Open your eyes ...
and your mind. In mid-summer, the Milky Way runs from the northern horizon
straight overhead and down into the southern constellation, Sagittarius.
When you view it you are looking across our galaxy and into its core, which
is just off the tip of the Sagittarius Tea Pot.
Meet
BHO's Captain and her first mate. John and Deb Crossen comprise the crew
at Buckhorn Observatory. John is the resident astronomer and your tour guide
as we rocket through the universe. First you scan the skies with your eyes,
then through binoculars and finally through different types of telescopes
... all while John delivers his interesting and fun commentary and answers
your questions.
The constellations
tell tales. Your sky tour begins on the Kidner StarDeck. Seated on the U-shaped
benches, you will be treated to a laser tour of the constellations. John's
laser pointer sends a bright green shaft of light 5,000 feet up. You'd think
it actually touches the stars. John not only connects the dots for you,
but tells you a little of the lore that goes with each of the constellations.
Care to "biggie"
your eyes? BHO has eight pair of binoculars so guests can do a little
space exploration on their own. John will also help you find the faint
fuzzies with the laser pointer. Using them you will learn to find such
objects as the Andromeda Galaxy, the Pleiades and the Double Cluster.
The Andromeda Galaxy
(M31) and its two companions as photographed by Port Perry, Ontario astronomer,
Denis Gauthier.