Unless otherwise noted all events occur on May 2, 2009
Alaska
The Imaginarium Science Discovery Center
The Imaginarium Science Discovery Center May 2nd, 2009 1pm-4pm
Arizona
24-Hours of Astronomy, Dorrance Planetarium, Phoenix
Dorrance Planetarium
Think you could make it for 24 hours? WE CAN! Join the Dorrance Planetarium at Arizona Science Center for an unprecedented 24-hours of Astronomy starting at 10 a.m. on May 2 and running straight through to 10 a.m. on May 3. The planetarium will host its regular scheduled shows from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and special "entertainment style" shows from 5 - 8 p.m. (regular show fees apply). After 8 p.m., until midnight, the party moves out into Heritage Square for a little night sky viewing with some local astronomy clubs and a hand-ful of prizes and giveaways. Did we mention that at 3:30 p.m. we will be drawing a grand prize winner of a Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ telescope, valued at $150? (Must be present to win) Finally from midnight to 10 a.m. we will be offering FREE, never before offered, special experience shows in the Dorrance Planetarium. Tell us what you want to see, ask us what you really want to know, and guide your own path through the stars....and did we mention it's all FREE after midnight? For more information visit http://azscience.org.
Sonora Astronomical Society Astronomy Day!
Tubac Productions, LLC PO BOX 4806 2221 E FRONTAGE RD TUBAC AZ 85646 520-398-0707 office 520-398-0909 fax rori@tubacproductions.com Astronomy Day “Bringing Astronomy to the People” May 2, 2009 11am – 10pm Exhibitors and Events In honor of the International Year of Astronomy, (http://astronomy2009.us/) Celebrating 400 years since Galileo first looked through a telescope and for international awareness Tubac Productions Presents Astronomy Day 2009 at La Entrada de Tubac. There will be FREE educational demonstrations, experiences, and materials for children and adults, as well as fun family activities such as Alien Musicians, Space Food and Beverages, Telescope Raffles, over twenty Door Prizes, Astronaut (costume only) Photo Ops for Children, Face Painting, Jumping Space Castle, and roaming Space Creatures. Some of the key attractions for Astronomy Day follows: • Sonora Astronomical Society of Green Valley will be hosting safe Solar Observing during the day and Star Party at Night for public nighttime viewing: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/sas_club/ • Flandreau Portable Planetarium: http://www.flandrau.org/ • NOAO / Kitt Peak Observatory: http://www.noao.edu/ and http://www.noao.edu/kpno/ • International Dark Sky Organization: http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do • Whipple Observatory: http://www.sao.arizona.edu/FLWO/whipple.html • Mount Lemmon Observatory: http://cass.ucsd.edu/mlof.html • Steward Observatory / Mirror Lab: http://mirrorlab.as.arizona.edu/ • Project Astro: http://www.astrosociety.org/education/astro/project_astro.html • Project Astro Tucson http://www.noao.edu/education/astro_about.html • Local Astronomy Shops / Books o Stellar Vision of Tucson: http://www.stellarvisiontucson.com/ o Starizona: http://www.starizona.com o Ken Press: http://www.whatsouttonight.com/ o Lunt Solar System: http://www.luntsolarsystems.com/ o Meade Telescopes: http://www.meade.com/ • Jewelry: http://delightsearthlydelights.com/ Directions to La Entrada de Tubac 30 miles south of Tucson: Take I-19 south to exit 40, left under the bridge to the Frontage Rd, turn right, go past the Tubac Golf Resort, and turn left into La Entrada de Tubac.
Brazil
The Day the Astronomy in the city of Father Cicero - Juazeiro do Norte
To celebrate the Day of Astronomy, the Estação Astronômica PieGise in the city of Juazeiro do Norte in Ceara, Brazil, made available to the public 2 reflector telescopes and 1 refractor telescope for observations of the Moon and its craters,of the planet Saturn and its rings and moons and observations of the deep sky objects.
Before of the observations, the public on the site will receive information about celestial objects to be observed, information on the use of the telescope and on the commemoration of the anniversary of 400 years of the first astronomical use of telescope by Galileo Galilei.
The observations will be held from 18:00 to 22:00 in the sidewalk of the Escola José Bezerra in front of the Estação Astronômica PieGise.
California
Citrus Heights, May 29
JAN24openhouse
Astronomy Day (presented by StarForge Astronomy Association) Date: Friday, May 29, 2009 Time: Starts at 5 pm, telescope viewing after dark Location: Arlington Heights Elementary School Citrus Heights, CA How Much: Admittance and activities are FREE for all ages! Event Contact: Kevin McCormac (916) 723-5242 Website: http://www.spaceandastronomy.org Activities and events include: Radio host Alan Stahler give us the very latest on Hubble! Laser-guided Sky Tour! Looking at Saturn and other objects through telescopes Learn to Tell Time by the Stars! Space Face Painting NASA's Night Sky Network Activities Is Light Pollution Dangerous? Ask Jack Sales! More to come! Visit our website to learn more.
Valencia Public Library, Santa Clarita
The Local Group and the Valencia Public Library invite you to attend the National Astronomy Day on May 2, 2009 from noon until 10 PM. Come all day or just as long as you care to stay. Numerous lectures and displays for your enjoyment. Our program was the co-winner of the National Astronomy Day competition in 2008. This is the International Year of Astronomy and we intend to make this a memorable event for all.
Here is the schedule :
12:50 PM - We will view a DVD on 400 Years of the Telescope produced by Interstellar Productions. Running time is one hour.
2:00 PM - We will be visited by Paul Wicker aka The Galileo Guy . "Galileo" will discuss his use of the telescope 400 years ago- our solar system- and moon phases. Suitable for children and adults alike.
3:00 PM - Build your own Telescope with Steve Petzold. The Local Group will provide twenty Galilean telescopes for children to build using cardboard tubes and plastic lenses. A great hands on experience.
4:00 PM - Kitchen Comets with Jim Mahon. Jim is an accomplished educator who swings the big Zeis telescopes down at Griffith Observatory. He will build a comet using dry ice-charcoal-and ammonia. This is always a crowd pleaser. Throughout the day we will have solar telescopes focused on the Sun.
Finally, at around 7 PM our members will have telescopes in the parking lot for a viewing of the Moon and the planet Saturn. Please promote this program among your circle of friends-including home school groups .
If you have any questions-please give me a call. Steve Petzold 661-609-1739 Cellular
Colorado
Brighton Astronomy Group, Brighton
Do to rain and clouds we will not be celebrating National Astronomy Day This weekend.
However on May 16th we will be at Observatory Park at 22nd and Bromley Lane for our Public Star Party Hope to see you then…
Georgia
Astronomy Day at Tybee Island
The Oglethorpe Astronomical Association will host an Astronomy Day program at the public pier on Tybee Island, Georgia on May 2nd, 2009. We will be on the pier from 2:00pm until 11:00pm with telescopes, displays and more. We will have white light and H-alpha scopes for observing the sun. We will also have a scope on the moon. We may be able to find some planets during the day also. We will set up our '1000 meter' scale model of the solar system but we may have to shorten it a bit due to the reclassification of Pluto. This model highlights the vast expanse between the planets and the sun. There will be displays of telescopes (both good and bad) and club members available to explain what good introductory telescopes are for anyone interested in getting involved in astronomy. Members will also be available to help anyone who has a telescope of their own but is having trouble using it successfully. We also have many informative and interactive displays about astronomy. After dark we will have telescopes in use showing Saturn and the moon. We will have additional telescopes on double stars, star clusters, galaxies and nebula. We will be pointing out the various constellations visible and watching for any satellites that make visible passes over our area. Come and register for door prizes of books on Astronomy and see the universe close up through our telescopes. Make us a part of your day at the beach on May 2nd
Astronomy Day at SEFF; Americus,
There will be an Astronomy Day program held during SEFF, the Southeastern Electric Flight Festival, just outside of Americus, Georgia on May 2nd, 2009. Our location is Hodges Hobbies shop and flying field. We will have telescopes for looking at the sun and moon during the day. We will look at Saturn, the moon and many other items after dark. Come and join us for America's premiere electric flight festival and Astronomy Day. One of the highlights of SEFF is the noon demonstration flights. After these are complete we will have telescopes available the rest of the day. Register for door prizes of astronomy books. This event is being sponsored by the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association of Savannah, Georgia. For additional information on the location use the following link: http://www.koolflightsystems.com/SEFF/seff.htm
For information on the Astronomy Day program contact David Burrow at: dburrow5@comcast.net
Idaho
The Magic Valley Astronomical Society, Twin Falls
m57
The Magic Valley Astronomical Society (an Astronomical League Member) will be coordinating our activities with the Centennial Observatory, Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho (Twin Falls) and will co-host several Astronomy related events beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Rick Allen Room of the Herrett Center. Our schedule will include the following activities and everyone is welcome to come and participate in any, or all of our events. 1:00-3:00 Space and astronomy videos/Frost-Eccles Library 1:00-5:00 Space & astronomy make-n-take activities, puzzles, and coloring pages for youth and kids of all ages in the Rick Allen Room Water bottle rocket construction & launch also in the Rick Allen Room and on the East lawn. 1:00-6:00 Solar & daytime target viewing / Centennial Observatory (weather permitting) We will have several telescopes set-up at the Centennial Observatory, to look at sunspots during this time. We have H-alpha and white light filters to view the sun safely and using or computer guided telescope guests will view some daytime stars - weather permitting. Self-guided scale model of the solar system/North College Road fitness trail 2:00 “Blown Away – The Wild World of Weather”/Faulkner Planetarium 4:00 “Mystery of the Missing Seasons w/ Live Sky Tour”/Faulkner Planetarium 4:00-7:00 Space and Astronomy videos/Frost-Eccles Library 7:00 “Bad Astronomy – Myths and Misconceptions”/Faulkner Planetarium 8:15 “Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon”/Faulkner Planetarium 8:30-12:00 Star party/Centennial Observatory (weather permitting) From 1:00-6:00 Hoagie Street Deli food services will be available on the Kinney Court for guests to enjoy a break from the days activities. The Centennial Observatory main instrument is the is the Norman Herrett telescope, a 24" Ritchey-Chretien reflector on a computer-controlled fork mount, manufactured by DFM Engineering of Longmont, Colorado, USA. The observatory features an elevator to take visitors to its second-story location at the south end of the museum. Once there, a wheelchair elevator is available to lift visitors with limited mobility to the observing deck under a six meter (20 foot) motorized dome. When equipped with the The ARE-125, an optical "periscope" designed by DFM, allows unprecedented access to the telescope for wheelchair bound or limited mobility visitors. Other telescopes from the Centennial Observatory and a Stella Cam Video Camera will feature “live” viewing throughout the nighttime star party. The Magic Valley Astronomical Society features its own video system for handicapped access to our star parties, combined with a video projection system, will allow images through the club’s Stella Cam to be projected on a 50’ diagonal screen to advertise the events of the evening. The image here shows M-57 as imaged using the Herrett Telescope and the Shotwell Camera An Apogee Alta E47+ CCD camera.
Illinois
Northwest Suburban Astronomers and Harper College, Palatine
NSA
Come celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with the Northwest Suburban Astronomers and William Rainey Harper College, Palatine Illinois on May 2, 2009. At this years Astronomy Day event you can explore the wonders of the universe just as Galileo Galilei did over 400 years ago. Come see the moon, planets, stars and galaxies with club members guided tours. Rain or Shine, we will host an informative and entertaining celebration of Astronomy beginning at 5:30 PM. This is a well attended and free event for all ages. If the skies are clear, telescopes will be available near the Campus Observatory for viewing a wonderful variety of celestial objects. NSA member will be on hand to conduct tours of the night sky and answer questions. But don't stay away if it's cloudy! Inside the school will be demonstrations and astronomy related exhibits. A large variety of Telescopes will be on display, astronomy lectures, planetarium dome and projects for children, will make this an enjoyable day event for all ages.
When: Saturday May 2,2009 Doors open at 5:30 PM Programs start at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 Planetarium Dome Tickets at Information Desk Where: William Rainey Harper College. 1200 W. Algonquin Road • Palatine, IL 60067 Use Algonquin Road Entrance Parking Lots 2 & 3 Building Z Cost:
Free Info: www.nsaclub.org
India
Astronomy Club, Ahmedabad
Astronomy Club, Ahmedabad. India would be carrying out the celebration of this years Astronomy Day at Van Chetna, Social Forestry Centre, Near Vastrapur Lake, Ahmedabad 380 054, INdia on 2nd May, 2009. This event will form as a part of year long activities for International Year of Astronomy 2009 and would be open to all. The program would include viewing of Eyes on the Sky DVD, several audio visual presentation, display of astronomy images, models of space travel and also display of astronomy philately from this country. Of course, the overnight observation of celestial object shall be the main attraction.
Conact Details Astronomy Club, Ahmedabad email: info@1au.in URL: www.1au.in
Phone: +919825021167 / +919825253346
Indonesia
12 Hours of Astronomy Day 2009
Jogja Astro Club (JAC) will be celebrating Astronomy Day 2009 on Saturday, May 2 at Gambir Street Forestry Faculty of Gama Unversity Yogyakarta, Indonesia. More activities will be held during day and night starting at 10 AM running straight through to 10 PM. This event will form as a part of year long activities of IYA 2009 after 100 hours of astronomy ending. Lets come and see the slide and video presentation via big screem projection, astronomy book exhibition, astronomy software, telescopes day and night observation, astro quiz, puzzles and games for kids, water rocket demonstration, and more. All activities would be open to all free of charge!! free astro card and mini posters of new solar system! Get your doorprizes!! (10 planispheres and 10 solar glases). For information visit http://mutoha.blogspot.com
Iowa
Astronomy Day-Des Moines
We are hosting events at four venues this year: Science Center of Iowa, Merle Hay Mall, Downtown Farmer's Market and Gray's Lake. Scopes will be set up at all locations and there will be astronomy related activities at each location. We will also have winning art work displayed from an art contest we sponsored with local schools. Products from Dahl's and Hy-Vee Stores such as Celestial Seasoning Tea, Milky Way Candy Bars, Star-Brite Mints and several others will be given as door prizes.
Iran
Zaferanie Educational Observatory (ZEO) May1, Tehran
This year in zaferanie observatory (zeo), there are many programs & upper chambers than last year's astroday. observatory students have many activities, here we just want to introduction some of them. Programs: up to 25 projects held by observatory students . Some of them are: ufo(is it a truth?), astrobiology, bad astronomy, astronomical paper models, solar systam models, power of tens, birth star, your weight on other planets, light pollution, how to photograph the sky, telescopes, observing team(moon planets/sun/), sundials, astronomy for kids, Our planet(Earth), history of astronomy, mars simulator, ...astronomical naqqali, ...
Friday 11 Ordibehesht (= May 1 09), Time:from 2pm to 11pm Address: zaferanie observatory Zaferanie ST., Valiasr Ave., Tehran, Iran Tel: +9821 22752167 Fax: +9821 22752626
Louisiana
International Astronomy Day at HRPO, Baton Rouge
Highland Road Park Observatory
The general public is invited to a free celebration of International Astronomy Day at the Highland Road Park Observatory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The date is Saturday, 2 May from 3:00pm to 11:00pm. Weather permitting, viewing of the Sun, the Moon, Saturn and several deep-sky objects will take place. Also scheduled are a "space storytime" and visits from the Louisiana Geological Survey, the Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club, the Louisiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, the Louisiana Solar Energy Society, LSU's Earth Scan Laboratory and the Baton Rouge Gem and Mineral Society. Call (225) 768-9948 or visit www.bro.lsu.edu for more information. HRPO is sponsored by BREC (East Baton Rouge Parish's parks department), LSU's Department of Physics and the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society.
Massachusetts
Astronomy Day with the South Shore Astronomical Society, Hanover Library
SSAS Logo
Come join us on May 2nd, 2 - 5 PM for afternoon activities at the JOHN CURTIS FREE LIBRARY, Hanover MA. Activities will include; planetarium shows, video presentations, telescope making with "Galileo", solar observing, meteorite display, astronomical piano selections and lectures. Evening observing will take place at the library starting at 7:30 PM (weather permitting).
For more information, visit our web site at http://ssastros.org
Contact us at info@ssastros.org
Michigan
Kalamazoo Astronomical Society (KAS), May 30
Plait
On May 30, 2009 the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society (KAS) will hold its annual Astronomy Day, a day-long celebration featuring educational displays, hands-on activities, and special presentations to bring science alive for the entire community. This FREE event, aimed at the general public, including families with school age children, is intended to widen knowledge and appreciation of science, particularly of astronomy. In honor of the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei, 2009 has been declared the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), a global celebration of astronomy’s contributions to society and culture. The aim of the IYA is to stimulate worldwide interest, especially among young people, in astronomy and science under the central theme “The Universe, Yours to Discover." To help accomplish this goal, KAS has put together its biggest Astronomy Day to date. This year we are pleased to welcome several co-sponsors to this year's Astronomy Day. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will host our main activities from 9am - 4pm. These include solar observing, educational and informative displays, hands-on activities for children, planetariums shows, and special performances by Galileo himself! Evening activities will be held at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. This year our very special guest will be the noted astronomer and author Dr. Phil Plait. Dr. Plait will debunk many astronomy-related urban legends and myths in his knowledgeable, lighthearted presentation Bad Astronomy. Astronomy Day concludes with observing under the night sky Galileo first explored with a telescope 400 years ago.
Please visit our special Astronomy Day 2009 web site for more information on all of our activities: http://astroday.kasonline.org/
Minnesota
Minnesota Astronomical Societies Onan Observatory in Baylor Regional Park, Msy 1 & May 2
Astronomy Day weekend highlights Saturn and its' thinning rings, the Moon, Mercury passing by the Pleiades and comets Cardinal (C/2008 T2) and Yi-SWAN (C/2009 F6) visible in the evening. Venus will also be a good target but will need to be viewed several hours BEFORE sunset. We will be saying goodbye to the winters finest objects M42, M45 and M1 and welcoming the arrival of some of summers best: M13, M57, M3, NGC4565, the Virgo cluster and many others.
Events begin Friday May 1st at 7:00 pm with solar viewing and informal video presentations, followed by stargazing.
Saturday's events begin at noon and will include speakers thruout the afternoon. Scheduled Speakers (so far)
1:00 Merle Hiltner – International Year of Astronomy and Galileo
2:00 Michael Kauper – How to do Astronomy with Children
3:00 Bill Arden – The stories of the Stars: Mythology of the Constellations
4:00 BSIG picnic break
6:00 Bob Kerr – “Exploring Tonight’s Sky” Jackie LaVaque will be acting as hostess/MC and will give a brief overview and history of the observatory along with being available to answer your questions.
We will also have the B-SIG hosting the annual pot luck picnic for MAS members. So bring a dish, chips, banana cream pie from Baker's Square ;-) and join the fun!
Baylor Regional park is located just north of Norwood-Young America, MN
The park address is: 10775 County Rd. 33 Norwood-Young America, MN
New York
Amateur Observers Society of New York, April 8
Come join us for our 7th annual Astronomy Day at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in conjunction with the Amateur Observers Society of New York. Held on April 8th 2008 from 12PM-4PM visitors can explore our 130,000 square foot aerospace museum, watch a film on the five-story tall 70' dome IMAX Theater, sign up for starlab to view the current night sky, step outside and go sun spotting, or enjoy several family astronomy activities. We are located in Garden City, Long Island, New York; become spell-bound as you enter the four-story glass atrium and gaze upon a diverse sampling of aircraft. Each of our eight galleries delivers a "wow experience" as you travel through time with 70 air and space craft from hot air balloons to an actual lunar module. There is something for everyone! info@cradleofaviation.org
North Carolina
Astronomy Day In Chapel Hill
The Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observing Society (CHAOS) and Morehead Planetarium will be celebrating Astronomy Day from 4:30 to 9:30 at the sundial in front of the Planetarium in Chapel Hill, NC. Planned events include: o astro-crafts for kids o information about + starting astronomy + light pollution + buying telecopes o Scale solar system model (out to Jupiter) o Safe solar observing, including H-alpha o Evening observing session: + Constellation tour + Moon + Saturn + Star clusters + Double stars The public are welcome to bring their own binoculars and telescopes, but CHAOS will be happy to share their equipment and know-how. For more info, e-mail chaos@rtpnet.org or visit the CHAOS Astronomy Day web page at: www.rtpnet.org/chaos/AstroDay.html
Oregon
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Astronomy Day 2009, Portland
Visitors to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry will be star-struck at Astronomy Day 2009 on May 2, as they learn about meteorites, constellations, universe and telescopes. Astronomy Day 2009 is a world-wide event designed to promote International Year of Astronomy 2009. Local astronomy representatives will be at OMSI during the celebration, including the Rose City Astronomers Club, Oregon Parks and Recreation, Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers, and more. Astronomy Day 2009 wouldn't be complete without a free Star Party on Saturday, May 2 at Rooster Rock State Park and Stub Stewart State Park starting at 8:30 p.m. From beginners to experts, here's the opportunity to view the stars and other objects up close through telescopes of all types. For possible weather cancellation, call (503) 797-4610 on May 2 after 3:00 p.m. OMSI's Astronomy Day 2009 is included with general museum admission.
Puerto Rico
Sociedad de Astronomia de Puerto Rico
Astronomy Day 2009 El sábado 2 de mayo se celebra el Día de la Astronomía alrededor del mundo incluyendo nuestra Isla del Encanto. Este año, la Sociedad de Astronomía de Puerto celebrará el dia con un programa lleno de sorpresas para nuestros Socios y público en general, incluyendo charlas, observaciones por telescopios y otros eventos. Para nosotros será un honor contar con su presencia ese día y que nos acompañe en marcar el 10mo aniversario desde que recibimos el premio de la revista Sky & Telescope a la mejor celebración del Dia de la Astronomía a nivel nacional. Lo invitamos a que se una a nuestra celebración en el Parque de las Ciencias en Bayamón. Pendiente a la próxima edición de “El Observador”, www.astronomiapr.org y nuestra página en Facebook para más detalles sobre el evento.
Romania
The Romanian Society for Meteors and Astronomy (SARM)
The Romanian Society for Meteors and Astronomy (SARM) initiated the Astronomy Day public anniversary in Romania in 2003. So, every year in many cities where are active clubs or branches of SARM we put the scopes in the streets or in public places and invite the public to see the Moon and planets. Also, stands with astronomical material, astrophoto exhibitions, are available. In Targoviste on May 2 our tent and scopes will be posted in the central square of the city between 16.00 and 24.00.
South Dakota
Astronomy Day Sioux Falls
Our annual exhibit at The Outdoor Campus at Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls. We will be setup to the left of the main entrance with a canopy and information table, as well as having several telescopes setup with solar filters for solar disc and / or sunspot viewing. We will also be doing demonstrations, handing out booklets, and taking questions from the public on astronomy.
Location Address: Outdoor Campus/ Sertoma Park 4500 S Oxbow Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Event will run from 10:00am till 4:00pm Saturday May 2, 2009
Tennessee
Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, Lenoir City May 5/3 through 5/7
Participating riders will raise funds for Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding. The theme of the event is Astroonomy Week 5/5-5/11. Our ride-a-thon begins on 5/3 and ends on 5/7. It should be "out of this world"!
Washington
Silverdale
The Olympic Astronomical Society will hold Astronomy Day events at the Kitsap Mall on May 2, 2009 from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. There will be a planetarium and astronomical displays. All are welcome.
