TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
There�s no better time than summer to scan the night sky. Many attractions are visible to the naked eye, including Venus and Mars. Pointed in the right direction, an ordinary pair of binoculars can bring Jupiter and Saturn as well as their moons into focus. When you�re armed with a decent telescope, the sky is truly the limit. And if you want to see some real fireworks this season, be sure to watch the Perseid meteor shower on Aug. 12. Named after the constellation Perseus, this celestial light show happens when the Earth passes through a trail of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. With up to 60 shooting stars streaking across the sky each hour, it�s one of the biggest astronomical events of the year, made all the more spectacular by the darkness of mid-August�s new moon.
Summer is also an ideal time for star parties, when amateur astronomers gather to stargaze. Here�s what�s happening this month:
1. Although purists prefer stargazing from remote places free of urban light pollution, New Yorkers are lining up to buck that trend. Every Tuesday at dusk, weather permitting, the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York hosts Stargazing on the High Line. Experts with high-powered telescopes are always on hand to help you see past the bright city lights.
2. Last year, more than 1,500 spectators turned out for the Julian StarFest. This Aug. 18, you too can attend the annual star party in Julian, Calif., presented by the San Diego Astronomy Association. Telescopes are available for free, and only red lights (like those found on bikes) or flashlights covered with a red filter are permitted on the StarFest grounds. Give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the pitch darkness, and enjoy.
3. For stargazers seeking an extended getaway, the Hidden Hollow Star Party near Mansfield, Ohio, offers campgrounds, bunkhouses and hot showers, plus a full-on observatory and guest speakers. This year�s festivities, Aug. 17 to 19, also include a NASA Touring Exhibit.
4. Located three miles from the nearest paved road, the Heavens Gate Farm northeast of Barry, Ill., is the perfect spot for the fifth annual Earth Wind and Sky Star Party, Aug. 16 to 19. The secluded 20-acre field offers unobstructed views, but try to arrive before dusk so your headlights don�t interfere with other guests� night vision.
Safe Boating Tips
Spring is here, and if you�re a recreational boater, you�re probably raring to get out on the water. Whether you blaze the open seas in a sleek powerboat or ply the waves in your luxury cabin cruiser, boating safety should always be top of mind. Each type of watercraft has its own unique requirements, but here are some safe boating rules that apply to everyone.
1. Inspect your vessel to ensure that it�s seaworthy. Look for signs of damage, especially if you�ve left your boat in the water over the winter months. Pay particular attention to any through-hull fittings, such as engine-cooling intakes and cockpit drains, which can become cracked or clogged. Make sure that the valves open and close properly, and test your bilge pump, too. If blocked with debris or corroded, it won�t function properly.
2. Take time to properly stock your boat with the required safety equipment, such as flares and fire extinguishers, and double-check expiration dates.
3. Test all of your electronic equipment, including the VHF radio, and ensure that everything is in perfect working order.
4. Stock your boat with enough personal flotation devices (PFDs) for everyone on board. Familiarize yourself with state laws, too: depending on the jurisdiction, kids under a certain age may have to wear a life jacket even when the vessel is not in motion (for details, please visit the U.S. Coast Guard�s online Boating Safety Resource Center). Double-check that your child hasn�t outgrown the PFD. They come in four graduated sizes based on weight and must fit snugly to be effective.
Even the safest boaters sometimes inadvertently run into troubled waters. To find affordable boat insurance that protects you against potential damage or liability, speak to a representative of the GEICO Insurance Agency by calling 1-800-841-0728 or get a free online quote.
Boat and watercraft coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc
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