Russ Pinizzotto and Rob Burgess of Southern Maine Astronomers will give a virtual lecture on Maine astronomy at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, hosted by Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, based in Bath. Submitted photo
BATH — The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust plans to host Russ Pinizzotto and Rob Burgess of Southern Maine Astronomers for a virtual lecture on Maine astronomy at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31.
Pinizzotto and Burgess will detail the actions being taken by individuals and organizations, including in mid-coast Maine, to preserve the nighttime skies. Participants can ask questions during the Q&A portion of the lecture, according to a news release from the trust.
Topics covered will include light pollution issues, the new challenge of satellites, and highlights of the evening sky in late winter, such as the Winter Hexagon (Orion, Gemini, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Taurus, Auriga) and Ursa Major (Big Dipper).
Pinizzotto is an amateur astronomer living in Phippsburg. When not out observing, he is the interim provost at Simmons University in Boston.
Burgess is a founding member of Southern Maine Astronomers and for the last two years has served as its president. He has a backyard observatory at his home in Brunswick and is willing to share it with others who have an interest.
Southern Maine Astronomers is a community of amateur and professional astronomers fascinated with the science of astronomy and sharing it with others. Through star parties, lectures, school presentations, mentorships, equipment sharing and the like, the club engages in outreach to make astronomy accessible to those with an interest.
As a member of the International Dark Sky Association and Dark Sky Maine, SMA is actively involved in fighting light pollution and preserving the dark Maine skies.
The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to protecting the land, water and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary. It maintains 12 preserves for public enjoyment and has protected 4,100-plus acres of land since founding in 1989.
Registration is free and required to receive the Zoom link for the presentation.
For more information and to sign up, visit kennebecestuary.org or call 207-442-8400.
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