Looking at the Wonders of the Winter Sky
Week of January 6, 2024
Explore Rancho La Puerta’s Night Sky – Lecture
The dark skies at the Ranch provide a fabulous opportunity for seeing the wonders of Winter Sky such as the Andromeda Galaxy, the constellations of Orion (including its famous nebula), Gemini, Taurus, Jupiter and dazzling star clusters. Discover the link between astronomy and Dia de Los Reyes Magos. What was the star and how did our traditions arise? Participate in another magical part of the Ranch experience. You will never look at the night sky the same way again!
Before the lecture, join us in our January 6th Mexican tradition: Rosca de Reyes and hot chocolate served after dinner.
Star Gazing
Observe with the naked eye, binoculars and telescope. Please sign up in the Lounge.
Plus enjoy with Scott Marrone, too:
Musical Miniatures
Calm, soothing musical gems. Come and relax after a busy morning and before lunch to feed your mind and soul with the sounds of short masterpieces for piano.
Viva Vivaldi!
Hear “The Four Seasons” with a fresh perspective as Scott Marrone leads us through this most popular of musical works. You will never hear it the same way again! Discover the creativity and ingenuity found in Vivaldi’s delightful masterpiece. While the immediate impression of this great work is a set of four violin concertos, closer examination reveals a wealth of symbolism and actual story lines within the musical themes and various movements. Join Scott Marrone as we listen to and explore the program contained in these beloved musical gems. Find a new way to hear and understand this classic work, making it more personal, concrete, and enjoyable!
John Scott Marrone has over 30 years of experience teaching in the New York area. In addition to Astronomy, Scott teaches Forensics, Environmental Studies, and Oceanography. He has been recognized by Ciba-Geigy Corporation for his work in promoting science literacy and received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in 2007 from Manhattan College. In 1998, Scott was invited by the Aruban Government to substitute for astronomer Jay Pasachoff to lead the observation of the total solar eclipse. Most recently, Scott led the public observing session on Mauna Kea. Scott has also led observing on cruises in the Galapagos and Tahiti.
In addition, John Scott Marrone has been recognized as an outstanding conductor and director of many musical organizations. His experience covers the entire spectrum of orchestral and choral music from Renaissance to Contemporary, leading an impressive array of performing organizations both in the United States and Europe. In addition to his own Allegro Chamber Ensemble, Mr. Marrone has worked with the English Chamber Orchestra, Solisti di Roma, Orchestre de Paris, Oratorio Society of New York, Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, Greenwich Choral Society, and many other organizations including concerts and tours. His choir performed for Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica and at the papal audience before 250,000 people in Rome. With the Allegro Chamber Ensemble, Mr. Marrone performed a series of concerts at the Salzburg Music Festival, St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and at the Sainte Chapelle in 1994 for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris. With his choirs he has conducted at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Westminster Abbey in London, the Duomo in Florence and many other locations throughout Europe. Mr. Marrone holds a Professional Diploma in Piano from the Brooklyn Conservatory and a Master’s in Conducting from Columbia University.