Home Official News Releases Drake Observatory series lecture to examine how the moon affects our lives

Drake Observatory series lecture to examine how the moon affects our lives

News PhotoCONTACT: Tory Olson, 515-271-1834, tory.olson@drake.edu

The summer lecture series at the Drake Municipal Observatory will continue on Friday, June 26, with a program titled “The Moon Affects Us.”

The presentation will examine ways the moon affects us, including: the tides, equinox, slowing of Earth’s rotation and even werewolves.

The event will start at 9 p.m. in the observatory at 4898 Observatory Road in Waveland Park on the west side of Des Moines. Parking is available adjacent to the observatory.

The series, which is free and open to the public, will continue each Friday at 9 p.m. through July 17 with a non-technical, illustrated presentation by Charles Nelson or Herbert Schwartz of Drake University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Each presentation will be followed by the opportunity to view several stellar objects through the large refracting telescope and several smaller reflecting telescopes.

The programs are held regardless of the weather, although the selection for observation is subject to change due to sky conditions or other special circumstances.

Individuals, families and small groups are welcome to attend the presentations. A parent or responsible adult must accompany children.

The summer series, which celebrates of the 40th anniversary of the first manned moon landing on July 20, 1969, will continue with the following programs:

  • July 3: “Why We Choose To Go To The Moon…”
  • July 10: “The Apollo Project”
  • July 17: “It Isn’t Over Yet”

For more information, contact Drake’s Department of Physics and Astronomy at 515-271-3141.