The Fine Art of Observing

Mike Murray

Whether you're observing the night sky with binoculars, telescopes, or even the naked eye, there is lot of detail waiting to be seen if you employ the right techniques.  Photographs are time exposures that can bring out color and certain features, but there are many details that the dynamic range of the human eye can detect that photos do not show!  Seeing the fine points in an object is one of the most exciting aspects of observing, and this talk will review many "tricks of the trade."  We will cover topics such as dark adaptation, averted vision, good optics, seeing conditions, optimizing the body, appropriate cover, and more.

 

Bio: 

Mike Murray is the Astronomer and Planetarium Manager for the Delta College Planetarium in Bay City, Michigan. Mike has over 30 years of experience in the planetarium and informal science education field, producing and directing shows at several organizations including the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, the Museum of the Rockies in Montana and the Orlando Science Center. Since 1990 Mike has worked in the domain of digital planetariums, developing innovative approaches for public presentation and science education programs. Mike also served as Deputy Director of the NASA Space Grant Consortium at Montana State University, creating and overseeing a number of education/public outreach projects that covered the entire state, including telescope and observing workshops for tribal colleges. Mike has been an avid amateur astronomer since 1969, providing presentations and seminars for star parties, astronomy clubs and museums. He has been actively involved in starting and “growing” astronomy clubs, and participating in major star parties around the country. He has served in many organizations including the International Planetarium Society, the Astronaut Memorial Foundation and the Astronomical League. He has over 100 articles and blogs in planetarium journals, museum websites, astronomy club newsletters and newspapers. Mike Murray Delta College Planetarium 100 Center Ave, Bay City, MI 48708 989-667-2270 http://www.delta.edu/planet.aspx
Mike Murray, Production Manager, Clark Planetarium

Date: 

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 - 14:45
Friday, August 18, 2017 - 11:00

Location: 

Champagne Room