Kelseyville >> At Taylor Observatory’s “Window to the Universe” lecture on Saturday Jim DeManche, vice president of the Sonoma County Astronomical Society (SCAS), describes the new 40-inch reflecting telescope that’s now under construction.
The objective of the Sonoma group’s ambitious project is to bring deep space objects, including distant galaxies, into view for casual visitors to the Ferguson Observatory near Santa Rosa. Nearly every object we see in the sky with the naked eye and most telescopes belongs to the Milky Way Galaxy; the new telescope at Ferguson, with its exceptional light-gathering ability, will provide exciting views beyond our galaxy into distant worlds without the need to use long exposure cameras.
In addition to his discussion of this special Newtonian scope, DeManche will present an overview of the successful Sonoma County astronomy group and describe how their interaction with Sonoma County’s population, including school children, enhances the appreciation of astronomy in Northern California. DeManche was honored as Docent of the Year for the Ferguson Observatory in 2012.
The event at Taylor begins at 7:15 p.m. with the first of two planetarium showings, followed by DeManche’s talk at 8 p.m. and a second planetarium show at 9 p.m. Weather, and smoke, permitting guests can observe the night sky through the Taylor’s various telescopes. Both the moon and Saturn are well positioned currently. Eduardo Alatorre, Taylor docent and Friends of Taylor board member, will host of Saturday’s event, assisted by fellow board member Tom Schleif. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.
Taylor is located at the end of Oak Hills Lane in Kelseyville. For further information call Taylor President Bill Haddon at (415) 209-3084 or consult the website www.taylorobservatory.org.
