Public Programs
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Observatory & Lectures (click here) |
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Classes (click here) |
Kopernik
Observatory is open Every Friday Evening, regardless of sky conditions,
March through November.
Doors open at 7:30 PM.
Programs begin at 8:00 PM.
Telescope tours (if cloudy) and viewing (if clear).
Except June & July (due to late sunset) doors open at 8:00 PM; Programs begin at 8:30 PM.
$5.00 adults
$3.00 seniors/students
$16.00 family maximum.
* See special fund-raising admission fees.
- 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 if cloudy or magnificent viewing through our telescopes if the sky is clear.
Public Programs
Kopernik 2010 Lecture Series
During the winter months of December through February, the Observatory will
only be open one special Friday night each month with guest lecturers and
night time viewing (weather permitting). Doors open 6:30PM and program
begins at 7:00PM
Saturday February 6,
2010, 4-6PM - Event takes place prior to Winter Star Party
Family Workshop: Building a Galileo
Telescope
Find out what it was like to be Galileo has he turned his telescope skyward and viewed the wonders of the night sky. To celebrate the four-hundredth anniversary of this event, Kopernik Observatory in conjunction with the International Astronomy Union will be holding a special telescope building workshop just prior to the start of Winter Star Party.
PROGRAM: Find out about the earliest
telescopes and their scientific and historical significance. Explore how
different telescopes work and build your own replica of Galileo’s telescope
to take home with you. Then learn to use and operate your telescope. If
clear, see a thin crescent moon, just as Galileo did centuries ago.
DATE: Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 4 – 6 PM
(Includes admission to Winter Star
Party events for all workshop participants)
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center
COST: Workshop Fee: $25 per family; Telescope Fee: $25 per kit
NOTE: Participants who previously purchased a Galileoscope kit are
welcome to attend the workshop and need only pay the workshop fee.
Building a Galileo
Telescope
Family Workshop Registration Form
Saturday February
6, 2010, 6PM
Winter Star Party
The Kopernik Astronomical Society will hold its annual Winter Star Party again, Regardless of sky conditions! There will be speakers on various astronomy topics such as “Buying a Telescope and Current Events” in Space. Guest Speaker, Ann Martin, is a PhD candidate from Cornell’s Astronomy Department will present “The Universe in a Computer: What Simulations Can Teach Us”. See state-of-the-art animations and learn how simulations can help astrophysicists understand processes like galaxy formation, galaxy interactions, and stellar evolution.
Cost: $6.00 adult; $4.00 student/seniors
When: Saturday February 6, 2010
Schedule:
• 6:00 PM – Doors Open
• 6:30 PM – Lights and Lasers for Kids
• 7:00 PM – Buying & Using Your First Telescope
• 8:00 PM – “The Universe in a Computer: What Simulations Can Teach Us”
• 9:30 PM – Winter Stars and Constellations
Ongoing Activities:
View Saturn, Orion Nebula, and other objects through Kopernik’s powerful telescopes. If clear, visitors will be shown the winter constellations using a powerful laser. You can also stay inside our warm building and attend several programs as well visit our computer room and build a star-finder to take home.
* * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * *
March 5 & 12
We Shot the Moon!
Prof. Andrew Telesca, NASA Solar System Ambassador
Recently, NASA sent two probes to the Moon called LRO and LCROSS. One of
these probes crashed into the Moon to see if we could find water. Get the
results of this ambitious space mission and learn what the Reconnaissance
Orbiter is doing now.
March 19 & 26
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 see Orion Nebula, Mars, Saturn, and the Moon.
April 2
Special Event: Natural Gas Drilling & Drinking Water
Matt Cortese, Cornell University
Natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale is a unique economic
opportunity for Upstate New York. If drilling practices are not properly
managed, this opportunity presents many risks, such as the risk to drinking
water quality. For this reason, drilling is subjected to public and
scientific scrutiny. An analysis of public health risks of drilling
techniques employed by energy companies, including hydraulic fracturing,
will be presented. Admission: $6.00 adults, $4.00 seniors/students
*The views of this program do not necessarily reflect the views of the
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center
April 9 & 23
Beyond Cosmos
Tish Bresee, NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador
Learn about the life cycle of stars and their relevance to our lives.
Join us in a celebration of legendary astronomer Carl Sagan as we showcase
his scientific accomplishments and his philosophy that humanity should reach
for the stars.
April 16 & 30
HAM Radio: Why It Still Matters
Drew Deskur, KA1M
In the age of Internet and cell phones, why are people still interested
in HAM Radio? There is more to HAM Radio then strange antennas on a
neighbor's roof! From emergency communication to computer networking and
talking to astronauts on the International Space Station, HAM Radio
continues to interest people worldwide. A demonstration of HAM satellite
communication will follow the presentation.
Moonlight CaféSaturday, April 24 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 education 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 lovely 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 Broome Community College |
May 7 & 14
The Sun & Solar Observing
Patrick Manley, Kopernik Astronomical Society Member
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 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. If clear, see Venus, Mars, and Saturn.
May 21 & 28
Using Google Earth®: New Views from Space
Peter Kneupfer, 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.
June 4
The Search for Extraterrestrial Life (Part 1)
Dr. Nick Guydosh, Kopernik Educator
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 11:
The Search for Extraterrestrial Life (Part 2)
Dr. Nick Guydosh, Kopernik Educator
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 18 & 25
Beginning Telescopes
Art Cacciola, Kopernik Astronomical Society Member
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
a Kopernik Astro-Society member.
July 2, 9, 16,
23, 30
Summer Stars
See the latest Hubble Space Telescope images and learn how to locate the
International Space Station (ISS) as it flies over Broome County! Weekly
program topics vary 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.
Tuesday – Sunday,
August 10-15
Perseid Meteor Shower – CLEAR ONLY
Join us under Kopernik Observatory’s dark skies! Bring a lounge chair and
blanket and prepare to see the bright meteors of the Perseid meteor shower.
This shower is predicted to produce up to sixty meteors per hour! Call the
Observatory at (607) 748-3685 after 6PM for sky conditions.
Friday, August 13: Comets & Meteors
Attend the public program at 8:30 pm, followed by viewing the Perseid meteor
shower. Open regardless of sky conditions.
Public Classes
Course Descriptions can be found in the
BCC Catalog on pages 19-20.
No classes scheduled at this time, please check
back.
Talent Search Classes
PEGASUS 3/4 Introduction to Robotics
February 15, 2010
Robotics is a special program for young people to explore building and
controlling robots! Like the Mars Exploration Rovers, Kopernik’s snap
together robots can travel by remote control to a rendezvous location.
Kopernik’s robot arms are like the Canada Arm on the Space Station, allowing
us to pick up objects and deposit them in the cargo bay. Come and experience
Kopernik’s newest addition to our Robotics Collection and have fun
experimenting with robotics online at
www.NASA.gov.
DATES: Please select from A or B.
Session A: Monday, February 15, 2010 from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Session B: Monday, February 15, 2010 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
BRING: Snack and Drink
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY 13850
COST: $40 Non-Members
$34 Kopernik Members
(Financial assistance is available according to need. Please call for more
information.)
NOTES: All Kopernik Talent Search Programs involve the following:
Fun, interactive experiences; Positive peer group relations; Advanced
technology;
Challenging & memorable experiences; Student centered learning; Group
problem solving
QUESTIONS: Call Donna at 607-748-3685 ext 308
For registration form, click here
PEGASUS 5-6 Galaxies Far, Far Away
February 20, 2010
What are galaxies? How do they form? What happens when galaxies collide?
Students will explore these and other questions. Participants will build a
model of our galaxy, as well as a 3-D display showing our local galactic
neighborhood. See awesome images of the Andromeda galaxy and may the force
be with you!
DATES: Please select from A OR B:
Session A: Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Session B: Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
BRING: Snack and Drink
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
COST: $40 Non-Members
$34 Kopernik Members
(Financial Assistance is available according to need. Call for information.)
NOTES: All Kopernik Talent Search Programs involve the following:
Fun, interactive experiences; Positive peer group relations; Advanced
technology;
Challenging & memorable experiences; Student centered learning; Group
problem solving
QUESTIONS: Call Kopernik Observatory at 607-748-3685 x 308
For registration form, click here
PEGASUS 6-8 Lunar Explorations
March 20, 2010
How did the moon form? What types of rocks are on the moon? What formed
craters and other lunar features? Using the latest images from the LCross
Spacecraft, students will learn about various lunar features. Students will
use high-definition video cameras to capture an explosive simulation of
lunar crater formation. In addition, we will learn how to read a moon map
and get a glimpse of what future lunar exploration awaits!
DATE: Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
COST: $40 Non-Members
$34 Kopernik Members
(Financial Assistance is available according to need. Call for information.)
NOTES: All Kopernik Talent Search Programs involve the following:
Fun, interactive experiences; Positive peer group relations; Advanced
technology;
Challenging & memorable experiences; Student centered learning; Group
problem solving
QUESTIONS: Call Kopernik Observatory at 607-748-3685 x 308
For registration form, click here
PEGASUS 9-12 Lunar Astrophotography
March 27, 2010
Want to take a picture of the moon? Come learn about the different
telescopes, equipment, and techniques used to take spectacular images of the
moon! Students will learn the necessary techniques to create images from
lunar webcam videos and will learn the basics of webcam lunar photography.
If conditions are cloudy, students will use software to create and process
lunar images. If skies are clear, students will be able to image the moon
themselves using a variety of equipment and techniques!
DATE: Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 6:00 pm– 9:00 pm
BRING: Snack and Drink
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
REDUCED COST: $40 Non-Members
$34 Kopernik Members
(Financial Assistance is available according to need. Call for information.)
NOTES: All Kopernik Talent Search Programs involve the following:
Fun, interactive experiences; Positive peer group relations; Advanced
technology;
Challenging & memorable experiences; Student centered learning; Group
problem solving
QUESTIONS: Call Kopernik Observatory at 607-748-3685 x 308
For registration form, click here
4th Grade Science Test Prep
April 9, 2010
Students will experience hands-on learning with this course in Scientific
Inquiry and Concepts. In the first part of the program, students will work
in small teams testing properties of matter such as mass, volume, weight,
and magnetism to practice for the New York State Science Practical exam.
For the second part of this program, students will prepare for the
written test by exploring the concept of forces by designing roller coasters
and erosion through using stream tables.
NYS Learning Standards MST 1, 4 & 6
DATE: Friday, April 9, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
BRING: Snack and Drink.
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory and Science Center, Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
COST: $40 Non-Members
$32 Kopernik Members
(Financial assistance is available according to need. Please call for more
information.)
NOTES: All Kopernik Talent Search Programs involve the following:
Fun, interactive experiences; Positive peer group relations; Advanced
technology;
Challenging & memorable experiences; Student centered learning; Group
problem solving
QUESTIONS: Call Kopernik Observatory at 607-748-3685 x308
For registration form, click here
Galaxy Expedition Weekend
Grades 8-12
April 16-18, 2010
You are invited to attend our annual Galaxy Expedition! The goal of this
expedition is to find, view, and sketch galaxies. Enjoy the dark, moonless
skies of Kopernik Observatory (weather permitting) as we hunt down a
multitude of galaxies and pursue numerous deep-sky objects. Experience a
Messier Marathon as we attempt to observe all of the 109 messier objects
over the course of the weekend. In addition, on Saturday morning
students will attend our “Rocket Symposium.” Students will build their very
own model rocket that will be launched later in the afternoon. All observing
activities are dependent upon on clear weather. All meals will be provided
and each student will take home their own rocket!
DATES: April 16-18, 2010
Arrive: Friday, April 16 at 6:00 PM
Depart: Sunday, April 18 at 9:00 AM
BRING: Students should bring enough clothes for three days and
some snacks. They should also bring winter clothes,
coat, hat, gloves, pillow, sleeping bag, floor cushion, lawn chair, and
necessary toiletries.
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY 13850
COST: $165 Non-Members
$140 Kopernik Observatory Members
(Financial assistance is available according to need. Please call for more
information.)
QUESTIONS: Call Kopernik Observatory at (607) 748-3685 x 308 for
registration questions or Roy Williams at
(607) 748-3685 x 315 or email wwilliams@stny.rr.com for program questions.
For registration form, click here
