Star gazers gather at Coplay library by Deb Boylan, Special to the Press
The stars were in alignment at the Coplay Public Library for an astronomy workshop cohosted by the library and the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society.
Special guest speaker Ron Kunkel, director of the society, delivered a talk and Power Point presentation discussing the shapes and formation of galaxies in the solar system and other topics pertaining to astronomy.
The goal of "The Galaxies for Non-Astronomers" seminar is to enable the lay person to gain a better understanding of the mysteries contained within the night sky, including what can be seen with the human eye and beyond, he said.
On display in the library was a detailed photograph of the moon taken Johanna S. Billings, the editor of the Whitehall-Coplay Press, shot with a Canon DSLR and telephoto lens, the photo provides a glimpse of the moon and its intricate surface textures. It remains on display at the library, 49 S. Fifth Street.
Jennifer Tarantino, of Coplay, attended the talk with her two children, Megan, 4, and James, 12. While Megan occupied herself in the library's play area, James paid rapt attention to the talk.
"I brought James here so that he can earn his Boy Scout merit badge in astronomy," said Jennifer.
Once the talk was completed, the group moved outside to the front lawn of the library for some star gazing. The clear, pleasant evening and crescent moon provided a perfect opportunity to view the wonders of the sky at dusk.
Kunkel set up a telescope and those present took turns getting a close-up look at the moon and other celestial attractions.
What appeared to be a switfly moving star across the sky was in fact the International Space Station in orbit, said Kunkel. Unfortunately it was moving at such a pace that it was difficult to view through the telescope.
The talk was informal and guests were free to ask questions. Light refreshments were provided to the large group assembled for the presentation.
The stars were in alignment at the Coplay Public Library for an astronomy workshop cohosted by the library and the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society.
Special guest speaker Ron Kunkel, director of the society, delivered a talk and Power Point presentation discussing the shapes and formation of galaxies in the solar system and other topics pertaining to astronomy.
The goal of "The Galaxies for Non-Astronomers" seminar is to enable the lay person to gain a better understanding of the mysteries contained within the night sky, including what can be seen with the human eye and beyond, he said.
On display in the library was a detailed photograph of the moon taken Johanna S. Billings, the editor of the Whitehall-Coplay Press, shot with a Canon DSLR and telephoto lens, the photo provides a glimpse of the moon and its intricate surface textures. It remains on display at the library, 49 S. Fifth Street.
Jennifer Tarantino, of Coplay, attended the talk with her two children, Megan, 4, and James, 12. While Megan occupied herself in the library's play area, James paid rapt attention to the talk.
"I brought James here so that he can earn his Boy Scout merit badge in astronomy," said Jennifer.
Once the talk was completed, the group moved outside to the front lawn of the library for some star gazing. The clear, pleasant evening and crescent moon provided a perfect opportunity to view the wonders of the sky at dusk.
Kunkel set up a telescope and those present took turns getting a close-up look at the moon and other celestial attractions.
What appeared to be a switfly moving star across the sky was in fact the International Space Station in orbit, said Kunkel. Unfortunately it was moving at such a pace that it was difficult to view through the telescope.
The talk was informal and guests were free to ask questions. Light refreshments were provided to the large group assembled for the presentation.
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