April is Astronomy Month at TPML

Later this month, you may start hearing about Astronomy Week, set for April 23-29, or Astronomy Day, April 28, as various groups and organizations host events to mark event.The staff and volunteers at Tye Preston Memorial Library decided that with a topic as wide as, well the universe, a week just didn’t allow enough time to really explore the subject. So rather than just a week, TPML is dedicating the month of April to a variety of programs involving astronomy.

 TPML’s “Astronomy Month” kicks off this Tuesday, April 3, with a  special “I Heard it at the Library” program starting at 6 p.m. Dr. René  DeHon will present “From Lunacy to Apollo: a brief look at changing views of the moon” for the evening’s program, which includes science hypotheses through time as well as the moon in literature and movies.
DeHon has a PhD in Geology. His research has emphasized planetary geology which includes geologic mapping on the moon, Mercury, Mars and Ganymede.

This week’s Wednesday Lunch-N-Learn will help you focus in on using your telescope. Beginning at Noon and presented by the New Braunfels Astronomy Club, this will be a hands-on workshop with plenty of time to ask questions. If you already own a telescope, you are encouraged to bring it. If you are just thinking about buying one, the club members will offer pointers on what type to buy. There will be a demonstration telescope if you don’t already have one.

Starting Friday, April 6, and continuing for an additional five Fridays this month and next, TPML will host a series called The Great Courses featuring “Our Night Sky.” Two 30-minute lectures will be held each Friday, starting at 1 p.m. The dates this month are April 6, 13, 27. Next month’s lectures will be held on May 11, 18 and 25.The lectures will be provided through a DVD set that was donated by Bob Keyser of the New Braunfels Astronomy Club. Permission to show the lectures has been granted by The Great Courses. For more information, visit www.thegreatcourses.com and search for “Our Night Sky.”

On April 28, TPML will host its third public Star Party. The evening will begin at 8:30 with a presentation in the meeting room. Participants will be given a short lesson in astronomy and a sneak peek at the evening’s sights.  It should be dark enough by about 9:15 to walk up to the observatory. It is a good idea to bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes. The Star Party will end at 11 p.m.