Astronomy Program

On a chilly but clear night close to 100 people gathered in the Upper Reis parking lot to get a closer glimpse of the moon and other celestial objects.  Visible were the planet Neptune, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Planetary Nebula.  Invited by the Children's Librarians,  members of the Westchester Amateur Astronomers club set up 5 telescopes of various sizes (one of them bigger than the kids themselves!) and patiently adjusted and focused the lenses so each child could peer intently at the moon and the far away stars.  The volunteers answered numerous questions about the distance and origin of the stars and planets.  Favorite comment of the night from a 4th grader:  "This is REAL!"  Thanks to the Parks and Rec department and AYSO for helping us arrange to turn out the lights for this one special night.