We checked out the McDowell Nature Center’s Astronomy night on Friday and were not disappointed. The evening kicked off with a folk tale about the Pleiades (technically a star cluster, we learned) by the campfire, followed by requisite roasted marshmallows. The nature guide, Chris, pointed out Jupiter and Venus in the sky, which was cool.
As he went to set up the “big gun” telescope, the kids had time to run around inside the black-lit nature center. The snakes were alive, well and interacting with the visitors, including our two year-old, who was way more interested in them than I would have liked.
Standing in line to view the moons of Jupiter, I got a kick out of a childless older couple visibly annoyed by the long line. (I know this because they kept going on about how they didn't have kids and shouldn't have to deal "with this.") Really? Free hot chocolate and marshmallows and you think that there WON’T be a ton of families there? In fact, the line went pretty quick and we had fun chatting with other parents and kids while we waited. When the big moment arrived, we were treated to a view of a circle with four pin pricks around it – hard for kids to appreciate, as amazing as it was. More gratifying was a close-up view of the moon’s craters, which was easier for them to get their heads around.
We also learned from Chris, a major star enthusiast, that the “Transit of Venus” will occur this year (June 5, to be exact). This is when Venus herself passes between Earth and the sun. Mark your calendars, because this won’t happen again until 2117.
The weather, incidentally, was a pure delight. Clear and a comfortable 46 degrees made for ideal conditions for an outdoor evening adventure. Extra points for having a clean indoor bathroom nearby!
There are a few more stargazing nights at McDowell Nature Center this month – January 20 and 27. The events run from 6:00-8:00pm; there is no need to register and the events are free. For more information, check out the Parks & Rec “Get Going” guide, or visit: www.parkandrec.com
PS – for those of you who like to incorporate books with your adventures, you may want to read “Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer!” by Jane O’Connor, or “The Stars” or “Find the Constellations” by H.A. Rey (the author who brought Curious George to life).
