Change is in the Air- Astronomy Night

High Bridge Trail State Park will host an astronomy event under the stars on Saturday, September 15, 2012, beginning on the bridge at 8:30 p.m. and presented by Friends Group members, Bruce and Karen Bellenir. As summer gives way to autumn, the change is visible in the night sky. The Summer Triangle, which started its rise in the east just a few  months ago, is now high overhead and starting its descent toward the  west where it will eventually set. In the northern sky, the Big Dipper  is approaching its lowest position just above the horizon, and in the  east, the stars that will rule over the crisp fall evenings to come  are rising.

Participants in this astronomy event will learn why the nighttime stars change with the seasons and why seasons occur on earth. They  will also receive a sky tour of currently visible constellations and  other objects in the night sky and have an opportunity to get a closer look through tripod-mounted binoculars and a telescope (clouds permitting).

Interested individuals are advised to arrive at the River Road parking lot no later than 8:00 and proceed 9/10 of a mile along the trail to High Bridge. Don't forget to bring drinking water and maybe a light jacket in case it gets cool. For answers to any questions or directions please call the park office at 434-315-0457.