‘Stars Over Springfield’ stargazing program returns to Springfield Science Museum
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield Museums, in collaboration with the Springfield STARS Club, is bringing back its popular monthly stargazing program.
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'Stars Over Springfield,' beginning Friday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Springfield Science Museum.
The event, which sold out last season, will continue on the first Friday of each month through May 2025. The program offers an introduction to astronomy for beginners, featuring presentations by local experts, hands-on activities, and a full dome show in the Seymour Planetarium. The planetarium boasts both the historic Korkosz starball and a new Zeiss projector providing an immersive stargazing experience. Attendees will also have the chance to observe celestial objects using the museum's 20-inch rooftop telescope.
Tickets are $5 for Museum and STARS Club members, and $7 for nonmembers, with the program recommended for ages 8 and up. Due to high demand, pre-registration is required and can be completed here.
October's event will focus on "Getting Started in Astronomy," where the museum's astronomy team and volunteers from the STARS Club will discuss how to begin exploring the cosmos. Attendees will learn about planets, stars, galaxies, comets, and black holes, as well as significant astronomical phenomena.
November's event, set for Thursday, November 1, will explore the Moon's surface, with participants using the rooftop telescope to view its seas, mountain ranges, and craters. Richard Sanderson, Adjunct Curator of Physical Science, will share iPhone photos of the Moon and explain the forces that shape its surface.
On December 6, the program will explore the properties of stars and constellations, helping attendees identify the patterns and formations visible in the night sky.
The Springfield Telescope and Reflector Society (STARS), founded in 1934 and celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, is dedicated to educating people about the wonders of space. The club's mission is to inspire people of all ages to engage with astronomy, from beginner to expert levels.
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