Field Notes

Thanks to The Noisy Astronomer for posting this earlier.

Thanks to Elizabeth Warner at the University of Maryland Observatory, I have decided to help out with the Globe At Night.  I knew this had something to do with light polution but just never took the time to really check it out.  What a neat idea.  I encourgae everyone to get out there and participate.  Take your kids outside. Get them involved in something bigger than they are.  A fun activity is to do the sky eval when you travel.  Do it at your home and report that.  Traveling somewhere on vacation?  Maybe over the river and through the woods.  Try it there and see how it compares to your home.  You don’t have to be an astronomer for this.  It is also a great way to learn how light polution robs us of the beauty of the best show on eart, the night sky.

This might be a great site to share with local goverment if you want to take action against light polution and light trespass.  Also check out International Dark Skies Association.

The Media Just Missed the Target

DISCLAIMER:  I am grateful to the Free Lance Star for taking an interest in the International Year of Astronomy.  I am writing this because I believe it is the job of the media to keep all sorts of entities accountable, to report the facts, to show the other side of the story, and most of all to inform and educate the public.  However, the most important element of this is accuracy.  I must also write this because I am not a narcissistic headliner who wants his 5 minutes of fame.

For anyone who has read my blog, you know I LOVE astronomy and I love Education and Public Outreach (EPO) for astronomy.  So, throwing myself into the IYA point of contact for my astronomy club seemed like a natural progression.  So to help “get the word out” about the International Year of Astronomy, I turned to my local newspaper.  I started with a simple email to the community editor telling about the many wonderful things the IYA has up for the year, about the two major astronomy clubs in the area, and about two sentences about me, to give some credibility to my knowledge base.

After some help from one of the other club members who had a connection at the paper I received a call from one of the reports.  To say I was ecstatic is an understatement.  I met with the reporter about two weeks ago.  He asked a lot of questions about me, to which I kept reminding him that the article’s focus really should be the IYA.  He nodded and continued.  I told him about the 100 Hours of Astronomy, The Galileoscope Project, the 365 Days of Astronomy podcast, and the traveling exhibit From Earth to the Universe.  Despite his continued desire to learn about me, I kept trying to bring him back to IYA.  The following day I responded to an email from the reporter about my career path.  Yet again I empahsized that the article really should focus on IYA.

So this morning, 02/10/2009, the article was published.  Does anyone want to take a guess as to what the main subject was?  Was it:

a)  The International Year of Astronomy

b)  Me

c)  Galileo

d)  Saturn

e)  The economy

If you guessed b,c, & d you are correct.   Now please read this:  I am GRATEFUL to the paper for taking an interest in the IYA and amateur astronomy.  But I am not worthy of the attention.  The IYA is.

Back to our rant.  Now,  did he mention the IYA?  Sure, in two sentences within 8-10 inches of article.  (That’s A LOT of space in a newspaper for those who may not be familiar with the newspaper industry)  I know the media has this chip on its shoulder that they pick the angle.  But hell, when someone hands you a GREAT subject to write about that makes good copy, RUN WITH IT.  I am probably the most boring person you could meet.  Well maybe not THE most boring and certainly not after a few Harps or Scotch and coke but certainly not as interesting as the grander subject of astronomy.  Now, I know the IYA is about Galileo’s 400 anniversary of using the telescope for astronomy; however, that isn’t the only point.  And where did the whole Saturn thing come from?  Yes, it was a pivotal moment for me in developing my interest in astronomy.  Yes, it is beautiful.  But it isn’t enough of a focus for a entire highlight box in the article.

Not once did the reporter mention the upcoming events for IYA.  Not once did the reporter mention the individual elements of the IYA.  The reporter did not even provide the IYA web address in the little pop out box.  What other errors were in the article?

It was Franklin & Marshall College where I first saw Saturn, not Marshall College. (-5 points)

My wife and I did not meet in Florida.  Although we did live in Florida for a time.  ( only -2 - partial credit)

The aperture of the telescope IS NOT THE EYEPIECE!  After more than a decade of amateur astronomy, I got this one down.  (-10 for lack of attention to detail)

To call binoculars “Two telescopes side by side” is a bit misleading but you can argue this a bit.  (no point loss but a bad analogy)

He spelled my wife’s name wrong.  ( not a major issue you say? It is if you live with her. -10 points)

So fellow amateur astronomers where does this leave us?  If you want to promote the IYA to the local media, use a press release.  Write it, get Dr. Pamela Gay from the New Media Comittee to approve and submit it.  For the love of God don’t tell them anything about yourself.

I guess I should just be glad it all came out astronomy and not astrology.

National Geographic Society Logo

Author’s Comment:  Hello all.  Below is the review I wrote for National Geographic on a new publication called The Science Book. The opportunity to write this review is because of my friend Jeff Medkeff, “The Blue Collar Scientist.“  After Jeff passed away his wife asked if I would consider writing the review on this and a couple other books.  It is my honor and privilege.  Thank you Karen for this wonderful opportunity.

The Science Book:
Everything you need to know about the world and how it works
ISBN:  978-1-4262-0337-4
By National Geographic Society
$35.00 Hard Copy
Reviewed by Mark DeVito

There are countless science references available today.  With the Internet readily accessible and most people looking to “digital” sources for information, it is a difficult feat to produce a useful, up to date, and engaging science reference book.  The National Geographic Society however has continued its wonderful tradition of producing books unlike any others.  The Science Book is no exception.  This masterwork presents current theories, understandings and historical perspectives of multiple science disciplines authored by experts in each field.

In a passionate forward by Professor Marshall Brain, the founder of the website “How Stuff Works,” Mr. Brain expresses his love of science and how it touches each and every one of us in our daily lives.  As someone who is absolutely passionate about science, I found Mr. Brain’s comments to be fun and motivating.  In the 21st century science is all around us, in everything we touch and is deeply embedded in our culture, as evidenced by the number of people inseparably attached to their iPods, cell phones, GPS navigators, and laptops.  Where did all this technology come from?  What are the origins of the world we live in and universe we inhabit?  What is on the horizon of science?  If you have ever wondered about any of these questions, The Science Book is the perfect solution.

As an amateur astronomer, I am most intrigued and impressed with the section of the book devoted to the “Universe;” however, the authors do not neglect the other disciplines in the sections titled, “The Earth,” “Biology,” “Chemistry,” “Physics and Technology,” and “Mathematics.”  Within each of these amazingly illustrated sections, the authors present complex topics in clear and easy language, relatively speaking.  Each section subsequently breaks down into sub-sections covering many areas of science.  The individual topics often include historical information, such as the contributions of Galileo to astronomy, Nicholas Steno the “father of fossils” to biology, and Marie Curie to physics.  Not only do the individual topics present facts but also tell, as Fraser Cain, one of the moderators of my favorite podcast Astronomy Cast says,“What we know and how we know what we know.”

Of particular note is the exceptional organization of the information.  Immediately into the book the reader is presented with a “how to use this book” guide.  The individual sections are color coded for quick identification.  The layouts of the pages are reminiscent of a web page with colored tabs, title bars, page introductions, and informational boxes.  These boxes included milestone boxes outlining personalities and scientists related to the topic; basic boxes list key topic facts; in focus boxes provide more in depth facts about themes and subjects that enhance the main topic; issues to solve boxes identify issues and problems related to the topic that challenge science and society; and practice boxes give practical application examples.  All of this information is beautifully illustrated and emphasized with amazing photos and graphics for which National Geographic is famous.

This book is a wonderful addition to the shelves of a personal library, school classroom or library, and particularly the hands of any child with an interest in science.  To quote Mr. Brain’s forward, “Science is incredibly, unbelievably, immeasurably cool, and I hope you enjoy it.”  I couldn’t have said it better myself.

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.”

Pleiades

I recently had a unique experience, perhaps even an epiphany.  Over the long Labor Day weekend, my family and I traveled to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.  While there, I had the opportunity to reconnect with the night sky through my daughter’s eyes.  As many amateur astronomers know, the recent weather in the mid-Atlantic has been fabulous for observing; clear and cool with great transparency.

On one cool evening, my in-laws stoked up the outdoor fireplace and we all gathered around to enjoy the evening and the night sky.  With the exception of the firelight, there were almost no other lights in the adjacent homes.  The Milky Way was so bright you could almost reach up and touch it.  We all chatted and enjoyed the night sky.  What made my experience different?  In my lap sat my 3 1/2 year old daughter, Ellie.  Although born with Down’s Syndrome, Ellie was able connect with the night sky as well as any of us.  As Ellie laid in my arms, she continued to look up at the night sky with eyes wide like a Japanese animae character.  As she did this, the largest, brightest and most joyful smile crossed her face and she repeated the sign for stars.  Ellie is currently non-verbal, which means she does not speak yet.  We are fortunate that she has done wonderfully learning American Sign Language.

As we stared at the night sky together, Ellie would point and frequently reach up as though trying to touch the stars.  I sang her favorite lullaby, “Twinkle, twinkle little star.”  Hey, I’m and amateur astronomer, of course I taught her that lullaby.  As the evening continued, I realized that the sky was no longer Messier objects, stars, constellations, or planets, it had become art and connection.  Despite the fact that Ellie did not know anything technical about the sky and that our communication was limited to signing stars, we shared a definite connection.

That night, I saw the night sky in a way we should never forget, beauty, wonderment, and awe.  Soon, Ellie drifted off to sleep in the cool air, nestled in Daddy’s arms.  As I experienced this utter tranquility, I had to ask myself who was more at peace, her or me.  What thoughts and ideas went through her little mind as she took in the the beauty of the night sky?  Did she see the joy and peace on my face as I had seen on hers?

Whether you are an astronomer, or not, I strongly encourage you to seek out this feeling.  The next clear, cool night, step outside with your kids.  Leave the optics, charts and knowledge behind.  Bring only child like wonderment.  Perhaps the night sky will bring you joy, peace, romance, tranquilityor calm.  The experience provided me with a new view of the night and a new view for the next day and all the rest to follow.

My best friend passed away Sunday August 3rd.  Jeff Medkeff was an amazing person.  A scientist.  A critical thinker.  A skeptic.  An astronomer.  But most of all he was a self-less friend.

I first met Jeff in the spring of 2004 at an astronomy day event in downtown Anchorage, AK.  Jeff and I became instant and the best of friends.

Many people in the astronomical arena, both professional and amateur, know Jeff.  If they did not know him personally, they knew of him.  Jeff was a contributing editor to Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines.  During his 40 years of life he owned a computer company and a robotic observatory company.  Jeff’s numerous contributions to astronomy are cataloged in the 100s of asteroids he and amateur astronomer Dave Healy discovered, the countless people whose lives he has enriched through his public outreach on astronomy and science.  Jeff was the consummate writer.  Articulate, funny, and able to cut to the chase and find humor in absurdity.  My personal favorite is when he would point out the GIGANTIC holes in creation science, noting that belief in creation is not science at all.  I am sure Jeff and God are now having some amazing conversations and hopefully having a good laugh about 6000 year old Earth theories.

Jeff gave of himself without reservation.  He was there for me when my daughter was born with Down’s Syndrome and I needed someone to listen.  He and I spent many a Tuesday evening at Jitter’s Coffee house in Eagle River.  We talked of science.  Solved the worlds problems.  Pointed out how the rest of the world was obviously wrong for not thinking like us.  (This would often make us laugh.  As we said “Too bad everyone isn’t as smart as we are.”  We were of course kidding.)  Jeff was always there to teach me about astronomy, even when he was trying to take a break from it, he would always help me because he knew it was my passion.  Jeff knew I didn’t have the money to buy expensive equipment for astronomy.  So when I decided to try and make a computerized mount out of a Celestron CG5 with a Meade Autostar, we spent HOURS trying to design the motor mounts and gear system.  It looked like something Rube Goldberg would draw.  When I told him of my desire to do variable star studies, he even offered to send me his SBIG camera.

I admire Jeff so much.  He taught me how to think better.  He advanced my astronomy knowledge.  He taught my son how scientists think and discover.  But my son and I were not alone in the gift of knowledge from Jeff.  As a science and astronomy popularizer and educator, Jeff taught many classes at various science centers and schools.  Like all gifted teachers, Jeff had a depth of knowledge that allowed him to take complex concepts and reduce them to understandable levels so everyone in the audience could take away new knowledge.  Even when challenged by, shall we call them fundamentalist thinkers, Jeff addressed their questions with respect and courtesy.

Jeff was also a photographer.  I recall how enthusiastic Jeff was to take a portrait of my family on a rare occasion when my parents, both my brothers and their families were in Anchorage.  It is an amazing picture.

I am a better person because of my friend Jeff.  He taught me to believe in myself, my abilities and my dreams.  As they say on NPR, “This I Believe.”

I think everyone has some type of crutch they turn to when they are under extreme stress.  I too have mine and beyond the amazing support I get from my wife and kids, I find peace and comfort in watching Cosmos.  Ironically, when I was a kid, I could never sit still long enough to actually sit through the entire presentation when it first aired in the 70’s.  But now, when life stresses begin to wear me down, I frequently seek solace in the calm reassuring voice of Carl Sagan.  He reminds me of why I keep fighting to claim my free time to pursue astronomy.  Why I want to obtain a degree in physics and astronomy.  Carl, wherever you are, thank you for all you did and the mental fortress of solitude you provide me in repeatedly watching Cosmos.

Quite possibly the best Astronomy Pod Cast on the Internet. If you, your family, a friend, a co-worker, a pet, anyone, is interested in astronomy, I strongly urge you to check out Astronomy Cast. Pamela and Fraser explain astronomy and science in a very down to earth (sorry) way. Don’t leave your understanding of astronomy to the media. Learn it from the best.

Be sure to check out Pamela’s blog at Strastryder and Fraser’s at Universe Today.