An Astronomy Double Header at the Irving Nature Park

Join members of RASC NB and the Saint John Astronomy Club for viewing two special sky events within the Irving Nature Park on Wednesday, August 12. Both events occur in the upper parking lot near the kiosk, weather permitting.

In the afternoon, from 1:30 to 4:00, safely filtered telescopes will be focused on a partial solar eclipse as the Moon covers approximately 30% of the Sun. The eclipse begins at 1:55 and lasts for nearly two hours. We are two years beyond the peak activity of the 11-year solar cycle but there should be sunspots and other features to see as a bonus.

The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12/13 with no Moon to brighten the sky. Although the peak time will be after midnight when the constellation Perseus rises higher, often in the evening we see some bright shooting stars streaming a long path across the upper atmosphere. In addition, between 9 and 11 pm several telescopes will be set up for observing Venus, star clusters, nebulas, galaxies and double stars. The gate at the park entrance will reopen at 8:30 pm for this event.