Things are always looking up for Peterborough astronomy club
The Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) meets Friday at the Rotary Education Centre Guest Services building at Riverview Park and Zoo.
Community members are invited to either attend or join in virtually. The format includes a novice class, followed by the main presentation and a question-and-answer period.
The novice astronomy class begins at 6 p.m. and runs for approximately 45 minutes. These classes focus on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy, introducing subjects at a very basic level.
This class, lesson 21, looks at low Earth orbit.
“We will examine the challenges of low Earth orbit and how humanity has, since 1957, adapted to this new ecosystem,” PAA publicity director Rick Stankiewicz explains.
“Today, our modern telecommunications network relies on orbiting satellites. Remote sensing satellites that look down provide data to monitor changes in Earth’s climate, provide detailed weather forecasting and inform decisions in agriculture and archeological field work. Space stations provide a habitable platform from which astronauts can investigate how the human body responds to microgravity,” he says. “To get above the distorting effects of our atmosphere, we have placed powerful telescopes to observe like never before. Space provides a workspace that benefits everyone.”
An interactive, hands-on segment follows, which will look at how to prepare for safe viewing of the total solar eclipse happening April 8.
The main presentation will start at 7 p.m. following a short meeting. This month’s presentation, via Zoom, is “A Passion for Globular Clusters,” with guest speaker Jim Fordice, from the Albuquerque Astronomical Society of New Mexico. Fordice will explain why these ancient tight groups of stars in our home galaxy are unique and will illustrate his talk with images he has captured over the years.
The Sky This Month, a regular meeting feature, will be posted on the club website peterboroughastronomy.com for all to access.
To participate in the Zoom meeting, register in advance at peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php, where you will receive the password and link to the meeting’s classes and presentations.
There is no cost and the meeting is open to anyone interested in learning what the group is all about. The facility is barrier-free.
You do not need a telescope to participate.
For information, visit peterboroughastronomy.com or check out the group on X, formerly Twitter (@ptbastronomical) or Facebook (peterboroughastronomicalassociation).
Hearing health-care clinic
Canadian Hearing Services will visit Activity Haven for a free hearing health-care clinic Thursday.
Services offered include screening for hearing loss and cerumen checks; answering questions about hearing loss, hearing health and aging; assistance with the use, maintenance and basic troubleshooting of hearing aids; support with handling difficult communication situations; and information on assistive listening and alerting devises such as a phone, television, alarm clocks, door bell and smoke alarms.
Call the Activity Haven office at 705-876-1670 to book your confidential appointment with a hearing care counsellor.
Activity Haven Senior Centre is located at 180 Barnardo Ave.
Seniors Active Living Fair
The Seniors Active Living Fair takes place on Tuesday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Activity Haven, 180 Barnardo Ave.
The day will include presentations, activity try-it demos and community exhibitors.
Participants will enjoy a free lunch and refreshments, and receive a goodie bag. There will also be giveaways and prizes.
To register, call 705-876-1670.