Switching gears - a blog and an experiential education program

In the past month or so I've made a major switch from lone observing to developing an observing program designed to share my equipment, experience, and knowledge with interested adults and youth. To that end I've been developing a flexible curriculum based on what the night sky has to offer at any given time and date and I have made numerous purchases so that I now have several telescopes available to offer a true learning experience.

I'm also in the process of rebuilding this Web site with two major divisions - one devoted to the public program called "Hands on the Telescope, Eyes on the Universe" and the other devoted to my astronomy blog called "Rapt in Awe: My Journey through the Universe."

Here's the text of a flyer I've prepared to explain and promote the public program and its reservation system.

Driftway Observatory is a personal, private, astronomical observatory in Westport, MA, that has been optimized for sharing. Observing programs ranging from one session to five have been developed and are suitable for adults and children, alone or in small groups. (Programs also relate to Scouting belt loops and merit badges.) Children participating in a program must be accompanied by an adult, who also will be considered a participant. (This is a great parent/child learning activity.)

These are not lectures. The program consists of observing activities geared towards the beginner of any age. Sessions are held on clear nights and are generally one-to-two hours long. The activities are designed so that you can explore the night sky with coaching from me. If you have just purchased a telescope and would like to learn how to use it, you can bring it to Driftway Observatory. However, we have sufficient telescopes, appropriate for beginners, to support small-group activities. These program are aimed at area residents within approximately 30-minutes drive.

How you participate

Obviously, clear skies are a must for observational astronomy. To operate within this uncertainty, we request that participants reserve specific nights and times well in advance. Your observing session will be held if the weather is appropriate. If not, it will be held on the next scheduled night, assuming that night is clear. Making a reservation is a commitment by both of us to keep that night open for your observing session.

Program choices

Guided Tour – A single session in which you will find the North Star and at least one major constellation and observe several astronomical objects through the observatory instruments under the direction of an experienced observer. This session is appropriate for the curious. It is more a guided tour than a hands-on experience. Exactly what you see is dependent upon the size of your group, time allotted, and what the sky has to offer that night. Recommended time: 1-to-2 hours.

Introduction to the Universe – A three-session program that starts with an indoor session in which you get to know the basics of using astronomical telescopes. For small groups this session can be held at your normal meeting place. Observational material relating to the Cub Scout astronomy belt loop and academic pin, as well as the Junior Girl Scout Sky Search badge, is covered. However, the program is appropriate for anyone of any age who would like to become familiar with telescopes, learn a few basic constellations, and have a good idea of what stars, nebulae, galaxies, planets, and the moon look like from Earth. Each session lasts one to two hours.

Seeing in the Dark – This is five, one-to-two hour sessions. It includes everything in the Introduction to the Universe program, plus more in depth exploration of selected topics. The topics will depend on participant interest and needs, as well as what the sky has to offer in the changing seasons. The program could be adjusted, for example to fit the needs of a Boy Scout merit badge, or the interests of someone who wants to explore variable stars, double stars, distant galaxies, or some other special topic.

Special Sessions

Learning to use your new scope – Aimed at the adult or youngster who has just purchased or been given – an astronomical telescope. It consists of a single session tailored to using the particular scope you have. It can take place at Driftway Observatory or at your location.

Buying a telescope – Aimed at those planning to buy a telescope either as a gift for someone else or for their own use. The session will cover types, prices, brand names, and sources and help you make an appropriate choice. Delivered as a one-hour lecture/demonstration for small groups.

To make a reservation for yourself or a small group, please contact Greg Stone by email.

Email: gstone@umassd.edu

Please include contact information and whether you are seeking a program for an individual or a small group.

About Greg Stone: Greg Stone is a retired writer and university administrator whose articles on astronomy and telescopes have, over the years, appeared in publications such as Yankee, Popular Science, Boys Life, and The New York Times. He edited and expanded a new addition of Dr. Henry Paul’s book, “Binoculars and All-Purpose Telescopes,” He has owned many different telescopes during his more than 40 years as an amateur astronomer. He observes from inside – and outside – a small, rotating dome observatory, using several telescopes, including a 6-inch refractor, an 8-inch catadioptric, and a 15-inch reflector. (Only the 8-inch fits inside the dome.)