay well, and clear skies!