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Fremont Peak Observatory Association

July 3rd, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

Fremont Peak Observatory Association volunteers spread the word about the wonder of the night sky, educate the public through presentations and observing sessions, and provide quality observatory facilities. FPOA is a favorite destination of families as well as school, scout and church groups. Each year over 2,000 members of the public are treated to a personalized multimedia presentation by an FPOA astronomer as the Saturday evening sun sets over the Pacific. As darkness falls and the stars emerge, they gaze in wonder at night sky splendors through the eyepiece of the 30″ diameter “Challenger” Newtonian telescope and a variety of sophisticated amateur telescopes before returning to their campsites or homes.

Fremont Peak Observatory opened in 1986, and has operated every summer since, despite having battled the frequently brutal weather on the 3,000 foot peak. Devoted volunteer astronomers continue to maintain the observatory and “Challenger” telescope, contributing time, energy, and money, to keep Fremont Peak Observatory one of the finest amateur-operated astronomy centers in the United States. Besides the public and educators, FPOA serves professional and serious amateur astronomers, philanthropists, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Here is more information on our business model and values.

For more information, please visit http://www.fpoa.net

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San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers

July 2nd, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

The San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers was founded in 1968. John Dobson, cofounder of the Sidewalk Astronomers, has made it his personal mission in life that everyone have a chance to see the Universe as it actually is, and to perhaps better understand it. He invented his own style of telescope - the Dobsonian telescope - as a means toward his goal. The Dobsonian telescope is distinguished by its ease of use, ease of construction, and low cost. The following articles and photos celebrate John Dobson’s contribution to the public appreciation of astronomy and their place in the Universe.

The big difference between the two types of event is how you reach your audience. At the “sidewalk” events, you find your guests; at the “dark sky” events, your guests find you. Both are important ways to reach the public. One format that works well is to pair a formal presentation at sunset, either indoors or outdoors, then follow up with telescopes outside. While the presenter delivers their talk, the other astronomers set up outside. As part of the talk, the presenter can take the opportunity to explain star party safety, talk about how the telescopes work and hand out fliers and star maps. You can also promote your own organization.

For more information, please visit http://sfsidewalkastronomers.org

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Planetarium of Thessaloniki

July 2nd, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

Their company was established in 1981 as a publications and trading house. In 1992, when they bought their first portable STARLAB planetarium, they entered the field of astronomy. Today, having acquired the approval of the Ministry of Education, they are coordinating the activity of 7 such portable planetaria (in Athens [2], Nicosia, Crete, Lesvos, Serres, Thesaloniki). They have distributed these planetaria to associates in the above cities, plus one in Istanbul that operates in one of the biggest private schools of the city. The operation of the portable planetaria STARLAB offers us among other benefits the ability of penetrating the world of education.

It might sound strange, but Greeks are just now beginning to get acquainted with amateur astronomy. Indeed, in the country where this science was born. It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that our company is the one that leads the way. For most of the products that we distribute we print instruction manuals in Greek as well as advertising material. Furthermore, they are the only trader of astronomy equipment in Greece with a service department capable of repairing any type of optical instrument. Their team of associates includes three of the most renowned Greek amateur astronomers, who offer them consulting services. They are optimistic about the future because, among other reasons, we see that in our area the amateur astronomy is developing rapidly.

For more information, please visit http://www.astronomy.gr

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Section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics

July 1st, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

The Section of Astrophysics, Astronomy and Mechanics was established in 1982, when the amendment 1268/1982 was approved by the Greek Parliament. It is one of the five Sections of the Department of Physics of the Aristoteleion Univerity of Thessaloniki. It consists of two independent and closely collaborating units, of The Laboratory of Astronomy and the Division of Mechanics. The current Director of the Section is Assoc. Professor Loukas Vlahos. The Laboratory of Astronomy, or as it used to be known The Department of Astronomy, was founded in 1943, four (4) years after the foundation of the Chair of Astronomy at the University of Thessaloniki. The Observatory, the building that hosts the Laboratory of Astronomy, was inaugurated in 1961.

The first Director and founder of the Laboratory was the Academician John Xanthakis. He was succeded by Professor and, later Academician, George Contopoulos, and by Professor Basil Barbanis. Professor Sotirios Persides has also served temporarily as Director. Currently, Acting Director of the Laboratory of Astronomy is Professor Nikolaos K. Spyrou. Today the scientific personnel of the Laboratory of Astronomy consists of nine (9) Members of Staff and six (6) Postgraduate Students. The research activities undertaken by the above staff include “General Theory of Relativity”, “Astrophysics (Classical and Relativistic)”, “Dynamical Astronomy”, “Cosmology” and “Observational Astronomy”. More than 400 scientific papers have been published by the members of the Laboratory in international refereed journals.

For more information, please visit http://www.astro.auth.gr

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National Observatory of Athens

June 30th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

The Observatory of Athens was founded in 1842 with a donation from the national benefactor George Sinas. The astronomical observations started in September 1846, after the completion of the central neoclassical building on the hill of Nymphs at Thiseio area, facing the Acropolis. In 1890 the Observatory was reorganized as a governmental research center with the name National Observatory of Athens, and was expanded with the addition to the Astronomical Department of two new, the Meteorological and the Seismological. In 1942 the Departments were named Institutes and in 1955 the Ionosphere Institute, was added.

Their research interests include Extragalactic Astronomy, Observational Cosmology, Interstellar Matter, X-ray Astronomy, and Binary Stars. They are currently expanding in the area of Instrumentation e.g. development of the Low Dispersion Spectrograph for the new ARISTARCHOS telescope. The Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, besides the research and educational activities, is evolved in carrying out other activities and providing services to the scientific community and for public outreach.

For more information, please visit http://www.astro.noa.gr

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EUDOXOS

June 29th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

The National Observatory for Education ‘EUDOXOS’ is the oldest Greek center for Robotic Astronomy and the Official Observatory of the Secondary Education System of Greece. It hosts a wide variety of remotely controlled telescopes and implementations of their associated diverse technologies. EUDOXOS’ as a new institution, was conceived in 1993, started development in 1996, and operates since 1999 at an altitude of 1040m on Mount Ainos, Kefallinia Island, Greece. The other Optical Telescopes of the EUDOXOS Observatories are installed in sites located outside Kefallinia. EUDOXOS Observatories are robotic. They give you the opportunity to make your own observations remotely and get real measurements from real instruments for real science !

Eudoxos’ people continue to develop astronomy curricula and distant learning activities tailored to the equipment of the observatories, namely the “EUDOXOS advanced educational curriculum” and the “EUDOXOS introductory educational curriculum” (for talented and normal pupils respectively). The unsurpassed suitability and efficiency of Robotic Telescopes in completing intensive repetitive tasks makes it ideally suited for the study of the following open problems in Astronomy: (an informative introduction to the current status of each topic is to appear soon). Over the last two decades the astronomical observing has been undergoing a modal transformation from the hands-on observing paradigm i.e.

For more information, please visit http://eudoxos.snd.edu.gr

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Hellenic Astronomical Society

June 28th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

The first serious attempt to establish a Hellenic astronomical society was undertaken in 1982 during the XVIII General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union, which took place in Patras, Greece. There, during several meetings, a dozen of Greek astronomers gathered in order to put the foundations of the long sought Society. A number of people worked diligently throughout the end of the 1980s, organizing various meetings in order to identify the common grounds and proposing drafts for the establishment of an astronomical society. In November 1991, when P. Laskarides issued the first announcement of the 1st Hellenic Astronomical Conference, the idea of the establishment of an astronomical society, seemed ripe again. J.H. Seiradakis, on sabbatical leave in Bonn, drafted a first draft of the Statutes.

The Hellenic Astronomical Society has been active ever since. It has been recognized as an Affiliated Member of the European Astronomical Society, it has established links with other international astronomical societies. It is closely collaborating with the Greek National Committee for Astronomy and it has been organizing a major astronomical conference in Greece every two years. The above account describes briefly the events concerning the establishment of Hel.A.S. If you happen to know of any further details that may shed light to the early history of the work and efforts that eventually led to the establishment of the Hellenic Astronomical Society, please send a message to John H. Seiradakis.

For more information, please visit http://www.astro.auth.gr

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Amateur Observers’ Society of New York, Inc

June 27th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

The Amateur Observers Society of New York, established in 1965, was created as a means for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to meet together. Their mission statement: to bring astronomy to the public and provide astronomy resources to members expresses our commitment not only to serve our members, but also to educate and inspire the public. Amateur Astronomy is about helping others, learning, doing, and having fun! In addition to sponsoring numerous stargazing activities in several places on Long Island, New York, they are actively involved with reducing the light pollution problem on the Island and throughout the state.

With members owning telescopes of all types and sizes they are more than eager to help with any questions you may have about sky observation, celestial photography, telescope purchasing or anything related to your astronomical interests. We invite you to join them in these events and at our monthly meetings in order to learn about and share our enthusiasm for celestial observation. They are an active club with lots to do and participate in. Equipment is not necessary. Come join us under the wonderful nighttime sky.

For more information, please visit http://www.aosny.org

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Galloway Astronomy Centre

June 25th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

Unique in Scotland, the Centre is located in open farmland approx 20 miles south of the new Dark Sky Park at Galloway Forest. they too have a beautiful night sky free of light pollution. Viewing the planets, nebulae or galaxies from here is unforgettable. A primary aim of the Centre is to provide lots of help and guidance to ensure all their guests get maximum enjoyment out of a visit.

If you are just getting interested in astronomy a visit to the Centre can give you a great start in the hobby, particularly if you take one of their Courses. It is very important to them that guests get the most from an observing session. They will not leave you struggling in the dark with an unfamiliar telescope as they are always on hand to provide any help and answer your questions. They also have a Tour of the Universe where they guide you through the wonders of their beautiful night sky.

For more information, please visit http://www.gallowayastro.com

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GRAAA

June 24th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in 123 triad

The GRAND RAPIDS AMATEUR ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION includes individuals with wide levels of expertise and knowledge of the science of Astronomy, from the beginner to professional. For over fifty years the GRAAA continues to flourish, due to the enthusiasm and dedication of its members. The GRAAA is active in the local community, sponsoring many observing and educational sessions for the people of West Michigan. The menu at the bottom will take you to various aspects of the GRAAA, and the astronomical community as well. The GRAAA - in existence for over fifty years - has members of all ages and levels of interest. This varied membership participates in many astronomical related activities both as groups and individual efforts.

The Association meets each month at 7:30 PM. The topics at the general meetings are on various subjects which are of interest to amateur astronomers, featuring speakers from outside the organization as well as club members who have expertise in different areas of astronomy. Most meeting are held at the James C. Veen Observatory near Lowell, MI. Winter meetings are held at alternate locations announced in the newsletter or online (the Events Calendar section). The association also participates in public education activities, comet watches, meteor observing, as well as opening our observatory to the public two nights per month. Besides the public education programs, members involve themselves in many other pursuits from observing programs to astrophotography and CCD imaging.

For more information, please visit http://www.graaa.org

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