Astronomy Day 2009
One of the major goals of the International Year of Astronomy is to get as many people as possible around the world to look through a telescope, and May 2, 2009 is International Astronomy Day. On this day from 11 am
to 3 pm, Adventure Science Center will host a variety of activities exploring all aspects of telescopes and amateur astronomy.
INSIDE
- Visit the Telescope Showcase to learn about different types of telescopes, compare and contrast, and find out what you need and "don't need" to get started in amateur astronomy.
- Ask Questions at the Astronomy Advice booth. Sit down and talk with the staff of the Sudekum Planetarium about how to start looking at the sky, basic tools for astronomy, and recommendations for doing more.
- Complete a simple scavenger hunt within Space Chase for a chance to win a $300 telescope.
- Tune in to the Night Sky Network for simple, hands-on, tabletop activities to explore how telescopes work.
- Enjoy ViewSpace, the dramatic and beautiful channel from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
- Check out Chuck Schlemm's National Space Society traveling road show including models of a WIDE variety of spacecraft as well as scale models of the planets and much more.
OUTSIDE (weather permitting)
- Walk the 333 foot scale model of the solar system to discover just far it really is to Pluto.
- Observe our nearest star, the Sun, to see what might be happening on its active surface.
- Create craters to see the results of great impacts.
Special thanks to the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society, the Middle Tennessee chapter of the National Space Society, Night Sky Network, and Austin Peay State University for their valuable contribution of time and talent on Astronomy Day and throughout the year.
Look Through Telescopes at the Real Sky!
The next public FREE star party is set for Saturday evening, May 2, from 8:30-10:30 PM at the Visitor Information Center at Longhunter State Park.
Members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society will set up their telescopes so everyone can enjoy viewing a variety of celestial sights, including Saturn, star clusters, and nebulae. The best part: it’s all FREE!
Star parties are always weather permitting. If the weather is cloudy or worse, the star party will be cancelled. If the weather is uncertain, please consult the Sudekum Planetarium home page or call Astroline at (615) 401-5092 before travelling to the observation site.
