Stargazing in Birmingham isn’t just for the dreamers with a spotlight on the Christenberry Planetarium
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As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, some may start to wonder about all the space above us. Unknown to many, Birmingham offers the community multiple ways to observe the galaxies.
Samford’s Christenberry Planetarium
The Christenberry Planetarium at Samford University hosts free events that are open to the public every Thursday evening. With such a vast universe, every experience is unique and personalized to the audience, welcoming all ages to come explore the galaxies. They also offer private events.
Each show begins with a video that is made in house by David Weigel, the Director of Christenberry Planetarium, and students. Weigel shared that he’s excited for their most recently produced video which also includes music composed by a student and for all the new technology upgrades that the Planetarium now has.
Every Thursday night, the Planetarium offers an hour of personalized content with topics varying from mythological stories to what can be seen during the current season, recent astronomy discoveries. Before Christmas in an effort to prepare for the season, the Planetarium offers The Star of Bethlehem series.
The Birmingham Astronomical Society
The Birmingham Astronomical Society offers two parties a month with one being open to the public and the other is only open to those who are part of The Birmingham Astronomical Society. They are hosting an event on October 16th at 7 pm, which will be at the Christenberry Planetarium.
Since 1977, this group of local amateur astronomers started a club hoping to provide an opportunity for their members to learn about the galaxies as well as the Birmingham community.
Homewood Public Library
8 telescopes waiting to be rented so you can view the night sky too
Because of the generosity of the Homewood Rotary and the NASA @ My Library Grant, the Homewood Library has eight telescopes that they can’t wait to be rented. For anyone wanting to check one out, you must have a good standing Jefferson Library Card and be eighteen or older.
Telescope event with Christenberry Planetarium
On November 5th, Homewood Public Library and the Samford Christenberry Planetarium will be hosting a telescope party in the back parking lot of the Library. Telescopes will be provided, but patrons are invited to bring their own.
I would love to hear about other ways you can view the night sky in Birmingham. Please shoot me an email: holly@bhamnow.com
