Enrolling now - new, year-long observing program
On April 3, 2007 a new , year-long observing program begins. I'll accept up to eight adults into this program which will meet twice a month and include a mix of lessons, reading, discussions and hands-on/ eyes-on observing. If interested, contact me ASAP at gstone@umassd.edu. If you know someone else who might be interested, please send this to them. The details follow.
Through the Astronomical Year
What: An experiential observing program aimed at building a "hands on/minds-on" familiarity with the night sky.Where: Driftway Observatory, Westport
When: Two Tuesday nights each month, 7 pm beginning the first Tuesday in April, April 3, 2007
Who: You and seven other adults committed to exploring the universe in mind, body and spirit for the next year.
Some specifics
What: As we whip around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour, our view of the universe constantly changes, but in the course of a year we can meet all the major players in the astronomical drama and perhaps have some surprise encounters along the way. This program is designed to introduce you to your universe to help you develop a deep awareness of the incredible reality that parades across the night sky, largely unnoticed in these days when lights both inside and out shut off our vision of the beauty and excitement of the dark skies. Frequently unaware, we live in the midst of a golden age of astronomy where new, mind-bending discoveries are opening up faster even than when Galileo first pointed a telescope at the heavens.
We can't cover everything in 24 sessions. But this program will give you the firm intellectual and experiential foundations you'll need for a lifetime of exploration and enjoyment of what Martha Evans Martin described a century ago as "The Friendly Stars." Through reading, discussion, model building, and "eyes on" exploration you are in for four seasons of mind-expanding reality. In the course of the year, we will learn about and experience directly through observation, as well as reflect upon - each major class of astronomical object. And yes, in the process you will become acquainted with a dozen bright stars and constellations that will serve as guide posts for future exploration, and will become old friends, like daffodils and colorful fall leaves, each heralding a season of the year.
Where: At Driftway Observatory, my private, personal observatory which I have expanded for instructional purposes. Drfitway now includes a 15-inch Obsession, state-of-the-art computer-driven telescope; two small telescopes designed for one purpose to safely observe our sun in the exciting wavelengths of hyrdrogen alpha; five smaller, computer-assisted telescopes that make it easy for you to quickly view and compare several different astronomical objects that would be otherwise difficult for beginners to find; several other small telescopes and binoculars designed for observing the moon and providing wide-field, low-power views of bright star clusters and other "deep sky" objects; and a state-of-the-art video observing system that can reveal - live on a tv screen - much more than can be seen at the eyepiece and make it possible for small groups to discuss what's being seen. These instruments have been chosen primarily for the education mission here, but also with my personal observing goals in mind which in a phrase involve deepened awareness through direct observation.
We are made of star stuff every atom in our body was forged in the nuclear furnace of a star. Isnt it time we knew them better?
How this works:
You and I commit to two Tuesday evenings a month.
The first Tuesday of every month for 12 months we meet regardless of weather. If it is clear, we observe. If it is not we have a "cloudy night" session where we explore, through exercises and discussion, what we will observe that month.
Assuming the first Tuesday is clear, we will meet the second Tuesday to explore, through exercise and discussion, what we have observed.
If the first Tuesday is cloudy, we will meet on the next clear Tuesday night to observe.
So basically, you need to keep all Tuesday nights open because we can't predict what the weather will allow, but we will be meeting only on two of them a month.
We will have one special day-time observing session to observe the sun using special telescopes with safe, hydrogen alpha filters.
We will schedule optional special observing sessions as unusual opportunities such as a meteor shower, or comet, or nova demand.
You will be expected to read three books about astronomy of your choosing during the year and share questions and reflections on these books with others in the group. I will provide a suggested reading list from which you can choose.
While the program is free, you will be expected to purchase some minimum supplies such as red flash light (to preserve night vision) and star wheel. (Of course if you already have such items, that's fine, but I'll provide a list with recommendations and sourcesThe program is free but you will be expected to purchase some minimum supplies such as red flashlight (to preserve night vision) and star wheel. (Of course if you already have such items, that's fine, but I'll provide a list with recommendations and sources.)
You do not need any special preparation for this program. While some of you may have done some exploration on your own, it will be assumed that all participants are starting at the same basic point. We will certainly explore the science of astronomy and occasionally play with numbers on a calculator, but no special knowledge or preparation is needed. Any intelligent adult with an inquiring mind will feel comfortable with this program.
We will, of course, be spending at least half our time under the stars in the dark, so you attend at your own risk and it is assumed you are reasonably agile. And yes, some nights it will be cold, but common-sense apparel, a little hot chocolate, and a warm "red room where you can take the chill off without sacrificing your night vision, will help us all through such evenings.