IYA

News & events

International Year of Astronomy 2009

In the year 2009, Smith College will joing the world in celebrating the International Year of Astronomy, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of a telescope to study the skies, and Kepler's publication of Astronomia Nova. 2009 is also the anniversary of many other historic events in science, including Huygen's 1659 publication of Systema Saturnium. Special events at Smith include a regular schedule of star gazing with the telecopes of the McConnell Rooftop Observatory and sun viewing with the Lisa Abrams Coronado Solar Max 90 telescope.

Fall 2009 Public Star Gazing

McConnell Roof Observatory

Every few weeks, weather permitting, we hold a public stargazing session. Everyone from Smith and the surrounding community is welcome to these "star parties," which are staffed by our undergraduate teaching assistants.

Friday, September 11, 8:30–9:30 p.m.

Friday, September 25, 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Friday, October 23, 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 24, 8:30–9:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 19, 8:30–9:30 p.m.

You can call the laboratory instructor, Meg Thacher, (413) 545–3935, if you have any questions or special needs. Dress warmly, and expect to be amazed by your sky!

Fall 2009 Solar Viewing

In front of the Campus Center

Thursday, September 17, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

  (or raindate: Friday September 18, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Saturday, October 24, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Friday, November 20, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.