On Saturday, February 6, 2021 we are offering the second in a series of joint online presentations with Fernbank Science Center featuring noted comet discoverer Don Machholz.

The online program begins at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, with a short planetarium presentation by Fernbank’s planetary geologist Scott Harris. Following that will be a few remarks by Mike Shaw, director of the Charlie Elliott Astronomy Club about our club and its parent organization, the Atlanta Astronomy Club. Afterwards, Don will present his personal account of visual comet-hunting over the years.

All of the presentations will be streamed live via the Fernbank Science Center’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fernbankcenter.

In addition, club members will receive a special Zoom link that will enable them to ask questions of Don live right after his presentation. The entire event will be live on Facebook at the link above, so Zoom is optional but not required.

In the evening we will have an observing session on Jon Wood Astronomy Field, weather permitting. This will be informal observing with social distancing and no program. Facemasks are strongly suggested.

Sunset will be at 6:11 p.m. Astronomical dusk ends (and maximum darkness begins) at 7:36 p.m.

The Elliott Trail automatic road gate at Marben Farm Rd. closes for incoming traffic at 5 p.m., so be prepared to enter the gate code if you arrive afterwards. Guests without the code should plan to arrive before gate closure. The gate opens automatically for outgoing traffic as you approach it to leave.