Field Notes

As John Bonjovi says “Who says you can’t go home.”  Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I traveled to Lancaster, PA to spend time with family.  While there, I connected with Mike “Cosmic Mike” Smith, Senior Astronomy Educator for the North Museum at Franklin and Marshall College (F&M). Mike and I have been communicating about how I can assist the museum by conducting presentations in support of their astronomy program.  Having grown up in Lancaster, the Grundy Observatory at F&M was the single most influential factor that guided me to astronomy.  I am certain had it not been for the influence of the 1980’s “Greed is good culture” I would have pursued astronomy in college rather than business.

The Grundy Observatory means so much to me.  As we grow, we all have places and people that impact us.  Grundy is that kind of place for me.  Unfortunately, F&M has all but abandoned the observatory and no longer uses it for educational or research purposes, which makes me very sad; however, Mike, and the Lancaster Amateur Astronomy Club, now utilize this classic facility for public observing and outreach.  So, Mike agreed to meet me at Grundy.  As soon as he opened the door it was like Sherman and Mr. Peabody had set the “Way-Back” machine to 1980.  I was immediately drawn through time.  The building was just as I had remembered it.  It even smelled the same!  When I entered the telescope room it was amazing.  There, in all its glory, was the 11″ Alvan Clark Refractor and the 16″ Classical Cassegrain.  It was wonderful to see these two amazing old friends.  Immediately I remembered the first time I viewed the moon through the Clark and Saturn through the Cassergrain.   What a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with these beginnings.  At the conclusion of my time travels, I felt a fresh renewal of my love of this awesome science.  Thanks Mike for helping me “go home again.”