A large group of both local residents and individuals from further away in Connecticut braved very cold weather to attend the third annual Stargazing Night at Cold Spring Farm, on Nov. 16.

The event, organized by the Colchester Land Trust (CLT) in conjunction with the farm, provided attendees the opportunity to view many stars and celestial objects using the Astronomical Society of New Haven’s high-powered telescopes and learn about the object from astronomers, while also being able to ask their own questions.

The highly secluded and beautiful grounds also provided a great backdrop for observing the night sky.

Stargazing Night opened in the farm’s Harvest Barn, where attendees were provided snacks and drinks and the presentation was described to them by hosts. They were able to use multiple telescopes and have discussions with astronomers in the large field across from the barn. In addition, a fire was constantly going next to the barn, providing individuals much-needed light and heat. Here, they gathered to discuss the remarkable images they had seen in the sky and information they had learned.

Throughout the night, the astronomers made sure to focus on showing and explaining a variety of celestial objects to viewers of the telescopes, who were able to wait in line and use the telescopes as many times as they chose. Individuals were able to view and learn about clusters and shooting stars, individual stars, planets, deep sky objects, and the northern and southern lights, among other things.

The astronomers made sure to answer each and every question asked and explain what made certain objects unique. They also were able to communicate well with children, who made up a large portion of the audience and were especially excited by the experience of being able to see space up close. The sky was especially clear this night, allowing more objects to be seen than normal for the time of year.

Multiple attendees discussed what they enjoyed most about stargazing and using the telescopes.

“With these telescopes, you can actually see some of the stars and clusters and that’s pretty cool,” said Kevin Northcutt. “The astronomers are very informative also.”

Katy Pinette, who practices amateur astronomy, said “Its really cool to see objects up close and larger in these telescopes which are normally are tiny little dots.”

“The telescopes are really cool, and its great to be able to see the night sky so clearly. I don’t really get that at home in Manchester with all the lights,” Will Armstrong said.

CLT Co-President Cathy Shea discussed the reaction and feedback she has gotten from attendees about Stargazing Night that night, as well as in the past.

“We get lots of great feedback on the event every year! I think it has become one of our most popular events and mostly people respond that “it was AWESOME.” I think it offers a unique experience for folks, as there is not a lot of dark sky between NYC and Boston and not a lot of opportunities for people to really explore the stars and other celestial objects,” Shea said.

Shea also praised the efforts of the participating astronomers.

“I am a HUGE fan of the Astronomical Society of New Haven! They’re not only supremely knowledgeable about their telescopes, the objects in the night sky, and tons of other interesting things, but are SO patient with people who don’t possess that type of knowledge. I love that they can talk about aspects of the universe in a manner that so down to Earth!”

There were a large number of families at Stargazing Night, and individuals of all ages. Multiple attendees commented on how enjoyable this was to see.

“I’m surprised by the number of people and children here since it is so cold, but its absolutely great to see,” Pinnate said.

“There’s a good range of people here. It is an event everyone can enjoy,” Ally Cianci said.

Shea discussed her personal enjoyment of Stargazing Night, and how the program met goals of the land trust.

“There is something very awe-inspiring about staring into the night sky. I feel it connects us with our most primitive ancestors who, thousands of years ago, tried to understand the world through constellations they saw and celestial events they witnessed,” she said. “CLT and I had wanted to make the connection between preserved lands like the Cold Spring Farm and the nature and dark skies they afford us. That was my original impetus for the event, but I have also wanted to learn more about our universe and the objects we can see, and it has really warmed my heart that so many of the attendees each year seem to have that same sense of awe that I have experienced.”

The attendees expressed their appreciation for CLT working to put on Stargazing Night, with Cianci and Armstrong calling it awesome. Northcutt believed the popularity of Stargazing Night would help CLT increase its event audience.

“It’s great and will bring in more people they wouldn’t otherwise reach,” he said.

Shea is hoping that Stargazing Night will increase awareness of CLT’s other events, which she believes could already be happening, and lead to larger participation in the events.

“I’m not really sure whether or not the Stargazing event attracts attendees to other events we have. At the least, I think it does attract people to our organization who may learn of other events we host,” she said.1/4 u202f“We try to hold at least one event or outing each month throughout the year, and over the last couple of years we have been trying mix things up and to extend our reach.”

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