Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer and Director of Planetarium Programs at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, was on the beach in Strathmere, along with a group of early risers, on Nov. 3, for the partial solar eclipse that took place. Pitts guided us through the process, which started at sunrise and continued for about 37 minutes after that. He answered questions and added to comments that were voiced by those who watched the event. One of the questions asked was when the next total solar eclipse would be visible from the U.S., which “will be in the year 2017.” Solar eclipse viewers were distributed, so that all were able to safely see the events as they were taking place. It was an interesting, informal, fun time on a beautiful fall morning on the beach.
Pitts, who grew up in Philadelphia, has been with the Franklin Institute since 1978 and Chief Astronomer and Director of Planetarium Programs since 1990. He has appeared on television numerous times and can be heard on “Skytalk,” a weekly radio astronomy program. The presentation with Pitts and WHYY-FM’s Dave Heller, can be heard every Monday evening at 6 p.m. during “NewsWorks Tonight.” For more information about “Skytalk,” visit www.whyy.org.
Pitts was presented with an Honorary Doctoral Degree in 2011 by LaSalle University.
Weekend Scene –
From the Vineyard to the Wine Glass – Learn about the vines and vineyards of Cape May County at the Main Branch of the Cape May County Library on Nov. 15 from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Presented by Joe Alvarez, a brief description of the basic how-to-grow grape varieties will be the topic. The Main Branch is located at 30 W. Mechanic St., in Court House.
Following the library presentation, the audience is invited to a tour of the Natali Vineyards at 7:00 p.m.
Joe Alvarez has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Environmental Science, is a Board member of the Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, a founding member of the Cape May County Beach Plum Association, and is active in many county and agricultural programs in South Jersey.
For more information, call 463-6386 or visit www.cmclibrary.org.
Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival in Ocean City – East Coast artisans will be showing and selling one-of-a-kind specialities perfect for gift-giving during the holidays. The show will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 17 at the Music Pier on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace. Parking is free. A contribution of $3 will support local charities. Children under 12 will be admitted free. For further information, call 1-800-822-4112.
For a complete list of upcoming events in the county, go to the Herald calendar, in print and online at www.capemaycountyherald.com/calendar.
If you would like to make the public aware of events in your town, classroom, group, or club, please email me at rwhelan@cmcherald.com.
Wildwood – So Liberals here on spout off, here's a REAL question for you.
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