Learn about our nighttime skies with the Southern Maine Astronomers

The nighttime sky is a place of wonder. The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is delighted to host Russ Pinizzotto and Rob Burgess of the Southern Maine Astronomers (SMA) for a lecture on Maine Astronomy, sure to dazzle with information and sparkle with insight! The virtual lecture will take place on Thursday, March 31 at 6 p.m. and will detail the actions being taken by individuals and organizations, including right here in mid-coast Maine, to preserve our nighttime skies. Participants are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions during the Q&A portion of the lecture.

Topics covered will include light pollution issues, the new challenge of satellites, and highlights of the evening sky in late winter, such as the Winter Hexagon (Orion, Gemini, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Taurus, Auriga) and Ursa Major (Big Dipper). Registration is free and required to receive the Zoom link for the presentation. For more information and to sign-up, visit KELT’s website at www.kennebecestuary.org/upcoming-events or call (207) 442-8400.

Southern Maine Astronomers is a community of amateur and professional astronomers that is fascinated with the science of astronomy and enjoys sharing it with others. Through star parties, lectures, school presentations, mentorships, equipment sharing and the like the club actively engages in outreach to make astronomy accessible to those with an interest. As a member of the International Dark Sky Association and Dark Sky Maine, SMA is actively involved in fighting light pollution and preserving our dark Maine skies.

Russ Pinizzotto is an amateur astronomer living in Phippsburg, Maine. When not out observing, he is the Interim Provost at Simmons University in Boston. Rob Burgess is a founding member of Southern Maine Astronomers and for the last two years has served as its president. He has a backyard observatory at his home in Brunswick and is always willing to share it with others who have an interest.