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Last Updated 7/4/08

(For times and locations, click on titles below)

 

Dark Skies as a Universal Resource
(Robert Sparks, NOAO)

The ongoing loss of a dark night sky as a natural resource for much of the world's population is a growing, serious issue that impacts, not only astronomical research, but also human health, ecology, and the economics of our national energy economy.  As one of the themes targeted for the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), "Dark Skies are a Universal Resource" has a goal is to raise public awareness on the impact of artificial lighting on local environments by getting people involved locally in a variety of dark skies-related events.  Workshop participants will learn about the various activities planned to raise Dark Skies awareness during IYA and how to become involved either as individuals, members of their astronomy club, or as a local coordinator.  Participants will learn about our Dark Skies kit containing instructional materials on preserving dark skies.  The kit includes materials needed for an effective light-shielding demonstration, the book "There once was a Sky Full of Stars", and a newly developed planetarium DVD on dark skies education.  Participants who commit to leading educational programs on GLOBE at Night 2009 may receive additional teaching instruments such as the sky-brightness meters.  Those who commit to lead dark skies events will be supported with more teaching materials during the International Year of Astronomy.

Building a Telescope From The Ground Up:
The Galileoscope in the International Year of Astronomy
(Robert Sparks, NOAO)

The International Year of Astronomy (IYA) will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of a telescope for astronomy.  One of the major themes of IYA is "Looking Through a Telescope."  We are developing a variety of public outreach activities for the public.  The workshop will impart the skills necessary for participants to lead activities as part of the IYA.  Our workshop will give participants a series of activities they can use at their home institution to lead activities for the public and students where they can learn how a telescope works and build their own small telescopes.  The activities we present are suitable for use in a variety of settings including museums, planetariums, schools, university outreach efforts, and astronomy club events.  We will also be previewing the Galileoscope, a new low cost, high quality telescope kit that will be a major component of IYA.  The Galileoscope will have high quality optics and include educational materials allowing people to recreate Galileo's historic observations.