The Spring Public Night Series for 2011 is held on Friday nights beginning March 18, 2011 and ending May 6, 2011. Starting at 8:00 p.m., the program begins with an illustrated presentation on astronomy. Then if the sky is clear, visitors may view several celestial objects through the refracting telescope housed in the dome and other telescopes set up outside on the roof of the building. Individuals, families and small groups are welcome to attend. Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult responsible for them. There is no charge for admission.

Spring 2011 Schedule

ASTRO-POTPOURRI

Lectures start at 8:00 P.M.


March 18:   Why is there Spring?

The Earth moves in more than 6 different directions at the same time. Is it any wonder that so many people are confused?

March 25: Happy Birthday James T. Kirk

Last Monday, ( March 22nd) will be Capt. Kirk's birthday. In 268 years he will be given command of the Enterprise. Does Science Fantasy have a place in Astronomy?

April 1: Pranks A Lot!!

The Universe plays April Fools Tricks on its inhabitants. Some of them are considered to be physically impossible.

April 8: Thank you, Yuri Gargarin

Fifty years ago, a man was blasted into space in a reinforced "tin can" for the first time. Are we better off now? Or do we just have a bunch of new and expensive toys?

April 15: Death and Taxes

These undisputable truths of our civilization aren't the only earthly forces you can count on. The "Fundamental Forces of Nature" have been in place and reliable since the beginning of time.

April 22: Searching for Earth II

The list of Exo-planets is growing daily. What's the latest addition in our search to find another Earth like Planet? What is the chance of finding life there?

April 29: Probing the Long Waves

Radio Telescopes are the only other type of telescope capable of gathering information while on the earth. Yet with all that other fancy hardware orbiting the earth we don't hear much about them.

May 6 Star Hopping

A lost art form caused by the "GoTo" computers that are attached to even the smallest consumer telescopes. Every thing you need to find starry wonders without batteries.