Are we on Earth alone in the universe? Find out more at astronomy presentation
The Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) meets Friday at the Rotary Education Centre Guest Services Building at Riverview Park and Zoo. If you prefer to attend online, the option to do so via Zoom is available.
Community members are invited to either attend or join in virtually. The format includes a novice class at 6 p.m., followed by the main presentation shortly after 7 p.m. and a question-and-answer period.
The main presentation, by past PAA member, Peter McMahon is a special Zoom presentation on Arizona’s Kitt Peak Observatory Site.
“Peter will give us a live virtual tour of this amazing location atop a mountain in the American Southwest. World famous for its research and discoveries, the telescopes on Kitt Peak are a sight to behold and Peter will be our guide,” said Rick Stankiewicz, PAA publicity director. “As manager of the Visitor Services Program at Kitt Peak, Peter is well positioned to give us an insider’s view of this incredible facility. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to see what few people ever have the chance to see.”
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. Participants need not to have attended previous classes and are welcome to stay for the meeting that follows, but there is no obligation.
This class, lesson 22, looks at exoplanets, and will explore the history behind exoplanet detection, the different discovery methods used, the types of exoplanets, and the utilization of space-based observatories that have revolutionized this segment of astronomy investigation.
“Are we alone in the universe? Philosophers and astronomers have pondered this question for millennia,” says Stankiewicz. “If an advanced civilization were to exist out there, they would need a place to hang their hat — if such a thing were required.
“Chances are that this ‘somewhere’ would reside on a planet. Our solar system, as far as we know, does not contain any habitable planets with sentient beings beyond earth. Consequently, the search for planets around other stars in the Milky Way, called exoplanets, has been a long-standing goal. As with many good ideas, technology lags behind. It has taken dedicated astronomers, large telescopes and powerful computers to make the first confirmed detection of an exoplanet in 1992.”
In the interactive hands-on segment that follows the class, volunteers will help participants understand the size and scale of our solar system. Using simple props, they will learn about the distances between our planets and the immensity of space.
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 all ages and anyone interested in learning what the group is all about. The facility is barrier free. For further information, visit peterboroughastronomy.com or check out the group on X, formerly twitter (@PtbAstronomical) or Facebook (@Peterborough Astronomical Association).
Spring cleaning?
Doing some spring cleaning? The Habitat for Humanity ReStore would like to have your unwanted household goods or excess building materials.
They will even pick them up for free from your home, office or business.
Every donation helps Habitat for Humanity build safe, decent and affordable homes, and prevents items from ending up in the landfill.
Items must be in good condition and free of stains, rips, tears, etc. and from a smoke-free home. For complete details visit https://habitatpeterborough.ca/restores/restore-pickup-request.
You can also drop off your donations at ReStore North, which is located at 300 Milroy Dr., Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.