ALPINE – “Meteors and Comets and Eclipses, Oh My!” is the topic of an astronomy lecture at 11:30am Saturday at the Alpine Public Library.
David Oesper, coordinator of the Big Bend Astronomers, will speak on a potpourri of astronomical topics, including Comet ISON, which could surpass 1997’s Hale-Bopp in beauty and brightness later this year.
Then there’s the spectacular Perseid meteor shower in August, and a preview of the next total solar eclipse in the lower 48, which will occur in 2017.
Also presented will be some “eclipse trivia” like the last total solar eclipse to grace the Big Bend, and when the next one when will occur. Other topics will include information about the Big Bend Astronomers, the Texas Star Party, new astronomy initiatives in the Big Bend, and what needs to be done to protect our pristine night sky environment here in the Big Bend—truly a national treasure.