Scoping things out Astronomy club gives local kids a vision out of this world

Sierra Vista Herald ^ | Bob Gent

[SandRat]

FORT HUACHUCA - Ted Forte, Ken Duncan, and Bob Gent met at Colonel Smith Middle School recently and young astronomers observed the planet Venus, the moon, and the sun through their telescopes.

The trio also brought the Planetary Science Institute's meteorite kit, and student scientists studied pieces of Mars and a rare and beautiful Pallasite meteorite.

Later that evening, they drove to Faras Elementary School near Douglas, and Rick Burke joined Forte, Duncan, and Gent.

“The seeing was good, and we observed the moon, Jupiter and other wonders of the night sky,” Gent said.

[tired&retired]

When my four children were young I had a motor home and used to go to “Star Parties.” Dozens of amateur astronomers would set up their telescopes, usually in an open field up on a hill in a dark area, and everyone would make rounds looking through each of the telescopes.

Looking through a 20” scope when you had to stand on a step ladder to reach the eye piece was a real joy. Most of the scopes were focused on different astral objects or formations, thus it was a real education.

During the day there would be lectures and demonstrations of new discoveries and equipment. It was a wonderful family event that I would recommend for anyone interested in astronomy.