Granite State Stuff : Astronomy

Observing the Heavens – The Observatory at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Celebrates Grand Opening

AskLisa — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:12:00 GMT

With the flick of a switch, the 58” plasma screen will come alive next Friday, September 4^th, featuring images from the new observatory telescope at the grand opening of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center’s new observatory dome.

The dome houses two telescopes for viewing day and nighttime skies. The primary telescope, a Celestron 14” Schmidt-Cassegrain, uses a Celestron PRO mount, computerized for tracking planets, nebulae, galaxies and other nighttime objects. The second telescope is a 100mm Lunt, designed especially for solar viewing of sunspots and other activity. Either telescope can be hooked up to the plasma screen, located by the observatory’s entrance, making images from the telescopes accessible to all.

“The observatory has been a long awaited addition to the Discovery Center,” said educator Tiffany Nardino. “We are really excited to make this wonderful tool available to the public, as it can only enhance the visitor’s experience to the Discovery Center.” The observatory’s objective is to augment the fundamentals of astronomy, orbital mechanics, stellar and planetary formation and other concepts, offering the opportunity to see first hand real objects of the day and night skies.

The celebration will kick off at Noon with cake and tours of the new observatory. At 12:15 PM will be a special presentation of the Discovery Center’s newest planetarium show, Two Small Pieces of Glass, taking visitors centuries into the past to explore how a simple adjustment to a child’s spyglass launched our eyes deeper into the beauty and wonder of space. Special demonstrations on “Telescopes and Optics” will also be given throughout the day.

At 7 PM, the Super Stellar Friday program will feature “Jupiter and Its Moons”. Visitors will enjoy planetarium show Tonight’s Sky and learn about Jupiter, with a live look via the new observatory telescopes.

$9 Adult, $6 Child (3-12), $8 Student/Senior. Free for Members. If General Admission is purchased before 5 PM, ticket for Super Stellar Friday program is $3.

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, and Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. For more information on the Discovery Center, visit www.starhop.com.

Concord’s Newest Shop is Out of this World

AskLisa — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:40:00 GMT

Looking for a rocket for that special someone? How about Martian Sand, a model plane kit, or an astronaut pen that writes upside down? The new Science Store at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH has you covered with unique, educational and fun gifts that are sure to educate and excite. Why, you can even adopt a star.

Set in the shadow of a Mercury-Redstone Rocket, the shop is designed for all ages with more than mundane souvenirs – look for science kits, shuttle models, radiometers and even astronaut ice cream. And, teachers will enjoy the selection of planispheres, books and hands-on-activities for students. Best of all, the Science Store helps support the educational mission of the Discovery Center.

The store hours are: Saturday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about the store go to www.starhop.com/science-store.

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science and engineering programs.

The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. The Discovery Center includes facilities for conferences and special events, and a NASA Educator Resource Center.

Spacetacular Saturday at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

AskLisa — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:47:00 GMT

Celebrate National Astronomy Day at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center on Saturday, May 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join the Discovery Center and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society for a day of exciting events for the whole family, including a meteorites exhibit, the Wright Flyer, caricature drawings, balloon animals, space suits for kids to try on, helicopter rides, rocket launches, and more.

New this year – visitors can meet Aexeous, the Cell Phone Robotic Machine. How does it work? Visitors should bring their cell phone and wave it in front of him. He will recognize it and accept commands. This is a unique opportunity to experience this prototype robot, now used to demonstrate the marvels of modern engineering to all ages.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a premiere of a new planetarium show, "Two Small Pieces of Glass." Viewers will take a voyage through time and space and discover how a simple adjustment to a child's spy glass revealed an infinite and perplexing universe never before imagined. This new show follows the theme of the International Year of Astronomy, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic observations of the night sky.

Admission to Spacetacular Saturday is $9 Adult; $8 Student/Senior; $6 Child; and free admission for Members (benefits apply). No coupons or passes will be accepted for this event.

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, and Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a variety of science and engineering programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. For a full schedule of programming, visit http://www.starhop.com.

Astronomy Bowl 2009 Winners Announced

AskLisa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:11:00 GMT

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center hosted New Hampshire's third annual "Astronomy Bowl" on Saturday March 28th. Kritlapas Chanchaiworawit, of Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, took first place with a scholarship of $1,000. Second place winner Samantha Ryan, from Lakes Region Christian Academy in Laconia, was awarded a $500 scholarship. In third place was Preston Morrissette, from Lakes Region Christian Academy in Laconia, who was awarded a $250 scholarship.

The Astronomy Bowl is a statewide competition for high school students to compete by answering questions about constellations, planets, stars, and other objects projected in the Discovery Center’s state-of-the-art planetarium. The top three Astronomy Bowl winners received silver commemorative “astronomy” bowls, presented by NASA astronaut Dr. Jay Buckey. The scholarship awards will be formally presented at Spacetacular Saturday on May 2, 2009, an annual event at the Discovery Center in celebration of Astronomy Day. The winners will also receive special recognition at the State House from Governor John Lynch and the members of the Executive Council.

The Astronomy Bowl was generously sponsored by All Metals Industries, Inc.; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Rath, Young & Pignatelli, P.C.; Laconia Savings Bank; Eastpoint Stategies; Bianco Child & Family Therapy, LLC; and Lincoln Financial Group.

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, and Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a variety of science and engineering programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. For a full schedule of programming, visit http://www.starhop.com.

New Hampshire High School Students Compete in the Third Annual Astronomy Bowl

AskLisa — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:47:00 GMT

WHAT:
New Hampshire high school students from around the state will compete in the Third Annual Astronomy Bowl. The Astronomy Bowl tests the participant's knowledge of astronomical bodies and concepts, with images and constellations projected in the state-of-the-art planetarium theater.

The participants are from the following areas in NH: Penacook, Hopkinton, Durham,
Nashua, Laconia, Londonderry, Keene, Hanover, Concord, Hancock, Canterbury,
Wolfeboro
And, also from the town of Hartland, VT

WHERE:
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Drive, Concord.
Free parking and accessible spaces are available in the parking lot in front of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center entrance right off Institute Drive.

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2009
5:30 p.m.: Media are invited to meet with the New Hampshire high school student participants before the Astronomy Bowl begins.

6:00 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m., Astronomy Bowl 2009: Media are invited to attend the Bowl. No flash photography is allowed in the theatre during the competition.

9:00 p.m.: Media are invited to meet with the Astronomy Bowl 2009 winners.

WHY:
The top winner will receive a $1000 cash prize, the second place winner will receive a $500 cash prize and the third place winner will receive a $250 cash prize. Prizes will be presented at the Spectacular Saturday celebration of Astronomy Day on the afternoon of Saturday, May 2nd.

HOW:
The Astronomy Bowl has been generously sponsored by: All Metals Industries, Inc.; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; Rath, Young & Pignatelli, P.C.; Laconia Savings Bank; Eastpoint Stategies; Bianco Child & Family Therapy, LLC; and Lincoln Financial Group.

FOR MORE Jennifer Jones, Marketing Coordinator
INFO: jjones@starhop.com, (603) 271-7827 x110

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, and Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a variety of science and engineering programs.

The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. The Discovery Center also offers facilities for conferences and special events, and a NASA Educator Resource Center. For a full schedule of programming, visit http://www.starhop.com.

"Real People, Amazing Jobs" The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center honors Captain Sullenberger

AskLisa — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:57:00 GMT

Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger III was the first recipient of the Real People, Amazing Jobs Award at the opening of the new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center today in Concord, NH.

Captain Sullenberger addressed more than 300 people in attendance at the opening via pre-recorded video to accept the award and congratulate the people of New Hampshire on the new science center.

The Real People, Amazing Jobs Award recognizes people who offer inspiration and act as role models for the younger generation, inspiring them to choose careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Captain Sullenberger was selected for the award based on his high standards and commitment to his profession as an aviator, saving the lives of 155 people during an emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. New York Governor David Paterson hailed his courage as the "Miracle on the Hudson."

Real scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and others in high-technology occupations are highlighted throughout the Discovery Center's astronomy, aviation, and Earth and space science exhibits. These interactive exhibits focus on how these "Real People" are just regular people who have chosen to strive for accomplishment throughout their school years and professional careers.

"Captain Sullenberger exemplifies how real people can do amazing jobs and serve as role models for young people everywhere. Their chosen careers allow them to do amazing things every day," said Jeanne Gerulskis, Executive Director of the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

Admission to the Discovery Center is free for the opening weekend, from Friday March 6th at 4:00 PM through Sunday, March 8th at 5:00 PM, courtesy of Northeast Delta Dental. A variety of special activities, including the replaying of Captain Sullenberger's remarks, are planned for the opening weekend.

The new McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a lively science center, featuring 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, and Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a variety of science and engineering programs.

The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. The Discovery Center includes facilities for conferences and special events, and a NASA Educator Resource Center. For a full schedule of programming, visit www.starhop.com.