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Star Gazing at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm

Join The Central Maine Astronomical Society at the Damariscotta River Association’s Great Salt Bay Farm for a star party this Saturday, July 7, 2018, at 9:00pm.

Saturday, July 7, 2018
9:00pm (earlier setup welcome)
Rain Date: Saturday July 14

Great Salt Bay Farm
Damariscotta River Association
110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta, ME 04543

July is an especially fine month for planets. Officially, the planet Mars has two great events occurring simultaneously this summer, yet one could also claim three. First, it will be closer to Earth than at any time in the past fifteen years. That means it appears to be larger in the sky, and so becomes brighter. Second, when it is closest, it will also be directly opposite the Sun, as seen from Maine’s night sky. This makes it appear brighter still! With these two events together, Mars will become even brighter than Jupiter, which also means (third!) that the “Red Planet” will change from its usual subtle coloration, to screaming bright redness. Nature gives her gifts as she will and Mars needs time to rise, so all this goodness may not be apparent until nearer to midnight. Still, this is one of many treats awaiting CMAS’s astronomers and our always-welcome guests, and there will be plenty else to see while we wait: The rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and endless collections of distant galaxies, colored double stars, and shining nebulae, all rising into skies above Great Salt Bay Farm.

Should the clouds foil us, no worries; happens half the time. Just show up one week later, on Saturday, July 14, for another chance at the same fine show.

A SPECIAL NOTE TO MEMBERS OF THE DAMARISCOTTA RIVER AND PEMAQUID WATERSHED ASSOCIATIONS

We hope you will join us for our star parties at all of our locations, but especially at you own Great Salt Bay Farm. If you are planning to attend, or even are just curious, be sure to join our newsletter. Astronomy depends upon clear skies, so we use this mailing list both to confirm and postpone star parties:

http://tinyletter.com/MaineAstro

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