Evening Star Parties
Maximum number of students and family members: 100
Time required: 1.5 hours
Start time: Sundown
Star parties are a great opportunity for students to see the wonders of the universe with their own eyes. Star parties bring life to the images we so often see in books and magazines. I've had many teachers comment that on the day following a star party the school is a buzz with students sharing their previous nights experiences with other students.
Star Party Procedure
- The evening starts with an indoor presentation titled “The Sky Tonight”. Using a powerful planetarium program the audience is shown how to locate and identify major constellations and planets.
- We will also demonstrate interesting astronomical events that will happen in the future.
- If it’s clear we will proceed outside for great views of the planets, moon and other bright astronomical objects. The evening will conclude with a tour of the constellations using a powerful laser pointer.
When considering a Star Party
- All Grade six students MUST be accompanied by an adult (other family members are also encouraged to attend)
- For the best views of the Moon, try to plan your star party near or within 4 days before the first quarter moon
- Note: In the months of September and mid May it will not be dark until 8:30 pm or later
- There is no fixed ending time for the star party. Typically they last 1 - 2 hours
- All star parties activities take place on school
- Evening star parties will not be offered outside of Peel Region due to late sunset times
- The last star party of this school year will be on May 19, 2021
Best times to see the Moon and Planets for 2020/2021
"X" Indicates that a planet is visible in the evening sky
| Month |
First Quarter |
Jupiter |
Saturn |
Mars |
Venus |
Star Party Start Times |
| September |
23 |
X |
X |
|
|
7:30 |
| October |
23 |
X |
X |
X |
|
6:00 |
| November |
21 |
X |
X |
X |
|
6:00 |
| December |
21 |
X |
X |
X |
|
6:00 |
| January |
20 |
|
|
X |
|
6:00 |
| February |
19 |
|
|
X |
|
6:00 |
| March |
21 |
|
|
X |
|
6:00 |
| April |
20 |
|
|
X |
|
7:00 |
| May |
19 |
>
|
|
X |
X |
7:30 |