Let’s explore the universe with local astrophotographer Michael J. Mangieri at the Maryland Space Grant Observatory at the Johns Hopkins University campus. We’ll follow the presentation with a staff introduction to the Morris W. Offit Telescope and a private night sky viewing time, weather permitting. Whether you’re curious about stars, galaxies, nebulae, supernovae, or black holes, this presentation will guide you through the celestial wonders that have fascinated humanity for centuries. Discover the mesmerizing diversity of galaxies, from spirals with radiant arms to enigmatic irregular shapes, each telling a cosmic tale. Let’s look inside our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and see what lies at the center. We’ll discuss how stars form in the galaxies’ spiral arms and learn about their life cycles as we look for constellations in the fall sky.
Michael will share his setup for astrophotography and his photographs with us, too. Check out his work here: https://mdastro.com/
Outside viewing with the Morris W. Offit Telescope will follow the presentation. We can expect good views of Jupiter, Saturn, and brighter deep-sky objects. This telescope is the major observing instrument for the Maryland Space Grant Observatory.
Our presenter, Michael J. Mangieri, photographs the sky from the light-polluted sky of his backyard, and still manages to bring out the wonder and stunning vistas of colorful star clusters, fantastic glowing nebulae, and other deep sky wonders. Whether imaging through the larger Celestron EdgeHD-11 to get up close and personal, or the smaller William Optics 102mm and ZS61mm to get that wide-angle view, he captures the exquisite colors and details brought out through using narrow band filters to cut through the light pollution and target the specific wavelengths of light that are being emanated by these deep sky objects.
Michael has been active in amateur astronomy throughout the years. He operated Towson University’s Planetarium in the mid-70s, taught at various astronomy clubs and colleges in the Maryland/Washington DC area, and now spends almost every clear night under the stars in Reisterstown. He is a member of the Westminster Astronomical Society, Inc., and is the guest lecturer at the Soldier’s Delight Visitor Center.
- Rain date for this activity is Feb. 26. Please mark that on your calendar. There will be no refunds if you cannot attend the rain date.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is completed.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- All participants must be pre-registered. If you are on the waitlist and show up to the event uninvited, you will not be allowed to participate.
- Children ages 12 and up who can listen to our presentation in its entirety are welcome to attend.
- All children must meet age requirements and be registered as a guest of their adult.
- No more than two children per adult.
- Dress according to the weather for our outdoor viewing time.
All events are held rain or shine. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
NEW Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made 14 or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $25 or less are non-refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
