Getting Calhoun on the Map may be in the Stars

For the average observer a beautiful clear night can certainly yield an inspiring view, but as far as understanding the science behind the view or being able to point out more than a few constellations, most of us are very limited. But there are those who spend their nights into the wee hours of the morning studying the heavens and capturing images that cannot be seen by the naked eye. They travel countless miles for what my mind would view as the very same sky. But as I was informed last night, the location and the seasons do make a difference.

One of my favorite scriptures is from the book of Job, is when God asks Job:

Job 38:31-33 KJV
[31] Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? [32] Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? [33] Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?”

I love that scripture because it reminds me of the vast depth of incomprehensible knowledge that the Lord God has, but as far as the science behind it, I’ve given it very little thought, until last night as I stood on the park listening to the star gazers point out numerous constellations across the sky. They joyfully mapped the star patterns for me with the names rolling off their tongues as easily as the cities on a familiar map. I guess you could say ”I was star struck.” I could possibly remember the ”sombrero stars,” or the ”dumbbell” cluster for which they showed me, but they (with the help of some amazing equipment) could punch in a few numbers and star formations light years away would appear on the screen or in their telescope lenses within seconds. Their tools of the trade allowed them to capture images that showed colors not seen from the earth without assistance. They pointed out a grayish hue that I would have assumed was a cloud or light reflection but was actually the Milky Way. It was not as visible as it is in the image above, but just knowing what it was, was fascinating.

During the overnight hours of May 30–31 things might turn exciting according to the astronomers on the park.

In the fall of 1995, Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 (SW3) fractured into several pieces and left a trail of fragments in its wake. Should the Earth encounter this stream of debris, a sudden outburst of meteors might erupt, ranking with some of our richest annual displays (Geminids and Perseids). There’s even a small chance that something extraordinary — perhaps a full-scale storm of meteors — might take place. Or perhaps, visually, nothing at all will happen. But there’s a hillside full of astronomers that will be at the Calhoun County Park this evening hoping to catch a glimpse of something amazing.

While the group was so willing and excited to share their wisdom, there are few a things you should know if you decide to visit the park and meet them yourself. Car lights are the enemy. Luckily I had spoken to them earlier in the day and they explained that complete darkness is the only way they can view and capture images. A set of car lights at an inopportune time could ruin a once in a life time image. So use due care when traveling on the park grounds. It’s best to either arrive before dark, or park down the hill and walk up. While I used my cellphone to guide my feet from tripping or running upon the skunk I could smell when I opened my car door, one of the gazers loaned me his red light flashlight designed for night activities, which allowed me to see but didn’t interfere with their image.

It’s interesting to note that the very thing which many consider a downfall of Calhoun (being a lack of industry and opportunity) is the very thing that could put Calhoun on the map for tourism. Should Calhoun County Park become recognized as an international dark sky park, thousands of visitors could begin traveling to the area. With that in mind, Ridgeview News will continue to update with images and events from the star gazing efforts of visitors to the park.