Astronomy club explores deep space objects
The online monthly meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) takes place via Zoom Feb. 5 beginning at 6 p.m., and community members are invited. The format includes a main presentation, novice astronomy classes and a question-and-answer period.
The main presentation, beginning shortly after 7 p.m., features PAA president David Mills speaking on “The Sharpless Catalogue of Deep Sky Objects.” Learn about this set of unique celestial objects that includes nebula, nova and planetary nebula. Find out about who discovered these rarely observed gems of the night sky, what they look like, and where to find them.
Novice astronomy classes run prior to the main meeting, beginning at 6 p.m., and running for approximately 45 minutes. These classes focus on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy, introducing astronomy related subjects at a very basic level in a logical sequence. The month’s session is entitled “Space Exploration Part 2 — Current and Future Missions.”
“You will be treated to space missions that will shape our knowledge of our solar system, galaxy and the universe beyond. Each mission expands our understanding of planets, including Earth and all its neighbours. Find out what countries around the world are doing with their space programs. From government to private companies, everyone is in on the space race of today,” says Rick Stankiewicz, PAA publicity director.
The Sky This Month, a regular meeting feature, will be posted on the club website for all to access. Visit peterboroughastronomy.com.
There will also be an opportunity during the meeting to have any questions you may have answered. There is no cost and the meeting is open to anyone interested in seeing what the PAA is all about.
To participate, just open a free Zoom account in advance on whatever phone or tablet device you wish to use and then register at paamal3@peterboroughastronomy.com for the password and link to the presentation.
Call for workshops
The Seasoned Spoon Café at Trent University regularly presented live workshops prior to the pandemic, and now, during COVID-19, although the café is closed, they are continuing with virtual workshops. There are presently openings in their winter workshop series and they have put a call out for workshop proposals from people who have skills, ideas or topics they would like to share with the community.
If you have an idea for a workshop on food-based, sustainability, gardening, or green-living skills, they would like to hear from you. They are also interested in speakers, presentations, films or other events about food sovereignty, justice or other social issues.
The Seasoned Spoon is a nonprofit, vegetarian, co-operative café located at Champlain College at Trent University. The café is committed to serving locally, and whenever possible, organically sourced food at affordable prices. As a not-forprofit community-based organization, part of their mandate is to offer educational opportunities to the campus and broader Peterborough community. For further information on the café, visit seasonedspoon.ca.
For further information or to submit your workshop idea, email spoonvolunteers@gmail.com.
Board members
The Seasoned Spoon is recruiting new board members. If you love local food and are looking to expand your leadership experience, this might be the volunteer opportunity for you.
Commitment is one meeting per month and a willingness to share in the effort to govern this non-profit organization. No board experience is required. As a perk, board members get one free meal a week at the café for their contributions.
Application forms and further information can be found by visiting seasonedspoon.ca/ join-our-board.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by Jan. 31. Direct your interest or any further questions or comments to seasonspoon@gmail.com.