NJC Fall Star Party October 5

***Press Release***

While a little rain is expected to fall mid-week, the approaching weekend’s forecast is a good one for star gazing. The Northeastern Junior College’s 2013 Fall Star Party is scheduled for this Saturday, October 5^th, at North Sterling State Park.

The party will be held at the east end of the Chimney View Campground.  Participants should plan on arriving at 7:00 p.m. so that there is still enough light to familiarize yourself with the area during twilight.  The party can be held so long as there is at least 40 percent clear sky. Overcast beyond this will usually result in a cancellation. Look to the sky before you make the drive.  There is a $7.00 per vehicle fee to enter the park; carpool to keep the cost and number of vehicles to a minimum. This event is open to the public as well as any students at the college interested in peering into the night sky with a high powered lens.

The party is coordinated by Dave Coles who teaches astronomy and other science related class at Northeastern. 

Astronomy for Everyone Sept 8 At Sterling Public Library

***Press Release***

On Sunday, September 8^th at 2:00 Kevin Manning will provide a great program titled Astronomy for Everyone.  During the program he will transport us into a fascinating world beyond our own as he guides his audience on an entertaining and educational exploration of the universe.  The program will have something for all ages.  Following his presentation we will go outside to view sunspots using the same telescope NASA uses.

Kevin is a retired astrophysicist, having worked as a consultant with NASA, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory launched on the space shuttle with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and other ground-based observatories. Kevin won national and international awards in his field, and did some work with Brookhaven National Laboratory. Besides the numerous workshops he's presented over the years at libraries, observatories, and science centers, some noteworthy ones include those made at Tufts University, State University of New York at Stony Brook, the NSTA National Convention, AAAS Breakfast with Scientists, and the National Parks Service.

NJC Star Party this Saturday

***Press Release***

The cold weather should pass by Saturday, so it should be a good night for some star gazing. At least this is the hope of the Northeastern Junior College Math, Science and Outdoor Club as it makes final plans for the Spring Star Party to take place this Saturday night. Northeastern Colorado’s open spaces and big horizons make it a perfect place to explore the universe.

As always, the event will be held at the west end of the Chimney View Campground at North Sterling State Park. The organizers will have telescopes up and ready to start using at 7:45 p.m.  There is a $7.00 per vehicle entrance fee to the park, however the party is free once you arrive.

Please look to the sky before you drive. If you see overcast so heavy that it appears a storm is apparent, the star party will not take place. If there is only moderate overcast and the weather seems decent otherwise, the telescopes provided will certainly help everyone see past any cloud cover. 

According to David Coles, science professor at Northeastern who teaches the astronomy classes, the star party is a great outing for a family, and it is open to anyone who wants to attend.  Be sure and bring a jacket or plan ways to otherwise bundle up as the night air out in this open area can quickly become cold. The telescopes are usually up and available for public use until about 9:30 p.m. 

NJC Star Party this Saturday night

***Press Release***

The Northeastern Junior College’s Math, Science and Outdoor Club will host the annual  Fall Star Party this weekend,  Saturday,  September 15^th,  at the west end of the Chimney View Campground at North Sterling State Park.  Clear skies are predicted for the weekend, but check the sky before you drive. If there would be extensive overcast, the event will be rescheduled.

There is a $7.00 per vehicle entrance fee to the park.  NJC encourages people to carpool to the event and recommends that you arrive by 7:45 p.m. The college will set up a couple of high end telescopes which will give you an opportunity to really see into the night sky, looking at various stars and planets.

Families are encouraged to bring their children and participate in this outing. Dress warm for the cold night air.

North Sterling State Park Invites Everyone to the Party – the Fall Star Party!

***Colorado State Parks Press Release***


STERLING, CO. - Family and friends, young and old, are all invited to come join the party at North Sterling State Park – the Star Party, that is!

On Saturday Sept. 24, Northeastern Junior College Professor David Coles will host the ever popular Fall Star Party at the west end of Chimney View Campground at North Sterling State Park. Watch for shooting stars and view constellations and planets under the expert guidance of Professor Coles. Take a look at the skies through the telescopes provided, or bring a pair of your own binoculars for a close-up view, and don’t forget the hotdogs and marshmallows!

When does it start? When the stars come out!

Head out to the reservoir before sunset and take a stroll along the easy trails at Sunset Point for a beautiful view. Keep an eye out for our resident bald eagles, or watch for the other hawks and raptors migrating through – turkey vultures and Swainson’s hawks are departing southward for the winter, but rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, and merlins are just arriving from the north. Even golden eagles and ferruginous hawks have been making appearances, so make the most of your evening and enjoy the view.

Once the sun has set, make your way over to Chimney View Campground and watch the stars come out while you sit by a warm campfire and say hello to your neighbors. Stay as late as you’d like, and enjoy the evening!

Remember, the weather will be cool and the hilltop can be breezy – be sure to wear warm, layered clothing, and bring extra blankets, hats, gloves, flashlights, folding camp chairs, snacks and drinks to make sure you stay comfortable. Take advantage of the campfires and bring roasting sticks, marshmallows, and hot dogs! Valid daily or annual park passes are required, so carpooling is encouraged. Daily passes will be available at a self-serve station at the entrance for $7.00 (exact change or a check). Your daily pass is valid until noon the next day, so come back in the morning to go fishing, hiking, or bird watching! Don’t forget to ask us how you can get a FREE annual pass!

Looking for other fun activities at North Sterling? Visit our website at www.parks.state.co.us/parks/NorthSterling for more detailed information, ideas, and printable activities! North Sterling State Park now has web pages dedicated entirely to Family Activities, Boating, Fishing, and Hunting, with more to come this winter. Take a look at the FREE equipment you can borrow at the visitor center, check the calendar for upcoming events, get the most current update on our resident bald eagles, and more!

Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.

NJC Star Party April 30

***NJC Press Release***


The Northeastern Junior College Spring Star Party will be held this Saturday, April 30th at the North Sterling State Park located north of town. The event will begin at dusk, approximately 8:15 p.m. Star gazers are asked to be at the Chimney View Campground for the event. There is signage inside the park that will direct you to this particular campground. Cost to enter the park is $7 per vehicle so everyone is encouraged to carpool to the event.

This star party is hosted by the Math, Science and Outdoor Club on campus. Dave Coles, a science professor on campus who teaches the astronomy classes, will be at the event and will help participants identify what they are looking at through the large telescopes which will be set up.

Star parties are held both Fall and Spring semesters at NJC. The events are always subject to the weather. If there is a heavily overcast sky, or clear indication of rain or other inclement weather prior to dusk, the event will most likely be rescheduled to another date. For more information, contact Coles at 521-6753.