Idaho Astronomy in March

I realize the month is about over, but Venus has been so bright in the western sky that I wanted to give you some context.  This video from JPL (Jet Propulsion Lab) is a great review of our night sky, and it covers a special moment scheduled for TONIGHT right after sunset.    Fast forward to 1:54 in the short video clip for a preview of March 28. 

https://youtu.be/wf5ZE15ocCo

New Year Science

It must be the day of resolutions, because I feel like writing another blog post.    Who knows who is reading these, but most likely you find a picture on google that leads you here, and then you think, "hmmm...this is not what I need."  That's fine...it is what I need!

I find great ideas and fun activities, and museum exhibits and interesting stories, so I will try to get them posted here again.  STEM is alive and well, and I am excited for the progress we continue to make in Idaho that will benefit our kids.

This article is from 2013, but the information is still relevant.  So enjoy and Happy New Year!!

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2013/01/01/new_year_s_science_the_astronomy_of_new_year_s_day.html

International Astronomy Day at Herrett Center

 

 

A day and night full of events has been planned for this year’s International Astronomy Day at the Herrett Center for Arts and Science at the College of Southern Idaho.

Activities will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10 with make and take astronomy projects, coloring pages, solar viewing, and building and launching of water bottle rockets. Admission to the make-and-take activity center is just $1 per person.

The Centennial Observatory will offer safe views of the sun, bright stars, and planets from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., then reopen for a nighttime star party from 8:45 p.m. to midnight. Targets will include Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, the Moon, and more. All observatory events are free of charge, and weather permitting.

The Faulkner Planetarium will show ‘Astronaut’ with a live sky tour at 1:30 p.m.; ‘Perfect Little Planet’ at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; ‘Earth, Moon & Sun’ with a live sky tour at 3:30 p.m., ‘Sea Monsters’ at 7 p.m.; and ‘Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon’ at 8 p.m. Admission prices for the planetarium are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for students.
For more information, contact the Herrett Center at 732-6655, visit the website at www.csi.edu/herrett, or check out the Center’s Facebook page.

Upcoming Herrett Center events

"Earth Hour" Night Telescope Viewing - Centennial Observatory

• March 29, 2014 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  For one hour, the world is asked to turn out all unnecessary lights as a gesture of energy conservation. Come to the Centennial Observatory at the Herrett Center and enjoy the dark skies. Free admission.

April

• Total Lunar Eclipse - Centennial Observatory
  • April 14, 2014 10:45 PM - 12:00 AM
    
    Penumbral phase (not noticeable) begins: 10:52 PM
    Moon subtly darkened by 11:15 PM
    Umbral phase (growing "bite" from Moon) begins: 11:58 PM
    Totality (dark red-orange Moon): 1:06 to 2:25 AM
    Maximum eclipse: 1:46 AM
    Umbral phase ends: 3:33 AM
    Penumbral phase (not noticeable) ends: 4:39 AM
• Herrett Forum lecture - "Secrets of the City - City of Rocks National Monument and Castle Rocks State Park" - Rick Allen Room
  • April 16, 2014 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Herrett Forum lectures are usually presented on the third Wednesday of the month, September through May. Topics are coordinated by the Herrett Forum Committee, a group of local citizens dedicated to bringing high quality speakers, scholars, and artists to Twin Falls. No tickets are required for these free public events. Doors open at 7 p.m.
    The Herrett Center for Arts and Science is located on the north side of the College of Southern Idaho campus, at the North College Road entrance.