BRIGHT stars against a clear night sky proved to be the perfect setting for amateur astronomers, who met in Ardmona for a night of stargazing this month.
The Goulburn Murray Landcare Network (GMLN) and Astronomical Society of Victoria (ASV Shepparton) ran a stargazing night at the Ardmona oval and community room on Saturday, August 20.
Around 60 people attended on the night, which began with a presentation by Graeme Hannigan on nightscape photography.
After night fell, the group moved outside to see through a telescope. Viewers were in for a spectacular view of Saturn, which was visible in the Eastern sky and its rings could be seen clearly.
Astronomer, Derek Poulton said this is “always a treat for new astronomers.”
“We also looked at the jewel box star cluster – a nice cluster of orange and white stars in the Crux constellation. A few of us had a look for a comet C/2017 PANSTARRS K2, which is currently passing through the Western sky,” said Derek.
Stargazing was followed by supper provided by GMLN.
The whole night was made possible by the purchase of three telescopes earlier this year through a Community Matching Grant, provided by Greater Shepparton City Council.
The telescopes will be used in community events and is available to loan for ASV members in the Shepparton District.
“Shepparton residents will be enjoying the stars in the night sky for many years to come,” said Derek.
To get involved in the next stargazing event, contact Derek Poulton on 0418 559 263.
