U of M Astro Department's "Universe in the Park"

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SEmert
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Joined: Mon May 31, 2004 2:48 pm
Real Name: Steve Emert
Location: White Bear Lake, MN

U of M Astro Department's "Universe in the Park"

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I've attended one of these before. They are fun and informative, and the U of M students also appreciate MAS members who bring their scopes for the viewing public.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jessica Ennis [mailto:jennis@astro.umn.edu]
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 11:39 AM
To: Info@MnAstro.org
Subject: Universe in the Park 2006

Hello, this is Jessica Ennis, an astronomy graduate student at the University of Minnesota. Our department conducts a summer program in area state parks called Universe in the Park. I've attached the flyer with schedule for this summer's program. I was hoping you could help me spread the news about the program, and hoping to see some of your members at these little state park star parties, with their telescopes! Thanks.

Jessica Ennis

(Note: As the MAS List mailer does not allow attachments, below is text from the U of M Astronomy Department's web page on the subject - thanks to Ken Hugill for pointing it out. The link is: http://www.astro.umn.edu/outreach/uitp/ )

Universe in the Park - What is it?
Universe in the Park is a summer outreach program hosted by the University of Minnesota's Department of Astronomy and area state parks. This annual program, modeled after a very successful project at the University of Wisconsin, is headed by faculty member Evan Skillman and graduate student Jessica Ennis.

At our events, representatives of the department will present a short (20 - 30 min) public talk and slide show. Presentations cover a variety of astronomical topics such as: the history of matter, how astronomers "see", and a journey through our solar system.

Afterwards, if weather allows, attendees have the opportunity to view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes, operated by the staff and provided by the Department of Astronomy. Additionally, we provide free star maps (e.g. www.skymaps.com) and are happy to show visitors how to use them. Throughout the evening, we encourage questions from the audience and enjoy discussing topics ranging from backyard astronomy to the latest scientific discoveries.

Through these events, we hope to convey the excitement of modern astronomical research while simultaneously providing an enjoyable introduction to amateur astronomy. Although a vehicle permit is usually required to enter the parks, the events are free to the public. Please join us!

Where are these events?
For the summer of 2006 we have events scheduled at twelve different parks and nature centers:

Afton State Park
Eastman Nature Center
Father Hennepin State Park
Lake Maria State Park
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
William O'Brien State Park
Lake Shetek State Park
Camden State Park
Gooseberry Falls
Split Rock Lighthouse
Dodge Nature Center
Tamarack Nature Center
When and what time?

Events are scheduled Fridays and Saturdays, (rain or shine) starting July 8th and ending September 10th. See the schedule ( http://www.astro.umn.edu/outreach/uitp/schedule.html )(pdf version http://www.astro.umn.edu/outreach/uitp/uitp2006.pdf ) for more details. Presentations typically run from 8:30 to 10:00 or 11:00pm.

How much does it cost?
The events are FREE, although usually a vehicle permit is required to enter the parks. So bring your family and friends!

Interested in more information? Contact Jessica Ennis at jennis@astro.umn.edu or 612-626-1841.
Steve Emert
MAS Membership Coordinator
12.5" f/4.7 Obsession Clone Homemade Truss Dob, sometimes equipped with Celestron StarSense Explorer app
Celestron C8 SCT OTA on AVX GEQ mount
Astro-Tech AT72 ED Refractor OTA usually on Explore Scientific Twilight 1mount or tripod with Benro geared head
Celestron 5" SCT OTA on Synta AZ-4 or Explore Scientific Twilight 1 Alt-Az Mount, usually equipped with StarSense Explorer app
Orion 150mm Mak OTA and Orion EQ-G computerized mount
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