NOVA EAST 2022 - Program Schedule
Together Again Under the Stars

(all activities in event pavilion unless otherwise noted)

Upon arrival, please check in at the Nova East Events Building to register.

No green lasers are allowed at any time.
No mag lights after 10:30 PM on Friday & Saturday nights; not allowed any time on Sunday night.

The public are welcomed to join Chris Young for his Sky Tour & Lore, Tony Schellinck for his binocular RASC Novice Observing Program (please Bring Your Own Binoculars) and David Hoskin for Walk the Solar System.

Friday, August 26
1:00 PM - 6:30 PM Registration Desk
Registrar: Melody Hamilton
Events Building

After 6:30 PM, contact the Registrar in person.
7:45 PM Welcome & Announcements
Events Building
8:00 PM TALK: Observing & Recording Double Stars
Presenter: Melody Hamilton
Approximately 85% of stars are found to be in double or multiple systems. Many double stars are gravitationally bound while others that appear close to one another, from our perspective, are called optical doubles. We will explore the delights of observing and recording these stars. 
9:00 PM Telescope Medics
Hosts: Nova East Astronomers
"Telescope Medics" will provide one-on-one assistance to telescope users with setting up their telescope and troubleshooting problems. Meet your Medic at event pavilion then proceed to your telescope in the observing field prior to dark-sky observing.
9:00 PM Sky Tour & Lore
Presenter: Chris Young
For anyone interested in learning the night sky. Chris will provide a tour of the planets and constellations in view with different stories of the world associated with them. 
9:00 PM & 9:45 PM RASC Novice Observing Program (Pilot Program)
Presenter: Tony Schellinck
For beginners of all ages in astronomy, Tony will have participants use binoculars to find objects in the sky. If you have them, please Bring Your Own Binoculars.
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM Astronomers Lounge
Hosts: Nova East
Throughout the early observing night, astronomers and astrophotographers are welcome to socialize in the Events Building in a red-light zone. Light snacks and beverages will be available.
10:30 PM - Dawn Nova East Registrant Observing/Imaging in the Field
Saturday, August 27
9:00 AM - Noon Registration (on-site)
Registrar: Melody Hamilton
Contact Registrar in person.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Astronomer's Breakfast - pastries, fruit and beverages
Host: Nova East
After a night of observing, what better way to get re-energized than to enjoy a breakfast with fellow astronomers. A variety of muffins, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided.
10:30 AM Workshop: Solar Observing with Binoculars
Presenter: David Hoskin
David will provide the how to observe our Sun safely and will provide a workshop to demonstrate how to make binocular solar protectors. He will then lead a solar observing session (the Sun be willing).
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Flea Market
Bring astronomy equipment, books & adjuncts you wish to sell. Tables will be available to show off your wares. But be sure to bring your wallets to take advantage of the terrific deals!
Noon - 1:30 PM Lunch Break & FREE TIME
Lunch is not provided by Nova East.
1:30 PM How to Clean the Mirrors of your Newtonian Reflector
Presenter: Dave Chapman
This workshop will demystify and demonstrate how to clean your mirrors. There will be sufficient materials to clean several. Let the presenter know in advance if you want your mirrors cleaned!
3:00 PM  Family Activity: Walk the Solar System
Presenter: David Hoskin
Join David as he leads us from the Sun through our Solar System.
4:30 PM  Group Photo - All Nova East Participants
All participants registered for Nova East are invited to join us for a group photo on the hill adjacent to the Events Building.
5:00 PM Gather for Dinner
Registrants are invited to gather either at your site or at the Events Building. Physical distancing is encouraged. A Nova East BBQ will not be held this year. 
7:00 PM Guest Talk
Presenter TBD
8:00 PM Observing Awards & Door Prizes
The numerous Halifax Centre members who have received RASC observing certificates over the 2 past year will be acknowledged and some may be awarded this evening. The door prize ticket you received when registering for Nova East is your ticket to winning a door prize (must be present to win).
9:00 PM Telescope Medics
9:00 PM Sky Tour & Lore
Presenter: Chris Young
For anyone interested in learning the night sky. Chris will provide a tour of the planets and constellations in view with different stories of the world associated with them. 
9:00 PM & 9:45 PM RASC Novice Observing Program (Pilot Program)
Presenter: Tony Schellinck
For beginners of all ages in astronomy, Tony will have participants use binoculars to find objects in the sky. If you have them, please Bring Your Own Binoculars.
10:00 PM - 1:00 AM Astronomers Lounge
Hosts: Nova East
Throughout the early observing night, astronomers and astrophotographers are welcome to socialize in the Events Building in a red-light zone. Light snacks and beverages will be available.
10:30 PM - Dawn Nova East Registrant Observing/Imaging in the Field
Sunday, August 28
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Astronomer's Breakfast - pastries, fruit and beverages
Host: Nova East
After a night of observing, what better way to get re-energized than to enjoy a breakfast with fellow astronomers. A variety of muffins, donuts, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Sherman Williams Walk - Birding at Smileys
Host: Jason Dain
Join Jason for a walk on the nature trails of the Park to look for the birds that frequent the area. Sign-up for the walk will be at Nova East.
12:30 PM SCO Tour & Orientation for New Key Holders
For new members and for new keyholders who have yet to have the SCO orientation, a convoy to the St. Croix Observatory will be organized from Nova East.
3:30 PM - Monday AM Nova East Participants: FREE TIME for socializing, a nap, a walk, fine tuning your telescope or imaging equipment, observing, astroimaging.
Monday, August 29
No scheduled Activities. Pack, say good-byes, and leave as you wish. See you next year!