All eyes were on the nights sky recently during an Astronomy Skywatch program hosted by the Everglades Astronomical Society on the beaches of Lovers Key State Park.
The society was invited to bring their high-powered telescopes and gives locals a view and lessons on the moon, the constellations and even the rings of Saturn.
“Since the park is closed at night there are few opportunities for people to see the night sky,” said Brie Jamison, the parks spokesperson. “It’s nice to be able to host this event and have everyone come out and enjoy the park.”
The astronomical society was invited to host the program by the Friends of Lovers Key, the parks citizen support organization.
The group thought it would be a good way to support the park and educate the public.
“Every other month we have events for our members to come but we opened this one to the public so people can enjoy the park,” said Cheryl Hohmann, the Friends of Lovers Key membership chairman adding that their are currently 103 members.
And, enjoy the park they did. More than 60 came out in long pants and sweaters to enjoy a breezy walk to the beach.
“We don’t have too many constellations tonight because of light pollution but we can use the moon,” said Rick Piper, president of the astronomical society while pointing to stars using a green laser pointer.
Piper also spoke about the telescopes and how they showed images of the moon, orion nebula and saturn.
“It’s great! I did this on a camping trip once but this sky is so much nicer from here,” said Peggy Wood, of Bonita Springs. “To see the rings of saturn is really great.”
Jamison, who helped get everyone situated at the beach, said the event was a rare opportunity.
“This is the first time that we have this event at Lovers Key and it’s nice to do observations during the winter month,” Jamison said. “ ... there are less bugs.”
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