Volunteers from the University of Central Florida Robinson Observatory and the UCF Astronomy Society will have several telescopes set up outside St Mary’s School to give the community a chance to get a close look at the moon, nebulae and star clusters. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – Start the holiday season with a night of stargazing at St. Mary’s School at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
Volunteers from the University of Central Florida Robinson Observatory and the UCF Astronomy Society will have several telescopes set up outside the school to give the community a chance to get a close look at the moon, nebulae and star clusters.
The program is free and open to the pubic. St. Mary’s Music Booster Club will provide baked goods, hot chocolate and hot cider during the event.
Among the goodies to expect: Saturn chocolate cake, Milky Way cupcakes, asteroid cookies and star cluster brownies.
There is no cost for items, but donations are encouraged to support the Blue Ribbon school’s music program.
Yan Fernandez
“We’re very excited,” said Yan Fernandez, director of the UCF Robinson Observatory and an associate professor of astronomy and physics.
“A lot of us remember looking at the night sky through telescopes as children and being in awe of the things we saw. We want to share that awe and wonder with our Central Florida community. That’s why we do these kinds of visits and we especially enjoy programs that include children because we want to encourage our next generation of space explorers to reach for the stars.”
Weather permitting the program will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
St. Mary’s is a small K-8 school that has a strong focus on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. That’s why the school was eager to have the UCF crew bring a Star Watch Party to the school.
Sandra Basinger
“We are on the Space Coast and space is in practically in our blood,” said Principal Sandra Basinger. “We look for opportunities to help enhance the science experience for our students. Having UCF experts guide us as we explore the night sky will certainly make the night exceptional.”
St. Mary’s School is located at 1152 Seminole in Rockledge behind the Rockledge Fire Station. For more information call 321-636-4208.
