The Near Sky: Our Celestial Background

Embark on an exploration of the layers of the Earth’s atmosphere and beyond with amateur astronomer Jim Hahn. Learn about meteors, satellites, halos, auroras, noctilucent clouds, and other denizens of the near sky. Which occurs at the greatest altitude: meteors, northern lights, or satellites? Once we make these connections, we can view the sky in three dimensions. If the sky is clear, we’ll start with views of the Sun through a solar telescope. 

Jim Hahn is a lifelong astronomy enthusiast who got his first telescope and learned the constellations at the age of 8. He built his own telescope at 15 and still uses it. Jim is an active member of the Northern Cross Science Foundation, a local astronomy club dedicated to public outreach. When the skies are not dark and clear, he enjoys bicycling, choral singing, and reading books, websites, and magazines about astronomy.

Members $17 | Non-members: $23