Sidewalk Astronomy Event Friday evening at the RecPlex

Ponca City Astronomy is having a Sidewalk Astronomy Event at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 in conjunction with the Ponca City RecPlex. It will be held outside the RecPlex’s main door.

“We will be looking at a nice First Quarter Moon and about 8:45 we will be looking at Jupiter and its four Galilean moons as well,” club founder Richard Jones said. “Shortly after 9 p.m. we will be able to look at Saturn and its rings. Of course clouds could get in the way and we would cancel.”

On Aug. 16, Ponca City Astronomy will be holding a meeting at 6 p.m. at the Ponca City RecPlex. You need not be a member to attend, only to have an interest in astronomy.

“In the coming months we will hold a class on ‘Backyard Astronomy’ to help newcomers learn how to observe the stars, planets and constellations as well as how a telescope works, how to choose one for you and how to use it once you have it,” Jones said.

The purpose and goals of Ponca City Astronomy is to promote astronomy in Ponca City and Kay County; educate our members and the public about astronomy; hold fun events for our members and the general public; to educate and promote good Dark Sky practices, Jones said.

In addition to educational meetings,  the club will hold monthly “Sidewalk Astronomy Events” where we set up telescopes on the sidewalk for everyone to come look at the moon and any planets that are available. We will have a educational meeting each month and a Dark Sky Observing session for our members where we go to a dark area to look at fainter objects, other galaxies, nebula, and star clusters.

When astronomy events happen, Jones said, “we will probably hold special events for members and possibly include the public.”

“To be a member, you need only to have an interest in astronomy,” Jones said. “If you are already knowledgeable about astronomy, of course you would be welcome to come share your knowledge with us. We currently have no membership fees or dues; however, that may changein the future as expenses may arise.”