Public Programs
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Observatory & Lectures (click here) |
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Classes (click here) |
Spring/Summer 2008
Doors open at
7:30 PM.
Programs begin at 8:00 PM
$5.00 adults
$3.00 seniors/students
$16.00 family maximum.
Please call after 6:00 PM for road and sky conditions.
- 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.
March 7 & 14
Missions to Mars
Learn about the upcoming robotic missions to Mars. Get an update on the current and future Mars missions presented by Prof. Andy Telesca, JPL solar system ambassador. If clear see Saturn, Mars, Orion Nebula and more! Guest Speaker: Prof Andy Telesca
March 21 & 28
Spring Stars
Learn about Greek/Roman/Native American myths. Discussion of meteorite showers. Photos of Spring constellations and tips/methods of observing the night sky. If clear see Saturn, Mars, Orion Nebula and more.
Speaker: Roy Williams
April 4 & 11
Chandra X-Ray
Observatory
April 4 & 11: Chandra X-Ray Observatory See the latest images from the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Find out what astronomers are learning by observing different objects with X-rays. Explore the Universe by seeing it in X-ray light. If clear see the moon, Saturn and more.
Speaker: Tish Bresee
April 18 & 25
Cassini at Saturn
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 Saturn’s Moon, Titan. If clear, Saturn will be high in the sky for optimal viewing. Guest Speaker: Dr. Keith Werkman
May 2
Consciousness and the Universe
What is the connection between mind and matter? Enjoy a discussion of metaphysical speculations regarding the universe, consciousness, quantum mechanics and time. If clear see galaxies, star clusters, and perhaps a few meteors!
Speaker: Roy Williams
May 9 & 16
Apparition of Mercury
See the latest images from the Messenger Spacecraft that swung by this elusive planet in January. If clear, see this incredible planet through Kopernik’s telescopes. Due to Mercury’s position in the sky, please arrive early at 7PM to view Mercury through our telescopes.
Guest Speaker: Alan Pendleton
May 23 & 30
Cosmology 101
Where did the universe come from? How large is it? How old is it? We shall study various theories focusing on these questions including the “Big Bang Theory”, the expanding universe, dark matter, dark energy, and other topics. We will look at how modern tools such as the Hubble Space Telescope are applied.
Speaker: Dr. Nick Guydosh
Summer Schedule – Friday Nights, June & July
Regardless of Sky Conditions, Doors open at 8:00 PM; Programs begin at 8:30
PM
June 7 & 14
Near Earth Objects (NEO)
Learn about objects that endanger the Earth with collision. How do we detect these objects? Will there be impact? Can they be destroyed or diverted to save Earth? Learn about the Jupiter Comet crash and more! (Comet Shoemaker–Levi crashed into Jupiter – see the amazing images!)
June 21 & 28
Beginning Telescopes
Learn how to buy and use your first telescope. Members and public are encourage to bring their telescopes so that Kopernik Astro-Society members can give you a lesson.
July 4, 11, 18, 25
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. 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 the Kopernik’s telescopes if clear skies prevail.
Special Event
Aug 12-14
Close Approach of Venus & Saturn
Venus and Saturn will be appear less than degree apart! See both of these planets together through one telescope. Viewing begins at sunset around 8PM (Clear only). Call (607) 748-3685 for Sky conditions.
Upcoming Classes
Public Classes
Basic Telescopes
Friday, April 11 from 6–9 PM
Whether you have just wanted to learn how to use a telescope or you are thinking about buying one, this one night class is perfect for you. Observatory staff and members of our Astronomical Society will demonstrate the different types of telescopes and give direct instruction on how to use each one. Participants are encouraged to bring your own telescopes or brochures of telescopes you are thinking about buying. All ages welcome. Students under 12 years should be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $30 (non-members) or $24 (members)
Spring 2008 Public Classes Registration Form
Adult Astronomy I: Beginning Astronomy
Thursdays, May 1, 8, 15 & 22 from 7-9 PM
Come to the Observatory and learn about the sky, telescopes, reading star maps, constellations, finding satellites and how to observe meteor showers. The emphasis of this course is on developing basic observational and telescope skills. On clear nights the class is welcomed to stay for an extended viewing session. Ages 15 to Adult. Adult Astronomy II will be offered in the Fall. Cost: $85 (non-members) or $68 (members)
Spring 2008 Public Classes Registration Form
Basic Computer Skills
Fridays, June 6, 13 & 20 from 6:30-8:00 PM
If you feel like you have little or no skills using a computer then this course is for you. Learn basic skills of running Windows®, general computer maintenance and other skills. Topics include: Disk & File Management, Installing Programs, utility maintenance, and more. After class, look through our telescopes or attend our Friday night program for free. Cost: $50 (non-members) or $40 (members)
Spring 2008 Public Classes Registration Form
Talent Search Classes
Dear Parent/Gardian,
Kopernik Observatory offers Kopernik Talent
Search programs to students with high interest and potential in science,
providing young people with the opportunity to experience science at an
advanced level. Your child is invited to attend the PEGASUS
program listed below. The PEGASUS series will provide a sequence of
special, intensive programs for interested and motivated students.
(Classes fill quickly, so register soon to avoid disappointment.)
PEGASUS 7/8 “Koper-troniks: Fundamental Electronics & Radio
Communication”
Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Students in grades 7 & 8 will use electronic kits to explore the interrelationships of electronic components. Participants will make a variety of circuits that will control motors and produce sound effects. Analog and digital circuits will be used to produce a variety of exotic special effects. Discover the basic principles of radio communication. Work with a licensed Ham radio operator and attempt to communicate with people around the world.
DATES: Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
BRING: Lunch, Snack and Drink
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Education Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
COST: $40 Kopernik Members; $50 Non-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.
PEGASUS 5/6 –
Rockets!!!!!
Saturday, May 17,
from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Kopernik Observatory is an ideal location for building and launching model rockets. Our staff will challenge you to build the most advanced design and launch your rocket higher and faster than ever before! Included in this activity, you will learn how NASA engineers track their spacecraft. Do we fly high enough, fast enough to achieve Orbital Velocity, or do we crash and burn? If you succeed, you may keep your rocket to launch another day.
DATES: Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
BRING: Lunch, Snack and Drink
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Education Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
COST: $60 Non-Members; $50 Kopernik Members
(If you are interested in a family membership, call or sign up below.)
(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.
PEGASUS HS –
Inflatable Structures
Saturday, May 24
from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Inflatable structures have developed rapidly in recent times, finding application in a variety of new engineering projects ranging from military to antennas in outer space. Learn about the history of inflatable structures: from the Carrier Dome to future space habitats. Participants will then design and build their own inflatable structure to take home or they can team up with a partner and create a “super” inflatable structure!
DATES: Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
BRING: Lunch, Snack and Drink
WHERE: Kopernik Observatory & Science Education Center, 698 Underwood Road, Vestal, NY
COST: $60 Non-Members; $50 Kopernik Members
(If you are interested in a family membership, call or sign up below.)
(Financial assistance is available according to need. Please call for more information.)
