Highland Road Park Observatory 20th Anniversary

[Christopher K.]

Solar Viewing
Date and Time: Saturday 28 January from 12pm to 2pm

As of this posting there are no radio blackouts, solar radiation storms or geomagnetic storms; there are two active regions on the Earth-facing side of the Sun (2628 and 2629). Below is the current NOAA forecast for the planned solar viewing time span...
precipitation potential, 3%
sky cover, 54%
relative humidity, 31%
temperature, 13˚C
surface wind, W 14 km/h

Danko's Clear Dark Sky states that during HRPO's viewing time the both the transparency rating and the seeing rating will be "too cloudy to forecast" (0 out of 5).

More information:
http://hrpo.lsu.edu/programs/solar.html

[Christopher K.]

Evening Sky Viewing Plus
Date and Time: Saturday 28 January from 7pm to 10pm

In addition to the standard Saturday night offering, Plus Night includes physical science demonstrations, ultraviolet coloring, a marshmallow roast and a sky tour. The fire will be put out no later than 9pm.

[Christopher K.]

"2016--The Space Year in Review"
Date and Time: Friday 3 February at 7:30pm

This presentation will serve as a survey of last year's notable stories and events from the realm of astronomy, physics and space science. The talk is aimed at a general adult audience and has no admission fee. [This talk is traditionally the first lecture of the year. Due to harsh weather which precluded the opening of HRPO on its originally scheduled night, this lecture will be given on 3 February.]

[Christopher K.]

Science Academy
Topic: "Calendars and Time Keepers"
Date and Time: Saturday 4 February at 10am

Participants will learn how we've been marking years, months and days through history! Science Academy is for eight- to twelve-year-olds. The cost is five dollars per child who resides in East Baton Rouge Parish, and six dollars per out-of-parish child.

[Christopher K.]

Planet Time: Venus
Date and Time: Saturday 4 February from 5pm to 7pm

BREC Program Aide Jordan Cobbs will attempt track Venus with the 20OGS until that instrument reaches its limit; he will then use a portable telescope at the back viewing pad until 7pm.

More information:
http://hrpo.lsu.edu/programs/planet_times.html

[Christopher K.]

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
Date and Time: Friday 10 February from 6pm to 9pm

As the Moon rises over Baton Rouge it will be immersed in the lighter-shaded portion of the Earth's shadow. Patrons are encouraged to come with binoculars. Viewing this event at HRPO has no admission fee and is for all ages.

More information:
http://hrpo.lsu.edu/programs/eclipse.html

[Christopher K.]

Planet Time: Venus
Date and Time: Saturday 11 February from 4:45pm to 6:45pm

BREC Program Aide Jordan Cobbs will attempt to track Venus with the 20OGS until that instrument reaches its limit; he will then use a portable telescope at the back viewing pad until 6:45pm.

More information:
http://hrpo.lsu.edu/programs/planet_times.html

[Christopher K.]

Light Pollution Committee Meeting
Date and Time: Monday 13 February from 6:15pm to 7pm

This Committee of the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society has as its primary goal the reduction of light pollution in the greater Baton Rouge area. The public is invited to sit-in.

[Christopher K.]

"Supernova 1987A"
Date and Time: Friday 3 February at 7:30pm

The light from one of the most astounding events witnessed by modern people reached Earth thirty years ago. We’ll celebrate this jawdropping spectacle by reliving the story of its discovery and hopefully inspire others to go out and look for new happenings in the sky. The talk is aimed at a general adult audience and has no admission fee.

[Christopher K.]

Science Academy
Topic: "Mercury and Gemini"
Date and Time: Saturday 18 February at 10am

The first two manned American space missions have their own history and legend. Cadets will learn the background of the famed solo and partnered spaceflights! Science Academy is for eight- to twelve-year-olds. The cost is five dollars per child who resides in East Baton Rouge Parish, and six dollars per out-of-parish child.