February 2024

For me, February marks the beginning of the end of winter. This year, instead of white snow and sparkling icicles to brighten the days, winter has brought us mostly dreary weather, cloudy skies, rain and slush. Every week, our Observatory Committee members prepare to open the observatory to members and the public on Saturday night. And, almost every Friday lately, the dreaded email arrived telling us that the observatory will not be open because the forecast is for rain or clouds, or the grounds are saturated with water.

Many of you know that I am not much of an observer. But, I do enjoy being part of our open nights. Mostly, my assigned duty has been showing astronomical videos in the meeting hall. During the colder months, visitors will come in to warm up, watch the videos, and get acquainted. I have, on occasion, also served as a greeter. I find greeting and chatting with newcomers to be very rewarding and informative. Plus, it’s fun! 

When we finally get some clear nights for viewing the night sky, we can always use more guides to introduce our visitors to the wonders of the universe. Like me, you could show videos or greet visitors; no observational experience required. Or, we can train you how to use our telescopes, so you can show our visitors an array of inspiring celestial objects.

Please plan to join us on an open night, soon.

Warm wishes, Linda

As winter approaches, we are packing up and moving away from Seagrave Memorial Observatory for the next few months; we’re moving south. Our monthly meetings for December through March will be held at the North Scituate Community House, 546 West Greenville Road, North Scituate 02857.

Our December meeting will be on the second Saturday, December 14. We will begin early, at 5 PM, with a Holiday Potluck Dinner, followed by our speaker, Steve Hubbard, at about 6 PM. Steve’s presentation will be about his recent trip to Alaska to view aurora. Please bring your family and join us to celebrate the holidays! RSVP to Kathy Siok (kathys5@cox.net) if you plan to participate in the potluck dinner.

For January, February and March, meetings will be on the first Saturday of each month at the North Scituate Community House. The meeting start time for these months is currently under discussion; perhaps late afternoon instead of early evening. If you have any ideas or preferences on the meeting time, please email me your thoughts at lbergemann@aol.com.

Lastly, be advised that the portable rest room will be removed from the observatory property on December 4. It will return in April, when we resume meetings at the observatory.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season,

Linda