Reach for the Stars with Help of Astronomy Clubs
By Jay Sternickle
Article originally appeared in Lake Life (Pull-Out Section)
Lakeland Newspapers, Lake County, Illinois
By Jay Sternickle
Article originally appeared in Lake Life (Pull-Out Section)
Lakeland Newspapers, Lake County, Illinois
Lake County residents who are interested in astronomy now have two area clubs to help them develop their desire to reach for the stars. The newly formed Waukegan Public Library Astronomy Club and veteran Lake County Astronomical Society both offer the opportunity to turn a simple interest about the night sky into a lifetime love of astronomy.
“Awe. That's why most people get involved in astronomy,” Explained Bob Bjork, the Waukegan club coordinator. “It's just as simple as that. Show someone the rings of Saturn through a good telescope and that' the reaction you'll get – awe!”
“Awe. That's why most people get involved in astronomy,” Explained Bob Bjork, the Waukegan club coordinator. “It's just as simple as that. Show someone the rings of Saturn through a good telescope and that' the reaction you'll get – awe!”
The Waukegan club had more than 35 people attend its first meeting and is still in the early stages of forming. The club will be meeting monthly and all Lake county residents are invited to attend. Bjork stressed that people with all levels of interest and knowledge are welcome.
“More than half the people attending the first meeting had appositely no knowledge about astronomy - they didn't even own a telescope,” said Bjork “But that's the wonderful thing about being in an astronomy club. You don't even need a telescope, other people have them and they are usually willing to share.”
“More than half the people attending the first meeting had appositely no knowledge about astronomy - they didn't even own a telescope,” said Bjork “But that's the wonderful thing about being in an astronomy club. You don't even need a telescope, other people have them and they are usually willing to share.”
“Some of the light you're looking at in the sky is four billion years old. You're looking back in time. You're looking at light that was created before this planet was formed, that's mind-boggling.”
Bjork, who is a circulation clerk at the library, said he started the club because he wanted to share his love of astronomy with others. He stressed that the hobby is as much about being social as it is about science.
“That's the great thing about most astronomers, they're very generous folks. It becomes a very social thing,” said Bjork “It's an interest that brings people together. There're no issues of race, sex, or ego.”
“Some of the light you're looking at in the sky if four billion years old. You're looking back in time. You're looking at light that was created before this planet was formed, that's mind-boggling. It puts things into perspective. We really are insignificant in the larger sense of the universe. That's what I love about astronomy. You can share our interest with anyone - a doctor, a lawyer, a bartender - it doesn't matter when you're looking through an eyepeice.”
The next Waukegan Public Library Astronomy Club meeting will be Friday, May 9 at 8 pm in Bowen Park in Waukegan. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the library. For more information contact Bjork at (847) 623-2041.
Mike Polzin, the publicity chairman of the Lake County Astronomical Society (LCAS) agreed that astronomy clubs are a great way for the general public to learn more about the hobby. LCAS has more than 85 members and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in February 2002.
LCAS meets monthly in the Volo Bog State Natural Area Visitor Center, Ingleside. Members of the public are always welcome to the meetings, but due-paying club members gain a variety of special benefits. Some of these benefits include: use of the club's telescopes, access to books and computer programs in the LCAS library, help in acquiring telescopes and guidance in using them, and annual trips to the Southwest for very dark sky observing. Dues are $20 a year.
There will be a special opportunity for the public to learn more about astronomy, on Saturday, May 10 when LCAS presents it annual “Astronomy Day.” The event will be held at the Volo Bog Visitor Center from 10am to 3pm.
Event activities will include a comet-making demonstration, a scale model of the solar system, telescope displays, Solar observing (looking at the sun through specially equipped telescopes) and children's activities. A public “star party” will kick off when darkness falls.