May 5, 2016 By Mark Soroka for The 3 min read

Stargazers can learn a little more about the night sky at a Star Party sponsored by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh on Friday and Saturday at Mingo Creek County Park in Finleyville, Washington County.

“Star parties offer a learning experience for just about everyone,” said Mike Meteney, assocation treasurer. “And each star party is unique because the skies are always changing.”

Visitors can view the stars with the naked eye or bring their own telescopes. The association members will answer questions about astronomy, offer advice on telescope selection, or help guests set up and align their telescopes. The viewing will begin at dusk at the observatory near Shelter No. 10, off of Route 136.

“The public is welcome to politely ask members for permission to look through their telescopes,” said Meteny. “That’s an invaluable experience because it gives novices an opportunity to see what the sky looks like through a smaller telescope. Some people become interested enough in astronomy that they later purchase their own telescope.”

In addition, visitors can view the heavens through the observatory’s large fixed telescopes. The 10-inch F-12 D&G refractor telescope has a 4-inch Lunt solar scope that is idea for white-light solar observing. It also provides sharp images of the moon, planets, double and multiple stars, and globular clusters. The 24-inch F-8 optical guidance systems reflector offers stunning views of deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebula, star clusters, comets and super novae.

“Each telescope is optimized for viewing different areas of the sky and for focusing on different objects,” Meteney explained. “In early May, the winter sky is starting to transition to a summer sky. That makes it easier to see the planets more vividly. And there is always the chance you might happen to see a meteor shower while viewing the sky with a telescope.”

Started in 2005, the association has more than 300 members and offers a number of activities and perks for its members. There are no technical qualifications for membership. Students of all ages are welcome.

“From September through May, we have monthly meetings where members can hear speakers from organizations such as NASA and the Jet Propulsion Lab,” said Meteney. “Members who have belonged to the association for at least one year can learn how to use our telescopes and the facility. Our members also make trips for remote star parties at places like Raccoon Creek State Park and Moraine State Park.”

Meteney added that Mingo Creek Park’s vantage point affords an optimum viewing experience. “Most of what we view is southeast to southwest directly overhead,” he said. “Because we are south of Pittsburgh and face away from the city, we have less light pollution. That makes it easier to see objects in the night sky.”

In the event of rain or cloudy conditions, the event will move indoors, where one of the association’s members will make a presentation about astronomy. The event is free to attend, but donations are accepted to help cover operating costs for the facility and support the organization’s community education mission.