WEST MILFORD — The Friends of Wallisch Homestead (FOWH) hosted a stargazing party last month that was quite a hit. The North Jersey Astronomical Group (NJAG) held a 30-minute presentation outlining the solar system and the universe. Mary Lou West and Laura Kelm of NJAG lead the presentation during the power point slide show, which was projected on a screen hung on the side of the Learning Center for the occasion.
The constellations of the spring heavens, Orion, Leo and Ursa Major, were the focus of the stars. During the discussion of the planets, Venus and Jupiter were already visible, West stopped to point out a fairly rare sighting of Mercury. The night was so clear and with the sun already behind Bearfort Mountain, Mercury trailed the sun for about 30 minutes before it too dipped behind the mountain. Meteors, meteorites, asteroids, moons and satellites were also discussed during the presentation.
By the end of the slide show it was dark enough to have a good look at the night sky. Several members of NJAG brought high powered telescopes to the event which were set up for everyone to have a close-up look at planets, galaxies and the occasional Nebula, far, far away.
If you missed this presentation, NJAG will be holding a repeat performance on Saturday, Aug. 8. This event will present the summer heavens and be a precursor to the Perseid's Meteor Shower which happens Aug. 12.
This event was the second presentation in a series bringing educational topics to the Wallisch Homestead and the West Milford community by the Friends of Wallisch Homestead, Inc. If you would like to help or have an idea for a topic you would like to see presented, email wallischhomestead@gmail.com or visit their website at wallischhomestead.org.