Astronomers meet to discuss citizen science
The Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) will meet Friday at the Rotary Education Centre Guest Services Building at Riverview Park and Zoo. This meeting will include the annual general meeting at 7 p.m. to briefly deal with elections and other business, followed by a special presentation at 8 p.m., and a Christmas social. Everyone is welcome to come out and check out the PAA and all it has to offer, at no cost.
The new program for beginners, Getting Started in Astronomy, normally held before the main meeting, is currently on hold for the remainder of this year.
The special presentation of the meeting features Dr. Julie Banfield speaking on Citizen Science and Serendipity in the Astronomical Context.
“If you don’t have a telescope but you have a computer, anyone can participate in the scientific process and scientific discovery. This includes projects to detect gravity waves, planets, supernovas, and different types of galaxies! Come find out how you too can make a difference in the world of science and not have to leave the comfort of your own home,” states a press release for the talk.
Banfield (nee Julie Grant) who grew up in Peterborough, studied at the University of Western Ontario, Trent, and Calgary, gaining her PhD in radio astronomy. In 2011 she moved to Australia to work at the Australian Telescope National Facility in Sydney. Her role was working on the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) for the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP). In 2015 she moved to Australian National University (ANU), under the supervision of Nobel Laureate Brian Schmidt, to continue work on the same project.
The talk will be followed by a Christmas Social with an assortment of holiday cookies and snacks. Please bring your favourite Christmas treat to share.
This is an all ages meeting and the venue is barrier free. The PAA meets the first Friday of each month. For more information visit www.peterboroughastronomy.ca
Elder Abuse
The Abuse Prevention of Older Adults Network is holding a free workshop on elder abuse at Fairhaven, 881 Dutton Rd., Dec. 4 from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. Learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse of older adults and how to respond safely and supportively to help seniors at risk or experiencing abuse.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the workshop. Light refreshments will be served.
Pre-Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Register by contacting Maggie Doherty- Gilbert at 705-742-7067, ext. 250, or inraffiliateptbo@ gmail.com.
Naturalists
Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN) have organized a birding outing Saturday to the Niagara River with leaders Martin Parker and Matthew Tobey. This area is a designated important birding area due to the variety and number of gulls which utilize the river in the late fall. More species can be observed in a day than anywhere else in the world. There will be thousands of gulls consisting of ten or more species as well as other waterbirds and southern specialities such as the Tufted Titmouse.
Meet outside the Tim Hortons in the Canadian Tire Plaza, Lansdowne Street at 7 a.m. or join the group at Queenston. Please let Parker know if you will meet up at Queenston by calling 705745-4750.
Bring a packed lunch, binoculars, and dress for the Niagara weather forecast. Telescopes and cameras are optional.