Join us to meet a few observatories and science organizations from around SCRLC's 14-county region. Find out what they are doing—and how you might engage. We will also be compiling a complete list of regional observatories and science centers for your viewing pleasure.

All library staff and science educators are invited to these presentations and CTLE certificates are available.

WEBINAR RECORDING

The eclipse is a few-hours event, but the observatories and science organizations provide on-going involvement and nurture a love of astronomy and science. This is an opportunity to engage and to spark ideas for astronomical programming at your library.

Kopernik Observatory & Science Center. Andrew (Drew) Deskur, Director of the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, Binghamton/Vestal, will provide webinar participants with information about observatory programs (their observatory is considered one of the best-sited and best equipped public observatories in the Northeast US!)—and what they are doing for the eclipse. The Observatory is also the home of the Kopernik Astronomical Society (KAS), a group of dedicated observational astronomers. Did you know Kopernik has a portable planetarium that it brings to schools, libraries and organizations? Drew holds a BSEE from Rochester Institute of Technology and a High Tech MBA from Northeastern University. He has been Kopernik’s Director since 2011.

Elmira-Corning Astronomical Society. The Eileen M. Collins Observatory, located at Corning Community College, is named for CCC alumni and astronaut Eileen Collins. The observatory provides monthly viewing sessions for the public and is home to the Elmira-Corning Astronomical Society, that assembled some of the smaller telescopes. The largest telescope at the observatory is a 20-inch reflector, which is the one-tenth scale model of Mount Palomar’s Hale Telescope (the mirror was developed in Corning!). They also have a solar telescope.  Founding member Dennis O’Connell will join us to tell us more.

Alfred University’s Stull Observatory. Astronomy at Alfred University has a long history, dating back to the 1860’s. Considered one of the finest teaching observatories in the United States, Dr. Joshua Thomas, Assistant Professor of Astronomy and Director of the Stull Observatory, will discuss their Observatory and resources and public observing nights. Dr. Thomas has a Ph. D. in Physics from the University of Toledo. He also is also in the process of implementing spectrographic capabilities.

Sciencecenter of Ithaca. Ali Jackson, Director of Programs & Partnerships will share some of the activities the Sciencecenter has done involving the upcoming eclipse and ways to be involved/support local communities.

This program is part of SCRLC's Moon Mondays: Get Ready for the Great 2024 Total Eclipse, which is supported in part by the American Astronomical Society's Jay M. Pasachoff Solar Eclipse Mini-Grants Program.