Astronomy at the Beach is an annual event held at Kensington Metropark, located near Brighton Michigan. Weather permitting, visitors can look through telescopes at planets, comets and other astronomical objects. There also are introductory astronomy talks aimed at the general public and various astronomy products for sale.
The following photographs were all taken at the eighth annual Astronomy at the Beach, May 21 & 22, 2004.
Among the products for sale were a few unusual items such as these small aliens.
One of the astronomy talks was given by John Kirchhoff from Rider’s Hobby Shop of Livonia Michigan. Visitors thinking about buying a telescope could learn about the different types of telescopes and other astronomy equipment.
Bob Hotaling talks to visitors.
Visitors learned how a comet can be made from dry ice and common household ingredients.
John Schroer, from the Detroit Science Center, talked to visitors about comets.
This alien (big brother to the aliens pictured above) searches the sky through a small telescope. To the left you can see a few of the astronomy products for sale. A few of the small aliens are also visible on the right.
Al Bates (from the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club).
George Korody (also from the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club).
Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy for Delta College Kevin Denhe demonstrated how cold space can get through a series of graphic demonstrations using liquid nitrogen and everyday common objects.
Dr. Patricia Santy gave a talk called “Choosing the Right Stuff.” Dr. Santy received USAF Flight Surgeon training at NASA and was directly involved in the selection of astronauts and the evaluation of them during their training. She is a prolific author of a wide array of papers and books dealing with psychiatry, the medical aspects and human factors involved with the space shuttle astronauts and the evaluation of astronaut applicants. Dr. Santy is the recipient of a multitude of outstanding achievement awards from various space exploration related organizations including the Johnson Space Center. She currently serves as an Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan.
A group of Lowbrow Astronomers. From left to right: Jim Forrester, John Causland, Charlie Nielsen, Bob Gruszczynski.
Photographs on this page were taken by Dave Snyder and Paul Walkowski.