Saturday May 12, 2018
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM CDT
May 12, 2018 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Hobbs State Park visitor center located on Hwy 12 just east of the Hwy 12/War Eagle Road intersection
Free
479-789-5000
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Sugar Creek Astronomical Society and the Photographic Society of Northwest Arkansas Partner at Hobbs State Park for an Evening of Night Sky Viewing and Night Photography On Saturday May 12th a special Hobbs State Park Star Party co-hosted by the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society and the Photographic Society of NWA will take place at the Park’s visitor center. The night begins with short lectures at 7:30 pm followed by a Star Party where the public will be able to look through powerful telescopes and practice dark sky photography. Tim Johnson of the Photographic Society of NWA (PSNWA) will kick off the evening with a brief presentation on Night Photography. Tim will show some of the equipment used, techniques, and share some amazing examples of the kind of photographs of the night sky that can be achieved. Come with your camera and tripod for an opportunity to practice in the visitor center parking lot after the lectures. You will want a camera with the ability to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You will also need to be able to manually focus your camera. A cable release is optional but can be a great help. Johnson said, “Following the lecture, we encourage you to take your own night sky photographs during the Star Party.” Next, Rick Marshall, president of Sugar Creek Astronomical Society, will give a presentation on the king of the planets, Jupiter. Rick will cover some facts about the largest planet in our solar system, the history of human investigation of Jupiter and its moons, and then he will cover what to expect when looking at Jupiter during the Star Party. Marshall remarked, “As Summer of 2018 approaches, so too does the parade of planets in the night sky. Venus leads the way, visible until almost 10pm. Just as Venus is setting, Jupiter majestically rises in the East at its largest and brightest. Although we are saying goodnight to Orion the Hunter, more constellations are coming into view with a host of great deep sky nebulae, start clusters, and galaxies to see. This night will be fun for kids as well as adults.” What to Bring if you can: - Camera and a Tripod for Night Sky Photography - Flashlight (covered with a red cloth or red balloon) - Binoculars and/or telescope (if you have) - Folding chair – one per person - Star chart (if you have one) Where: Hobbs State Park Visitor Center located on Hwy 12 just east of the Hwy 12/War Eagle Road intersection. When: Saturday May 12th 2018 7:30 pm Lecture 8:30 for Star Party and night photography Cost: Free