Astronomy Day
Saturday, May 6, 2006
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Space awaits! Begin your journey to the final frontier on Astronomy Day at the Adventure Science Center with displays from JPL Solar System
Ambassador, the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical
Society, and Austin Peay State University.
Many universities in Middle Tennessee feature active, professional astronomers. Meet two of these local professors and hear about their research and goals for astronomy in Tennessee. Plus, discover how local meteorologist Davis Nolan, of WKRN Channel 2, uses data from orbiting satellites to study what is happening on the surface of the Earth in his presentation about Hurricane Katrina. You'll also have a chance to win a quality Meade astronomical telescope, courtesy of Meade and Astronomy Magazine!
Then, come back for a FREE star party at Adventure Science Center, 8:30 - 10:30
pm.
Weather permitting, members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society will be on hand with telescopes to provide close-up views of the night sky!
Guest Speakers
11:30 am - The Future of Astronomy at APSU
The Astronomy program at Austin Peay may be in its infancy, but it continues to grow. APSU Phyics professor Dr. Spencer
Buckner talks about The addition of a teaching planetarium has been a great asset. Plans are now underway to acquire land and build a professional observatory so that students and professors can conduct research.
1:30 pm - Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans...
What Went Wrong
News 2 Storm Team Meteorologist Davis Nolan will use satellite maps and other data to present the latest findings on what happened to the levees and floodwalls. Nolan, a native of New Orleans, will address his own experience as his parents were faced with this tragedy.
2:30 pm - Capturing the Sun:
Radio Emissions from Our Star
Listen to the Sun! Impossible, you say? Dr. Chuck Higgins from Middle Tennessee State University will present an overview of solar flares and other activity related to radio bursts and their effects on Earth. Weather permitting, Dr. Higgins will set up a Radio Jove antenna on the grounds of the Science Center where visitors can listen to the Sun's radio emissions.
Throughout the day, members of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society and Clarksville Astronomers will be on hand with telescope exhibits and solar observing. JPL Solar System Ambassador Chuck Schlemm and others will feature displays on the planets in our solar system and the exciting discoveries being made by robotic explorers today. Plus, enter a drawing for a quality Meade astronomical telescope.
While you're here, don't forget to enter for a chance to win doorprizes, including one Meade ETX 80 AT telescope worth more than $240! After the drawing in Nashville, all entries will be sent to the home office of Astronomy Magazine in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the national grand prize drawing for a Meade 10 inch LX200R telescope with tripod valued at more than $3400. Entrants need not be present to win.
