Naperville Astronomical Association celebrating 50 years
The Naperville Astronomical Association invites the community to join in its 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Aug. 19.
It will be the culmination of a yearlong series of observances, including recently receiving a mayoral proclamation. City, state legislative, U.S. Representatives, and other notable officials are expected to attend, as well as notable local amateur astronomers.
Special guests speakers will be commemorating the Naperville Astronomical Association's community involvement and contribution to Naperville and surrounding communities.
The event will start at 6 p.m. at the Astronomy Education Center, on the Springbrook water reclamation plant property at 3712 Plainfield-Naperville Road in Naperville.
The Naperville Astronomical Association has served the community for 50 years with free public observing at the Astronomy Education Center, two free monthly meetings, outreach to schools, and more.
The Naperville Astronomical Association is an astronomy club with over 200 people who share an interest in exploring the universe beyond our planet, both with our eyes and our minds. They have found their enjoyment of astronomy can be enhanced when it is shared with others; the young and old, the beginner, advanced amateur, and the professional.
Public programs
The next "Astronomy Fundamentals" program will be on October's annular eclipse. The program, which is free and open to the public, will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, in the downstairs meeting room at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
They also will be hosting two public stargazing events this month.
"Free Viewing Through Our Telescopes" will be offered from dusk to 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Naperville Riverwalk by the Dandelion Fountain at Jackson and Webster streets.
Come stroll through Naperville's Riverwalk Park and see some amazing views through the telescopes for free!
On Saturday, Aug. 26, come see the wonders of the heavens through the observatory telescopes, as well as through members' personal scopes set up on the lawn.
The "Free Public Stargazing" will be from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Astronomy Education Center, 3712 Plainfield-Naperville Road in Naperville.
All of the public nights are free, but they do depend on the weather, so be sure to check again on the day of the event to be sure it's happening as scheduled.
A notice should be displayed on the calendar and on the NAA homepage by 2 p.m. the afternoon of the event.
Follow www.facebook.com/naperastro.