Under a quarter moon, Astronomy in the Park, hosted by Acton Conservation Trust (ACT), drew over 120 stargazers and astronomers, including many children. Despite the ever changing cloud cover, it was a warm and beautiful night to be outside on the fields of NARA Park. We observed Saturn with its rings, Jupiter and 5 of the moons, Dumbbell Nebula with green and red coloration from hydrogen and oxygen gasses, Whirlpool Galaxy, Andromeda Galaxy and that beautiful moon! Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston (ATMoB) had six astronomers attending with unique telescopes they had made or adapted. One ACT member brought a personal telescope.
AB STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art & Math) (formerly AB PIP STEM) were collaborators and supporters of this event, including advertising and event logistics. They also held a STEAM astronomy workshop with Robert Carter, Head of Youth Services, at the Acton Memorial library earlier in the day, and partnered with Ian Bergemann, Town of Acton Community Conservation Specialist, on a self-led StoryWalk® of “Stars for Starters” by author Mildred Nash. The StoryWalk® will be up for 1 month at Wills Hole Conservation Land, next to Joseph Lalli Miracle Field at NARA Park (see map image).
Jody Harris is a Board member and Events Coordinator for the Acton Conservation Trust (ACT). She is the Acton Exchange correspondent for ACT.