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Cliff Wattley of Ridgefield will lead the public skywatch on Saturday, Jan. 20, starting at 6:30 p.m.
During the live observing session, participants will see craters, mountains and “seas” on the 4-day-old moon. They will also view the Orion nebula, star clusters, and the planet Uranus. Astronomers will point out and discuss the winter constellations of Orion and his hunting dogs, Canis Major and Minor, the Gemini Twins, Taurus the Bull and Auriga the Charioteer.
Attendees with smartphones can try their hand at taking a photo of the moon through a telescope.
Before the main event, a discussion of the objects to be viewed will take place in the Learning Center classroom at 6 p.m. This pre-session will give participants, especially children, a better understanding of what they will be viewing during the live observing session.
Participants should dress warmly and bring a flashlight for the walk to the observatory. There is a warming building next to the telescopes.
The program is $4 for Discovery Center members, with a maximum of $16 per family. For nonmembers, the charge is $6, with a maximum $24 per family.
If the skies appear cloudy, check the website after 4 p.m. for program status.
The event is at New Pond Farm at 101 Marchant Road, West Redding.
Click here for more information at the website for the Discovery Center at Ridgefield.
Registration is required at www.newpondfarm.org or www.ridgefielddiscovery.org or by calling 203-438-1063.
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