The sun and moon will be the topics of a program at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14, at the MSU St. Andrews Center, 1910 W. St. Andrews Road (the next driveway west of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library).

The program will begin with a short presentation describing different telescopes, along with information on the sun and the moon, including some discussion of eclipses. An observation session will follow as participants view the sun through a telescope, using special filters designed for solar viewing. People never should look at the sun through a telescope without a solar filter.

Participants should be able to see sunspots if they are in view asa well as the effects of earth's atmosphere as it warms up during the day.

The moon will also be in the sky that morning. People can compare daytime vs. nighttime viewing. That day, the moon will be in last quarter phase. Many craters will be visible, as well as some of the lunar "seas" and the "Ocean of Storms."

The program is recommended for elementary-age children and above, and their families, but all are welcome. There is no cost.

This program is made possible in part by support from the Dow Chemical Co. Foundation.

In case of clouds or bad weather, the event will move to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Originally posted here:

Family astronomy day coming to MSU center in Midland - Midland Daily News