BRISTOL ASTRONOMY CLUB TO HOST

FREE SATURN WATCH ON FRIDAY, MAY 13TH

Members of the Bristol Astronomy Club are planning a public viewing session featuring the planet Saturn from Charlie Robinette Park beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Friday May 13th.  The group, which normally meets monthly at King College, is shifting the location for May so that the community can join in for some fun observing.  Club telescopes will clearly show the ring system of Saturn even though it travels through an orbit that’s about a billion miles away from our Earth-- to put that in perspective, if you could drive there at 100 mph, it would take over 900 years to reach the planet.  Much closer to home, Earth’s Moon will also be well placed for viewing the night of the event.  Club president Tom Rutherford says, “the club loves to share the wonders of the night sky with new viewers.”  He says that the group plans to observe until about 10 p.m. from the park’s location.  If the weather cooperates, there may also be a chance to view other objects such as double stars and a few brighter star clusters.  The famous “Beehive Cluster”, near the constellation Leo, is a favorite of the group in the spring skies.  Should the weather prove cloudy, there is a covered picnic shelter at the site and the group will present some basic information regarding stargazing and telescopes for anyone that shows up.   Charlie Robinette Park is located on Vance Drive and is directly across the street from Rooster Front at Steele Creek Park.  The event’s location should provide adequate parking for a large group of sky gazers.  The Bristol Astronomy Club encourages viewers of any age to come join the fun on Friday the 13th.  Information regarding the event can be found at www.bristolastronomy.org.  Please check the club website for last-minute schedule changes.

Directions to Charlie Robinette Park:

From Bristol, take the Volunteer Parkway south out of town (toward the BMS).  About 1/2 mile past the Lowes/ Food City shopping centers, turn right onto Vance Drive (just past Sam Snead/General Tire) and drive until you see the park on your right.

From BMS, travel toward Bristol.  About 1/2 mile past Friendship Ford, turn left onto Vance Drive (just before SAm Snead/General Tire).  Drive until you see the park on your right.