Astronomers to View Venus, Jupiter, the Moon and Winter Constellations

Discovery Center at Ridgefield

Astronomers to View Venus, Jupiter, the Moon and Winter Constellation

The Discovery Center at Ridgefield, in conjunction with the New Pond Farm Observatory, 101 Marchant Rd., West Redding, is hosting an astronomy program that is open to the public on Saturday February 21st , starting at 6:30 PM. We will gaze through the telescopes at the mountains and craters of the crescent moon, a brilliant Venus in the west and an almost as equally brilliant Jupiter, which has re-entered the evening sky in the east. Jupiter, being the largest planet, is always a treat to view due to the large size, bands in its upper atmosphere, four moons that are bright, and the occasionally visible red spot (which is an atmospheric storm that has been observed for over 400 years). For those who stay out until 7:43, the International Space Station will fly by and can be viewed. The gaseous Orion nebula, a region of star and planetary system birth, is always a dramatic sight.

Participants should dress warmly and wear snow boots. There is a wooden platform to stand on and a heated building next to the telescopes. Bring a flashlight for the walk from the parking area to the observatory, and binoculars, if you have them.

The program is $4 per person for Discovery Center members, with a maximum of $16 per family. For nonmembers, the charge is $6 per person, with a maximum of $24 per family. Registration is required.

Visit the Discovery Center website to register http://www.ridgefielddiscovery.org/ or call 203-438-1063. If it looks as if the skies might be cloudy, check the website after 4:00 PM for program status.