Galena Campfire Program Series: Star Gazing with the Astronomical Society of Nevada
Reno NV – July 7, 2022 – Weather permitting ASN (Astronomical society of Nevada) will have a presentation of the “Summer Triangle” Friday July 29th at Galena State park.. Several telescopes will be setup to view live the presentation. The Summer Triangle is an astronomical asterism in the northern celestial hemisphere. The defining vertices of this imaginary triangle are at Altair, Deneb, and Vega, each of which is the brightest star of its constellation (Aquila, Cygnus, and Lyra, respectively). (“Summer Triangle – Wikipedia”)
Once you’ve spotted the Summer Triangle, you can use it to find other sights. The largest and most prominent asterism (unofficial star pattern) associated with the Triangle is the Northern Cross, comprised of the brightest stars in Cygnus. Smaller and less prominent, but quite striking, is the exquisite little Parallelogram which hangs just below blazing Vega in Lyra. Sagitta the Arrow is a dim but delightful constellation that sits at the upper left of Altair. It’s one of the smallest constellations, and it really does look like a little arrow! Just below Sagitta and similar in size is tiny Delphinus the Dolphin. (“Night Sky Map for July 2022: The Summer Triangle – Almanac.com”)
When: Friday July 29, 2022 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Eagle Meadow, Galena Creek Regional Park. Directions to North Entrance & Galena Creek Visitor Center Roughly 6 miles up Mt. Rose Hwy (NV-431) from U.S. 395, after the road narrows from 4 lanes to 2. A right-hand turn-out lane and signs for the Galena Creek Visitor Center will lead you to the North Entrance Follow the road for approximately 0.5 miles to the end of the road. Follow the loop. Eagle meadow is located near the north end of the Bitterbrush Trail.
Galena Creek Regional Park Map:
The Astronomical Society of Nevada is a non-profit service organization introducing the pubic to astronomy. Here are the free programs the ASN supports:
Public telescope viewing at Sparks Marina, Sparks NV the third Friday of each month on the western peninsula. Weather permitting. Starting at sunset and until the last question is asked, ASN offers park visitors a view through our telescopes. The Sparks Parks & Recreation Dept. turns off the peninsula lights.
The ASN conducts public star parties at Washoe County schools and parks upon invitation. There are approximately eight of these events per year. We also present educational programs on a bi-monthly basis at the Galena Creek Visitor’s Center off the Mt Rose Highway. These are announced in the Visitor’s Center newsletter. Visit the Galena Creek Visitor’s Center Website.
The Club supports Lassen National Park’s Dark Sky Festival each August. This is typically a three-night campout with the potential for excellent viewing at 8,200 feet elevation. Details are provided on the park’s website.
Feature Photo Credit: AstroBackyard
