Palm Coast Astronomy Club's April 28 Star Party at Ponte Verda's Environmental Education Center

moonshinevenus — Earthshine and Venus Over Sierra de Guadarrama : What's just above that ridge? The Moon. Specifically, the Earth's Moon was caught just above the horizon in a young crescent phase. The familiar Moon might look a bit odd as the exposure shows significant Earthshine -- the illumination of the part of the Moon hidden from direct sunlight by the sun-reflecting Earth. Also captured in the image is the bright planet Venus on the right. Venus and Jupiter passed only three degrees from each other last week during a photogenic planetary conjunction. The above image was taken two days ago near Madrid, Spain. The foreground horizon silhouette includes some of the Seven Peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. Just a few minutes after this picture was taken, the Moon set. Click on the image for larger view. (Daniel Fernández, NASA/APOD)

On Saturday, April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m., The GTM Research Reserve and the Palm Coast Astronomy Club are co-hosting an evening of astronomy education and viewing of the night sky at the Reserve’s Environmental Education Center.

This event is taking place at the Environmental Education Center at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach.

A classroom presentation will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and everyone will then transfer to the viewing stations at 8:00 pm. Bring snacks as limited refreshments will be provided. Please be prepared and wear insect repellent. Kids are welcome and encouraged to attend. There is no cost for this program but a donation of $5 per person is suggested. Space is limited so please RSVP by clicking this link or by calling (904) 823-4500. Please provide your email and phone number in case cancellation is necessary due to inclement weather.

The GTM Research Reserve is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the nation. For more information or to find a reserve near you, visit www.nerrs.noaa.gov.