Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration

Be inspired...again Rediscovering our passion for science!

A note from Executive Director Greg McCauley Space exploration has a way of capturing the imagination like the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs inspired an unlike any other human endeavor. As a child of the space entire generation. Our public engagement programs grew race, I witnessed the from a handful of people in attendance to hundreds of remarkable events that people attending the programs every month. A request from led us to the manned a teacher for classroom programs quickly led to the develop- exploration of the moon. ment of our educational programs. Our informal middle and As then president John high school STEM educational programs grew from nothing F. Kennedy famously two years ago, to 1,000 students last year, to now over 10,000 declared, it was “the students participating every month. With many more schools most hazardous and expressing interest in our programming, our growth will dangerous and greatest continue at this dizzying pace, provided sufficient funding adventure on which man is available. Although classified as informal education, all our has ever embarked.” programs align with the national Next Generation Science I was privileged to have Standards, and, students and teachers love the programs. Field experienced such an trips to the observatory have more than quadrupled this year extraordinary time in our as we added the study of heliophysics and viewing through Greg McCauley with Jim Lovell, history, one that inspired, Hydrogen-Alpha solar telescopes to our program offerings. stimulated, and encour- Apollo 13 astronaut We have developed our programs to be scalable so our aged an entire genera- growth is projected to continue along these astonishing tion of scientists and engineers. As a result, I too entered the trends. We strive to deliver exciting and inspiring programs field of engineering and followed the dream to a career at to our students and make it turn-key for the educators to NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas on the present compelling programs on NASA missions and space Lunar Launch Team for the Apollo missions to the moon. explorations. This has fueled our growth and continues to be That experience changed the course of my life. our focus as we develop new opportunities. The response has During that remarkable time in American history, we were been phenomenal and the numbers reflect the interest and number one in the world in science and technology. Sadly, success we have had with our offerings. With a highly effec- those days are gone and so is our world status as a science tive team of professionals at the helm, our organization and technology leader. I believe we can once again provide is at the cutting edge of informal STEM education. the inspiration and impetus that will impact the lives of the And, this is just the beginning. We were invited to the God- next generation and propel us back to a leadership role. dard Space Symposium in March 2016 to show the attendees Now is the time to take action! some of our educational programs under development. Link Observatory Space Science Institute began in 2012 The overwhelming response was “This is fantastic”, and, “How with an idea of bringing the excitement and inspiration of soon can we get it?” In the closing remarks, it was quoted that NASA missions and space exploration to future generations “In this next decade, the discoveries made in space explo-

2 Rediscovering our passion for science!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ration will surpass all previous discoveries since the beginning History...... 4-5 of recorded history”. We are in position to be the conduit for all The Observatory, Dr. Goethe Link those new discoveries to be delivered directly to the classroom for the next generation. Our growth and facility development Today ...... 6-7 plans are in progress and have been enthusiastically received. Dream big, work hard, and follow a plan. We are on our way to becoming Indiana’s Space Center! Our Partnerships...... 8-9 Now is the time to connect our youth with the inspiration of NASA, Indiana State Fair, Children’s Museum, and more space exploration so they may fully experience this extraordinary The Institute’s 3 Divisions time in our history; one that will inspire, challenge, educate, encourage, and engage the next generation of scientists, Education...... 10-12 technicians, engineers, and mathematicians. Science ...... 13-14 It’s a great honor for me to be able to participate in such an Public Engagement...... 15 ambitious and essential endeavor. Your support is greatly The STEM Education Crisis. . . . . 16-17 appreciated as we continue our journey of propelling the Why is STEM education so critical right now? United States back to number one in STEM education. STEM Pathway and Gregory R. McCauley Student Development ...... 18 Executive Director/CEO Affecting STEAM education...... 19

Engagement...... 20-21

Tomorrow ...... 22-23 Growth Projections & Building plans

A Vision of the Future...... 24-25

Donate Today...... 26 Our Staff and Partners ...... 27 Contact Us ...... 28

Buzz Aldrin installs a handrail between the Gemini and Agena spacecraft during his first stand-up spacewalk. This was something he had prac- Visit us at LinkObservatory .org ticed in underwater training. Gemini XII is docked to the Agena in the background. Credits: NASA, 1966. 3 Rediscovering our passion for science! Observatory History The historic Link Observatory is known for its contributions to the worldwide database of scientific knowledge and research. Located on a hilltop south of Mooresville, Indiana, USA, it has fostered scientific discovery, stimulated an interest in space exploration, and cultivated the next generation of science, technology, and academic leaders.

1939 Built in 1939, the observatory, which at the time of its construction was the eighth largest telescope in North America, was originally built for the private use of Dr. Goethe Link, a noted Indianapolis surgeon. 1948 The observatory was donated to Indiana University (IU) in 1948 and used for scientific research until the late 1980s. The university retired it from scientific research when light pollution prevented further deep space exploration. 1949 During World War II, the country’s priorities shifted away from tracking asteroids and comets. Because of this, many of the trajectories were lost. After the war, concerns of a potential earth impactor were raised, as meteorite im- pactions are the world’s only preventable natural disaster. Indiana University started the Indiana Asteroid Program in 1949 to help re-establish all of the orbits and trajectories of potential earth impactors. 1958 By 1958, the program had produced 3,500 photo- graphic plates showing 12,000 asteroid images . It published approximately 2,000 accurate positions in the Minor Planet Circular. 1967 When the asteroid program ended in 1967, staff had identified a total of 119 new asteroids. Over the run of the program, over 90% of all asteroids discovered worldwide were found at the Link Observatory! 1988– Since its retirement from scientific research, the observatory was used for public outreach for over two decades.

4 Dr . Goethe Link Dr. Goethe Link (1879-1981) was a noted Indianapolis surgeon who specialized in the treatment of goiter and thyroid problems, developing many innovative surgical techniques for these condi- tions. He was born in Pike County, Indiana and went to high school in Petersburg. After two years at Wabash Dr. Goethe Link speaking with students College he transferred to Indiana University and received an M.D. degree in 1902. He was one of the founders of ...according to a gentleman who attended one the Indiana University Medical School of the Institute’s public programs, he (Dr. Link) Goethe Link, M.D. and practiced in the Indianapolis area was a friend of one of the most well-known well into his 80s. By 1970, he had performed over 22,000 thyroid opera- tions. And, according to a gentleman who attended one of the Insti- scientists of all time. This former neighbor of tute’s public programs, he was a friend of one of the most well-known the observatory would take walks as a scientists of all time. This former neighbor of the observatory would take young man, and, on regular occasions, walks as a young man, and, on regular occasions, saw Dr. Link on the saw Dr. Link on the front porch speaking front porch speaking with Albert Einstein! with Albert Einstein! Dr. Link received many honors for his medical work, and patients trav- eled from throughout the world for his treatment. He is remembered as well for the extraordinary breadth of his other interest and activities. He was a pioneering American aeronaut who won the National Balloon Race in 1909. This was the first race ever held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dr. Link was an accomplished naturalist whose studies of hummingbird behavior and herpetology (snakes) were made at Tanager Hill, his country home in Morgan County where he lived for much of his later years. Dr. Link built a 36-inch telescope at Tanager Hill in 1939 to satisfy his growing interest in astronomy. This observatory was donated to Indiana University in 1948 and named the Goethe Link Observatory. In acknowledgment of his astronomical contributions, Dr. Link was elected a Patron of the American Astronomical Society in 1940 and a minor planet (asteroid) discovered at the Goethe Link Observatory was named for him in 1968. The Institute is proud to be associated with this remarkable individual!

Source: Indiana University Department of Astronomy ...yesterday 5 Rediscovering our passion for science!

Dream big, work hard, and follow a plan .

In 2012, some members of the Indiana Astronomical Society’s board talked to Indiana University (IU) about expanding the observatory’s reach into the community. IU recommended that they use it for public engagement and informal education. Shortly thereafter, we began public lectures at the observatory. Greg McCauley’s niece, a teacher at Avon Intermediate School West, was in need of a program to build on the excitement her students had for their lesson on the solar system. As a result of this request, we began the creation of our educational programs. In early 2015, Greg McCauley presented a multimedia lecture “Riding Rockets—The Story of America’s Astronauts” to 72 fifth and sixth grade students. The 30-minute program was educational and inspirational to the students, At the end of 2015, an engaging education program and during the Q&A session after the program, he was was born which launched and expanded the observa- asked what it takes to be an astronaut. To make it as tory’s possibilities. The founders saw an opportunity to simple as possible for the expose the public to this magnifi- students to understand, “... they had learned if they “Dreamed cent, formerly hidden facility, while at Greg laid out a simple big, worked hard and followed a plan”, the same time focus on providing a plan and explained it they could accomplish anything..” greatly needed, educational out- to the students. He told – Avon Middle School class response reach to students and the general them that this was what public. With this in mind, the Link Ob- you needed to do to accomplish anything; if you want servatory Space Science Institute was created to engage to become a doctor, teacher, scientist or even astronaut, and expose the public to the wonders of the universe you need to dream big, work hard and follow a plan. A and to develop informal STEM education for middle few weeks later, Greg received 72 letters in the mail, one school, high school, and college students. from each student. As Greg read the letters, one after another exclaimed that they had learned if they “Dreamed big, worked hard and followed a plan”, they could accomplish anything. Overwhelmed by the response, Greg decided at that moment to retire as CEO of a Carmel, IN-based national healthcare corporation and commit his efforts to inspiring young people through informal STEM education in NASA missions astronomy and space exploration. If a 30-minute lecture could inspire those young people as it did, what would an effective, focused, and organized effort produce? ...today 6 Our Mission To advance scholastic literacy of future generations with informal STEM education focused on NASA missions, astronomy, and space exploration; to foster scientific curiosity and advance science literacy to cultivate and nurture the next generation of leaders.

LinkOur Observatory Vision Space Science Institute brings the inspiration To share theback wonders to oflearning the universe and in the ways classroom! that excite, inspire, challenge, and educate.

Photo credit: Forrest Mellott 7 Our Partnerships

Link Observatory Space Science Institute contacted Link Observatory Space Science Institute is already nationally-recognized with asking what they could do to support its efforts. The GROWING partnerships! Institute presented one of its programs under devel- Since its inception, the Institute had been working “You are the poster-child for NASA with NASA to impact education in Central Indiana. STEM education in the nation.” Being at the forefront of technological engagement of students, the Institute has sent NASA technolo- - Director at NASA gies to test for use in educational programs. Dan opment which was Virtual Reality Space Exploration. Dumbacher, the former second highest ranking NASA Through their work together, students can now stand official in Washington DC and now a Purdue profes- on the surface of Mars in fully immersive 360° virtual sor, met with Institute staff members to understand reality and view the terrain using actual NASA images! their public engagement and education programs. Currently, NASA is working with the Institute to form a Mr. Dumbacher immediately recommended that the Space Act Agreement—a formal, committed relation- Institute attend the Robert H . Goddard Memorial ship that is rare for young organizations. The Institute Symposium, the premier space event in the world. continues to send technologies to NASA to pilot test Institute staff new developing programs. members were invited to attend and selected to present at the event’s #1 exhibit booth. There were only five companies allowed to exhibit at the event. This symposium is an exclusive event—only 350-400 people, and only its top level executives (such as Charles Bolden) are invited. Designers and builders of the Curiosity Rover on Mars were able to look through the Institute’s Virtual Reality headsets and see views of Mars from that very same rover! Dr. John Paul Holdren, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama on Science and Technology Issues, told the Institute that this technology should be all across the country. Upon viewing the DiscoverSpace Virtual Reality Headset at the event, Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell (Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, Apollo 13) “NASA needs your programs in all 50 states.” said “The kids will absolutely love this!” - Former NASA Associate Administrator NASA’s Museum Alliance and Visualization Lab then for Human Space Exploration

Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell said of the DiscoverSpace Virtual Reality Headset, “The kids will absolutely love this!”

Visit us at LinkObservatory.org 8 Hubble astronomers captured this party balloon-like sphere of gas being blown into space by a super-hot, massive star. The Bubble Nebula, or NGC 7635, is caused by hot gas escaping into space from a star 45 times more massive than the Sun. Source: hubblesite.org

Indiana State Fair . In June of 2015, the Institute met with the Indiana State Fair to talk about potential partnerships or the opportunity to present programs at the fair. After seeing the programs and what could be done, the staff was invited to exhibit at that year’s Indiana State Fair—less than two months before it opened! The Institute worked with NASA to put on a program with a live, interactive video conference with Trent Smith, the scientist in charge of agricultural programs on board the International Space Station. Six days before the event, astronauts ate the lettuce grown on the station. For the first time in human history we planted, grew, harvested, and ate food grown off planet Earth and NASA shared the experience with Indiana State Fair attendees! People from all over the world logged in to witness this presentation. With this new relationship, the Institute repeated its programs at the 2016 Indiana State Fair. The overwhelming response from these events led to the request to continue them in the future.

Greg McCauley speaking at the Indiana State Fair during Conner Prairie contacted the Institute asking it to become an a joint program between Link Observatory and NASA exhibitor at a number of their events in 2016, forming a partnership for STEM education and engagement with all the audiences they serve. The overwhelming response from these events led to the request to continue them in the future. This led to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis getting in touch with the Institute. The Children’s Muse- um now has field trips going to the observatory and regularly asks the Institute to display at events. Indiana Landmarks works to preserve significant sites for the benefit of present and future generations. The organization awarded Indiana University and the Link Observatory Space Science Institute a Continued Use Award in June of 2016 recognizing the continued programs held on its historic site. This award is rarely given out and is only at the discretion of the deciding committee. It is an award for a historical building and continued use for the inten- tion of which it was built. 9 3divisions Education The Institute has three A busy science teacher smiles because she knows that her students are about to enjoy a program they have asked to see over and over divisions to enable it to again. The teacher only had to spend about five minutes pre- fulfill its mission: paring for the presentation — but she already realizes from past experience that her students will learn and be more excited than they have all week. She grins when she begins the program and Education enjoys the rapt expressions on the kids’ faces as they watch NASA scientists take them away to the wonders of space. This is just one of many scenes from the Institute’s education Science division. This division, launched with a pilot program of 1,000 students in Morgan County in July of 2015, provides informal STEM education to middle school and high school students Public on NASA missions, astronomy, and space exploration. What began as a pilot program funded by a small grant turned into Engagement teachers quickly spreading the word to other teachers around Central Indiana. By the start of the 2016 school year, over 10,000 students were engaged in the program and there is a demand for 100,000 students to participate at the start of the 2017-2018 school year. With sufficient funding, the Institute will meet that demand! All of the programs can be delivered with existing classroom technologies—such as a laptop computer, internet connec- tion, and a white screen. The Institute’s educational programs engage females, minori- ties, disadvantaged, and other underrepresented populations on the wonders of the universe and space exploration. These programs are designed for the general population of students and all students can benefit from them. All of the Institute’s educational programs align with the national Next Generation Science Standards. They involve DiscoverSpace Classroom and DiscoverSpace Live, with more under development.

“This is exactly what we would create for our students if we had the time.” - Middle School Teacher

10 Source: NASA “Out of this world! Excellent program! Way to go with capturing the interests of the younger ones ”. – Facebook follower

11 EducationDiscoverSpace Classroom is a web-based program that utiliz- es NASA-produced educational videos to transfer the latest scientific information on NASA missions and space exploration directly to future generations. These programs are narrated by NASA engineers and scientists and cover the latest scientific discoveries, challenges facing further exploration, and the most recent scientific theories of the universe. Requiring minimal prep time from the educator, these programs are easily integrated into existing curricula.

DiscoverSpace Live is a live, interactive video conference with NASA engineers, astronauts, and/or scientists where the students get to ask questions and get them answered directly from an expert. Students are immersed and engaged in these video con- ferences, which beat any textbook or lecture! Parents get to hear stories at the dinner table about how their children got to talk to astronauts. Students not only talk with astronauts, but also top scientists at NASA, among others, and are “wowed” and motivated to continue to learn. One recent class spoke with Charles Bolden, NASA’s current administrator!

The Institute now serves over 10,000 students in its education division—and, with sufficient funding, that number is expected to reach over 100,000 by the start of the 2017-2018 school year!

These programs help NASA get into the classrooms — providing outreach that is impossible for NASA to do with its current budget. NASA contacts the Institute on a regular basis to help inspire students to make advancements in the future. We are NASA’s outreach in many respects! The best part? These educational programs are scalable and EASY for teachers to utilize in the classroom. Prep time averages five minutes. Teachers and students are spreading the word to educa- Development underway* tors. People all around Central Indiana and beyond are asking the Institute to bring these programs to their classrooms. In fact, the Institute’s leaders demonstrated the educational programs to all Morgan County school superintendents in June of 2015—and everyone said “We’re in!” Link Observatory Space Science Institute works to enhance the educational system and bring the inspiration back to students. Its staff and board members do the impossible and the unthinkable —with groundbreaking technology and plans for opportunities with technologies that aren’t even invented yet!

Development underway* *Programs are awaiting funding for full implementation . 12 Education

“This is such an amazing educational program; I don’t want our kids to miss out on it.” - Superintendent of one of the top 25% ranked school districts in Indiana Source: NASA Science In early 2015, the Institute pilot tested a Young Astronomers Club at the Carmel, Indiana Public Library. 44 children signed up within three days for the available 20 spots. Those who were able to attend had such an amazing experience that they asked “When can we do this again?” Institute staff worked with the students and searched for exoplanets using data from NASA’s Kepler Mission through a citizen science program in partnership with Yale University. Students were so excited they gave up their Saturday for this program! This led to the birth of the Institute’s science division. From the general population of students, there will be some that say “this is fantastic and I want more.” The science division takes these “self-identified” students into the Institute’s more advanced programs using computer labs where they work with scientists and make actual contributions to the world-wide database of scientific knowledge. These standards-based programs vary in their intensi- ty and depth of engagement. Some take place during the school day, while others are outside the normal classroom schedule. Our science programs are also excellent for “Our students get so excited about space exploration afterschool, homeschool, clubs and youth through your programs, it brings back the love of learning.” serving organizations, and other educational – Middle School Teacher opportunities.

Visit us at LinkObservatory.org 13 In one program, students take data from NASA’s Kepler mission and search for exoplanets (planets orbiting another star). Students have actually discovered planets orbiting the stars using this program! In 2016, students in the Discover Space Science Program did real science for NASA’s Juno mission to Jupiter. Using NASA’s football field-sized Deep Space network of telescopes, students trained these massive scientific instruments on Jupiter and identified and mapped the planet’s radiation belts to pinpoint a safe trajectory so the spacecraft wouldn’t be fried as it entered orbit! What’s even better about this? The science division’s programs are scalable and can be taken anywhere! Most of these programs are available in 3D, creating an immersive experience and a portal into other worlds!

14 Science Public Engagement

A mother and her pre-teen daughter spend a The scenarios at the left are just some of the typical sights rare Saturday evening together at their local from the Institute’s public engagement programs. The pro- library — and talk more than they have in grams began at the observatory in 2012 and are live, me- weeks about what they experienced on their dia-rich, multimedia events on the latest in space discovery drive home. and news. The program started with a handful of attendees at the observatory, then grew to two shows a night to accom- A room full of people of all ages gasp in delight modate the growing crowds. The event became so popular and enthusiastically applauds over and over. that the Institute had to move the program to the Mooresville A father leans over to his family and exclaims, Library and shuttle people to the observatory! Currently the “I can’t wait to see this!” as they board a bus to Institute gives TWO programs a night at the library—and the the observatory to get an up-close glimpse of room is packed. In 2016 alone attendance at these pro- Mars on a clear, crisp November night. grams has grown over 300%! The general public can also come out to the observatory on the second Thursday of each A three-year-old boy leaps from the floor and month for a day-time tour and learn about its history. thrusts both arms up to the sky after seeing Thanks to these events, the observatory has had a 50% men and women in flight suits on a big screen increase in visitors each year and a 60% increase in its in front of him. days of use. Details about our public events can be found at www .linkobservatory .org.

TWO programs a night to accommodate ever-growing crowds!

15 Source: NASA

Why is STEM education so critical right now?

In the 1960s and 1970s, the USA was number one in the world in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education as we were reaching for and landing on the moon. The country’s accomplishments helped inspire an entire generation of scientific and technological advancements. Now, however, the USA has dropped between 22nd and 29th in the world in STEM education (per the 2012 Program for International Student Assess- ment via National Center for Education Statistics.) According to the Indiana Department of Education, at a time when STEM jobs are plentiful, the number of students earning STEM degrees and certificates in Indiana has not kept up the pace with demand. In fact, according to one study, Indiana is in the bottom one third of all states in STEM education.

“Everybody talks about job creators. We are employee creators” - Greg McCauley, Link Observatory Space Science Institute Executive Director/CEO

The STEM Education Crisis In the 1960s and 1970s, the USA was number one in the world in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education as men were reaching for and then landing on the moon. Now, however, the USA has dropped between 22nd–29th in the world in STEM education.

16 Indiana’s STEM crisis With your support, the Institute works to change these statistics. Its programs inspire The Indiana Department of Workforce Development estimates that by the year 2020, Indiana will be the next generation to achieve its greatest ranked #21 in STEM related jobs in the US and will potential by exposing more students to highly need an additional 123,000 new workers with STEM engaging, entertaining, informal STEM educa- knowledge. In less than four years, there will be a 21.2% increase in STEM jobs in Indiana, and 12.1% of tion. This education is on a subject that cap- all jobs in the state will be STEM related. According tures the imagination of almost everyone on to the Indiana After School Network, however, an Indiana elementary school student only spent 2.1 the planet. Space and the earth’s place in the hours per week on science in 2015. This means that universe has been a subject of wonder and less than 6% of an elementary school student’s educational time was spent on STEM. amazement throughout human history.

President John F. Kennedy said this in his famous speech at Rice University in 1962: “ We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”

This speech inspired an entire generation to make the technological advancements necessary to achieve almost everything in our society today. This same type of inspiration will move us out of the STEM crisis! In today’s education system, students often miss out on the excitement and inspiration of education.

Astronauts boarding Gemini VIII on March 16, 1966. Credits: NASA 17 STEM Pathway and Student Development Link Observatory Space Science Institute is working to During this event, one of the producers from WTIU continue students’ progress in STEM disciplines. Starting (PBS affiliate in Bloomington, IN) was in the audience with their initial excitement in middle school all the way and invited the boy to present his winning project on to high school, college, and beyond, the Institute helps their show “The Friday Zone.” Every Friday afternoon on students explore their passions and engage in course- PBS television stations across Indiana, The Friday Zone work that leads to careers in STEM fields. Through strong offers kids and families an entertaining and educational relationships with area universities, we connect students half-hour of quality television featuring performances, interested in STEM disciplines with college mentors and guests, activities, and ideas for fun and exploration. coaches that help them through the challenges they face, That young man’s mother recently wrote “I am forever and guide them to achieve their greatest potential. By grateful for Mike, John, Greg, Kurt, and Kimberly at the helping students create and implement a plan from where Link Observatory Space Science Institute. They have such they are now, to coursework in STEM disciplines, and on enthusiasm for their subject matter and do an amaz- to a future career in a STEM field, we have developed the ing job of bringing that joy to the youth of Indiana. We pathway for tomorrow’s STEM-educated workforce. attend the monthly [public programs], which really only scratches the surface of all that they do. [My son] is just “Thank you so much for all the really cool, one of many young bright minds that they mentor. Your amazing, fun, and interesting DiscoverSpace donations and support will enable them to continue programs they let me learn.” their activities and broaden their reach. These folks are – Middle School Student part of my village and I could never thank them enough with words.” The Institute also challenges and helps develop those Another 13-year-old boy who has given presentations students that want more. One nine-year-old boy being during the Institute’s public programs was recently invit- raised by a single mother recently won Reserve Cham- ed to take part in a research project at MIT! A 17-year-old pion at the Hendricks County 4-H Fair for his project on young lady gave a presentation that helped her garner black holes thanks to his engagement with the Institute. support for a lighting ordinance for her community to That young man was then asked to present his project help preserve the views of the nighttime sky. And, there on stage in front of the crowd during one of the Insti- are more. Many of these students who have been invit- tute’s monthly Public Engagement programs. The boy ed to present their ideas at the Institute’s monthly public who walked off stage was different than the boy programs have also been invited to appear on The Friday who walked on! Zone which is broadcast to over 250,000 households (70% of the state). Now they are becoming TV stars, too!

18 We’re not only affecting STEM education —we’re affecting STEAM education!

Many people have heard about STEM, but how about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)? Link Observatory Space Science Institute is working to promote STEAM as well! In early 2016, the Institute had the pleasure of working with the Indianapolis Symphony Or- chestra (ISO) for its Cosmos Music Festival. The ISO’s Cosmos Music Festival consists of three weekends of music and activities surrounding the theme of space. Link Observatory helped add to the music of Beethoven, Holst, Strauss, and many others through its fascinating exhibit, which was by far the most popular one at the event. The Institute’s curriculum features arts in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards. Future DiscoverSpace Science participants can create hands- on art projects such as designing a spacecraft among other STEAM projects.

Many people have heard about STEM, but how about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)?

19 Engagement

Student Participation

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0 2014 2015 2016

Number of Students Participating in DiscoverSpace Educational Program

This graph shows the total number of middle school and high school students participating in our education and science programs at 1,000 in 2015 to over 10,000 in 2016. With appropriate funding, we could have exceeded 100,000 students by this time.

Over 10,000 students were engaged in the Institute’s programs at the beginning of the 2016–2017 year . With appropriate funding, we could have exceeded 100,000 students by this time .

The schools currently represented are: §§ Indianapolis Public schools §§ Noblesville Consolidated §§ Brownsburg Consolidated §§ Monrovia Consolidated §§ Plainfield Consolidated §§ Avon Consolidated §§ Mooresville Consolidated §§ Corona-Norco Unified §§ Martinsville Consolidated School District, Corona, CA §§ Franklin Township Consolidated (testing our ability for (Marion County) national expansion) §§ St. Pius X Catholic School

20 Public Programs and Observatory Usage

The graph at right shows 3,500 growth in the number of guests 2961 at our monthly Mooresville Pub- 3,000 lic Library programs and guests visiting the Link Observatory. 2,500 2005 This shows that in 2016, 2,000 1680 1,680 people visited the Link 1505 Observatory and 2,961 1,500 1091 1150 attended our Mooresville 774 1,000 Public Library events. 850 500

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Mooresville Library Attendance Observatory Guests

Estimated Overall Public Function Attendance

The graph at right shows 18,000 growth in public attendance 15,550 16,000 over all our public functions, lectures and displays at all 14,000 venues including Indiana State 12,000 Fair programs, Indianapolis 9,570 Children’s Museum and 10,000 Conner Prairie events. 8,000 The total in 2016 was 15,550 6,000 with substantial annual growth. 4,000 1,280 2,550 2,000 950 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Visit us at LinkObservatory.org 21 Rediscovering our passion for science!

Projected Growth As the Institute began to outgrow the observatory VR (Virtual Reality) will take field trips where no school conference room, staff started to delve into what the bus can ever go. This will be the most innovative, educa- organization could become. Staff members began to tional, and immersive science program ever produced! work with Indiana University (IU) about a plan to utilize And, finally, did you hear about 2017’s solar eclipse? The the observatory’s 55-acre property in a more engaging institute and multiple partnering organizations are al- and exciting way. After showing decision makers the ready making fantastic plans to turn this August 21, 2017 Institute’s vision for the entire site—turning the acreage event into a great educational opportunity. into an asset to IU, to Indiana, and to the community that everyone could be proud of—the committee’s jaws “We’re evaluating these technologies and the poten- literally dropped. Follow-up meetings are taking place tial of what they can be and how educational they and the plan is moving forward for a Center for Astron- can be—all with things that have not been invented omy and Space Exploration, a 30,000-square yet. Imagine being hooked up for the first mission to Mars—you could sit in a commander’s foot informal STEM education center. The Institute’s education The university’s world-renowned chair through Virtual Reality at the programs are projected to grow launch! We have already taken astrophysics department is eager to 250,000 students by the start for its creation and architectural steps to make that happen. We of the 2019-2020 school year. drawings have started! are at the forefront. Our vision plan literally states that we will create inspiring Its turn-key science programs are projected to and engaging educational programs with technologies grow to reach MILLIONS of Scouts, afterschool network not yet invented!” – Kurt Williams, Link Observatory kids, summer camp attendees, and others in just a few Space Science Institute COO. years. In the future, Discover Space 3D will offer 3D por- tals into other worlds. Kids will truly feel like they are in space — a portal into the universe! And Discover Space Source: NASA

Near the outskirts of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy some 200 thousand 22 light-years distant, lies 5 million year young star cluster NGC 602. (NASA) Proposed Link Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration

Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration Plans are moving forward for a Center for Astronomy and Space Exploration, a 30,000 square foot informal STEM education center.

§§ Space exploration §§ 30,000 sq ft facility §§ 300 seat auditorium §§ 75 seat digital planetarium §§ Gift shop §§ Science on a sphere display §§ Mission control center §§ Miniature Mars landscape §§ Remote-controlled robotics §§ STEM Robotics Lab §§ Miniature moonscape §§ Miniature Rover Creation Lab §§ Virtual Reality Lab ...tomorrow “We need to bring DiscoverSpace to the European market ”. - Jean-Jacques Dordain, former Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA)

23 Legend GREEN: Revenue Producing Activity Vision Plan BLUE: Milestone Achievements of the Future Ongoing Programs: A Vision 1007 20122014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 AND BEYOND

Midwest Astronomy Public lectures at Link Partnered with MPL to Created extensive Social Paid corporate events Create Space Science Trade Show Observatory hold growing crowd Media campaigns at Link Observatory Educator Program Move public lectures Space Walk—Space Race

to new facility community events Public lectures at Public lectures for local business local libraries and charity organizations Create special donor trips for unique experiences

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24 FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT STAFFING AND PERSONNEL PROGRAMS

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100 7 Source: NASA

donate today!

You can help others easy ways rediscover science 2to give by giving today! 1 By check §§ Bring families together for unique educational events that lead Mail your check, to meaningful discussions. made payable to Link Observatory Space §§ Help children learn crucial STEM topics in ways that excite Science Institute, to: and inspire them. Link Observatory §§ Enable students to delve into science and not only become a Space Science Institute part of actual scientific research—but to build their confidence 629 E. Columbine Lane enough to present these findings as well. Westfield, IN 46074 Your support will help Link Observatory Space Science Institute expand its programs to reach more families and students in Indiana. 2 Online Together, we will help Indiana overcome its STEM crisis and engage Make an online donation at the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathema- LinkObservatory .org/support ticians. We will once again become leaders in the world of science and technology!

Contact us today to find out how you can help our youth rediscover science! [email protected] | LinkObservatory.org 26 OUR STAFF

Greg McCauley, Executive Director/CEO planetary astronomy and stellar astronomy. He has served Greg is the co-founder and principle lecturer of the Link as a member of the Daventry Supernova Survey team, Observatory Space Science Institute. In the early 1970s, University of Northampton, UK for seven years. His current Greg worked for NASA at the Manned Spacecraft Center research efforts with the assistance of NASA/JPL and (now Johnson Space Center) in Houston, Texas in the Mis- California Institute of Technology are in stellar Nucleosyn- sion Planning and Analysis Division for the lunar missions thesis and observational astronomy. of Apollo 15 and 16. He was also a member of the Lunar Mike Newberg, Director of Public Engagement Launch Team for Apollo 17. He serves as a Solar System Mike is a member of the Indiana Astronomical Society Ambassador for NASA/JPL and lectures throughout cen- (IAS) where he serves on the Board of Directors. He also tral Indiana on planetary exploration. hosts monthly stargazing events with the IAS at McCloud Kurt Williams, Deputy Director/COO Nature Park in North Salem, Indiana. As the Director of Prior to joining Link Observatory Space Science Institute, Public Engagement, Mike is passionate in sharing astrono- Kurt was Managing Director of ALA, LLC, a business my and space exploration with the general public. consulting firm specializing in turnarounds and start-ups Kimberly McCauley, Social Media Manager where he helped small and mid-size companies become Kimberly is a tech savvy product of the generation of successful. With a life-long interest in astronomy, science, technology. Raised with an adoration of science and and space exploration, Kurt is well positioned to bring his space exploration, she’s immersed herself in the social background and enthusiasm to encourage students in all media aspect of space science. When she’s not glued to a disciplines to explore and achieve their greatest potential. computer screen you can find her enjoying the outdoors John Shepherd, Chief Science Officer/ with her family and beloved dogs or stargazing on a clear Senior Astronomer night with her telescope. John is a retired molecular and cellular biologist from Eli … and numerous volunteers and contract employees! Lilly and Company. John is currently a faculty member at Indiana University Purdue University, Columbus teaching

OUR PARTNERS The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis NASA Conner Prairie Interactive History Park - Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) - Kennedy Space Center Indiana Astronomical Society - Johnson Space Center Indiana State Fairgrounds - Goddard Space Center and Exhibition Center Mooresville Public Library Indiana University Carmel-Clay Public Library Yale University

Indiana University Department ...and more of Astronomy

“Thank you so much for all the really cool, amazing, fun, and interesting DiscoverSpace programs they let me learn.” – Middle School Student

27 Source: NASA Join us as we share the wonders of the universe in ways that inspire, excite, challenge, and educate!

Want to learn more?

Mailing Address Link Observatory Space Science Institute 629 E. Columbine Westfield, IN 46074-8733

Observatory 8403 Observatory Road Martinsville, IN 46151

Email Greg McCauley, Executive Director [email protected] Kurt Williams, Deputy Director/COO [email protected]

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