Events

The Monthly Meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association’s (PAA) will take place November 6th as a “Hybrid Meeting”, both online and in-person at our traditional physical location of the Rotary Education Centre/Guest Services Building, Riverview Park Zoo.

Nothing can stop the spread of information and knowledge by the members of the PAA, including our ability to accommodate those that can’t physically be at the meeting. To participate via Zoom, just make sure that in advance, you opened a (free) Zoom account on whatever iphone or tablet or device you wish to participate with and then contact https://www.peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php for the password and link to our evenings classes and presentations. If you wish to participate in person you are more than welcome to do so at the Zoo.

Our “Novice Astronomy Classes” are focused on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy. You will be introduced to astronomy related subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence. This month’s Novice Astronomy Class will be all about “Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum”. Light, visible light that is, has been the medium through which astronomers have interrogated the Universe for almost all of its history. Yet light has a wide range of wavelengths and energies from the low energy radio waves to the extreme energy of gamma rays. These wavelengths of light, from the least energetic to the highest, comprise the Electromagnetic Spectrum. We will delve into light in all its wavelengths and discover how each provides a different and complementary window through which we can interrogate our Universe. Join us to learn about the many flavours of light and how they have opened our eyes to reveal what had previously been hidden and in so doing understand the cosmos like never before.

In the interactive hands-on portion of the class we will examine the scale of our asteroid belt and see if the media’s portrayal presents an accurate representation of what it would be like to fly through this region of space.

Tune in to be enlightened! If you are even remotely interested, be on-line by 6:00 p.m. to see what you can learn about exploring the Universe around you. The classes will run about 45 minutes each session, before our regular meeting resumes. There’s no obligation to stay for the meeting that follows, but you are more than welcome to if you wish.
Why not check this out? You don’t need to be a member to see this presentation or anything else listed. The price is right… it costs you nothing but your time.

There will also be the usual opportunities to have your questions answered, at no charge. All we ask is that you either come and see us in person at the Zoo or register in advance at https://www.peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php. This is an all ages meeting and the venue is totally barrier free at the Zoo or just relax at home and “live and learn” as they say. Also, you don’t need a telescope to participate, but a curious mind helps.

The Monthly Meeting of the Peterborough Astronomical Association’s (PAA) will take place November 6th as a “Hybrid Meeting”, both online and in-person at our traditional physical location of the Rotary Education Centre/Guest Services Building, Riverview Park Zoo.

Nothing can stop the spread of information and knowledge by the members of the PAA, including our ability to accommodate those that can’t physically be at the meeting. To participate via Zoom, just make sure that in advance, you opened a (free) Zoom account on whatever iphone or tablet or device you wish to participate with and then contact https://www.peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php for the password and link to our evenings classes and presentations. If you wish to participate in person you are more than welcome to do so at the Zoo.

Shortly after 7:00 p.m. we will have a presentation by our PAA Director-at-large, Walter Gebhart, on “AI as a Tutor in Astrophotography”. The central theme evolved from a technical investigation of telescope tracking into something more interesting: Demonstrating how artificial intelligence can act as a tutor and problem-solving partner in astrophotography. 10Micron GM2000 HPS tracking investigation: Measuring unguided tracking performance at 3,914 mm focal length.

Why not check this out? You don’t need to be a member to see this presentation or anything else listed. The price is right… it costs you nothing but your time.

There will also be the usual opportunities to have your questions answered, at no charge. All we ask is that you either come and see us in person at the Zoo or register in advance at https://www.peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php. This is an all ages meeting and the venue is totally barrier free at the Zoo or just relax at home and “live and learn” as they say. Also, you don’t need a telescope to participate, but a curious mind helps.

Our “Novice Astronomy Classes” are focused on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy. You will be introduced to astronomy related subjects at a very basic level, but in a logical sequence.

All meetings are open to the public so drop by and see what we are about. The PAA meets the first Friday of each month at 7 P.M., except for July and August, in the Rotary Education Centre in the new Guest Services Building at the Riverview Park and Zoo. Throughout the year, members enjoy informal talks from notable figures.

As of January 2023, all meetings are hybrid and offer a choice of in-person attendance at the Peterborough Zoo or online via Zoom.