Quincy Astronomy Club to present ‘Tools of the Trade and Q&A session on Thursday

QUINCY — The Quincy Astronomy Club will offer two sessions beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in Room D022/023 at John Wood Community College.

High interest from the public has forced the club to meet in a larger lecture room on the lower north end of JWCC in Building D. Entrance is either through door C2 or the door marked Paul Heath Building.

The first session will provide information for the public about the tools and equipment that both backyard astronomers and professional astronomers use to study the heavens. This is a class for beginners to learn about what equipment is best for them to start with, as well as for seasoned amateurs who want to upgrade. The lecturer is Bob Weirather, a retired engineer and an amateur astronomer with decades of experience and knowledge.

During the second session, attendees will be given the opportunity to ask astronomy-related questions to Randy Wolfmeyer, who has a doctorate in physics and teaches astronomy at John Wood.

The Astronomy Club was formed by local amateur astronomers. It seeks to teach, explore and expand minds about space and the universe. Lectures are held monthly, usually on the last Thursday of the month. The club also holds monthly evening observing sessions. These are scheduled as weather and observing conditions permit. Local amateurs with their telescopes guide the observing sessions.

For more information, contact Weirather at 217-242-7366 or newideas21@comcast.net.