Rainwater Observatory E-News 5/7/10
MAY 14 PUBLIC PROGRAM FEATURES VENUS
Our evening star is rising high in the west this month. The talk will look at how the second planet from the Sun was seen by ancient cultures and then examine what we’ve learned in the last few decades about a planet that was thought to be the Earth’s twin, but is now seen as very different. Check out what to expect at http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/06may_mothersday/
As always, we will go to the telescopes to view Venus, Saturn, and other objects. If you come early we can view the Sun with the Coronado scope.
ASTRONOMY CAMP IN JUNE
A summer astronomy camp is scheduled for June 20-26 in conjunction with the Camp of the Rising Son. This week long event will be for 13-16 year olds. Registration information can be found at info@campoftherisingson.com cost is $484.00 for the week. We are grateful for the three scholarships have been donated for campers, but we have several more applicants that have been recommended by their teachers but don’t have funds. If you’d like to help fund a camper let us know.
CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS Contact us to schedule a program or field trip
May 8: Pioneer Day at French Camp, Observatory open house
May 8: Girl Scout Troop 20653, Starkville
May 8: Reflections of the Universe program 7 pm
May 14: Calhoun Academy, 9:30 am
May 14: RAA Public Program 7 pm, Venus: The Evening Star Rises High
May 15: Delta Academy, West Point, morning
May 15: Carthage Cub Scouts, afternoon and evening
May 17: at Grenada, 1st Methodist Men’s Supper
May 21: at Millry Alabama Elementary School
ASTRONOMY EDUCATION PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR
We have been included in the Mississippi NASA Space Grant budget for the coming year and are planning on hosting two weekend teacher workshop and several “away” one day workshops at sites around the state. We are still scheduling the away workshops which will be focused on hands-on astronomy activities for elementary and middle school science standards.
The weekend workshops will be 10 contact hours for 1 CEU
November 5-6, 2010, Using Constellations to Teach Astronomy, Dr. Chris Sirola of USM.
January 28-29, 2011, Implementing and Enhancing High School Astronomy Classes, Dr. Larry Krumenaker, founder of “To Teach the Stars”.
“ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS” SUMMER COLLEGE CREDIT COURSE
The “Astronomy for Teachers” class for 3 semester hour credit through Ole Miss is scheduled for June 13-18. This is an intensive week and you must be enrolled in the university to take the course for credit. Information at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/teachers If you have questions contact Jonnie Fitch at Ole Miss jwfitch@olemiss.edu 662-915-7158
SUPPORT THE RAA BY BECOMING A MEMBER OR WITH A DONATION
Hint, we have 30 current members, but about 15 have let you membership lapse. Just a reminder!! Rainwater Astronomical Association membership is $15. (Just $10.00 for the rest of the year.) This allows a discounted subscription to Sky & Telescope magazine if you wish. Send a separate check for $32.95 made out to Sky & Telescope if you want to have this. Be sure to take advantage of our facility. Let us know if we can be of service.
Rainwater Observatory is seeking to increase its endowment to insure operations for the future. We have one person that has included Rainwater and its programs in his will. We can arrange for an estate planner to look over your plans if this sounds like something you’d like to pursue. There are also several people who send in regular checks toward current projects. These donations are tax deductible. We are also seeking corporate support. If your business would be interested in this type of outreach, we have several ways to recognize their support of our educational programs.
NEWS FROM THE HILL
The biggie addition is the delivery of a double stacked Coronado 90mm H-alpha solar telescope. This scope gives views of the solar prominences that are spectacular. We have also been offered a 10 foot fiberglass dome if we can get to Alabama to pick it up. We are tentatively planning on making the trip the last week in May. Here is the catch. We have to build or adapt a base for the facility. We may be asking for some carpentry help for this. Stay tuned.
Our e-newsletter is just reached a circulation of 950, can 1,000 be far behind. We have plans to put links to images of the observatory and its events. If you have suggestions for improving the format, we’d be glad to hear them.
ASTRO NEWS: If you have info or links you’d like to share, let us know.
The site for the world’s largest telescope has been chosen http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=9808
Potentially hazardous asteroid measured to be twice as large as thought. http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=9813
Clues to the birth of the solar system found in Antarctic ice http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/06/antarctic-micrometeorites-provide-clues-to-solar-system-formation/
Here is a satellite image of the oil slick in the gulf
http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/05/latest-satellite-images-of-oil-spill/
Opportunity is within sight of its new goal http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/05/opportunitys-long-and-winding-road-to-endeavour-crater/
A new deep image reveals thousands of galaxies in Abel 315 http://www.universetoday.com/2010/05/05/new-image-reveals-thousands-of-galaxies-in-abell-315/
Finally, for you Star Trek fans.
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/04may_dawn/
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