HOBBS STATE PARK OFFERS CLASSES
Full Moon Kayak Tours Offered by Hobbs State Park
Spend an evening on Beaver Lake while paddling your own kayak guided by a park interpreter. Participants will learn the basics of paddling as they explore a calm area of Beaver Lake. The best part will be the lake exquisitely illuminated by the full moon.
Recreational kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided. Bring a bottle of water, bug spray, flashlight, and dress for the weather.
Where: Begin at Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area visitor center on Ark. Hwy. 12 just east of the War Eagle Road/Hwy. 12 intersection.
When:
• Aug. 7 at 8:30 p.m.
• Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Cost: $12 Adults, $6 children (6-12)
Registration and pre-payment required. For more information and to register, call: 479-789-5000. To learn more about other Hobbs State Park programs, go to: http://www.friendsofhobbs.com/ and www. ArkansasStateParks.com/ hobbsstateparkconservationarea.
Lecture on total eclipse of the sun
The solar eclipse will not be July 22, but that’s that’s the night that the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will be at Hobbs State Park to explain the approaching solar phenomenon and how to enjoy it when it does come on Aug. 21 of this year. A solar eclipse in the continental U.S. is uncommon. In fact, the last one was 38 years ago in February of 1979.
What’s going to happen? This year millions of people across the United States will see one of nature’s most amazing spectacles. It is a scene of unimaginable beauty. The moon completely blocks the sun, daytime becomes a deep twilight, and the sun’s corona shimmers in the darkened sky; however, viewers would have to be in the right place, and that’s a line from central Idaho to center Nebraska to central Missouri to Nashville. In northwest Arkansas, viewers will experience about 92 percent totality, so although they will not experience the deep twilight and sun’s corona, viewers will enjoy a fascinating chance to study the sun. Dr. Katherine Auld will explain the geometry of a total eclipse, the history of eclipse science, and the opportunities for that day. The lecture will end with an explanation of viewing the night sky and a simple night sky tour.
Dr. Auld, president of the Sugar Creek club added, “Because the new moon will be the following night, July 22 should be a great night for observing with telescope, binoculars or just using your unaided eyes! We will have several telescopes set up looking at various deep sky objects. By the nature of stellar observation, these objects will move through the evening, so viewing opportunities will be plentiful. As always everyone is invited. All ages are encouraged. A basket of children’s books will be provided along with extra balloon covered flashlights for Reading Under the Stars.”
What to Bring if you can:
• Flashlight (covered with a red cloth or red balloon)
• Binoculars and/or telescope (if you have)
• Folding chair – one per person
• Star chart (if you have one)
Where: Hobbs State Park visitor center located on Ark. Hwy. 12 just east of the Ark. Hwy. 12/War Eagle Road intersection When:
• 7:45 p.m. Saturday, July 22 — Eclipse lecture
• 8:45 p..m. Saturday, July 22 — Night sky viewing
Cost: Free – public invited; great for families and Scout groups
For information, call: 479-789-5000
To learn more about upcoming Friends of Hobbs speakers and other park programs, go to: http:// www.friendsofhobbs.com/ and www.ArkansasStateParks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea.