Community program: Stargazing 101 - a beginner’s guide to the night sky

December 09, 2024| Community, Education, Events

By: Patrick Krudop

The sky is no longer the limit! Join us on January 23 with Justin McCarthy, Hopatcong Observatory creator and founder, for an engaging introduction to astronomy designed for beginners. Discover the basics of stargazing, from using binoculars and telescopes (both refracting and reflecting) to spotting incredible sights like galaxies, nebulas, planets, star clusters, comets, and meteor showers. Weather permitting, you might even enjoy a live demonstration and a chance to view a planet up close through a telescope! Don’t forget to dress for the weather and get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars.

Program Details

• Thursday, January 23 at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
• Lake Hopatcong Foundation, 125 Landing Road, Landing, NJ
• FREE - donations are appreciated
• Registration is required (form below)

Program Presenter

Justin McCarthy is a structural engineer with a deep passion for astronomy, which began 18 years ago at the Stellafane Convention. His fascination with the beauty of distant, invisible objects in the night sky fuels his dedication to the field. In 2017, Justin combined his engineering skills and love for astronomy to build the Hopatcong Observatory as his Eagle Scout Project, creating a space dedicated to teaching local students and scouts about the wonders of the universe. In 2023, he and a group of locals formed the Hopatcong Observatory Astronomy Club to manage the observatory and promote its use. Since its creation, the club has hosted several public events, including a solar eclipse event attended by over 300 people, as well as multiple science classes and scout troops. As the only observatory in our region, the club is committed to its mission of fostering a deeper understanding of astronomy for everyone.

This program has concluded, and registration is now closed.