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February 22, 2010

From Cetus to Cassiopeia: Star party draws sky gazers to Cumberland Falls

By Becky Manley / Staff Writer

Drawing gasps and exclamations from admirers, the moon was the top celebrity during Saturday’s Star Party at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.

The moon, Mars and some of the constellations that dot the night sky were viewed during the park’s Moonbow Astronomy Center Star Party.

The monthly parties begin with an indoor briefing by Steve Gilbert, a park naturalist, about the stars and planets to be viewed before participants go outside where up to three telescopes may be available.

During Saturday’s briefing, participants were handed a copy of a star map and a compass before Gilbert talked about constellations and their stories — including Cetus, the sea monster and Cassiopeia, the boastful mother of mythology whose bragging put her beautiful daughter, Andromeda, in jeopardy.

The featured planet was Mars, named for the Roman god of war.

Once outside, participants noted how Mars appeared red to the naked eye and white when viewed through a telescope.

Those lucky enough to be looking up at the right moment were also treated to a split-second viewing of a falling star, or meteorite dust, as Gilbert explained.

Then the telescope handler, Gary Smith, trained the telescope on the moon.

Peering through the lens, David Benning, 8, of Williamsburg, exclaimed, “Ooh, I see craters.”

Next to view the moon was David’s mother, Jami Benning.

“Wow,” Jami Benning said. “Cool.”

The next star party will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 20. These events are free and open to the public.

For more information on this and other park events, click on the link to Cumberland Falls at www.parks.ky.gov or call 606-528-4121.

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