Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Cold weather is finally giving way to warm spring evenings which means the Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area (DSVA) will soon be buzzing with activity.
The Astrophotographers Assemble series will once again be running this year, with monthly meetings starting on April 27.
The series is an informal evening where night sky photographers from novice to expert are encouraged to come out and photograph the stars overhead. It’s an excellent opportunity to receive tips and hints from those in attendance on how to take better night sky photos. Events run monthly on moonless (or nearly moonless) Saturday nights from dusk until dawn. Meetings are also scheduled for May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24 and Sept. 21.
In addition to the monthly series, the DSVA will also welcome back night-sky photographer expert Joe Gilker for a series of laser-guided tours.
“Laser-guided stargazing events typically last about 90 minutes starting at astronomical twilight, or about an hour after sunset,” says Gilker. “They start with a 45 minute laser-guided tour of the night sky where I point out different stars, constellations, or any other object of interest in the night sky. The view of the sky is always changing so the topics covered are different every month.”
Visitors will also have the opportunity to peer through a high-powered telescope that will be focused on the areas of interest in that particular astrological cycle.
The first of the guided tours will take place May 3 and 4 followed by May 31-June 1, June 28-29, Aug. 2-3, Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 27-28. All events are subject to weather and will only take place is the sky is mostly clear.
All DSVA events are free of charge and welcome to everyone. Updated weather reports will be posted to www.DarkSkyViewing.com.
Located 37 km north of Napanee near the Sheffield Conservation Area, the Lennox and Addington DSVA is renowned for offering pristine views of the night sky, uninhibited by light pollution.