Our first public celestial event of 2019 takes place on January 12
We are pleased to announce that weather permitting, on Saturday, January 12, 2019 starting at 6:00 p.m., and continuing until at least 10:00 p.m., the members of the Local Group will set up high-quality telescopes for public viewing at the Robinson Preserve EXTENSION in Northwest Bradenton. This event is held in partnership with the Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department, as well as Robinson Preserve.
Our telescopes will be set up in the parking area accessed from Robinson Preserve's new 9th Avenue NW entrance (10299 9th Avenue NW in Bradenton), a location that enjoys an incredible wide expanse of the nighttime sky.
(The Preserve's main entrance at 17th Avenue will not be open or accessible during the evening.)
Observing highlights include the wintertime favorite, the Great Nebula in Orion, as well as the planets Mars, Uranus and Neptune. The first quarter moon and other deep-sky wonders will also be viewed through our telescopes.
As always, Sidewalk Astronomy is free of charge and is open to people of all ages.