YOUNGSTOWN — Six-year old Maddyson King of Austintown was checking to see what she could see looking through several telescopes set up at the Youngstown State University planetarium

The elementary school student was with her parents, Pat and Allyson, and younger sister, Mia, 2, as the family attended a recent public event focused on seeing the solar system and finding the right telescope.

The Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society has stargazing events during the year in the tri-county area, and brought the program inside for the winter at the planetarium.

The Kings said they brought their daughters to the event to help all of them figure out the best way to use a telescope they have at home.

“We want to learn about different telescopes. We bought one and want to learn more about what we can do with it,” said Allyson King.

Jodi McCullough of Salem, president of the MVAS, said the society focuses on advancing the science of astronomy and speaking to the public about what to look for when getting a telescope.

“We encourage people to look at different options when deciding on a telescope. When it comes to selecting a telescope there are a lot of options and different types of eyepieces. The smaller the number the more the magnification. In astronomy we are talking about magnification of the solar system. You want to watch and not over-magnify,” McCullough said

McCullough said telescopes help people see the solar system better. She said a telescope may reveal that what people see as one star may actually be two or more stars near each other.

“If there was one perfect type of telescope then that would be all that we have. Every telescope has different advantages,” she said.

McCullough said the larger telescopes do gather more light, with the light coming through the telescope and bouncing off the mirror and through the eyepiece. She said in northeastern Ohio many outdoor telescope front lens often fog up in colder weather so special heaters are added.

“I tell people to buy what they can afford and what they wlll use. Get something that is portable if you plan to go different places,” McCullough said.

McCullough said many members are able to do research with the telescopes.

She said some places such as the Hubbard Public Library and the Columbiana Public Library have telescopes that the public can borrow and use.

TELESCOPE PROGRAMS

During the year, MVAS members host different community events including at the Ward Beecher Planetarium on the YSU campus, where different types of telescopes are shown.

“So You Got a Telescope” will be held 1 p.m. Jan. 28 at the planetarium to show people how to use their telescopes.

Patrick Durrell, YSU professor of astronomy / physics, said everyone has different needs when it comes to a telescope.

“For some people affordability is a little more important. What is good for one person may not work as well for another person. We get calls at YSU from people asking us about telescopes. I talk to them about what they are looking for and how much they may want to spend. I tell them to get a telescope that you will use and be happy with. Start with one telescope as a stepping stone,” Durrell said.

Roy McCullough of Salem said the MVAS meets once a month for a club meeting — and then for looking at the skies.

“We try to schedule public events at different locations but the weather does not always cooperate. We are discussing holding indoor presentations and showing people what they can see outside at night,” he said.

Roy McCullough said the club will go to Braceville where the observatory is located. There have also been events scheduled at Boardman Park, Trumbull County Fairgrounds, Metroparks Farm in Canfield, and also parks in Austintown and Lisbon.

Don Cherry of Warren said there is a great group of members in the club with a lot of knowledge to share.

“We are always learning something new from each other. We are at the Braceville location in the spring, summer and fall. I like being a member to learn more and to interact with people who have similar interests,” Cherry said.

Karl Land, a science teacher at Boardman High School, said he likes having access to different types of telescopes.

“Learning about different telescopes is so important. When you go to different meetings and events you meet people who are willing to share what they have. The provide good ideas,” he said.

Land said the Boardman schools have telescopes acquired with grants for students and staff to use.

For information on MVAS and upcoming events visit https://mvobservatory.com/