A weekend under the stars

Delta’s Astronomy Club spends the weekend at EMU’s Fish Lake

By Isabelle Abraham

LAPEER, Mich. – On Oct. 9, Delta’s Astronomy Club headed to Eastern Michigan University’s Fish Lake Environmental Education Center for a weekend of observing the night sky. Although there were some cloudy skies, students were given the opportunity to see space objects like Saturn and the Orion Nebula.

Evening observing featured constellations such as Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Cepheus, Hercules, Lyra and Cygnus. In the early morning, winter constellations started rising. Orion, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Taurus and many more were spotted.

Through the many telescopes provided by both students and faculty, nebulas and clusters were able to be observed. Some of these were M13, M27, the Crescent Nebula and the Orion Nebula. 

Saturn, Uranus, Mars and Jupiter were all sure to make an appearance at this fall’s Fish Lake trip. Saturn stood brightly in the southern sky all night, while Uranus made an appearance well after the sun had set. Jupiter and Mars rose at 5 o’clock. 

In addition to night-time observing, the club filled their days with hikes through Fish Lake’s 240 acres of land. Dehne’s Hike of Death took students through the forest, where they learned about the environment and geological history of Fish Lake. 

Students also got the chance to observe the sun, watch rocket launches, learn how to unicycle, play ultimate frisbee and so much more. 

Delta student Ainsley “AJ” Himm attended this fall’s Fish Lake trip. 

“I enjoyed the free cocoa, but I also enjoyed the social aspect and being able to be around people that enjoy the same things I did,” Himm said. “You can’t see stars in Saginaw where I live like you can out in Lapeer.”

The Astronomy Club will be visiting Fish Lake again next April and students do not need to be an Astronomy Club member to attend. If interested, be sure to talk to Professor Kevin T. Dehne at ktdehne@delta.edu to register for the next trip.