It is Time to Say “Hi” Again!

(Plain Text Version)

It has been a while since I have posted anything, but I hope you are following good sources of news and information.  My goal is to avoid repeating things which other people have already explained.  I like to simply share my own experiences and insights.

So, I will start off by encouraging everyone to make plans for a unique and beautiful event: the total eclipse of the Sun on April 8, 2024:

To Go, or Not to Go?

If you don’t live in North America, you probably aren’t excited about this event.  But, if you do live in this continent, you may have an opportunity for an amazing experience.  Millions of people won’t have to travel at all.  They just need to go outdoors at the right time!  For the rest of us, travel will be needed.

So, this is a good time to make plans. 

I had a very good experience with the total solar eclipse of August 2017.  I will re-post some freshened versions of articles from that time.

Where’s the Moon? 

My 3-year-old grandson loves to look for the Moon in the daytime.  If I’m around, he lets me know.  On Memorial Day, he got a chance to see the Moon through a small telescope.  The next time we met, instead of saying “Hi Grandpa”, he said: “WHERE’S THE MOON?”

Since the third quarter Moon hadn’t risen, I pointed to the ground and said: “It’s down there.”  He immediately got down and pushed the grass aside and said: “The Moon is here!”

He may be destined to be an astronomy enthusiast—time will tell.  I would love to tell him everything I know, but we know that wouldn’t work.  Where does a 3-year-old begin?  I will try a couple of books about the Solar System.

Astronomy at the Beach is Back Again!

If you are anywhere near the Detroit metro area, here is an opportunity for a very enjoyable event.  Astronomy at the Beach will be held at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan.  It will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 22-23, 2023.

This is a family-friendly event.  They have many exhibits and talks.  For me, the highlight is the dozens and dozens of telescopes provided by local astronomy club members (weather permitting).  I have taken part in this event many times but have moved to central Illinois.  It is a bit too far for me, now.  For details, see: glaac.org or type “Astronomy at the Beach” into your search engine.

Have a great time!