Mother Nature's Light Show

Written by Lois Jung

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel into space, walk on the moon, touch the stars?  Forty years ago this summer, man finally reached this frontier when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin of the Apollo 11 Mission touched down on the surface of the moon.  Since odds are you weren’t on that mission, you might be interested to know that local amateur and professional astronomers alike can now take a virtual trip into space at a new St. Charles County park.  Broemmelsiek Park located off Hwy DD at the intersection of Schwede and Wilson roads, has opened a permanent astronomy viewing site.  This beautifully designed area has several paved pads for telescopes and grassy knolls that are perfect for spreading out a blanket and relaxing among the stars on a fall evening.  

The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM), founded in 2005, assisted the St. Charles County Parks Department in locating and developing the astronomy viewing site.  The location was selected for its convenience, low light pollution and hospitable terrain.  Recently, ASEM debuted its observatory, a beautiful wooden structure with a retractable roof, and permanently installed a donated 10-inch Meade LX-200 telescope for public star gazing events.  Members of the Society are available on public viewing nights to answer any questions you may have, share their telescopes with first-time star gazers, and impart their love of the stars.

“Star gazing can be a year-round hobby with optimal conditions being dark, dark and DARK,” states ASEM member James Roe.  Winter provides more hours of darkness, but may be uncomfortable for those who don’t enjoy the cold.  Summer offers fewer hours of darkness, but often more pleasant conditions.  The best time of the month is when the moon is not visible, for it offers its own light pollution and therefore only the brightest objects are viewable.  If you wish to observe a particular celestial body, its position in the night sky will determine which season offers the best conditions for viewing.  

ASEM conducts regular beginner meetings the first Tuesday of the month, where they can show you how to use the telescope you received last Christmas that has never been out of the box.  And if you didn’t receive that wish list item, they can give you advice on how to purchase your first telescope for around $300.  Roe adds, “To become a member of ASEM, simply come to a meeting, fill out an application and pay $50 for a one year family membership.  The benefits of membership include club activities, use of club telescopes, equipment and more.”  Most club activities are open to the public and free.

Whether you are a seasoned star gazer, or a novice intrigued by the wonders of the universe, there is a place for you in the new observatory.  Come and be star struck by Mother Nature’s light show.  Members of the Society plan to hold regular open houses every Friday night, starting in September.  Events that are currently scheduled are Saturday, August 22 and September 19 at Broemmelsiek Park and Saturday, October 17 at Klondike Park.  To find out what celestial events you can view in the coming months, visit the ASEM website at www.ASEMonline.org