Despite the rainy, cloudy weather and a short delay, Fayette Library patrons enjoyed participating in the special, “Look Up to the Stars!” program Friday evening.
Library assistant, Barbara Wixom said that they booked Kevin Manning, an international award-winning astronomer and former consultant to NASA, last April. She said they’d hoped for clear skies so that everyone could see the night sky though Manning’s high-powered telescope. To their disappointment, Mother Nature wasn’t on their side.
Delayed on his way from his Wisconsin tour stop to Fayette, librarians offered waiting patrons of all ages refreshments. The program got underway by 7:30 PM and listeners Manning’s educational exploration of the universe, the stars and other celestial wonders. Everyone also received a handout with instructions on how to complete a daily observation log as well as a sample log. Following the presentation, audience members could look through Manning’s telescope and ask questions, such as “is Pluto a planet or not?”
Manning founded “Look Up to the Stars” with a mission to generate interest and foster scientific literacy in the general public nationwide through the delivery of awe-inspiring, educational and entertaining programs. His “Star Tour 2014” is traveling coast-to-coat to promote scientific literacy.