2016 Astronomy Night at the Mall

By Stephen A. Tzikas

On June 10, the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA) partnered with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) at the Sixth Annual Astronomy Festival on the National Mall.  This is a free event in Washington, DC.  This public stargazing is organized by Dr. Donald Lubowich, Coordinator of Astronomy Outreach at Hofstra University.  The event featured solar, optical, and/or radio telescope observations of the Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn; hands-on activities, demonstrations, hand-outs, posters, a planetarium show with a portable blow-up dome, speakers from scientific and educational organizations, and a chance to mingle with astronomers.

This was my fourth straight year participating at the event for SARA and I have watched it attract greater and greater crowds. Over a dozen optical telescopes at the Mall drew long lines of people eager to catch a glimpse of the Moon, planets, or other objects.  Along with myself, Ken Redcap and Kerry Smith also represented SARA. As soon as it reached twilight, all three of us were speaking non-stop about radio astronomy.  Among the many individuals visiting the SARA table were students and teachers, pleased to learn about the SARA Grant program.  Many retirees were present too, eager to pursue new interests.