9/22/2007 - Moon Viewing at the County Museum The San Bernardino County Museum's education division will join the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers to present a "Moon Party" at the San Bernardino County Museum on Saturday, September 22 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event is free to public. The Amateur Astronomers will bring powerful telescopes to offer close views of the waxing gibbous moon. The opportunity to get close-up views of the night sky is geared for all ages. "We looked at the gibbous moon in August at the museum," said Curator of Education Jolene Redvale, "and 400 people joined us to take a peek. Everyone loves to get a good look at our familiar moon." The word "gibbous" is from the Latin for "hump." In astronomy, it means that more than half of a planet or moon can be seen, but the entire disk is not illuminated. "The beautiful gibbous moon will reveal all sorts of details, namely the large 'seas' or ancient lava flows and spoke-like 'ray systems' seen around some very large craters," said Chris Clarke, Program Coordinator for the San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers. "Numerous features along the day/night edge, called the terminator, will also appear in stark relief. We'll also have a last look at Jupiter before it fades into the 'sun's domain' next month. Giant Jupiter reveals interesting atmospheric stripes along with its four largest moons that seem to dance around the planet, as they slowly move around in their orbits." The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, request should be made through Museum Visitors Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services' telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 or TDD (909) 792-1462. Back

San Bernardino County Museum - (909) 307-2669 - 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, California 92374 TDD/TYY: (909) 792-1462