Star Party—Virtual Mars Edition

Derek Demeter from the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida will join us tonight as a special co-host. He has a passion for teaching people about the wonders of the universe, and his astrophotography work has earned a place on NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day website. We’ll be looking at the winter sky through our telescopes and talking about the recent mission to Mars with the Perseverance Rover.

Grab your star map and enjoy telescope observing from wherever you are. Our astronomy staff will guide you through the night sky as our telescope’s camera captures deep space objects for your at-home viewing. 

Please also download this great at-home activity we’ll explain during the event: 

Make a Paper Mars Helicopter

Guest Co-host

Derek Demeter, director of Emil Buehler Planetarium, Seminole State College of Florida
Ever since Derek could remember, he has been looking to the stars. Derek began working at the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida in 2003 while a Physics and Technical Education student. By 2007, Derek was offered the position of planetarium director, and immediately began the process of writing and producing new shows, including a complete series of presentations that explore the astronomy and history of numerous cultures from around the world. Over much of the last decade, his passion for teaching people about the wonders of the universe has earned him accolades and recognition from the planetarium industry, his peers, and the community. Derek enjoys promoting science beyond the planetarium with his work as an astrophotographer which earned him pictures seen in NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day website, which is viewed by millions of people around the world. Derek also enjoys giving talks to venues such as astronomy festivals, local libraries, serving as observing chair for the Central Florida Astronomical Society, and simply setting up a telescope at local venues to give the public a truly “out-of-this world” experience.

Grab your star map and enjoy telescope observing from wherever you are. Our astronomy staff will guide you through the night sky as our telescope, with its new camera features, will live capture deep space objects and stream them to you virtually. 

Register on Eventbrite

Don’t forget to download your own Minnesota Skies Guide!

The Minnesota’s Astronomy Classroom initiative is generously supported by Ruth and John Huss.