One of the perks of being at the late stage of summer is that sunset appears earlier with each passing day, making for earlier stargazing activities.
And on Thursday, Sept. 6, the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPL), along with the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association, invites the public come out for a special education-focussed evening that promises to light up the imagination and intellect as they ask we turn our focus to their
Night Sky Trivia event.
This one night only event starts in the GRPL’s Chaffee Planetarium, which seeks to showcase how to identify the summer constellations, and will also offer an extended version of the Under Scorching Skies live show.
Immediately after the planetarium show, attendees will venture outside for a hands-on telescopic observation event with the
Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA).
This group will showcase what is viewable from the city under the summer night's sky. You will learn how to work with a star chart and meet astronomy experts who will help answer any questions and also guide the experience.
GRAAA projects that with clear conditions, guests will be able to see Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, as well as some of the very brightest stars such as those that make up the Summer Triangle.
The outdoor observation portion is weather-dependent and so should it rain, plan on participating in the alternate indoor activities, which include a trivia tournament in the museum’s newly renovated Meijer Theater.
Tickets are $8 for Museum members, and $12 for non-members. GRPM doors open at 7 p.m., with the planetarium show beginning at 7:30 p.m.