Astronomy Day in Highland was a HUGE success!  On April 29^th 2023, RBAC members set up telescopes and activities in the parking lot at Northtown Shopping Center and before the sun set, the lot was filled with folks who came from nearby businesses, or just stopped by to see “What is with all those big telescopes?”  We estimate 175 visitors stopped by to safely view the Sun and see the prominent sunspots, and to view the Moon.  Many also came by the demonstration tables to learn how those sunspots were formed and how they can lead to auroras, as well as information about our Solar System, the Milky Way, the Moon, and meteorites.  We braved the high winds but had to pack up earlier than planned due to the threat of rain.  We had such great attendance and positive feedback; we hope to be back at this location next spring! (Image Credits : Mike Donaldson)

When you combine dedicated teachers with enthusiastic amateur astronomers, you get over a hundred students and their parents who are even more excited about astronomy than ever!  On April 28^th, after teaching all day, the 5^th grade teachers at Columbia Elementary as well as the school Superintendent turned out to provide students with many astronomy activities, and goodie bags of space related items.  The River Bend Astronomy Club was eager to share the night skies with these students and drove long distances to take advantage of the dark skies at Salt Lick Trailhead in Valmeyer, Illinois. We look forward to this event next year! (Image Credits : Mike Donaldson)