On Saturday, February 12, 2022, Astronomy magazine will sponsor the 10th annual skywatching party at the East Campus Observatory of Pima Community College (PCC) in Tucson, Arizona. The address there is 8181 East Irvington Road. Activities begin at 6:30 P.M. and continue through 9 P.M.
The event is hosted by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA), one of the most active astronomy clubs in the United States.
In addition to telescopes set up by the TAAA, the Pima Community College Observatory will be open throughout the night. Its 14-inch telescope will target deep-sky treats.
The Moon, a few days beyond First Quarter, will be visible, as will a large number of deep-sky objects. As twilight ends, the Pleiades star cluster (M45) will come into view. This will be a great object to view through binoculars and telescopes with a wide field of view. The Orion Nebula (M42) also will be a highlight. This star forming region is the middle “star” in the sword of the constellation Orion the Hunter.
Fellowship with other stargazing enthusiasts, the opportunity to ask questions about lots of different telescopes, and the prospect of clear skies mean that the 2022 Tucson Star Party is shaping up as a “must see” event. So, when you make plans to come out, be sure to bring family and friends. And remember, the star party will be held Saturday, February 12, at the Pima Community College East Campus Observatory, 8181 East Irvington Road, southeast of the center of the city.
See you there!
