As part of your experience at ALCon 2016 we wanted to design special excursions that will take you to some of the most unique sites in the Washington, D. C. area for astronomy, aviation and space exploration. We have set up the schedule for three visits to each of the five select sites over three days which will allow you to maximize your choices for both field trips and presentations. (Schedule and costs for trips will be posted as registration goes online.)
Note* Space is limited for the trips to the U. S. Naval Observatory due to security reasons, so sign up soon as those seats will go quickly
Smithsonian Natural History Museum Meteorite Collection
“The collection contains pieces of every type of meteorite, it is particularly strong in iron meteorites. They also have 9 of the 50+ known Martian meteorites. Many of the best specimens are on exhibit in the Moon, Meteorites and Solar System Gallery of the Geology, Gems and Minerals Hall.”
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
“Guided presentation on Science on a Sphere, a stop at the James Webb Space Telescope clean room window, and a tour of the Spacecraft Integration and Testing facilities.”
U. S. Naval Observatory
“First, guests take a short walk through the grounds to the observatory housing the 12″ Alvan Clark refracting telescope, built in 1892. Then you will walk down to the USNO’s James Melville Gilliss Library, past their six-inch transit circle telescope, now the most complete astronomical library in the country.”
Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
“Dr. David DeVorkin, Senior Curator of history of astronomy and the space sciences at A&S has kindly offered to lead special tours for ALCon 2016 attendees.This is a rare opportunity to see the world’s finest collection of aviation and space exploration artifacts under the guidance of this noted author and educator.”
Udvar Hazy Annex
“The Udvar Hazy Annex displays thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde SST, and the space shuttle Discovery. The Center also offers the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower, which gives you a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Washington Dulles International Airport and the surrounding area.”
