By vote of this month’s Doodle poll, we will not be meeting at DRA this weekend, but shall instead all storm the opening of UMaine Orono’s Emera Astronomy Center, for our own good time and so that our presence will make something big even bigger. Emera will serve all of Maine, from school children in kindergarten through high schoolers in STEM courses, as well as students of the University and the public, so this is truly a breakthrough event for all astronomers in Maine.
Join us for a star party Friday night, October 17, 2014, to observe with astronomers from all over our state, and to see the behind-the-scenes workings of UMaine’s brand-new, amazingly complex observatory. The new, 20-inch Corrected Dall-Kirkham is the largest permanently installed telescope in Maine, a masterpiece of the optician’s and machinist’s arts. At 7:00pm, an optional $6.00 show will additionally allow us to see the public side of the planetarium.
Due to the weather, the last-minute planning for this two-day event has changed. At the moment I am sending this message, what you are reading is more up-to-date than Emera’s Web site. In particular, there will likely not be a star party on Saturday, which raises the question of what one would miss by skipping Saturday’s daytime celebration for the public. By joining us Friday instead, one would miss seeing the machinery and computers driving the planetarium, the solar viewing, and the face paintings and similar activities. Point the wheels of your car to:
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Emera Astronomy Center
167 Rangeley Road, Orono, ME 04473
http://astro.umaine.edu/
207-581-1341
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A few things are yet to be determined, with more news forthcoming if the following events are added:
(1) Will we improvise a solar viewing on Friday afternoon? Although the public would not be notified in advance, there may be many milling about, and we may have some fun for ourselves.
(2) How about an Astronomer’s Dinner in Orono? Anyone know a good, inexpensive restaurant?
Call or email Jon if you would like to add a solar viewing or meet for dinner.
Special thanks to Alan Davenport, Observatory Czar of Emera Astronomy Center, and the indefatigable Dwight Lanpher, Club Liaison, for once again making everything happen!
