Planned serendipity – you, your universe, and a dab of luck
"And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything." - William Sakespeare
"To me it's not so much how big your telescope is, or how accurately your optics are figured, or how beautiful the pictures you can take with it; it's how many people in this vast world less privileged than you have had a chance to see through your telescope and understand this universe. That is the one thing that drives me!" - John Dobson
My first goal is to provide an opportunity for people to learn, not from books, or videos, or lectures, or even the Web - but from reading the messages we receive in real time from the light of the stars, planets, and other celestial objects. To play with Shakespeare's wonderful phrase, these are "sermons in stars." To that end, most of the programs are held at Drfitway Observatory with structured groups. Serendipitous Sidewalk Astronomy is a new venture for me, in cooperation with Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, where the approach is more spontaneous.
Sidewalk astronomy means providing an opportunity for a meaningful astronomical observing experience in a public location. As far as I know it started - or certainly gained momentum - with the efforts of John Dobson and the San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers about 40 years ago. Doing sidewalk astronmy at a wildlife sanctuary – instead of the beach, or city – means that you have a potential audience that self-selects for high interest in nature.
"Serendipity" means taking timely advantage of the favorable weather, as well as the constantly changing – and not always predictable - astronomical scene. And in the final analysis it means being flexible eough to adjust to the opportunities lady luck provides.
"Planned serendipity" means anticipating those possibilities and preparing programs in advance so an appropriate program can be implemented on very short notice. One of the trickiest parts of this is getting the word out quickly - but the Internet holds the answer to this.
Location, location, location
The parking lot at the headquarters of Allens Pond Wildlife Snactuary offers an ideal, easily accessible location. Although the sanctuary is closed after dark, it is open during these special programs for those participating in them.
I was first attracted to this location simply because it gave me a clear southern horizon and trees south of myproperty at Driftway block the view in that direction. But after viewing there several nights I've concluded it has several other advntages:
- Some of the darkest - if not THE darkest skys in the region. The main light pollution comes from occcasional car headlight and a soft glow to the northeat caused by the city of New Bedford.
- A large berm makes the parking lot invisible from the road and blocks the worst of the car headlights. It also slows down the wind somewhat.
- There is essentially a 360-degree, obstructionless horizon.
The goals of the Driftway Observatory Sidewalk Astronomy programs are to:
- Educate people of all ages to the wonders of the universe beyond the Earth.
- Provide an "eyes on" observing experience so people take away a sense of awe and wonder that can come only from direct and meaningful interaction with the real world.
- Take advantage on short notice of special opportunities nature offers, starting with clear skies, but including special astronomical events, such as prominent sunspots, meteor showers, opportune placement of planets, the sudden appearance of a comet, etc.
- Provide an informed account of what people are observing while they are observing.
- o Provide an opportunity for people to record their observations on a take-home log sheet.
- Provide a handout that states essential facts, and points them towards additional information on the subject.
- Use a venue where the programs are in harmony with the obvious interests of potential participants.