George Eberts, an assistant professor in Ohio University’s department of physics and astronomy and vice president of the Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society, will be presenting “A Tale of Two Star Parties” on Friday on the side of Angle Ridge Road outside of Athens.
Despite the presentation’s name, Eberts will be telling the audience about four separate occasions when he attended a “star party,” or a meeting of amateur astronomers who shared everything from food to the newest stargazing techniques.
“These parties are opportunities for like-minded people to come together,” Eberts said. “Everyone shows each other their outrageous new stargazing devices and pictures. It’s pretty amazing.”
Eberts’ presentation will inform those who attend about the kind of people who go to star parties and the types of things they do at the get-togethers, with the hope of encouraging others to attend them as well.
“Just as they sound,” Eberts said, “these star parties are very informal. They’re a lot of fun, but they’re also very informative. Professional astronomers usually show up and speak to the partygoers.
“The people at these parties may technically be amateur astronomers,” he said. “But there’s still a very high level of sophistication there. Amateur astronomy has almost become its own legitimate branch of astronomy in that way.”
Eberts and the SEOAS planned “A Tale of Two Star Parties” on a night when the moon wouldn’t obstruct the view of the stars, so after his presentation, the audience is encouraged to partake in stargazing at a dark location on Angel Ridge Road.
de155710@ohiou.edu
What: A Tale of Two Star Parties
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Angel Ridge Road
Admission: Free
