Opinion | Northcrest Ward: Astronomy club explores connection between space and amateur radio – ThePeterboroughExaminer.com

The Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) meets via Zoom Friday, beginning at 6 p.m., and community members are invited to tune in. The format includes novice astronomy classes, a main presentation, and a question-and-answer period.

This month, the novice astronomy classes start anew with Lesson 1, An Introduction to Astronomy. Find out how we fit in the universe. This session looks at our position in space and the Universe, our cosmic address. It will also explore the myriad of objects visible in the night sky as well as a sampling of more exotic phenomena such as black holes, dark energy, and dark matter.

The novice astronomy class begins at 6 p.m. and runs for approximately 45 minutes prior to the main meeting. These classes focus on the practical aspects of learning about astronomy, introducing astronomy related subjects at a very basic level, in a logical sequence. Participants in these classes are welcome to stay for the meeting that follows, but there is no obligation to do so.

The main presentation, beginning after a short meeting at 7 p.m., is Amateur Radio and Amateur Astronomy. Because many amateur astronomers are also amateur radio operators, including PAA president Mark Coady, amateur radio operator VE3LJQ (Mark) will show how the two hobbies are intertwined.

The Sky This Month, a regular meeting feature, will be posted on the club website for all to access. For viewing visit peterboroughastronomy.com.

There will also be an opportunity during the meeting to have any questions you may have answered.

To participate in the meeting, open a free Zoom account on the device you wish to use. Then register in advance by visiting peterboroughastronomy.com/zoom_register.php. You will be provided with the Zoom password and link to the presentation.

There is no cost and the meeting is open to all ages and anyone interested in seeing what the PAA is all about. For further information visit peterboroughastronomy.com. The PAA can also be followed on Twitter (@PtbAstronomical) and Facebook (@Peterborough Astronomical Association).

Activity Haven

Activity Haven is reopening. Drop-in programs begin Jan. 31 and instructional programs start the week of Feb. 7. You must preregister for all programs by calling the office.

Entrance and screening will take place at the back door. Masks are required and you must show proof of the enhanced COVID-19 vaccination certificate with QR code prior to entry each time.

Instructional programs offered include strength training, beginner bone building, line dancing (beginner and level 3). Several different yoga classes are available including stretch, gentle/hatha, chair yoga, yin and hatha yoga.

You must be a member to participate in instructional or drop-in in programs. Membership is open to those 50 years and up and costs just $30 per year. For further information call the office at 705-876-1670. Activity Haven is located at 180 Barnardo Ave.

Food and gender

The Seasoned Spoon presents, Consuming Gender, a virtual roundtable discussion on the intersection of food and gender Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 5:30 until 7 p.m.

The event will feature industry professionals Prof. Lucy Godoy (a chef), cellarman Aaron King, marketing and communications manager Kyra Dietsch and food systems researcher Dr. Mary Anne Martin who will speak on their experiences of how gender is constructed within their male-dominated fields of academia, culinary arts and brewing.

The Seasoned Spoon is a non-profit, vegetarian, co-operative caf located in Champlain College at Trent University. The caf is committed to serving locally, and whenever possible, organically sourced food at affordable prices.

The roundtable event is free, but registration is required. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/consuming-gender-tickets-257213310937. The Zoom link will be provided ahead of the event.

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Opinion | Northcrest Ward: Astronomy club explores connection between space and amateur radio - ThePeterboroughExaminer.com