Observe the Planets at PARI

 You are invited to join PARI astronomers Saturday, August 27, to view an unusual clustering of planets in the evening sky.  The event is scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m. on the PARI campus.
“For the month of August keen observers of the evening sky will be able to see all five of the classical naked-eye planets starting immediately after sunset” said PARI Astronomer/Educator Dr. Bob Hayward.  “This is coupled with an unusual happenstance of the two brightest of these planets passing so close together that they will appear as one to the naked eye.  Jupiter is settling into the sunset while Venus rises out of it.  On August 27 the two will pass approximately 0.1 degree apart. This should be a spectacular sight both with the eye and through a telescope although it will be very

low in the evening twilight. Even lower, but visible, is the elusive Mercury.  In the meantime Mars has just passed between the Saturn and the star Antares, the heart of the scorpion, in the south. These are all visible to the naked eye.  And to ice the cake for those with telescopes, the planet Neptune is rising about this time.  This observing event is for the entire family, so come and join us.  Early in the evening we’ll point out Jupiter, Venus and Mercury before they set. Then stay around to view Mars and Saturn and catch Neptune in PARI’s telescopes.”

Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. the day of the event.  The cost is $15 per person.  Children 10 and under are admitted free.  Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or call (828) 862-5554.  If inclement weather prevents the outdoor observations, this program will be cancelled and registrants will be notified by 4 p.m. the day of the event.  PARI will apply any payment toward another evening special program or provide a refund upon request.

For additional information contact Sarah Chappell at schappell@pari.edu