Friday Feature: Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory
http://www.dearastronomer.com/
If you are visiting sunny Arizona and have an interest in Astronomy, you should check out the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory,
an exceptional science learning facility located at Steward Observatory’s “sky island” observing site just north of Tucson, Arizona.
“Photo Credit: Adam Block/Mount Lemmon SkyCenter/University of Arizona”
The SkyCenter builds upon the uniqueness of the 9,157 feet summit of Mt. Lemmon and on the extensive knowledge base at the University of Arizona to deliver educational adventures including SkyNights which is a night-time astronomy observing program that provides the opportunity to explore astronomical wonders.
Star charts, binoculars and the superb 32-inch Schulman telescope are just some of the resources of this program. The Schulman telescope is the LARGEST dedicated telescope in the Southwest for public viewing. The SkyNights experience is offered virtually every night throughout the year. The five hour program starts in the late afternoon and accommodates 7-20 people. The cost of the SkyNights experience is pretty reasonable (Adults: $48 Youth: $25)
Renowned Astrophotographer Adam Block, is the Public Observing Programs Coordinator for the center and has had his work featured on Astronomy Picture Of The Day on numerous occasions.
In addition to the Skynights experience, Astronomer Nights is a Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter program in which visitors observe as professional astronomers for one night. As a visitor for this extended observing program, YOU become the astronomer investigating the cosmos and deciding how the night unfolds.
The unique astronomical experience includes observing at a telescope with an astronomer/guide acquiring high quality data lodging on site in astronomer dormitories, and data and image processing by astrophotographer Adam Block. If the visiting astronomer(s) prefer, the telescope can be used to do visual observing as well. The cost is $750 per night for up to two people, including lodging.
Below is a Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter short video (with permission from Arizona Public Media):
Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory is located at 9800 Ski Run Road Mt. Lemmon, Arizona 85619
You can contact the Observatory at: 520.626.8122 or via e-mail at: [email protected]
Their website is at: http://skycenter.arizona.edu and you can visit their Facebook “fan” page at: http://www.facebook.com/uaskycenter
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
2012-12-04 08:05:55
Source: http://www.dearastronomer.com/2011/04/15/friday-feature-mt-lemmon-skycenter-observatory/
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