YOUNGSTOWN — Six-year-old Madison King of Austintown was checking out what she could see through several telescopes in the Planetarium at Youngstown State University.
The grade-schooler attended a recent family event focused on looking at the solar system and finding suitable telescopes with her parents Pat and Allison and two-year-old sister Mia.
The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society hosts stargazing events throughout the year in the Tori County area, with programs at the planetarium in the winter.
The Kings brought their daughters to the event to help everyone understand how best to use their telescope at home.
“We want to learn about the different telescopes.
Jodi McCullough, president of MVAS in Salem, said the association is focused on advancing the science of astronomy and telling the public what to look for when getting a telescope.
“When choosing a telescope, I recommend looking at different options. When it comes to choosing a telescope, there are many options and different types of eyepieces. The lower the number, the higher the magnification. In astronomy, we talk about the magnification of the solar system, you want to see it and you don’t want it to magnify too much,” McCullough said.
McCullough said telescopes will help people see the solar system better. Telescopes may reveal that what people see as one star may actually be two or more stars in close proximity to each other, she said.
“There’s one perfect type of telescope, and that’s all. Every telescope has different advantages,” she said.
Bigger telescopes collect more light, says McCullough. Light travels through the telescope, reflects onto the mirror, and through the eyepiece. She notes that in northeastern Ohio, the front lenses of many outdoor telescopes often fog up in cold weather, so special heaters are added.
“I tell people to buy what they can afford and buy what they use. increase.
McCullough said many members could do research with the telescope.
She said several locations, such as the Hubbard Public Library and the Columbiana Public Library, have telescopes that the public can borrow and use.
telescope program
Throughout the year, MVAS members host a variety of community events, including the Ward Beecher Planetarium on the YSU campus, which showcases various types of telescopes.
On January 28th, at 1:00 pm, the planetarium will host “You’ve Got a Telescope”, where you’ll learn how to use a telescope.
YSU Astronomy/Physics Professor Patrick Darrell says everyone has different needs when it comes to telescopes.
“For some people, affordability is a little more important. What works for one person may not work for another. Talk to them about what they want and how much they want to spend. says Durrell.
Salem’s Roy McCullough said the MVAS aims to meet once a month for club meetings and then look at the sky.
“We try to schedule public events in various locations, but the weather doesn’t always work together. We’re talking about holding presentations indoors and showing people what they see outside at night ” he said.
Roy McCullough said the club will go to Braceville, where the observatory is located. Events are also scheduled at Boardman Park, Trumbull County Fairgrounds, Metroparks Farm in Canfield, and parks in Austintown and Lisbon.
Warren’s Don Cherry said the club has great members with whom they can share a lot of knowledge.
“We are always learning something new from each other. We are at the Braceville location in the spring, summer and fall. I like interacting with people who have a sense of humor,” Cherry said.
Karl Rand, a science teacher at Boardman High School, said he likes having access to different types of telescopes.
“Learning about different telescopes is very important. When you go to different conferences and events, you meet people who are willing to share what they have. It gives you good ideas,” he said. rice field.
Boardman’s school has a grant-acquired telescope for use by students and staff, Rand said.
For information on MVAS and upcoming events, please visit https://mvobservatory.com/.
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