Astronomia na Praça event promotes free stargazing in DF

Posted on 05/06/2022 20:44 / Updated on 05/06/2022 20:44

The Astronomia Club of Brasilia is promoting the 58th edition of “Astronomia na Praça”, which seeks to give amateur astronomers an opportunity – (Credit: Disclosure-CAsB)

Brasilia Astronomy Club (CAsB), in partnership with Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) and the Brasília Planetarium, on Saturday (5/7), in Praça dos Três Poderes, Edition 58 From “Astronomy in the Square”. The meeting is free and an opportunity for all amateur astronomers and for those who love to observe the sky.

The general coordinator for the promotion of science, technology and innovation, Marcelo Dominguez, explains that the event was organized to provide the city’s residents with the possibility of observing the sky through a telescope. Therefore, the Astronomy Club will provide instruments for those who wish to observe the moon, star clusters, nebulae and other objects in the sky that are not visible to the naked eye.

“One of the most important significance of the event is that it can bring a little science to people. Practically everyone is curious about observing the sky, seeing the moon, observing planets, seeing galaxies and stars.” He tells Marcelo about the event.

Dates are usually chosen on the basis of the weather, which should be convenient for observation. Periods of little rain, usually May through August, and when the moon is waxing, as it is not large enough to overshadow the other bodies in the sky.

The coordinator explains that during the different versions of the event, many astronomical phenomena were already possible. “We’ve seen solar eclipses, Mercury transits, multiple lunar eclipses, and planetary conjunctions. There was one time when we were there and a giant meteor passed over us. So, from predictable phenomena like these conjunctions and eclipses to surprising events like meteors.”

What distinguishes the release is that the event will have a program from the Ministry of Science and Technology called “Asteroid Hunting”, where asteroids will be displayed and visitors will be able to search for celestial bodies in the images. In addition to the asteroids that have already been discovered, people will be able to discover new bodies. “Tomorrow will be a test to see if people can identify asteroids, and if possible, the next few people will be able to discover really new asteroids.”

* Trainee under the supervision of Pedro Gregory