Relive the Discoveries of Galileo September 2014 | Page 2

Relive the Discoveries of Galileo

Table of Contents
Founded and incorporated in 2001 as
a non-profit organization, the DRAA
provides community services to
encourage the interest and growth in
the field of astronomy and related
sciences. The Association is
primarily focused around amateur
astronomy activities, but welcomes
professional astronomers as well.
T he D RA A pr o vi d es t he
community with resources and
information about astronomy and
assists individuals and other
organizations in becoming involved

observing site, magazine and book
discounts, and more.
The DRAA is a standing
organizational member of the
International Dark-Sky Association
and is committed to abating light
pollution, the single most important
threat to the night sky, in an effort to
curb glare, light trespass, sky glow,
and energy waste from poor outdoor
lighting design and practices.

Public Services
Bringing Astronomy to the People

Community

President Michael Cook
demonstrates safe solar
viewing of sunspots

in astronomy. Regular monthly
meetings and scheduled events
throughout the Region provide the
Association's members and the
public the opportunity to share and
communicate all aspects of
astronomy with one another.
Membership in the DRAA is open
to anyone with an interest in
astronomy. Our members come from
all walks of life. Member benefits
include access to DRAA web site
resources, workshops, field trips,
telescope borrowing privileges,
access to library and multi-media
materials, access to a dark-sky
-2-

Outreach:

The
Association holds many stargazing
events to bring an appreciation of the
night sky and astronomy to the
public. The main event each year is
Astronomy Day – an internationally
recognized world-wide celebration of
"bringing astronomy to the people".
The DRAA also partners with other
agencies, such as conservation
authorities and museums, to enrich
their programs.
Educational presentations aimed
toward Guide and Scout merit badges
are also part of the DRAA’s services,
as well as presentations in schools
that support the Ontario Curriculum.
Finally, the DRAA provides general
interest presentations to service clubs
and other groups, where telescopes
are demonstrated and a tour of the
night sky is provided.
Public Stargazing: Each month,
members of the DRAA conduct one
or two "Astronomy in the Park"
events where many big telescopes are
set up. These events acquaint the
public with astronomy by

Introduction
Life & Times of Galileo
Discovery No. 1
The Mountains, Valleys, and
Craters of the Moon

3
3

6

Discovery No. 2
The Phases of Venus

8

Discovery No. 3
The Moons of Jupiter

10

Discovery No. 4
Star Fields of the Milky Way

12

Discovery No. 5
Sunspots

14

On the cover
Galileo and Viviani, Tito Lessi, 1892
Institute and Museum of the History of Science, Florence
Galileo is cared for by his student, Vincenzo Viviani.

demonstrating the use of telescopes
and explaining the night sky. During
the day, views of the Sun spots and
Solar flares are possible using filters
especially designed for that purpose.
In the evening, views of the Moon’s
craters, planets, star clusters,
nebulae, and galaxies are possible.
On occasion, outdoor viewing is
supplemented by indoor displays
where the venue permits. These
events are free of charge!
If you enjoy astronomy, you’ll
enjoy membership in the DRAA!
To learn more, visit us at
www.drastronomy.com.

For more information about DRAA publications, please visit our website: www.drastronomy.com