Astronomy Observing Session – Join members of the Minas Astronomy Group to observe the night sky. Constellations will identified by the use of a laser pointer. There will be a not-too-bright crescent Moon in the vicinity of the Pleiades\, Venus and Mercury are in the western twilight\, Mars is high in the south near the Beehive\, and Saturn will be well up in the southeast. Meet at 8\:30 p.m. at the old parking lot at Grand Pré National Park. Bring binoculars and be sure to dress warmly. Rain/cloud date is Saturday\, April 17.
It’s the End of the World As We Know It. Most aspects of natural history occur on the surface of the Earth. Earth’s surface (and its biology\, etc.) has changed drastically in the past. One only needs to look at a dinosaur skeleton to bring that fact home\, yet we take the existence of life on the Earth’s surface for granted. In astronomy\, one is often faced with looking at not only the “big picture” but the “long clock” view of things. Modern astronomers and biologists now have tools that allow them to look far ahead and predict what may be in store for Earth’s long-term future. Will things end with a whimper\, or a bang? Come find out!
Patrick Kelly has had a life-long interest in astronomy\, and has taught first-year astronomy at Acadia\, Dalhousie\, Mount St. Vincent\, and St. Mary’s. He is a life member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada\, and is an active member of the Society’s Halifax Centre. He currently edits the Society’s annual Observer’s Handbook.
Jim Wolford 542-9204 E-mail\: jimwolford@eastlink.ca This will be a joint trip with the Nova Scotia Bird Society\, pond hopping for ducks and early migrants. Possibly there will be a visit to Wolfville Ridge first for Barred Owls. \; Meet at the town wharf off the east end of Front Street in Wolfville at 10\:00 a.m. Dress warmly and bring a lunch. No rain date.
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