All are invited to explore the night sky during free guided stargazing programs over the next two weekends in Heath and Colrain.
Colrain resident and astronomer Jonathan Rehmus will lead the sky tours on Friday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 17, at The Benson Place blueberry farm on Flagg Hill Road in Heath and on Friday, Aug. 22, Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24 on the lawn next to Branch Cemetery on Foundry Village Road in Colrain. All programs will start at around 8:30 p.m.
Rehmus has been leading evening sky tours for more than 30 years, teaching people about the stars, constellations and other astrological gems through myths, lore and science.
“A star-filled night sky is one of the underappreciated resources of West County,” Rehmus said. “I encourage folks to invite those from the valley who hardly ever see the Milky Way in its glory.”
Rehmus said the program has grown in popularity over the years, and he’s still excited to welcome new and familiar faces for an evening with the stars.
“Last year, we had about 50 people come one evening,” Rehmus said. “One group was a family that came to a sky tour with me last year and brought their extended family and another family with them this year.”
He added that attendees have included both local residents and tourists from busy cities, who, he noted, are often in awe of the stars they cannot typically see due to light pollution.
“They’re just blown away by how many stars they see,” Rehmus said.
Stargazers attending this year’s programs will be able to see several constellations that are visible year-round, as well as “seasonal beacons” such as Arcturus, the fourth brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the northern constellation Boötes. Rehmus said the star has long served as a guide for travelers around the world throughout history, and during the late summer, the star is particularly visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
“It’s a really bright star that’s with us pretty much all year, but when it’s in the west, it’s a sign that fall is to come,” Rehmus noted.
He added that anyone attending the sky tour on Friday, Aug. 15, will likely have a chance to see the Perseid meteor shower, a few days after its peak.
The programs are free to attend and sponsored by the Heath and Colrain cultural councils. Attendees should plan to come with warm clothing in case it gets cold, and can bring a blanket to sit on, although Rehmus brings tarps to cover the ground.
The sky tours are subject to cancellation pending inclement weather. Rehmus said the forecast looks good for this upcoming weekend, and those who are interested in event and weather updates can contact him at thresholdcrossing7@gmail.com.
