Peering through an observatory telescope, a Cub Scout from Pack 562 of Pleasant Hills yelled, “I want to see Saturn!” As he peered through the lens, he witnessed the crisp, clear, golden planet and four of its 60 moons resembling tiny dots of light surrounding the sphere and its rings.  It was the perfect weather to explore the universe that evening – not a cloud in the sky – for about 70 people ranging in age from 7 to 75 and of all skill levels.

This public star party was held on Friday, April 17 by the Amateur Astronomer Association of Pittsburgh (AAAP) at the Mingo Creek Park Observatory, and there are many more free and open-to-the-public sessions to come.

About 10 amateur astronomers set up telescopes on the observatory hill in Eighty Four, Pa., and picked out constellations, nebulae, planets and galaxies as far as 25 to 30 light years away to view for hours into the night. These enthusiastic astronomers welcome the public to engage in discussions about the universe around them while looking through the astronomers’ personal telescopes as well as the two large computer-operated telescopes managed by the AAAP. 

 “There are things you can understand from the world you can see. How does the world work? There isn’t enough of that in the world right now, of people who know about the world or those who want to find out,” said Fred Klein, engineer, sky photographer and member of the AAAP.

Klein is one of many members of the AAAP who consider the public star parties to be partly their hobby, but mostly a form of community educational outreach. Members of the AAAP hold educational presentations at schools, such as Ellwood, and are present at community events, such as science fairs. The AAAP also offers private star parties.

The AAAP has been a part of promoting the hobby and science of astronomy for 75 years in Western Pennsylvania and has been active in the community. Its 500 members make the club one of the largest of its kind in the nation.

 Klein’s fascination for astronomy began after a trip to Aruba ’s beaches in 1998 to see a total eclipse of the sun. Since then, he and many others have brought their passions to the AAAP organization. Klein has collected a series of his own astronomy photography, and displays his art for all to see from the back of his van as he configures his telescope. He can often be seen viewing the moon with his telescope on the corner of 19^th and East Carson in the South Side of Pittsburgh.

 John Diller, of Munhall, Pa., said his passion for astronomy began after he read The Golden Book of Astronomy, and he has been in and out of the hobby ever since. Diller showed the public three spiral galaxies through his telescope, called the “Leo Trio,” which are 25 to 30 light years away. He studied the stars while he and other Pittsburgh fans from near and far bonded while listening closely to the Penguins game from his car radio. In a relaxed setting, the astronomers introduce young and old to the wonders of astronomy.

In addition to those held at Mingo Creek Park Observatory, the AAAP also holds public star parties at Wagman Observatory in Deer Lakes Park in Allegheny County .  

Where to go

Who: Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

What: Public Star Party

Where: Mingo Creek Park Observatory and Deer Lakes Park

When: The events start at dusk, around 7:30 to 8 p.m. on the following dates:

Mingo Creek Park Observatory

May 1, 2, 15, 16

June 12, 13   

July 24, 25  

August 21, 22  

September 12, 26 

October 10, 24

Wagman Observatory at Deer Lakes Park

May 1, 2,  

June 26, 27

July 24, 25

August 28, 29

September 12, 26

October 10, 24

Be mindful of the weather conditions. A clearer sky means a better chance of seeing stars!

Cost: FREE

Contact: Visit www.3ap.org for more information or email aaap@3ap.org. Contact Mingo Creek Park Observatory at (724) 348-6150 or Wagman Observatory at (724) 224-2510. 

Photo of galaxy by Amateur Astronomer Fred Klien. More photos can be seen at fredkleinastro.com.