Field Notes

As most people in the amateur astronomy community are aware, Saturday April 4, 2009 was the 100 Hours of Astronomy event of the International Year of Astronomy.  At the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. several local amateur and professional astronomers gathered to assist the museum staff with celebrating the event and providing public outreach, education, and awareness.  Several tables were setup in the main entance lobby.  Tables volunteers provided information about the IYA in general, schedules of weekend events hosted by local astronomy clubs, equipment displays, dark sky awareness, hands-on-projects for kids, and solar observing.

Amateurs display the tools of their hobby.

Dr. Glen Wahlgren, of Goddard Space Flight Center, speaks to the public about IYA.

Because of the absolutely fabulous weather in D.C. Saturday the solar observing was fantastic through the C14 with a white light filter and through the piggy-backed refractor with a calcium filter.

Solar Observing at NASM

A hands-on table provided kids a chance to build a small two-lens refractor or a pocket solar clock.

Kids get a chance to build a telescope!

Visitors were treated to a panel discussion by Dr. David Devorkin and music by an a Capella group.

What an awesome day!