Dark sky astronomy this weekend

Normally Jane and I set up telescopes on the city sidewalk to introduce "accidental astronomers" to the Moon and planets. We also like to escape the city's light dome for a night with the beautiful deep sky objects that can't be seen under city lights. Excursions away from the city are most worthwhile when there's no bright Moon in the sky, so we usually pick the weekend closest to New Moon. This weekend on Saturday, February 25, we'll visit Joshua Tree National Park with the Andromeda Society of Yucca Valley for their monthly star party under dark skies. Imagine a sky filled with about 1,700 stars, instead of the 20 or so you usually see from L.A.! Early in the evening we'll have great views of the winter sky and Milky Way, full of star clusters and nebulae. Later in the evening our planet will spin toward the spring sky, and we'll be able to look toward galactic north into the giant Virgo cluster of galaxies. You'll also see meteors and earth-orbiting satellites crossing overhead. From a dark location, you can see enough stars to see the shapes of the constellations and easily imagine the figures for which they're named. It's better than the best planetarium show you'll ever see! But it is colder. If you come along, be sure to dress in lots of layers and bring lots of water or sports drinks to stay hydrated. You also might want to bring along a comfortable chair and a pair of binoculars for cruising through the Milky Way and counting meteors. The star party officially starts near sunset at 5:30 p.m. at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area of Joshua Tree National Park. If you are planning to come, let us know so we can be sure to connect. The star party is sponsored by the Andromeda Society of Yucca Valley: <http://www.andromedasociety.org/> Best regards, Mojo -- Morris Jones Monrovia, CA http://www.whiteoaks.com Old Town Astronomers http://www.otastro.org