(Jackson, Mn.)– There’s been renewed interest recently in space and the planets thanks to the Artemis II Mission. An event this Saturday (April 11th) evening at Fort Belmont in Jackson will commemorate that.
Anthony Von Ohlen of the Fort Belmont Foundation says they’ll be hosting a “Star Party” from 8:00 to 10:00 pm featuring Paul Seifert, a Physics Professor at Minnesota West who’s also involved in astronomy…
“And he’ll be showing different things in the sky. Starting off early you’ll be able to see Venus and Jupiter: Venus on the horizon, Jupiter up in the sky. And as darkness settles in throughout about halfway through the night you’ll be able to see more of the exciting things like the pleiades, globular clusters, a few galaxies and open clusters. And then other things with the event, we’ll be having some free handouts for the people, glow sticks for the kids, stickers, snacks, and we’ll have group members, team members, running children’s activities like build your own constellations and a few other things that are going on.”
Von Ohlen says they will have some telescopes available and you can also bring your own if you have one…
“We will have multiple people that I would call astronomers themselves bringing in their equipment. If you want to bring in your own equipment, you’re welcome to. I can’t promise that we’ll be helping run any of your equipment just because of personnel. I don’t know if we’ll have enough personnel. But if you know what you’re doing, feel free to bring your own stuff out and even if you need help, if we get time we’re more than happy to help you.”
Von Ohlen adds Seifert will also be putting on a question and answer session…
“He’s been in physics, in astronomy for quite most of his life teaching. He’s great with kids, great with families, great at answering questions, and very welcoming.”
Saturday evening’s event is free but donations will be welcome. The event will be postponed in the event the weather doesn’t cooperate.
