Description

Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area to host astronomy night (ROGERS, Ark.) – Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area and The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will be offering a free night of astronomy enjoyment and education. Kent Martz and Molly Ussery will begin the July 26th evening at 8 p.m. with the indoor program “Light Pollution: It Impacts Critters Too.” Light pollution adversely affects night insects in several ways. Nocturnal insects use light cues to navigate. Artificial light can cause insects to fly erratically or even in a circle. Artificial light can also be a “fatal attraction”, causing them to waste energy, be eaten by predators, or simply die from exhaustion. Additionally, light pollution can make it difficult for moths to pollinate flowers, reducing plant diversity and fruit production. At 9 p.m. the group will head outside to view the night sky. July 26 is the second night after a new moon. It will be an excellent time to view Scorpius, Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper, along with several Messier objects. The Delta Aquarids arrives the following week (peak viewing July 29-31), so that will be part of the conversation as well. Join the folks from the Sugar Creek Astronomical Society at Hobbs State Park. Everyone will be looking at the heavens through their powerful amateur telescopes. Recommended ages – 12+. For more information, call the park at 479-789-5000 ###