G is for Galaxies

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G: G is for Galaxies, 10/29/11

This past Saturday night, after putting Kate to bed, we ventured out for our G date. It was my turn to plan, and I went with G is for "galaxies," or "star-gazing." I found the Astronomical Society of East Texas online, and they happened to have a Star Party this past Saturday. Astronomy societies have star parties all over so that they can get the public involved in astronomy and allow them the opportunity to see what it's like to view the skies up-close and personal.

The great thing about this date is that it was free...or, at least it was intended to be free. After leaving our house with Kate all snug in her bed, we both decided we had the munchies, so we drove through McDonald's. Hey, that's what dates are for, right? We headed to Tyler, which is about 45 minutes away, and arrived at the Tyler Junior College about 9PM. We walked right up and the first thing we got to see was Jupiter. They had their telescopes already set up, and we could just walk up and take a look. Jupiter was very clear, and we could see the rings around the planet as well as its four moons in orbit. It looked something like this, except we no color.
We also got to see the Andromeda Galaxy, which was more like a little blur since it's so far away. So cool, though, to imagine what it must be like. And even cooler to know that my God created all this.

Unfortunately there was too much light pollution (yes, that's what it's really called) to be able to see much else, but we did get some lessons on the constellations and different stars. We also talked with the guys about coming to Canton sometime so we could invite our friends, and they are going to come! I absolutely cannot wait. I love astronomy, and it is really dark out here so we should be able to see a whole lot!

It was fun to take a little jaunt out and do something we've never done before together.