Hamilton Amateur Astronomers: New Horizons; Space Exploration Today

There was a time when young men and women stood on a shore and looked out to the horizon, imaging what new lives a ship might transport them to. They imagined new sights, new wonders and in their minds they imagined new worlds.

This summer, after travelling a decade through the dark and quiet of space, a small craft that bears a name that recalls these brave people, will truly see a new world. The New Horizons spacecraft will give us our first look at Pluto as just one of the many amazing sights that are in store for us in this golden age of space exploration.

This richly illustrated talk is suitable for all ages and takes us from Earth to Mars, the asteroids, Pluto and beyond as we look through the mechanical eyes of these far flung probes and are witness to these new sights, new wonders and new worlds.

About John Gauvreau
John Gauvreau was the astronomy instructor at Mohawk College for 20 years and has spoken at a wide variety of venues, including schools, libraries, conservation areas, churches, the McMaster University planetarium and the Ontario Science Centre. He created and operates Galileo’s Classroom, an in-school interactive program aimed at the grade 6 space science unit, has sat on the national council of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and currently volunteers for the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers.

Telescope Raffle
A raffle for a 4" reflecting Tasco® beginners telescope with equatorial mount will be held at this meeting.

Door Prizes
There will be a draw for door prizes at the meeting and a free door prize ticket to all who arrive before the 7:30 start time!

Food Share Donations
Donations of non-perishable food for the Hamilton Food Share program will be collected at this meeting. Please drop off any items at the drop-box located near the entrance of the auditorium. All donations are gratefully accepted. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve collected thousands of pounds of food since we began. Let’s keep up the great work as the need continues.

Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Reservations: Not required
Organized by: Hamilton Amateur Astronomers
Location: Hamilton Spectator building, 44 Frid Street, Hamilton, ON  L8N 3G3 (near the junction of Highway 403 and Main St. West)

http://www.amateurastronomy.org/general-meeting-for-april-10-2015-730pm/