Kopernik Observatory
Spring/Summer Schedule 2011
$5.00 adults; $3.00 seniors/students; $16.00 family maximum
Members of Kopernik Observatory are free
For information call (607) 748-3685 or visit www.kopernik.org
The Observatory is open every Friday night, regardless of sky conditions, March through November. In spring, doors open at 7:30 PM; programs start at 8:00 PM – Telescope tours (if cloudy) or viewing (if clear).
March 4 & 11: The Star Cycle and White Dwarfs – Mark Dello Stritto, Binghamton University
Learn about the life and death of a star. Find out about star formation, the mechanism of fusion, and the freezing point of a white dwarf star.
March 18 & 25: Looking for Martians – Tish Bresee, NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador
Learn how to help NASA explore the Red Planet for any signs of life using new 3D images from the Mars Reconnaissance Rover.
April 1: Making Us WISE – The WISE Mission – Prof. Andrew Telesca, NASA Solar System Ambassador
It has been more than one year since of the launch of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer – a mission to image the entire sky in the infrared, complimenting the Spitzer and Herschel missions. One of the goals of this mission is to look for the gee-whiz parts of the Universe. What has been learned?
April 8: Cutting-Edge Astronomy in the 21st Century – Greg Sloan, Cornell University Learn about the future of astronomy. What are astronomers planning, both on the ground and in space, and why? How much will it cost, and who decides on the priorities? If clear, view Saturn and the Moon.
April 15 & 22: Cassini at Saturn – Dr. Keith Werkman, Kopernik Astronomical Society
Come see spectacular images taken by the Cassini spacecraft that is orbiting Saturn. Find out how the rings were formed and see the surface of one of Saturn’s Moon, Titan. If clear, Saturn will be high in the sky for optimal viewing with our telescopes.
April 29: Colliding Galaxies – George Normandin, Kopernik Astronomical Society President
See what happens when galaxies collide! View images of galaxies merging taken using Kopenik’s telescopes and learn about newly discovered features of our own galaxy. If clear, view a multitude of galaxies and other deep-sky objects with our telescopes. (also presented on May 13)
May 6: The Best of Hubble – Tish Bresee, NASA Solar System Ambassador
See the Hubble Space Telescope’s most beautiful legacy images; learn about each one and where to find it in the sky. If clear, view these celestial objects through our telescopes.
Moonlight Café
Saturday, May 7
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Looking for something different to do on a Saturday night? Fly to the moon and mingle under the stars at this adults-only evening at the Kopernik Observatory. The Observatory & Science Center is transformed into the Moonlight Café for a special event where you enjoy fresh-brewed coffee, tea, and delicious desserts and a fascinating introduction to the stars and outer space. Enjoy a spring evening of spectacular planet spotting! As night falls, move to the telescopes and view a gibbous moon and Saturn. You are welcome to linger at the gazebo under the breathtaking view of the night sky with a cup of coffee, and have a heavenly evening!
Register through the Broome Community College Spring 2011 Non-Credit Catalog
by calling (607) 778-5012.
May 13: Colliding Galaxies – George Normandin, Kopernik Astronomical Society President
See what happens when galaxies collide! View images of galaxies merging taken using Kopenik’s telescopes and learn about newly discovered features of our own galaxy. If clear, view a multitude of galaxies and other deep-sky objects with our telescopes.
May 20 & 27: Using Google Earth®: New Views from Space – Dr. Peter Knuepfer, Binghamton University
The confluence of satellite imagery and the power of the Internet allow one to view landscapes, cities, and geological formations. Learn tips on how to use Google Earth® to see the wonders of our planet.
In summer, longer days mean later opening times. During June and July, doors open at 8:00 PM; programs start at 8:30 PM.
June 3: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life (Part 1) – Dr. Nick Guydosh, Kopernik Observatory
How do we know life when we see it? Why do most science fiction works depict aliens as humanoids? Explore the very essence of life as revealed by current research and expand your view of what we should be looking for.
June 10: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life (Part 2) – Dr. Nick Guydosh, Kopernik Observatory Is life on earth unique in the universe? For decades our focus was on Mars, but what if other worlds such as the ice-covered moons Enceledus or Europa have life? Are there Earth-like planets orbiting other stars? Is there any hope of discovering intelligent life using methods such as the SETI radio telescope? This talk will explore these intriguing questions and what is currently being done to answer them.
June 17 & 24: Beginning Telescopes – Special Guest from the Kopernik Astronomical Society
Learn how to buy and use your first telescope! Observatory members and the public are encouraged to bring their telescopes to receive a lesson from Kopernik Astronomical Society members.
July 1 & 8: The Sun & Solar Observing – Special Guest from the Kopernik Astronomical Society
The Sun provides us with life, warmth, and summer fun! Come learn about the features of the Sun, its cycles, and its beneficial as well as harmful impacts on our daily lives. Learn about sunspots, prominences, solar flares, solar eclipses, and the aurora borealis. The presentation will also cover safe ways to observe and photograph the Sun, as well as online resources which can be used to observe the Sun.
July 15, 22, 29: Summer Stars – Special Guests from the Kopernik Astronomical Society
See the latest Hubble Space Telescope images and learn how to locate the International Space Station (ISS) as it flies over Broome County. Programs will be on various topics and will include free star maps, constellation training and space videos. There will be telescope tours and magnificent viewing through the Observatory’s powerful telescopes if clear skies prevail.
Do you know a young person who is interested in science? Check out the Link Summer Science Institute summer 2011 camps for students in grades 1-12.
Visit www.kopernik.org for more information and registration.
