100 Hours of Astronomy at Kopernik Observatory An Event 400 Years in the Making Join in a worldwide celebration of 400 years of astronomy, Including free solar and nighttime observing, live international web presentations, Kopernik program, family activities, and astronomy films Dates: 2-5 April 2009 Duration: 4 Days (96hrs) The 100 Hours of Astronomy is an around-the-clock, worldwide event with 100 continuous hours of a wide range of activities and public outreach events including live webcasts, observing events, star parties and other specialised activities. A key goal is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope just as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. The 100 Hours of Astronomy is a project of the official International Year of Astronomy 2009 celebration.

Schedule of Events for the "100 Hours of Astronomy":

We are still developing the details of these events. Please check this page often for changes.

Thursday, April 2, 2009 (free program & observing):

Special Events at the Broome County Library, Court Street, Binghamton, NY:

1:00 to 8:00 PM - Daytime Solar observing and evening telescope views of the Moon & Saturn (if clear)

1:00 to 8:00 PM - Astronomy presentations & demos in the Library's Decker Room

Events at Kopernik Observatory:

4:00 to 5:30 PM - Solar Observing (if clear)

4:00 to 5:30 PM - International Space Centers webcast, "Space Observation: Past, Present and Future"

7:00 to 10:00 PM - Showing of the Film "Seeing in the Dark", in which stargazers try to describe an ineffable experience, and invite viewers to share their wordless awe.

7:00 to 11:30 PM - Observing thru Kopernik Observatory's Telescopes if clear.


Friday, April 3, 2009 (free program & observing):

4:00 to 5:30 PM - Solar Observing (if clear); Discussions on Solar Science

4:30 to 8:00 PM - activities for kids and families

4:00 PM to Closing - Showing of the Live 24 Hours Research Observatory Webcast, "Space Observation: Past, Present and Future".

Viewers will see live, day and night around the globe, the happenings at the world's most advanced research observatories, and discover what astronomers are doing right now! Who is observing? What are they researching? What do they hope to discover?

7:00 to 9:00 PM - Program, "The Casinni Mission", presented by Dr. Keith Werkman, Kopernik Astro Society.

7:00 to 11:30 PM - Observing thru Kopernik's telescopes; see the Moon & Saturn (prime targets).


Saturday, April 4, 2009 (free program & observing):

2:00 to 4:00 PM - Solar Observing (if clear); Discussions on Solar Science

4:30 to 8:00 PM - activities for kids and families

5:00 to 7:00 PM - Showing of the Film "Seeing in the Dark" (see description above)

7:00 to 9:00 PM - Program: "The Moons of Saturn", presented by Patrick Manley, Kopernik Astronomical Society.

7:00 to 11:30 PM - Observing thru Kopernik's telescopes; see the Moon & Saturn (prime targets).


Sunday, April 5, 2009 (free daytime solar observing program):

The IYA 2009 Solar Section had declared April 5th "Sun Day"!!


2:00 to 4:30 PM - Solar Observing (if clear); Discussions on Solar Science

2:00 to 4:30 PM - Showing of the Film "Seeing in the Dark"



Join in all of the fun of "100 Hours of Astronomy" at Kopernik. It's free, and it only happens every 400 years! If you miss it, check back here for pictures and descriptions of our celebration!!

This page is under development!

George Normandin, KAS

February 18th, 2009