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Escarpment Magaz ine Spr ing 2012
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The Bluewater Astronomical Society came to life in the early 1990s to satisfy the needs
of a local group of astronomy buffs. The group was originally known as the Bruce County
Astronomical Society, but changed their moniker when it became evident that much of
the membership came from a larger demographic than Bruce County. They originally
kept their equipment and telescopes in an old trailer that was behind Saugeen Shores
Secondary School. When the school board decided that the trailer had to be removed,
the group had to find a new home, making the observatory the next logical step.
BAS meets monthly at Grey Roots, but they also host at least a half dozen observation
nights per month. Many of these events are open to the public in an effort to encourage
observation of the stars and planets.
Deb Deibel said that they are working to have the area around the Outdoor Education
Centre designated a “Dark Sky” region. This process would be carried out through the
International Dark Sky Association or IDA. The designation needs the cooperation of
local governments, businesses and individuals to make a commitment to turn off unnec-
essary outdoor lights thus allowing the stars and planets to appear brighter.
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dark sky br ight idea
The Moon