| Vol. 9, No. 3: March 2010 |
» March Stargazing
» March Radio Programs
» This Month in StarDate Magazine
» Spring Break at the Observatory
» News from the Observatory
» HST Discussion in Austin April 24
» Give the Gift of Membership
» Summer Teacher Workshops
» Volunteers Needed for Observatory's Programs
» Find Us on Facebook |
 The warmer nights of spring bring a panoply of new stars and constellations for skywatchers to enjoy. Leo is in good view by nightfall, climbing straight up from the eastern horizon, led by his bright "heart," the star Regulus. Virgo follows the lion a couple of hours later. Boötes, the herdsman, is to the maiden's left, marked by yellow-orange Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. The planet Venus begins its climb into the evening sky, where it will remain until about Halloween.
More stargazing information: http://stardate.org/nightsky/weekly.php |
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March 1-7: Rejuvenation. Like characters in a horror movie, a few stars in a nearby cluster are gaining new life by "stealing" it from other stars. We'll have details, plus a "Styrofoam" planet.
March 8-14: The Lion. Leo strides high across the sky this month, and we'll have details. We'll also talk about a few of its stars, including one with a possible planet. Join us for tales of the lion.
March 15-21: A Season for Seasons. Spring arrives in the northern hemisphere this week, and we'll have details. But Earth isn't the only planet with seasons, and we'll talk about one of the others. Join us for the changing seasons and much more.
March 22-28: Orange and Black. The planet Mars, which glows bright orange, huddles close to the Moon this week, and we'll have details. And we'll also talk about black holes -- including one that may be a close neighbor.
March 29-31: Chunkin' at the Moon. Like kids throwing rocks in a pond, scientists just can't stop throwing things at the Moon. They've been doing it for half a century -- and it's all in the name of science.
March Program
Schedule: http://stardate.org/radio/calendars
Find an Affiliate: http://stardate.org/radio/affiliates.php
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Astronomer Alastair Gunn returns to StarDate with his take on the future of radio astronomy. And learn how astronomical objects get their names — past and present — from science writer Harvey Leifert.
Subscribe online: http://stardate.org/magazine
|
Spring Break is coming March
13-20. To accomodate the high number of visitors we see during this period, the
Frank N. Bash Visitors Center will be offering additional Guided Tours, Solar Viewings, and
Star Parties for this week only.
For more information: http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/programs/SpringBreak2010.html |
AEP Texas Funds Scholarships for West Texas Schools to Bring K-12 Students to McDonald Observatory
AEP Texas has provided $3,000 to fund scholarships to McDonald Observatory by West Texas elementary and secondary schools this school year. The funds will benefit students from the Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa, Valentine, and Presidio areas.
Find out more: http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/news/releases/2010/0217.html
Hemenway Awarded Education Prize by American Astronomical Society
Dr. Mary Kay Hemenway has been awarded the 2009 AAS Education Prize by the American Astronomical Society (AAS), the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. Hemenway is a Senior Lecturer and Research Associate at The University of Texas at Austin. She received the award at the 215th meeting of the Society in Washington, DC in January.
Find out more: http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/news/releases/2010/0218.html
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Three University of Texas at Austin astronomers who are frequent users of Hubble Space Telescope will discuss its achievements and future at Austin's Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Saturday, April 24. The event coincides with the museum's showing of the new IMAX film Hubble 3D. Exact times have yet to be determined; look for an update in the April edition of McDonald Observatory Skytips.
More information coming soon at: http://www.thestoryoftexas.com |
Give a gift membership in the Friends of McDonald Observatory to your friends and family this year. Members receive significant benefits that help them explore the wonders of the universe, including:
• One-year StarDate magazine subscription
• 10 percent discount in our astronomy gift Shop
• And much more...
Please don’t miss this special opportunity to give to teachers, students, and your loved ones today!
Give now: http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/support/friends
|
Are you a science teacher looking for a unique professional development experience? Consider McDonald Observatory's Teacher Professional Development summer workshops, held at a world-class research campus in the beautiful Davis Mountains of West Texas. All workshops include daily hands-on activities in a classroom setting, interaction with astronomy professionals and researchers, tours of research telescopes, night-time telescope observations (weather permitting), and lodging in the scenic Davis Mountains State Park. 20 hours or more of Continuing Education credit will be awarded to all participants. There are copious scholarships available for teachers to attend, especially at the high school level. Apply soon!
Information and application: http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/teachers/profdev/ |
Are you an amateur astronomer looking for an opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with the public? Do you have an RV or travel trailer and the freedom to spend several weeks (or more) at a remote dark-sky site?
The University of Texas at Austin McDonald Observatory is looking for amateur astronomers to serve as site-volunteers to support the Observatory's extensive public programs.
For more information: http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/jobs/ |
 Join us on the social networking site Facebook to get the latest information about McDonald Observatory. View our image galleries and videos and upload your own. Ask questions about the Observatory, and share your experiences of visiting with others. When you become a 'fan' of our page on Facebook, you will receive periodic updates from us about events at the Observatory and more.
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/McDonaldObservatory |
SkyTips is a monthly email newsletter for visitors to McDonald Observatory and StarDate Online. Each issue features stargazing highlights, upcoming StarDate radio program descriptions, and other news. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and family.
SkyTips is a publication of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory
Education and Outreach Office, 1 University Station A2100, Austin, TX
78712. Reproduction of SkyTips content is permitted with proper credit
given to McDonald Observatory. |
