Vol. 32, No. 1 March 2003
Journal of the International Planetarium Society
The Planetarian (ISN 0090-3213) is published quarterly by the International Planetarium Society. ©2003, International Planetarium Society, Inc., all rights reserved. Opinions ex- March, 2003 Vol. 32, No. 1 pressed by authors are personal opinions and are not neces- sarily the opinions of the International Planetarium Society, its officers, or agents. Acceptance of advertisements, announcements, or other material does not imply endorse- ment by the International Planetarium Society, its officers or agents. The Editor welcomes Executive Editor items for consideration for publication. Please consult "Guidelines for Contributors" at John Mosley http://www.GriffithObs.org/IPSGuidelines.html. The Editor reserves the right to edit any Griffith Observatory manuscript to suit this publication’s needs. 2800 E. Observatory Road Los Angeles, California 90027 USA Articles (1) 323-664-1181 daytime phone 5 Do Science Demonstrations in the Planetarium Enhance Learning? (1) 323-663-4323 Griffith fax ...... James Rusk (1) 603-506-8255 personal efax 9Hearing-Impaired Audio, Alternate Languages, and Caption [email protected] Production for Films and Planetariums ...... John Young 12 When Was Mars Last This Close? ...... Jean Meeus Advertising Coordinator 14 Our Vanishing Sky: A Traveling Exhibition ...... Mitch Luman Robert J. Bonadurer Director, Minneapolis Planetarium Columns 300 Nicollet Mall 19 Focus on Education ...... Kathy Michaels & Francine Jackson Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 USA (1) 612-630-6151 21 International News ...... Lars Broman (1) 612-630-6180 fax 27 NASA News ...... Anita Sohus [email protected] 30 Reviews ...... April S. Whitt http://www.GriffithObs.org/IPSratesheet4.htm 35 Gibbous Gazette ...... James Hughes 38 President’s Message ...... Jon Elvert Membership 50 Forum ...... Steve Tidey Individual: $50 one year; $90 two years 52 Mobile News Network ...... Susan Reynolds Button Institutional: $200 first year; $100 annual renewal 57 What’s New ...... Jim Manning Library Subscriptions: $36 one year 68 Last Light ...... April S. Whitt Direct membership requests and changes of address to the Treasurer/Membership Chairman on next page. Back Issues of the Planetarian Index of Advertisers IPS Back Publications Repository Adler Planetarium ...... 16 maintained byt the Treasurer/Membership allsky.de ...... 18 Chairman; contact information is on next page Astro Tec ...... 67 Audio Visual Imagineering ...... 66 Index Calgary Science Centre ...... 18 A cumulative index of major articles that have Conceptron Associates ...... 37 appeared in the Planetarian from the first issue East Coast Control Systems ...... 37 through the current issue is available on paper Evans & Sutherland ...... outside back cover ($15 ppd) or CD ($5 ppd) from the Exec. Editor. Goto Optical Manufacturing Co...... 56 A shortened copy is at the Planetarian web site. Great Lakes Planetarium Association ...... 26 Learning Technologies, Inc...... 34 Final Deadlines Minolta ...... 17 and 29 March: January 21 National Space Centre ...... 34 June: April 21 R. S. Automation ...... inside back cover September: July 21 Scott Electric ...... 18 December: October 21 Seiler Instruments ...... inside front cover Sky-Skan, Inc...... 20 Spitz, Inc...... 49 International Planetarium Society WWW home page: http://www.ips-planetarium.org Planetarian journal WWW home page: Associate Editors http://www.GriffithObs.org/IPSPlanetarian.html Focus on Education International News NASA Space Science Cover: "Our Vanishing Sky" is a new exhibit at the Kathy Michaels Lars Broman News Francine Jackson Anita Sohus Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science in Last Light Evansville, Indiana, that addresses the issues of light Forum April Whitt Reviews pollution, light trespass and glare. This diorama depicts Steve Tidey April S. Whitt an amateur astronomer. See “Our Vanishing Sky: A Mobile News Network Gibbous Gazette Susan Button What's New Traveling Exhibition” on page 14. James Hughes Jim Manning
March 2003 Planetarian 1 I. P. S. Officers
President Past President (1) 703-750-5010 fax Jon Elvert Martin Ratcliffe [email protected] Lane ESD Planetarium Director, Theaters & Media Services [email protected] 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy Exploration Place Eugene, Oregon 97401 USA 300 N McLean Blvd Treasurer and Membership Chair (1) 541-461-8227 Wichita, Kansas 67203 USA Shawn Laatsch, Director (1) 541-687-6459 fax (1) 316-263-3373 Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium [email protected] (1) 316-263-4545 fax University of Louisville 108 West Brandeis Avenue President Elect Executive Secretary Louisville, Kentucky 40292 USA Martin George Lee Ann Hennig (1) 502-852-5855 Launceston Planetarium Planetarium (1) 502-852-0831 fax Queen Victoria Museum Thomas Jefferson High School 102424.1032.compuserve.com Wellington Street for Science and Technology Launceston, Tasmania 7250 Australia 6560 Braddock Road Alexandria, Virginia 22312 USA (1) 703-750-8380
I. P. S. Affiliate Representatives
Association of Dutch Speaking Teresa.Grafton@madame- via Bosca 24, C.P. 104 Russian Planetariums Association Planetariums tussauds.com 25066 Lumezzane (Brescia) Italy Zinaida P. Sitkova Michel Hommel (39) 30 87 21 64 Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium Artis Planetarium Canadian Association of Science (39) 30 87 25 45 fax Pokhvalinskii S’Yezd 5-A Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 Centres http://www.cityline.it Nizhny Novgorod, 603 600 Russia 1018 CZ Amsterdam John Dickenson, Managing Director [email protected] (7) 831 2 30 51 51 The Netherlands Pacific Space Centre (7) 831 2 30 51 66 fax 31 20 52 33 426 H.R. MacMillan Planetarium Japan Planetarium Society [email protected] 31 20 52 33 481/419 fax 1100 Chestnut Street Shoichi Itoh [email protected] Vancouver, British Columbia V6J 3J9 Planetarium Ur Southeastern Planetarium Canada Suginami Science Education Center Association Association of French-Speaking (1) 604-738-7827 ext.234 3-3-13 Shimizu, Suginami-ku John Hare Planetariums (1) 604-736-5665 fax Tokyo 167-0033 Japan Ash Enterprises Agnes Acker jdickens@hrmacmillanspacecentre (81) 3 3396 4391 3602 23rd Avenue West Observatoire de Strasbourg .com (81) 3 3396 4393 fax Bradenton, Florida 34205 USA 11, rue de l'universite [email protected] [email protected] (1) 941-746-3522 67000 Strasbourg France [email protected] (1) 941-750-9497 fax 03 90 24 24 67 Council of German Planetariums [email protected] 03 90 24 24 17 fax Dr. Wolfgang Wacker Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society [email protected] Planetarium Mannheim gGmbH Peter Connors Southwestern Association of Plane- [email protected] Wilhelm-Varnholt-Allee 1 7 Hill Dale Ave tariums (Europaplatz) Miller Place, New York USA Mark S. Sonntag Association of Mexican Planetariums 68165 Mannheim Germany [email protected] Professor & Planetarium Director Ignacio Castro Pinal 49 621 41 94 20 Department of Physics Torres de Mixcoac, A6-702 49 621 41 24 11 fax Nordic Planetarium Association Angelo State University C.P. 01490, México D.F. México [email protected] Lars Broman San Angelo, Texas 76909 USA (52) (55) 55 24 51 50 Dalarna University (1) 915-942-2136 (52) (55) 55 24 01 40 Fax European/Mediterranean SE 791 88 Falun Sweden (1) 915-942-2188 fax [email protected] Planetarium Association +46 2310 177 [email protected] Dennis Simopoulos [email protected] [email protected] Association of Spanish Planetariums Eugenides Planetarium http://www.nrm.se/om/xtra/tc- Javier Armentia Syngrou Avenue-Amfithea wnpa.html Ukranian Planetariums Association Planetario de Pamplona Athens Greece Ivan Kriachkow Sancho Ramirez, 2 (30) 1 941 1181 Pacific Planetarium Association Kiev Republican Planetarium E-31008 Pamplona Navarra Spain (30) 1 941 7372 fax Gail Chaid, Director 57/3 Krasnoarmeiskaia Street +34 948 260 004 [email protected] Independence Planetarium 252005 Kiev, Ukraine +34 948 260 056 1776 Educational Park Drive 7 44 227 27 81 +34 948 261 919 fax Great Lakes Planetarium Association San Jose, California 95133 USA 7 44 227 51 66 direccion@pamplonetario. Susan Reynolds Button +1 408-928-9604 7 44 227 51 43 fax infonegocio.com Onondaga-Cortland-Madison +1 408-926-6785 fax [email protected] gestion@pamplonetario. B.O.C.E.S. Planetarium [email protected] infonegocio.com P.O. Box 4754 Syracuse, New York 13221 USA Planetarium Society of India Australasian Planetarium Society (1) 315-433-2671 Professor S. Gopinath Glen Moore (1) 315-433-1530 fax Director-Astronomer Planetarium, Science Centre [email protected] Daruna, University of Wollongong 80, Kathatorn Road Northfields Ave, Great Plains Planetarium Association Amper Muang, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia Jack Dunn Ratchaburi- 70000. Thailand 61 2 42865000 Ralph Mueller Planetarium +66 01 858 3698 61 2 42 836665 fax University of Nebraska- Lincoln [email protected] gkm+AEA-uow.edu.au 210 Morrill Hall [email protected] http://home.vicnet.net.au@apsweb Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0375 USA (1) 402-472-2641 Rocky Mountain Planetarium British Association of Planetaria (1) 402-475-8899 fax Association Teresa Grafton [email protected] Aaron McEuen London Planetarium Hansen Planetarium Marylebone Road Italian Planetaria’s Friends 15 South State St. London NW1 5LR England United Association Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 USA Kingdom Loris Ramponi (1) 801-531-4934 44 171 487 0310 National Archive of Planetaria [email protected] 44 171 487 0286 c/o Centro Studi e Ricerche Serafino 44 171 465 0862 fax Zani
2 Planetarian March 2003 I. P. S. Standing Committees
IPS Conference Host- 2004 IPS Elections Committee IPS Web Committee Manuel Toharia Steve Mitch, Chair Tom Callen, Chair L'Hemisfèric Planetarium Cosmonova Omnitheater Avenida Institutio Obrero de Valencia Benedum Natural Science Center Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet Esquina Autovia de El Saler Oglebay Park Frescativagen 40 , Box 50007 46013 Valencia SPAIN Wheeling, West Virginia 26003 USA SE 104 05 Stockholm Sweden +34 943 30 8211 (1) 304-243-4034 (46) 8 519 551 04 +34 943 30 8240 fax (1) 304-243-4110 fax (46) 8 519 551 00fax [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] IPS Conference Committee IPS Awards Committee IPS Ethics Committee President Martin Ratcliffe, Chair Phyllis Pitluga, Chair vacant Director, Theaters & Media Services The Adler Planetarium Exploration Place 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive IPS Finance Committee - President, President- 300 N. McLean Blvd. Chicago, Illinois 60605 USA Elect, Treasurer, Secretary Wichita, Kansas 67203-5901 USA (1) 312-322-0319 (1) 316 266 4255 (1) 312-322-2257 (1) 316 263 4545 fax [email protected] [email protected] IPS Publications Committee IPS Membership Committee Dr. Dale W. Smith Please notify the Editor of any changes Shawn Laatsch, Treasurer BGSU Planetarium, 104 Overman Hall on these two pages. Rauch Planetarium - University of Louisville Physics &Astronomy Dept. 108 W. Brandeis Avenue Bowling Green State University Contact the Treasurer/Membership Chair Louisville, Kentucky 40292 USA Bowling Green, Ohio 43403 USA for individual member address changes and general (1) 419-372-8666 (1) 502-852-5855 circulation and billing questions. (1) 502-852-0831 fax (1) 419-372-9938 fax [email protected] [email protected] I. P. S. AD HOC Committees
IPS Consumer Affairs/Astrology Committee (1) 402-475-8899 fax [email protected] Dr. Jeanne Bishop, Chair [email protected] Westlake Schools Planetarium IPS Professional Services Committee Parkside Middle School IPS Language Committee vacant 24525 Hilliard Road Martin Richard George, Curator Westlake, Ohio 44145 USA Launceston Planetarium IPS Script Contest Committee (1) 440-835-6399 Queen Victoria Museum vacant (1) 440-835-6325 Launceston Tasmania , Australia [email protected] www.vision.net.au/~peter/AST/launplan/ IPS Technology Committee launplan.htm Jan Sifner, Chair Armand Spitz Planetarium Education Fund - +61 3 6331 6777 Planetarium Praha Finance Committee [email protected] Observatory and Planetarium of Prague vacant Kralovska obora 233 IPS Media Distribution Committee CZ-170 21 Prague 7 Czech Republic IPS Education Committee Thomas Kraupe, Chair +420 2 333 764 52 April Whitt Planetarium Hamburg +420 2 333 794 44 (Jan) Fernbank Science Center Hindenburgdamm 01 +420 2 333 764 34 fax 156 Heaton Park Drive NE D-22303 Hamburg Germany [email protected] Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA [email protected] www.planetarium.cz (1) 404-378-4311 [email protected] (1) 404-370-1336 fax (49) 040 514985 15 [email protected] (49) 040 514985 10 fax IPS History Committee IPS Outreach Committee John Hare, Chair, IPS Historian Christine Shupla Ash Enterprises Arizona Science Center 3602 23rd Avenue West 600 East Washington Street Bradenton, Florida 34205 USA Phoenix, Arizona 85004 USA (1) 941-746-3522 (1) 602-716-2078 (1) 941-750-9497 fax (1) 602-716-2099 fax [email protected] [email protected] IPS Job Information Service Subcommittee IPS Planetarium Development Group (Professional Services Committee) Ken Wilson, Chair Steve Fentress, Chair Ethyl Universe Planetarium Strasenburgh Planetarium Science Museum of Virginia Rochester Museum & Science Center 2500 West Broad Street IPS Permanent Mailing Address 657 East Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 USA Rochester, New York 14607 USA (1) 804-864-1429 International Planetarium Society (1) 716-271-4552 ext. 409 (1) 804-864-1560 fax c/o Taylor Planetarium (1) 716-271-7146 fax [email protected] Museum of the Rockies [email protected] Montana State University IPS Portable Planetarium Committee IPS Lasers in Planetariums Committee Sue Reynolds Button, Chair 600 W. Kagy Blvd. Jack A Dunn, Chair Starlab Planetarium Bozeman, Montana 59717 USA Ralph Mueller Planetarium Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES 210 Morrill Hall P.O. Box 4754 IPS Web Site University of Nebraska-Lincoln Syracuse, New York 13221 USA http://www.ips-planetarium.org Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0375 USA (1) 315-433-2671 (1) 402-472-2641 (1) 315-432-4523 fax
Produced at the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, California; http://www.GriffithObs.org/IPSPlanetarian.html
March 2003 Planetarian 3 the Society once again has a Publications Editor’s Keyboard Chair, Dale Smith. Dale is an effective advo- cate for publications on the Council and his tal began with the March 2002 issue and oversight will make things run much more took a full year to phase in, but with this smoothly all around.) issue it is complete. Although costs were not The Associate Editors work hard to gather lowered significantly as we originally imag- material, and I salute them. This journal ined would be the case (sometimes simple would be very short without their labors. methods are also inexpensive), what the Give them a hand when they need a book reader does see is a lot more photographs (at reviewed, news for International News, com- no additional net cost), and expenses were ments for the Forum, etc. reduced for advertisers. Last summer at the IPS Conference in With this issue you see the second change, Wichita, Lars Broman made several sugges- Planetar- which is a redesign of the journal’s appear- tions for the improvement of the ian ance. Although there was talk of setting up a , one of which is the inclusion of photo- committee to study the problem as long as graphs (“mugshots”) of the Associate Editors. two and a half years ago in Montréal, in reali- Done. He also suggested a regular Editorial by ty the redesign began after last summer’s IPS the Executive Editor (me). I’ve published Conference in Wichita, where the Council brief notes relating to the production of the Planetarian authorized the use of full-color throughout. from time to time, but will ex- Following that authorization, the journal pand that beginning in the next issue to a It probably didn’t take regular readers of was redesigned in September and October to regular feature that will encompass a range the Planetarian very long to realize that take advantage of the new opportunities of topics. And I’d be happy to share this changes have happened. The journal has a offered by both an all-digital production space with readers who write letters-to-the- new look and a new method of production. process and by printing in four colors, and editor. Planetarian This has been in the works for a little over a you see the result here. Much of the redesign, Please think of the and con- year, but with this issue you see the results. including new font selection, is the work of tact me directly if you would like to an- The first change – which was largely trans- Helen Jorjorian, graphic artist at the Griffith nounce a conference, internship, or special parent to the reader – was to switch from tra- Observatory, and I would like to thank her program or activity that would be of interest ditional (and by now old-fashioned) produc- very much for her creativity and contribu- to the entire planetarium community (like tion methods that involved paper printouts, tions. Helen did not make a jarring break the one in the box on page 8). camera-ready artwork, color separations, from the look of past decades, and the new Finally, if you’d like to contribute an arti- hand-stripping, and high costs to run pho- design retains the feel of a professional soci- cle, please read the updated “Guidelines for tographs, to an all-digital procedure that ety journal rather than attempting to be- Contributors” posted at www.GriffithObs replaces labor-intensive processes with high come a pop magazine. I hope you are pleased .org/IPSGuidelines.html. One illustration technology. This issue left my desk as a set of with it. from an article (yours, perhaps?) will appear files on a CD-ROM; the only paper involved (Another improvement – and this is non- as the cover’s photograph. was the address label on the plastic CD-ROM trivial – is that, after a lapse of a year or two, Enjoy the new layout and all the color! case. This switch from traditional to all-digi- - JM
The Spring 1977 issue (note the hemi- and expanded in a follow-up article). Jeanne spherical bias) was published by the Inter- 25 Years Ago Bishop’s second article was on astronomy at national Society of Planetarium Educators Acadia Park. E. Carr wrote on Iroquois star before it metamorphosed to IPS. It began a planetarium director who is called to justify myths and on Indian moons. Herbert with an apology by Editor Bill Fagan for his planetarium’s existence when faced with Schwartz surveyed selected 40-foot planetari- being so late – long-time members will recall cutbacks. The planetarian convinces the ums (almost all were Spitz; the mean direc- 1 those weary days – and an appeal for more administrator in 3 /2 pages. tor’s salary was $15,000). material. The journal has not been late for 15 Educator T. V. Smith, Ph.D., wrote on Interesting (to me, at least) is the fact that years, but it still needs good material. “The Construction of a Variable Spatial Ori- the 32-page journal contained seven articles Some things never change. Jeanne Bishop entation Ability Instrument” (too complicat- but no regular columns. “Jane’s Corner“ had wrote an imaginary dialog (subtitled “A Case ed for me!). Lee Shapiro listed the “REAL Con- run since the first issue, but did not appear in You Can Present to Those who Hold the stellations of the Zodiac” (since posted at this one. Purse Strings”) between an administrator and www.GriffithObs.org/IPSPlanetarian.html Another striking difference: There was not a single advertisement. Advertising revenue is important these days; I won- der how the journal was funded 25 years ago. The inside and outside back covers were blank white paper. There were several cartoons (one is reprinted on page 33; it’s as true today as ever). And the logo was in blue – the only place that color appeared.
4 Planetarian March 2003 Do Science Demonstrations in the Planetarium Enhance Learning? James Rusk Russell Planetarium 2501 Memorial Mesquite, Texas 75149 USA [email protected]
Russell Planetarium is a school planetari- might go wrong.” “Moonwich” tells the story of Diana and her um located in the Dallas, Texas suburb of An ideal candidate to help judge the effect brother Billy who go trick-or-treating one Mesquite. The district served has a school of hands-on demonstrations is the program, Halloween night. They notice that the moon population of nearly 34,000 students (50% “Moonwitch,” which was written by Phil seems extra large when it rises (the moon white, 26% Hispanic, 20% African-American, Groce and produced by Bowen Productions illusion), and have questions about why the 4% Other). Thirty-eight percent of the ele- (http://www.bowenproductions.com/plane- moon changes shape from night to night. The program does a good job explaining Science demonstrations can make a planetarium program lunar phases, the moon illusion, and other more effective. In a test involving about 1,900 fifth graders, facts about the moon. the students who saw both the planetarium program and the Methodology science demonstration scored over 19% better than the Each set of two classes of 5th grade stu- control group. Furthermore, students from low socio-eco- dents saw the planetarium program together. Then a randomly selected class moved to nomic backgrounds benefited more from the science another room and took a brief quiz about demonstration than other students. the moon and moon phases. The class that stayed under the dome used moonballs on mentary schools in the district are Title 1 tarium/shows3.htm). In the Mesquite school sticks to discover exactly why the moon schools. Title 1 is a federal program for district, “Moonwitch” is shown to all 5th goes through phases and how lunar and solar schools that have 40% or more students re- graders, since one of the required Texas eclipses occur. ceiving free or reduced-price lunches. Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) deals At the conclusion of the moonball For many years, the planetarium staff has with an understanding of the lunar cycle. demonstration, the two groups reversed been supplementing the programs with live science demonstrations. The staff presents “gee-wiz” programs as well as hands-on activ- ities. Our common assumption is that besides teaching students that science is fun and interesting, the extra effort reinforces what students learn in the planetarium pro- gram as well as concepts they learn in sci- ence class. However, until recently the value of science demonstrations in the planetari- um has never been tested. The planetarium is the ideal place in the public school system to present science demonstrations. Many experiments, such as spectra activities, require good lighting con- trol, and some classrooms are almost impos- sible to make truly dark. A demonstration of lunar phases requires not only a dark room, but also a strong light source. Other demon- strations, such as laser light experiments, require expensive equipment that a class- room teacher cannot afford. Finally, since elementary teachers are required to have background knowledge in so many areas, many feel that their science training is inade- quate. Many teachers are fearful of doing sci- A class holds their moonballs with the "sun" to their right, simulating a first quar- ence demonstrations because “something ter moon.
March 2003 Planetarian 5 roles. The class that had the moonball demonstration took the test, while the test- takers participated in the moonball demon- stration. The experiment was arranged as a non- equivalent group design; that is, classes were assigned to either the experimental group or the control group randomly. Generally the last class seated became the “A” group that took the quiz before doing the moonball activity, and the first class seated became the “B” group that took the quiz after doing the moonball activity. It was expected that some groups would receive more instruction in the classroom, and be better prepared than others, and therefore, some sets would show a decline rather than an increase in average scores. The test itself consisted of 14 questions, including both multiple choice and match- ing questions, designed so that there would be few perfect scores. Some questions only tested basic recall of facts, such as “How long does it take the moon to go through one full cycle?” Other questions required higher order thinking skills, such as matching a set A class practices holding moonballs at the correct height and orientation. The of moon diagrams to the names of the phas- walls of the planetarium have diagrams showing how the moonballs will look as es. Still other questions were designed to trap the students rotate counter-clockwise. students with common misconceptions: “Why do the astronauts have to wear a Five Title 1 schools were in the group below Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Universi- spacesuit on the moon?” One of the choices the median gain, while 11 Title 1 schools ty Microfilms, Inc., XXXII (1971-72), 4916-A. was “There is no gravity on the moon,” a were in the group above the median. In Berland, Theodore, “Classroom for the Space common misconception. other words, more than twice as many Title 1 Age,” Science Digest, XLIX (January, 1961), There were two hypotheses that the data schools showed large gains than showed 42-47. could validate or falsify: (1) A majority of sets smaller gains. The impact of the moonball Bishop, Jeanne, “Planetarium Methods Based would show an increase in learning after par- demonstration on student learning was On the Research Of Jean Piaget,” Planetari- ticipating in the moonball demonstration much greater for Title 1 schools than for an, 5-3 (1976), 3-8. and (2) students from Title 1 schools would other schools. Bondurant, Russell L., Jr., “An Assessment of benefit more from the moonball demonstra- The planetarium experience has been Certain Skills Possessed by Fifth Grade tion than other students. shown by previous researchers to be a valu- Students Used to Successfully Identify Two anomalies were discarded from the able learning environment. The data present- Constellations in a Planetarium,” Disser- data set. In one case an A group included ESL ed in this study, however, show that when- tation Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, (English as a Second Language) students even ever possible, planetariums should provide University Microfilms, Inc., XXXVI (1975- though the test was in English. In another students with live science demonstrations in 76), 7828-A. case the A group had performed the moon- addition to the planetarium program itself. Burnette, Walter N., Jr., “Use of the Planetari- ball demonstration in their classroom the This study also reinforces the idea that the um in Changing Attitudes and Achieve- day before coming to the planetarium. The planetarium is a unique resource for school ment in Earth-Space Science Education,” final data set consisted of 32 sets (64 classes), districts, providing students with learning Dissertation Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michi- for a total of about 1,900 students. and laboratory experiences that cannot be gan, University Microfilms, Inc., XXXVII obtained in most classrooms. (1976-77), 5726-A. Results Chamberlain, Joseph M., “The Administra- The average improvement in scores was Bibliography tion of a Planetarium as an Educational 19.48%. Only two sets showed no improve- Akey, John M., “The Behavioral Selection of Institution,” Dissertation Abstracts, Ann ment. The data overwhelmingly showed the Planetarium Concepts Appropriate for Arbor, Michigan, University Microfilms, that the moonball demonstration helped Second Grade Students,” Dissertation Inc., XXIII (1962-63), 4180. reinforce what students learned in the plane- Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Univer- Cottrill, Phillip K., “A Study Comparing tarium program. sity Microfilms, Inc., XXXIV (1973-74), 184- Achievement of Fourth Grade Classes in To determine whether Title 1 schools ben- A-185-A. Indirect and Direct Approaches to Plane- efited more from the moonball demonstra- Battaglini, Dennis W., “An Experimental tarium Teaching,” Dissertation Abstracts, tion than other schools, the sets were sorted Study of the Science Curriculum Improve- Ann Arbor, Michigan, University Micro- by the percent of increase. A count of Title 1 ment Study Involving Fourth Graders’ films, Inc., XXXVII (1976-77), 7055-A. schools whose percentage of increase was Ability to Understand Concepts of Rela- Curtin, John T., “An Analysis of Planetarium above the median score was compared to the tive Position and Motion Using the Plane- Program Content and the Classification of count of Title 1 schools below the median. tarium as a Testing Device,” Dissertation Demonstrators’ Questions,” Dissertation
6 Planetarian March 2003 Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Univer- (October,1964), 14-15. Clearinghouse, XLIII, (February, 1969), 349- sity Microfilms, Inc., XXXIX (1968-69), 56- Geiger, H. Bruce, “How to Integrate Planetari- 350. A. um Usage into the Educational Program,” Kratz, Robert N., “Planetarium Usage Looks Dean, Norman J. and Gregory M. Lauck, Nation’s Schools, LXXXV, (May, 1970), 112- Up,” Nation’s Schools, LXXXI, (May, 1968), “Planetarium Instruction: Using an Open 113. 74-75. Sky Test,” Science Teacher, XXXIX, (May, Guilbert, Edward H., “A Standardized Test in McDonald, Dale E., “The Utilization of Plane- 1972), 54-55. Collegiate Descriptive Astronomy on taria and Observatories in Secondary Downing, George L., “A Normative Survey of Selected Concepts Which can be Demon- Schools,” Dissertation Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Planetarium Directors in the United States strated in the Planetarium,” Dissertation Michigan, University Microfilms, Inc., and Canada to Determine Current Practi- Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Univer- XXVII, (1966-67), 4084-A. ces in Adult Education and Opinions Re- sity Microfilms, Inc., XXXIII, (1972-73), Mergler, Robert, “The Planetarium in the garding Selected Adult Learning Prin- 1537-A. Junior High Science Curriculum,” School ciples,” Dissertation Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Heyde, Russell J., “A Model of Strategies for Science and Mathematics, LXXV, (Novem- Michigan, University Microfilms, Inc., Planetarium Education Instruction,” ber, 1975), 591-592. XXXIII (1972-73), 134-A-135-A. School Science and Mathematics, LXXII, Moore, Maurice G., “An Analysis and Evalu- Etheridge, Dale A., “Simulation and Repre- (March, 1972), 201-207. ation of Planetarium Programming as it sentation in Visual Learning: The Plane- Jamison, Marion M., “A Consideration of the Relates to the Science Education of Adults tarium as a Simulation Device,” Disserta- Planetarium and the Lecturer as Agents to in the Community,” Dissertation Abstracts, tion Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Uni- Effect Change in Administrators Regard- Ann Arbor, Michigan, University Micro- versity Microfilms, Inc., XXXVII (1976-77), ing Social Attitudes in School and films, Inc., XXVI (1965-66), 4417-4418. 2093-A. Community,” Dissertation Abstracts, Ann Moore, Maurice G., “The Planetarium: An In- Fowler, James A., “The Place of Planetaria in Arbor, Michigan, University Microfilms, structional Medium,” Journal of Geography, Teaching Space Science,” School Science Inc., XXXIII, (1972-73, 5439-A-5440-A. LXVI (October, 1967), 378-379. and Mathematics, LX, (October, 1960), 539- Korey, Ruth A., “Contributions of Planetari- Noble, Margaret K., “The Planetarium and 543. ums to Elementary Education,” Disserta- Space Science in the Elementary School,” Gaddy, James, “Planetarium for K-14,” Ameri- tion Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Uni- Science Education, XLVIII (February, 1964), can School and University, XXXVI, (July, versity Microfilms, Inc., XXV, (1964-65), 28-31. 1964), 30-31. 2379. Phillips, Francis I and Walter Peterson, “A Gardner, Marjorie H., “The Planetarium as an Kratz, Robert N., “Everyone Has a Sky: A Planetarium Visit,” The Volta Review, LV Educational Tool,” Science Teacher, XXXI, Planetarium Helps the Slow Learner,” (November, 1953), 435-438.
March 2003 Planetarian 7 Reed, George, “A Comparison of the Effec- the Planetarium,” School Science and Math- Sonntag, Mark, “Spatial Ability, Science, and tiveness of the Planetarium and the Class- ematics, LXXV (October, 1975), 505-508. Sex,” Planetarian, 17-4 (1988), 37-39. room Chalkboard and Celestial Globe in Rosemergy, John C., “An Experimental Study Sonntag, Mark, “Update On Research Into the Teaching of Specific Astronomical of the Effectiveness of a Planetarium in the Effect Of Teaching Method and Spatial Concepts,” Dissertation Abstracts, Ann Teaching Selected Astronomical Pheno- Visualization Ability On Planetarium Arbor, Michigan, University Microfilms, mena to Sixth Grade Children,” Disser- Education,” Planetarian, 15-2 (1986), 20-21 Inc., XXXI (1970-71), 4580-A. tation Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Soroka, John, “Considerations For Planetar- Reed, George, “Is the Planetarium a More University Microfilms, Inc., XXVIII (1967- ium Educators,” Planetarian, 3-3/4 (1974), Effective Teaching Device than the Com- 68), 4959-A-4960-A. 112-123. bination of the Classroom Chalkboard Rosemergy, John C., “The Planetarium: Stars Sunal, Dennis W., “Analysis of Research on and Celestial Globe?” School Science and and Space in School,” School Executive, the Educational Uses of a Planetarium,” Mathematics, LXX (June, 1970), 487-492. LXXIX (October, 1959), 70-71. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, XIII Reed, George, “The Affective Value of a Plan- Smith, Billy A., “An Experimental Compari- (July, 1976), 345-349. etarium in the Scheduling of a College son of Two Techniques (Planetarium Sunal, Dennis W., “The Planetarium in Edu- Astronomy Course,” School Science and Lecture-Demonstration and Classroom cation: An Experimental Study of the Mathematics, LXXV (December, 1975), 716- Lecture-Demonstration) of Teaching Attainment of Perceived Goals,” Disserta- 722. Selected Astronomical Concepts to Sixth tion Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Uni- Reed, George, “The Planetarium Versus the Grade Students,” Dissertation Abstracts, versity Microfilms, Inc., XXXIV (1973-74), Classroom: An Inquiry into Earlier Impli- Ann Arbor, Michigan, University Micro- 1779-A. cations,” School Science and Mathematics, films, Inc., XXVII (1966-67), 887-A. Urke, Torbjørn, “Research On Teaching LXXIII (October, 1973), 553-555. Smith, Theodore V., “A Study of the Effec- Astronomy With A Planetarium,” Plane- Reed, George and James Reed Campbell, “A tiveness of the Planetarium and the Class- tarian, 22-4 (1993), 19-20. Comparison of the Effectiveness of the room in the Teaching of Constellations,” Warneking, Glenn E., “Planetarium Educa- Planetarium and the Classroom Chalk- Dissertation Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michi- tion in the 1970’s: Time for Assessment,” board and Celestial Globe in the Teaching gan, University Microfilms, Inc., XXXVII Science Teacher, XXXVII (October, 1970), of Specific Astronomical Concepts,” School (1976-77), 1478-A. 14-15. Science and Mathematics, LXXII (May, Smith, Theodore V., “The Planetarium in Williams, Herbert N., “The Planetarium in 1972), 368-374. Education: A Review of the Literature,” Modern Education,” School Board Journal, Ridky, Robert W., “A Study of Planetarium ERIC, ED 111 658, 1974, 65 pages. CXLI (September, 1960), 40. Effectiveness on Student Achievement, Sonntag, Mark, “Planetarium/Spatial Orien- Wright, Delivee L., “Effectiveness of the Plan- Perceptions, and Retention,” Dissertation tation Ability Connection,” Planetarian, etarium and Different Methods of its Utili- Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Univer- 11-1 (1982), 9-13. zation in Teaching Astronomy,” Disserta- sity Microfilms, Inc., XXXIV (1973-74), Sonntag, Mark, “Spatial Ability and Plane- tion Abstracts, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Uni- 6477-A. tarium Education,” Planetarian, 17-1 (1988), versity Microfilms, Inc., XXX (1969-70), Ridky, Robert W., “The Mystique Effect of 34-35. 507-A. C
National Dark-Sky Week Set for April 1-8, 2003
Grassroots effort initiated by a High School sophomore is endorsed by the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League, and the International Dark-Sky Association.
A grassroots effort to highlight the beauty of the night sky and to wondrous features. As we reestablish that connection, we hope to draw attention to the ever-increasing levels of light pollution across raise awareness about how to reduce light pollution and protect our the United States caused by poorly designed lighting, has the endorse- heritage of dark skies. ment of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the Inter- The American Astronomical Society and the International Dark- national Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Sky Association encourage all Americans to use the evenings of April The AAS and the IDA believe that the opportunity to experience 1st to April 8th 2003, from 10 pm to 12 am (ET & MT) and 9 pm to 11 pm the natural night sky should be available to every citizen of our (CT & PT) to attend public star parties, visit their local planetarium or nation. This natural resource, which inspires our attempts to under- public observatory, or simply go outside to a safe, dark location to stand the cosmos, should be protected through the use of well- enjoy the wonder of the night sky. Learning the constellations, designed lighting systems that put light where it is needed and not observing the planets, wondering about the stars and the Milky Way waste energy through unnecessary illumination of the sky. Properly are some of the most basic of human experiences and should be designed lighting systems provide safety and convenience without enjoyed by all. polluting one of our greatest natural assets. National Dark-Sky Week is also endorsed by the Astronomical This is the second year that Jennifer Barlow, a high school student League, a non-profit federation of 250 astronomical societies and from Virginia, has organized this grassroots campaign. "The night sky nearly 20,000 members, and by Sky & Telescope magazine. has been forgotten by many," she says, and she hopes that National More information on National Dark-Sky Week is available at Dark-Sky Week will encourage people to "look up" and appreciate its http://www.nationaldarkskyweek.htmlplanet.com.
8 Planetarian March 2003 Hearing-Impaired Audio, Alternate-Languages, and Caption Production for Films and Planetariums
John C. Young Planetarium Producer Reuben H. Fleet Science Center P.O. Box 33303 San Diego, California 92163 USA (1) 619-685-5731 [email protected]
No mater how hard you try to be clear need to continue to use their name. with black. Print the script, and Belle-Nuit and concise, up to 10 percent of your audi- When finished save the script as a text file will number the lines, including “black ence has trouble understanding what you with line breaks. slides”, helping you keep track of things. Using Belle-Nuit, save the finished file to I describe methods of presenting alternate languages and of its own directory. Then choose export, captioning planetarium shows and films using specific hard- which renders the captions. This process ware and software. The process can, however, be adapted converts the text file into a series of graphic images. I use a Mac program called Graphic to other types of equipment and software. Converter in slide-show mode to present the captions. PowerPoint will also work. Test the are trying to communicate because of vision, I use software called Belle-Nuit (available program and images together. In our system, hearing, or language barriers. In this paper I for the Macintosh only, unfortunately). the automation closes an electronic relay describe methods of presenting alternate lan- PowerPoint can be used, but it lacks certain that is connected to the Macintosh’s mouse. guages and of captioning planetarium shows features that make captioning easier. Import There are other methods however, including and films using specific hardware and soft- the text into Belle-Nuit. Split the lines as SPICE software. ware. The process can, however, be adapted needed so that each is lim- to other types of equipment and software. ited to 2 lines of text. Ad- Basically, I edit a text file and turn the text just font, size, justification into a series of computer graphic images. and color. Try some sam- Then I sequence them with an automation ples on your screen to see system. how they look. Double- Before beginning your own captioning space to create a “black efforts, watch TV with captioning on and slide”. Put a black slide at the sound off to get a feel for what the hear- the start and the end of the ing impaired audience needs. show, or fade the projector out at those times. Red or The captioning process yellow letters help preserve Get the script from the producers or tran- dark vision for planetari- scribe it. Eliminate items such as visual um presentations, while descriptions and camera positions. Music white letters are best for and sound effects can be added if they per- films. The background tain to the presentation. Leave the voice- should be black in either overs and the names of the characters or nar- case. CRT projectors are rators. Listen to the sound track while edit- preferred because LCD pro- ing the caption script. Get a feel for how jectors do not project black much text you want on the screen at one well. To avoid interfering time. Using a word processor, break the para- with the visuals I do not graphs down into lines that contain only a like to leave words on- few statements at a time, just enough to read. screen for more than six Preface each line with “narrator”, or the char- seconds, so if there is a peri- acter’s name the first time they speak. If the od of time with no voice- Audio routing for hearing impaired and alternate lan- same person continues speaking there is no over, replace the image guages.
March 2003 Planetarian 9 Hearing-Impaired audio For the hearing-impaired, a separate audio mix is required with reduced volume on the surround chan- nels. The idea is to lower the music and sound effects, and to allow the visitor to increase the volume of the voice-over to increase the narration’s intelligibility because loud music and sound effects interfere with the voice. The narration is generally found on the center front channel. At the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center we have a patch bay that has several extra outputs for each audio channel, but a “Y” cord could serve the same function. A separate audio feed is taken from each channel and fed into a small mixer such as a Rane SM26. This allows precise control over the level of each channel. The audio is mixed down into a single channel and routed to the radio trans- mitter.
Alternate-language audio Do not use a mixer for alternate languages. Instead, route the replacement language directly to a trans- mitter with a different frequency so the alternate-lan- guage listeners can hear the sound effects and music played in the theater itself. If sound effects and music are also mixed into their headsets, it makes an unpleasant echo effect. The receiver listed is capable of selecting several different frequencies so it can be used for hearing-impaired patrons as well as alternate- language speakers. The audio source can be taken from an extra track of a multi-track tape player, eliminating synchroniza- Planetarium computer to video projector routing. tion problems, or from a slaved CD or DVD player. IMAX provides us with Spanish language versions of Make a work tape using SMPTE code derived from the projector or most of their films, or we create our own. We start the CD with SPICE system used in your theater. Record the start time at 10 minutes, in through a Tarragon unit. The SPICE system listens to time code gener- case you need to add a trailer at the start of the film. Never start the ated from the projector and is programmed to start the CD player at code at zero, for a variety of reasons too long to go into here. Suffice it the correct moment. The voice-over usually does not start immedi- to say, bitter experience has shown it to be a bad idea. I usually record a cassette for timing Equipment Needed work. Put SMPTE on one track and the voices Captioning: on another. 1 Macintosh, 1 CRT video projector. Get timings from the sound track by play- 1 automation system that can click the mouse on the Mac. ing the tape while capturing the SMPTE times. Capture the start and end times of Alternate language, hearing impaired or descriptive audio system each line. 1 small mixer. The automation system we use, System i 1 radio transmitter with a separate frequency per language or program. by R.A. Grey, saves up to 100 times. When I 1 controllable CD or DVD player per program. have 99 times, I save them with a unique Multi-frequency receivers with headsets, 10% of audience capacity suggested. name. Then I capture another 99 and save them. I continue until all lines are timed, Equipment used at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: then paste them into the program. I insert a Hardware Product Company Web site command to select the next image in Audio Mixer SM26Rane Rane www.rane.com between each time. I paste the words from Automation System I R.A. Grey www.ragray.com the start of each line under the time so I SPICE Sky-Skan www.skyskan.com know what line is supposed to be up at any Transmitters PPA T17 Williams Sound www.williamssound.com given time. Please see the programming Receivers R7-4 Williams Sound example. When using SPICE automation, I import Software the script as comments and delete all but the Image sequencing Graphic converter Lemke Software www.lemkesoft.com first few words from each line to help me Captioning Belle nuit subtitler Belle-Nuit www.belle nuit.com/subtitler keep track of where I am in the script. I alter- DVD player Pioneer DVD V7400 Pioneer www.pioneerelectronics.com nate the script comments with the com- SMPTE generator JSK Shaft Encoder JSK Engineering, Inc www.jskengineering.com mand ”time ?”. As the tape plays, press the return key to capture the time.
10 Planetarian March 2003 (black “slide”) WWW References Program for System I Captioning Planetarium Programs for Hearing Impaired, Bridget Shea, MOVE,00:12:43:13 ; Honored Parents. September 1993: http://www.griffithobs.org/IPSCaptioning.html SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON Deaf links: http://www.deafvision.net/ alda-sandiego/links.htm MOVE,00:12:50:06 ; who are appointed by the President Joe Clarks Caption articles: http://www.joeclark .org/ccbibl.html SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON Comparison of caption systems in the Langley Theater: MOVE,00:12:56:07 ; to ascend the Missouri River http://cgibin.erols.com/jhyder /resume/captrept.htm SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON Association of Science-Technology Centers: http://www.astc.org MOVE,00:13:02:07 ; if we live to return /resource/access/medcaption.htm SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON The Captioning Web: http://www.captions.org/index.html MOVE,00:13:12:00 ; black SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON MOVE,00:13:27:00 ; They were a small party performance. The same who are appointed by the President SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON technology used for alter- of the United States … to go through MOVE,00:13:35:15 ; A place they thought nate languages can be the interior parts of North America … SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON used to synchronize to ascend the Missouri River with a MOVE,00:13:42:15 ; To find out what was descriptions for the blind. boat … and then to go … to the west- SWITCH,RCA3,N,T4T,ON ern ocean. MOVE,00:13:52:04 ; black Conclusions We caption two shows If we live to return … and if we make Program for SPICE a day, in the late after- Great Discoveries as we expect … the ’ Honored Parents. noon and for special re- United States has promised to make TIME 00:12:43:13 quests. We communicate us Great Rewards. PUlse .05 SPFX :A this fact to local deaf ACTION MONTAGE (SFX, MUSIC ONLY) ’ who are appointed by the President awareness groups, in box AERIALS TIME 00:12:50:06 office signage, and on our NARRATOR PUlse .05 SPFX :A web site. Using the cor- They were a small party charged ’ to ascend the Missouri River rect, internationally rec- with going where no one from the TIME 00:12:56:07 ognized symbols is also outside world had ever gone, to open PUlse .05 SPFX :A important. We also reach one of the last great wilderness re- ’ If we live to return out to the Spanish-speak- gions of earth … a place they thought TIME 00:13:02:07 ing community. Captions might still hold woolly mammoths PUlse .05 SPFX :A and alternate languages and other prehistoric creatures. To ‘ black are an excellent way to find out what was really out there TIME 00:13:12:00 reach out to the commu- and to survive – was the equivalent PUlse .05 SPFX :A nity and further your in its day … of a journey to the moon. ‘They were a small party facility’s goals. Caption- TIME 00:13:27:00 ing and headsets for the Script prepared for captions: PUlse .05 SPFX :A hearing impaired provide ‘A place they thought a service that fulfills the NARRATOR: Honored Parents. I am now on TIME 00:13:35:15 Americans with Disabili- an expedition to the westward, with Captain PUlse .05 SPFX :A ties Act. Although it is ini- Lewis and Captain Clark, tially time-consuming to ‘To find out what was who are appointed by the President of the program, the rewards are TIME 00:13:42:15 United States to go through the interior parts great. PUlse .05 SPFX :A of North America ‘black Please feel free to con- TIME 00:13:52:04 tact me for more infor- to ascend the Missouri River with a Boat and PUlse .05 SPFX :A mation. then to go to the western ocean. If we live to return and if we make Great ately, so there is a bit of timing and program- Discoveries as we expect, the United States ming required to start at the right point. has promised to make us Great Rewards. To generate SMPTE time code from a film Caption and Program (black “slide”) projector, use a shaft encoder. The encoder is connected to a Lynx Time Line, Adams- Examples They were a small party charged with going Smith Zeta Three, or any system that creates where no one from the outside world had Script before editing including time code. Planetarium programs usually ever gone, to open one of the last great visuals: have the SMPTE time code already recorded wilderness regions of earth. on a separate channel for use with the NARRATOR A place they thought might still hold woolly automation system. DARK RIVER AERIAL mammoths and other prehistoric creatures. Audio Description Honored Parents. I am now on an To find out what was really out there and to survive, was the equivalent in its day of a Audio description is the addition of narra- expedition to the westward, with journey to the moon. C tion that describes the visual presentation or Captain Lewis and Captain Clark,
March 2003 Planetarian 11 When Was Mars Last This Close?
Jean Meeus Leuvense steenweg 312, box 8 3070 Kortenberg Belgium
When Mars makes its very close approach days, or 25.6 months. Pages 63-96 of the sec- delay of only 2 to 5 days in the year. The to Earth in August, astronomers everywhere ond edition of my Astronomical Tables of the opposition of August 28, 2003, is a repetition - and especially planetarians - will be asked Sun, Moon, and Planets (Willmann-Bell, 1995) of the oppositions of August 23, 1924 and of when Mars last came this close, and when gives the complete list of all oppositions of August 18, 1845. next it will come closer. The answer would Mars taking place between the years 0 (as In the course of centuries, close opposi- be simple if it were a matter of a few hun- astronomers call 1 B.C.) and A.D. 3000, and tions of Mars are gradually becoming more dred years, as planetary distances can be cal- also the corresponding date when the dis- frequent. For example, Mars came to less culated quickly and accurately within a few tance of Mars to the Earth is a minimum. than 0.375 AU from the Earth 11 times thousand years of the present, but in this Mars is nearest to the Earth near the time of between the years 0 and 1000, and 15 times case the actual answer is more difficult to its opposition, but due to the eccentricities between 1000 and 2000, but 22 times be- determine. of the orbits, opposition and least distance tween the years 2000 and 3000. This gradual improvement is due to the secular variations In August Mars comes closer to Earth than in the last of both Mars and the Earth, resulting from 60,000 years. This article explains why this is so. the gravitational attractions of the other planets. The orbit of Mars is slowly becom- ing more elliptical, its eccentricity increasing Essential to a solution of the problem is an don’t coincide exactly. The time interval from 0.09156 in the year 0 to 0.09430 in A.D. understanding of the changing eccentricities between Mars’ opposition and its least dis- 3000. This allows it to approach closer to of the orbits of the Earth and Mars. In 1994 tance to Earth can be as large as 81/2 days. In Earth. In August 2003 Mars comes closer to Simon et al. (1) published an expression for 2001, for instance, opposition took place on the Earth than at any time in the last several the eccentricity of the orbit of the Earth (see June 13 but least distance was on June 21. thousand years, although actually only a lit- Chapter 33 in More Mathematical Astronomy Each opposition is followed by a very sim- tle closer than at the approach of 1924. Table Morsels). Presently, the eccentricity is 0.0167 ilar one 79 years later. For example, the very 1 shows the closest approaches of Mars from and decreasing. The next minimum of the favorable opposition of 1956 was a close repe- the years 0 to 3000. The next time Mars will eccentricity will be 0.0023 in about the year tition of that of 1877, when Asaph Hall dis- come closer than this August will be on 29,500. Another, still deeper minimum covered the two satellites of Mars. This peri- August 28, 2287, when Mars will be 0.37225 (0.0006) will occur near A.D. 465,000 and od corresponds to 79 revolutions of the Earth AU distant. The least distance between Mars near that epoch the orbit of the Earth will be and 42 revolutions of Mars around the Sun. and the Earth during this millennium will be almost exactly circular. But at other times After 79 years, the oppositions of Mars repeat 0.37200 AU on September 8, 2729. Because the eccentricity can be as large as 0.06. The under nearly identical circumstances, with a the closest distance between the orbits con- eccentricity of the orbit of the Earth reaches maximum values at intervals of about 100,000 years. The eccentricity of the orbit of Mars appears to vary with a period of 96,000 years, which is superposed on a greater variation with a period of about 2,200,000 years. Presently the eccentricity varies around the value 0.09, but one million years ago its mean value was 0.03. In the year 2000, the value of the eccen- tricity of the Martian obit was 0.0934. It is slowly increasing, and it will reach a maxi- mum value of 0.1051 around A.D. 24,100. But 186,000 years later it will reach a still higher maximum, 0.1184, the largest within a two million time span around the present. Figure 1 shows the variation in the orbit of Mars Figure 1: Variation of the eccentricity of the orbit of Mars during a time span of during a time span of two million years. two million years. Horizontally: the time in thousands of years from A.D. 1850. Oppositions of Mars occur at intervals of 780 (Figure 35a in More Mathematical Astronomy Morsels)
12 Planetarian March 2003 accurate ephemerides. “Care must be taken with that date, September 12. To define that date, the Julian calendar has been extended indefinitely towards the past — as is custom for astronomers. However, we know that the Julian calendar is off by 1 day after about 130 years. So, after 58,000 years the calendar is off by about 446 days, or more than one year!”
References Much of the text of this article, including the table and two figures, is taken from Chapters 33 - 36 in More Mathematical Astron- omy Morsels by Jean Meeus, Willmann-Bell, Richmond, Virginia, 2002. For more informa- tion see: http://www.willbell.com/math/ moremorsels .htm. For a full list of Mars oppositions from the years 0 to 3000, see Astronomical Tables of the Sun, Moon, and Planets, second edition, Jean Meeus, Willmann-Bell, Richmond, Virginia, 1995.
Table 1: Approaches of Mars to less than 0.375 AU to the earth, years 0 to 3000. (Table (1) J. L. Simon, P. Bretagnon, J. Chapront, M. 36B in More Mathematical Astronomy Morsels) Chapront-Touzé, G. Francou, and J. Laskar, “Numerical expressions for precession for- tinues to decrease after A.D. 3000, still small- April 2002, Prof. Vitagliano found that the mulae and mean elements for the Moon er distances will occur then. Between the last time Mars was closer to Earth than it will and the planets,” Astronomy and Astro- years 3000 and 4000 the least Earth-Mars dis- be in 2003, was on September 12 of the year physics, vol. 282, pages 663-683, 1994. tance will be 0.37061 AU on September 25, -57616 (that is, 57617 B.C. of the historians). So, (2) P. Bretagnon, Astronomy and Astrophysics, 3818. that was 60,000 years ago. The 73,000 years vol. 30, pages 141-154, 1974. As the orbital eccentricity of Mars will cited in my book was, after all, a good (3) P. Bretagnon, Milankovitch and Climate, continue to increase until A.D. 24,100, when approximation. It should be noted that the Part 1, pages 41-53, 1984. it will be as large as 0.1051, the planet’s peri- aim of the articles by Bretagnon is to provide (4) A. Vitagliano, personal communication to C helion distance will decrease accordingly. It a good approximation of the evolution of the author, 2002. appears that around A.D. 25,000, the least the orbits in the course of two million years, separation between the orbits will be only not to provide a method for calculating 0.3613 AU, its smallest value during the two million years around the present.
The next time Mars will come closer than this August will be on August 28, 2287 …
Figure 2 shows how the least distance between the orbits of Mars and Earth has varied in the past. The two figure have been calculated on the base of work by the French astronomer Bretagnon (ref. 2 and 3). From this work I deduced that since the year 71,000 BC the least distance between the orbits of Earth and Mars has been larger than 0.3728 AU, with the consequence that closer approaches of Mars than that of 2003 hap- pened more than 73,000 years ago. This was stated in my book. After my book was published, I contacted Dr. Aldo Vitagliano (of Naples University, Figure 2: The least distance between the orbits of Mars and Earth (in AU) during a Italy) and asked him to investigate the span of two million years. Horizontally: the time in thousands of years from A.D. motion of Mars by numerical integration. In 1850. (Figure 36c in More Mathematical Astronomy Morsels)
March 2003 Planetarian 13 Our Vanishing Sky: A Traveling Exhibition Mitch Luman, Director Koch Science Center and Planetarium Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science 411 SE Riverside Drive Evansville, Indiana 47713 [email protected]
The stars symbolize our human potential – community who were in a position to make especially positive. After making my case for past, present and future. They represent part a difference, and as a result have had promis- an outdoor lighting exhibit to our governing of our natural heritage and have been an ing discussions with utility officials, business body, an exhibition with a lighting theme inspiration to artists, poets, songwriters, leaders and elected officials. was approved and placed on the schedule for 2002. Later, our local utility agreed to spon- sor our effort. With that, we were off! Our Vanishing Sky is an exhibition which addresses the Bringing together an accurate and effec- issues of light pollution, light trespass and glare. The travel- tive combination of exhibits and content ing exhibition is available for loan to interested institutions dealing with light pollution is more difficult than you would think. It was apparent from and organizations. the beginning that this would be a rather large task. After an initial meeting with my romantics, and people from all walks of life The idea for a museum exhibition to small staff (me and my two science educa- throughout the ages. Past generations grew enhance people’s awareness of how we use tors), work began on the project early in up knowing the stars. Today, sadly, many outdoor lighting and the waste which occurs 2002. Because we knew we’d be spending people live their entire lives never seeing the every night was a logical step. In my role as considerable resources as well as creating stars as they appeared to their ancestors. the director of a science center and as a plan- something that we believed other institu- Some ninety-nine percent of the people in etarian, I was in a position to do something tions would be interested in, we decided the U.S. and Europe live beneath skies that are in some way impacted by poor outdoor lighting practices. More than two-thirds of the U.S. population and twenty percent of the world population can no longer see the Milky Way (1). Our Vanishing Sky is a 110 sq. meter (1,200 sq. ft.) traveling exhibition created by the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science that addresses the issues surrounding light pollution, light trespass, and glare. The exhibition was designed to educate home- owners about the problems and solutions surrounding poor outdoor lighting. As a planetarian and long-time amateur astronomer, I’ve always wanted to do some- thing positive about bad outdoor lighting. Increasingly, over the years, visitors were stopping by after my star shows to comment about how difficult it was for them to see the stars. About the same time, I began to notice more and more examples of poor lighting applications in my community and the dete- rioration of the skies at my dark-sky site out- side of town. It was at that point that I became active in outdoor lighting educa- tion. I joined the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) and the Indiana Council for Outdoor Lighting Education (ICOLE) and began accepting invitations to speak to civic "Our Vanishing Sky" is displayed on 17 color banners and is highlighted by two life- groups. I sought out those individuals in my size dioramas.
14 Planetarian March 2003 early on to travel the exhibition after its ini- yard astronomy. The exhibition also pro- With its initial venue in Evansville having tial display in Evansville, Indiana. vides take-home star charts that allow visi- ended on December 1, 2002, Our Vanishing I was fortunate to have two resourceful, tors to gauge sky darkness from their Sky is slated to circulate to other interested bright colleagues working with me. Light favorite site. Another hand-out describes museums, planetaria and observatories. More pollution was new subject matter for them, how to talk to a neighbor who has bad lights information and images can be found at but both turned out to be quick learners and and offers outdoor lighting tips in a take- http://www.emuseum.org/exhibits/ inventive exhibit designers. We surveyed home format. skytraveling.html. our intended audience, created prototypes, Our Vanishing Sky was developed by a and did lots of research. Valuable help and team that included Mitch Luman, the Reference permissions were provided by the Inter- George and Dorothy Eykamp Director of the (1) Cinzano, P., Falchi, F. (University of national Dark-Sky Association and individu- Koch Science Center and Planetarium; by Padova), and Elvidge, C.D. (NOAA/NGDC). als involved in outdoor lighting on a nation- Science Educator Michael Smith; and by "World Atlas of Artificial Sky Brightness." al level. George Fleenor, chair of the Inter- Senior Science Explainer Laura Barnett from Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical national Dark-Sky Association’s Informal the Evansville Museum. Society (2001): ISSN: 0035-8711. C Education in Science Centers and Plane- tariums Work Group, was especially helpful. What we came up with were full-color vinyl, graphic panels, dioramas, and hands- on components to get our message across. Our Vanishing Sky would clearly show how poor outdoor lighting affects people, animals and astronomers. The exhibition was de- signed to offer solutions and to examine what can be done to preserve the precious resource of the starry night sky that is slowly vanishing before our eyes. Portions of the exhibit focus on glare, the right light for the job, safety and security, energy savings, and it provides examples of good and bad lighting. The exhibition also details the nature of light, the history of out- door lighting, lighting myths, lights and health, and it offers information about out- door lights and their effect on amateur and professional astronomy. Because of my twenty years experience working in science and technology muse- ums, I’ve come to understand the impor- tance of hands-on components. One of the interactive exhibits we designed allows visi- tors to experiment with a light shield to increase the efficiency of a lamp. Another shows two lamps, one that creates glare and another properly shielded. Employing fiber optics, a third component provides a simu- lated view of the night sky in a way similar to the way it’s done in a planetarium show – first displaying the view from a light pollut- ed city and then from a dark site. The exhibi- tion features two displays with button-acti- vated audio excerpts submitted by amateur astronomers, professional astronomers, and other individuals active in night sky preser- vation efforts. A lighting myths turntable, examples of good and bad outdoor lighting fixtures, and two full-size dioramas that depict amateur astronomy activities round out the show. Themes covered in Our Vanishing Sky include light pollution, the history of out- door lighting, lighting myths, how light effects people and animals, dark sky restora- Visitors can place a light shield over an open lamp and immediately see the increase tion, and professional, amateur, and back- in light measured by a light meter.
March 2003 Planetarian 15
ing it to be. Today more than ever, the plane- Focus on Education tarium can capture the whole exciting spec- trum of astronomical discovery and take welcomed April as new chair, believing it audiences on journeys from the turbulent to be in good hands. atmospheres of the planets to the edges of black holes. It always seems that one of the major An estimated 80 million visitors a year problems with being in this field is to justify attend planetarium programs in more than our existence. As a reminder of our place in 2,000 permanent planetariums and hun- the educational scheme, Susan Button sent dreds of portable planetariums around the this document, from the IPS Council. It can’t world. These programs incorporate new be stated enough. technologies and educational paradigms that make the modern planetarium a flexible and versatile teaching environment that can be The Planetarium: A Rationale used in multiple ways and fill a variety of niches in both formal and informal educa- Francine Jackson “Why did not somebody teach me the constel- tional settings. Visitors are drawn to plane- University of Rhode Island lations, and make me at home in the starry tariums to experience the wonders of a night heavens, which are always overhead, and sky brought inside, to learn about the sci- Planetarium which I don’t know half to this day? ence behind the cosmic sights, to put head- P.O. Box 353 – Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881 line discoveries into a meaningful context, and to better understand their own place in Providence, Rhode Island The human fascination with the cosmos the cosmos. Because planetariums are so ver- 02901 USA springs from our earliest awareness of the satile, interdisciplinary uses are legion: musi- [email protected] natural world. Our quest to understand this cal concerts, poetry under the stars, and live world and the laws that govern it – and the theatrical performances enrich the schedules application of this knowledge to our daily of many planetariums. Kathy Michaels lives – forms the basis of science, and astron- But the lure of the planetarium goes far beyond the public’s fascination with the Maryvale Middle School omy is the oldest and most inclusive of the sciences. Advances in astronomy have paral- universe. The modern planetarium also ful- Planetarium leled human development and contributed fills a critical need to improve scientific liter- 1050 Maryvale Drive to our growth into a technological civiliza- acy among a diverse populace. Planetarium tion capable of comprehending the cosmos programs inspire their audiences to study, to Cheektowaga, New York that gave us birth. understand, and to appreciate the universe 14225 USA In our efforts to explain the natural world, we inhabit. In helping to improve general we humans have found it necessary to con- science literacy, the planetarium is a key [email protected] struct models, both mental and physical, to player in work toward the goal of achieving simulate, explain, and explore the workings an enlightened society capable of making With the recent meeting in Wichita came of the cosmos. Some of these models were informed choices about science and technol- the second meeting of the IPS Education physical representations of the sky and the ogy and about the future of our species and Committee. Chaired by Gary Sampson, the objects in it. The modern planetarium is the our planet. meeting was as followed: best of these models. The audience sits under In the words of one planetarium educator, 1. New Chair – With Gary Sampson stepping a hemispherical dome. A central projector “There are other means by which informa- down, April Whitt has kindly agreed to turns the dome into the starry sky and can tion about the universe can be conveyed. chair this committee at least till the IPS show all its patterns, motions, and cycles as But none so befits the enormity and conference in 2004. seen at any time and from any place on grandeur of the subject, none is so directly 2. Panel Discussion – During the IPS confer- Earth. analogous to the sky itself, as the vast dome ence, a discussion was presented on “The Planetariums unite a learning laboratory of a planetarium.” th Planetarium as a Site for Informal Science and a performance space. They are an unpar- The lament of the 19 -century English Education.” (See below.) alleled teaching tool for reproducing the author, Thomas Carlyle – “Why did not 3. New Projects: a) Mr. Kabra of Goto India night sky and for revealing the constella- somebody teach me the constellations?” – asked we the committee could create a tions and the motions and cycles of the sky seems even more relevant today as our mod- script for a school planetarium program that are a basic part of our natural environ- ern technological civilization increasingly about the Moon, for 5th grade level. If a ment. Moreover, enhanced by technologies severs our connections with the natural script is written, Mr. Kabra offered the ranging from slide projection, laser imagery, world and obscures the sky that so fascinat- company’s artists to illustrate it. The com- and multi-channel sound to fiber optics, ed our ancestors. The world’s planetariums mittee is looking into this proposal; b) three-dimensional digital projection and all- and those who operate them strive to Members were encouraged to check out dome video controlled by computers, the encourage and strengthen these connections the posting at http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov modern planetarium is a captivating audio- to the larger cosmos in the minds and spirits /cassini/english/soc/index.html. visual environment in which the universe of the children and adults they serve. In 4. Gary Sampson gave his regards, and thanks beyond the backyard view is also brought doing so, planetariums constitute a vital to everyone who had become a part of inside and portrayed as the active and excit- force in the cause of astronomical and scien- this committee last conference. He also ing place that modern discoveries are reveal- (Please see Education on page 51)
March 2003 Planetarian 19
participatory exhibits, the Digital Planetari- International News um being one of them. Spitz is an advisor, playing the integration part, i.e. to recom- time to prepare the annual French-speaking mend the best technical proposal for the pro- Planetarium magazine. This is the 9th edition ject. since 1995. The magazine contains informa- Learning Technology’s portable inflatable tion about planetaria in France and the planetarium was also presented by Enrique French speaking countries Belgium, Switzer- Kerbel and Daniel Tanur, México’s represen- land, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Quebec, and, tatives. They presented the latest equipment new this year, a project in Vietnam. The such as the projector shown last summer at magazine is now also open to news from Wichita, with brighter miniature arc lamps other European planetariums. More informa- for fiber optics use, and with new projection tion is available from
March 2003 Planetarian 21 Launceston Planetarium director, friend and duction and for outreach and extension above, contact John Dickenson at
22 Planetarian March 2003 on) that are low cost or free to the public. It is act as churches for telling about the Universe shops on 20 February and on 24 January, not necessary to make a big effort to be able to the people.” (Sho Itoh, Suginami Science respectively. to join us in the celebration of the Day. Education Center, Japan). Imagine writing an article for a newspaper Nordic Planetarium Association inviting readers to visit the local planetari- Japan Planetarium Society Plans are now well under way for the first um. Which is your short sentence that sug- The Annual Conference 2002 of Japan NPA Conference outside the Nordic states, gests to everyone to discover the local plane- Planetarium Society was hosted by Sanyoh namely in Tartu, Estonia, 12-14 September. tarium or which is your reply to a journalist Space Fantasy Planetarium of Sanyoh Please contact Conference Chair Tiiu Sild at that asks you: Why should people visit a Women’s High School in Hiroshima on 24-
March 2003 Planetarian 23 combined with Behind the Dome, and The Sky Tonight to give the visitors a look at how planetarium presentations are created and two good examples. Work is now beginning on updating To Worlds Beyond narrated by Patrick Stewart. This presentation focuses on the search for extra-solar planets. Because it has been 10 years since the first version was made, there is a lot to update. It will be avail- able for purchase, and includes a survey of our solar system and its origin as well. Digistar II, more video and the newest Hubble imagery will be included. At Holt Planetarium in Berkeley, Cali- fornia, they are working on a new show on the Sun for early childhood. This is partly driven by National Science Education Standards that feature the Sun at young ages. As usual, it will be an audience participation program! For publication of Holt’s Plane- tarium Activities for Student Success (PASS) series, they are into the first year of publica- tion agreement with Learning Technologies Cimmarusti Science Center construction site in November 2002. Inc. (LTI). For purchase of any of their plane- tarium shows, please contact them at
Morrison Planetarium’s historic star projector at 50. Photo: Susan Middleton. jector has turned 50, and was appropriately tured in their weekly special event Fridays at celebrated. Morrison Planetarium Chairman the Fleet will be several entries in last years Steve Craig, Academy Director Patrick computer animation reel. For the conference Kociolek, and volunteers served the Planetar- itself there will also be screen selected por- ium’s birthday cake to visitors. tions twice an hour for their evening in the The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is cele- park. In November will also be hosted the brating its 30th Anniversary in 2003. The San Diego SIGGRAPH chapter design com- staff has planned an exhibit on the Center’s pletion, and screen the winning DXF models history, and talks by long time staffers. San on their Digistar II. For more information see Diego is hosting the 2003 SIGGRAPH confer-
24 Planetarian March 2003 centuries, and the fact cial behind-the-scenes tour that several nations of LIGO: Laser Interfero- have advanced probes meter Gravitational-Wave scheduled for arrival at Observatory, one of only Mars over the next 12 to two such operating obser- 14 months, Vancouver vatories in the world. Its felt it was the perfect research is fundamental to time to bring the show our understanding of gravi- back with even more ty, black holes, relativity animation and special and the nature of the uni- effects plus updates on verse. It is featured in the the latest probes head- April, 2002 issue of Scientific ing for the Red Planet. American. Designed to be per- 3. The SEPA Conference formed with as little as Hotel. This elegant hotel one actor, The Night of overlooking the Mississippi the Martians spans over River is less than 200 yards 500 years from the 19th from LASM’s Pennington to the 24th centuries and Planetarium is all about our long 4. Some of the best food term fascination with in the universe. Your regis- Mars and the possibility tration fee helps pay for 10 of life there. The pro- Frame from Ring World: The NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens Mission to meals, more than have ever Saturn. gram is already sched- been provided at any North uled to open in both Vancouver and the ferent planetariums in 2003. Luling, Louisi- American Planetarium Conference. This new Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City ana, features a 6 m (20 ft) dome with the makes the registration fee a world-class bar- (where some scenes will be created using Salt world’s first full-color digital planetarium. In gain. Lake’s exciting, new Digistar III full-dome Lafayette, there will be a brand new 12 m (40 SEPA 2003 Conference Summary: Dates video system). For more information, con- ft) dome facility featuring Spitz, Inc. and JHE are 17 June - 21 June, 2003, and the location is tact Bill Gutsch at (01) 973-492-8165 or Erik technology. In Kenner/New Orleans, there Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Host is Louisiana Koelemeyer at (01) 604-738-7827. will be a brand new 15 m (50 ft) dome with Arts & Science Museum’s Irene W. Penning- Also scheduled for release in Spring 2003 is the first Zeiss Starmaster in America. Baton ton Planetarium & ExxonMobil Space Ring World: The NASA/ESA Cassini-Huygens Rouge’s Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at Theater - 18 m (60 ft) dome facility represent- Mission to Saturn. Being created with Brian the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum ing the latest integration of a precision opti- Sullivan under a grant from JPL/NASA, the (LASM) will feature the latest integration of cal-mechanical planetarium with digital program is narrated by Star Trek’s John Minolta and Sky-Skan digital dome tech- dome technologies. Tel: (1) 225 344 9478. Fax: Billingsley (Dr. Phlox on the new Enterprise nologies all under an 18 m (60 ft) dome. (1) 2253449477. Contacts: Cherry Dean, email series). It will also feature a soundtrack by All of these facilities will serve as a perfect
March 2003 Planetarian 25
coveries and beauty of images. It will have a and how these events can provide insight NASA News short lifetime, about 21/2 years, because its into the dynamic nature of the Sun and its optics need to be cooled to near absolute effects on Earth and society. This new video, zero, and lifting that much nitrogen into produced by the Exploratorium and NASA's orbit is no small feat. Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum, fea- This month we have two guest columnists tures the best footage of recent total solar to tell you about resources related to solar eclipses from the Caribbean, Turkey, and eclipses and coronas, and a success story Africa. The modular thirty-minute program from one of NASA's IDEAS grants. And away covers the following areas: we go! • The mechanics of eclipses. •A historical perspective tracing human in- terest in this awe-inspiring natural event. Total Eclipse: Solar Eclipses •The role of eclipses for studying the solar corona, and the importance of NASA Sun- and the Mysteries of the Corona Earth Connection research on our modern A New Video by understanding of the Sun. Exploratorium and NASA’s • Modern eclipse expeditions shared with thousands of remote viewers via webcast. Sun-Earth Connection Rich imagery, a fascinating storyline, as Anita Sohus Education Forum well as clear explanations and analogies offered by Sun-Earth Connection scientists NASA/Jet Propulsion Isabel Hawkins contribute to making this video an engaging new product. The five scientists featured in Laboratory UC Berkeley Space Sciences the video include Janet Luhmann, Nahide 4800 Oak Grove Drive Laboratory Craig, and Gibor Basri of UC Berkeley, David Pasadena, California 91109 Alexander of Lockheed-Martin, Todd Hoek- Perhaps the most spectacular natural phe- sema and Madhulika Guhathakurta of NASA USA nomenon visible from Earth, total solar Headquarters, and Fred Espenak of NASA/ (1) 818-354-6613 eclipses have captivated humankind with Goddard Space Flight Center. their dramatic beauty for thousands of years. The video will be shown on NASA Tele- (1) 818-354-7586 fax Total Eclipse: Solar Eclipses and the Mysteries vision to feature solar eclipses, and the first [email protected] of the Corona, a new video in VHS and DVD such showing was connected with the formats, explores the science behind eclipses December 4, 2002 eclipse that occurred over What a great way to start a new year with beautiful views of Saturn, Venus, and Jupiter! I hope you have been enjoying them as much as I have. The 2003-2006 deluge of solar system ex- ploration events is beginning. Space explo- ration is a risky business, and we hope the delay in the launch of the European Space Agency's Rosetta comet mission (due to fail- ure of a launch vehicle) is just that – science postponed, not science lost. Twin Mars Ex- ploration Rovers are scheduled for launch in late spring/early summer, to arrive at the Red Planet in January 2004 and explore the sur- face for at least 90 days. I thought you might enjoy seeing one of the rovers with a twin of the Sojourner rover that explored Ares Vallis in 1997. In September, we will bid farewell to the valiant Galileo as it plunges to its death in Jupiter's atmosphere. Better that than risk a crash into Europa. In April 2003, the fourth of NASA's Great Observatories is scheduled to lift off. The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is the infrared complement to the venerable Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra (X-ray), and Compton Gamma-ray Observatory. Members of the Mars Exploration Rovers Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations SIRTF – yes, it will be given a more public- team gather around Mars Exploration Rover 2 and its predecessor, a flight spare of friendly name after a successful launch – the Pathfinder mission's Sojourner rover, named Marie Curie, in the Spacecraft Assembly at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, in January promises to rival its brothers in terms of dis- 2003.
March 2003 Planetarian 27 Ten students from Baltimore City College Over the course of several months, the High School (BCCHS) are partnering with selected students visited the Maryland Maryland Science Center (MSC) staff and sci- Science Center and the Space Telescope entists from the Space Telescope Science Science Institute (STScI) to learn about Institute (STScI) to produce a new planetari- astronomy, the Hubble Heritage project, and um show called Hubble Heritage: Poetic the work required to produce a planetarium Pictures, blending the latest astronomical show. Both Ackerman and Noll also made research with creative writing. Poems – that’s repeated school visits to keep students’ inter- right poems, though surely better than the est high! one above, written by the BCCHS students After students selected their images from will be recited to accompany beautiful the Heritage collection, they visited the Hubble Space Telescope images on the dome STScI, where Frattare talked to them about of the MSC’s Davis Planetarium. the image analysis process. Dr. Noll described and interpreted the science behind each one Who’s on first? of the selected images. Forming the team for this project in- Students then began the writing process volved selecting experts in different areas – under the guidance of English teacher astronomy and the Hubble Space Telescope, Miazga. Once the writing was completed, language arts and creative writing, and plan- students visited MSC to share their creations etarium production and science education. with the Davis’ staff. This is when the Plane- First, we needed an astronomy team famil- tarium team began the production process, iar with the Hubble Heritage project and also including storyboarding, photography, spe- knowledgeable about the Hubble Space cial effects creation, and programming for Africa and Australia. The video was pro- Telescope. Moreover, we wanted to find peo- the final production. duced to help the informal education com- munity share the wonder of total solar The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore will open its new eclipses with their audiences. Use of this planetarium show, Hubble Heritage: Poetic Pictures, in June video as background material can help bring 2003. The production combines poems written by high the "totality experience" to life as part of a school students inspired by beautiful images from the planetarium eclipse demonstration, or a multi-media museum program. The video Hubble Space Telescope’s Hubble Heritage collection. In can help informal educators in their task of addition to the planetarium show, a related teacher work- providing the public with a clearer under- shop is planned. Hubble Heritage: Poetic Pictures is funded standing of our nearest star and its effects on Earth and society. The video will also be use- by a NASA IDEAS grant (ideas.stsci.edu). ful to formal educators, particularly at the middle school level, where eclipses are cov- ple local to Baltimore who had the time and This original production was presented ered as part of the curriculum. The video is interest in joining the team. From the Hub- live on January 30, 2003, with the students available at no cost, and has been distributed ble Heritage team at the STScI, meet Dr. Keith reading their poetry as the images projected to more than one hundred informal science Noll (PI) and Ms. Lisa Frattare (Image Proces- on the Planetarium dome. The same poems educators who requested a copy at the 2002 sor). will also be incorporated into an automated International Planetarium Society and Asso- Second, we needed a high school teacher, planetarium program that will play for gen- ciation of Science and Technology Centers also in Baltimore, willing to assist us with eral museum audiences, school groups and conferences. Additional copies can be re- identifying interested students and guiding teachers – come and check it out this June! quested by contacting personnel from the their creative writing. Meet Mr. Mark Miazga Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum, from BCCHS. Tell me more about the Hubble sending email to [email protected] The planetarium production business is Heritage collection! .nasa.gov left to us – the staff of the Davis Planetarium. By emphasizing compelling Hubble Space The planetarium has a history of stellar (no- Telescope (HST) images distilled from scien- pun intended) productions both for the gen- tific data, the Heritage team hopes to pique eral public as well as school groups. The curiosity about our astrophysical under- Maryland Science Center Davis Planetarium team includes Senior standing of the universe we all inhabit. The Director Jim O’Leary, Planetarium Producer images on the Hubble Heritage collection are gets ready for Poetic Pictures! Wendy Ackerman, Chief Technician Joe mined from the HST archive but the Team is Halley, and Assistant Producer and Educa- also granted some observing time of its own. Wendy Ackerman and tion Coordinator Sally Goff. Supporting the One image is released the first Thursday of Flavio Mendez Planetarium staff in this project are Crosby every month and the collection now has Ramsey Memorial Observatory Coordinator over 50 images including planets, galaxies Maryland Science Center Melissa Jan and SpaceLink Director Flavio and nebulas. See them on the web at her- Mendez. itage.stsci.edu.
Roses are red, violets are blue, How do you go from a bunch of the universe is full of stars like pictures and some poems to a (Please see NASA on page 51) you! planetarium show?
28 Planetarian March 2003
But then there was something about “not still be an excellent choice for a gift shop or Reviews being in Kansas anymore,” and I had to start book store. I’ll put it on our list of recom- from the beginning and read straight mendations for interested students and the through. general public. And I’ll keep that last chapter In teaching, I’m always looking for an heading in mind: “One can’t discover new example or an analogy that will help the lands without consenting to lose sight of the audience understand and remember infor- shore for a very long time.” mation. Mr. Tribble worked on spacecraft development and design for over ten years, and his chatty and understandable prose is Designs on Space - easy to follow. The Guide to Space is full of st explanations and information useful in plan- Blueprints for 21 Century etarium teaching. Space Exploration Some of them are the kind that I read and by Richard Wagner, illustrations by Howard think, “Of course! I should have known Cook, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the that!” Things like “without the powerful fans Americas, New York, New York 10020, 2000, inside today’s space vehicles, carbon dioxide ISBN 068485676X, US$24.00. exhaled by the crew would not move any farther than out the crew member’s nose.” Reviewed by John Schroer, Digital Dome Planetarium, The Detroit Science Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
April S. Whitt Designs on Space is a look to our future in Fernbank Science Center space exploration, not the future of dreamt 156 Heaton Park Drive NE by Werner Von Braun, but by the former editor of Ad Astra magazine and co-author of Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA the book The Case for Mars. With the help of [email protected] designer Howard Cook, Mr. Wagner serves up an exciting list of upcoming space mis- sions. Mad March is upon us, fellow planetarians. Designs begins with the construction of Whether you’re swinging into spring or the International Space Station and the falling into autumn, there is something for spacecraft, tools, parts, spacesuits, and mod- you here. Preparing for a planetarium pro- ules that will make up the ISS. Moving for- gram about space exploration? There’s a ward, the book explores the possibilities of great little overview by Alan Tribble and new manned spacecraft such as X-33/Ven- some specifics from Richard Wagner. Think- turestar, Pathfinder, and the Roton SSTO ing about the Mars opposition later this sum- (Single Stage to Orbit) that may replace the mer? Get some insights from the Red Planet aging Space Shuttle fleet. Finally, Wagner software. Keeping an eye on sunspot counts? and Cook present new missions being plan- Storms from the Sun can provide some back- ned: a commercial lunar rover, a lunar sam- ground. This is a short book – 200 ple return mission from Earth’s Moon, Many thanks to our reviewers this equi- manned missions to Mars, the Next Genera- nox: Ed Albin, Dayle Brown, John Mosley, pages – and it is a perfect tion Space and Terrestrial Planet Finder tele- John Schroer, and Paul Trembly. introduction to the “nuts scopes, solar sails, and on-orbit solar power and bolts of space explo- stations. ration, from how to get The International Space Station is the first A Tribble’s Guide to Space entry. Detailed drawings that are similar to by Alan C. Tribble, Princeton University there to how to survive blueprints assist the reader in visualizing Press, 41 William Street, Princeton, New the harsh environment of how the ISS is being assembled like a giant Jersey, 08540, USA, 2002, ISBN 0691027633, space, to how to phone high technology LEGO set. There is plenty of US$16.95 in paperback. information about the tools, toolboxes, home,” robotic arms and spacesuits used by the citi- Reviewed by April Whitt, Fernbank Science zens of ISS, as well as a view of the little Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. This is a short book – 200 pages – and it is a Autonomous Extravehicular Activity perfect introduction to the “nuts and bolts Robotic Camera (AERcam) that will follow When this book arrived, I glanced at the of space exploration, from how to get there the astronauts and cosmonauts in their day- title and thought immediately of the cooing to how to survive the harsh environment of to-day work on orbit. Included in this sec- fluffy comfort-objects of Star Trek fame. space, to how to phone home,” as the press tion is a detailed, if inaccurate, listing of Flipping through the chapter headings rein- release states. Even though the book was dates and purposes of the remaining flights forced the idea at first: “Space. The final fron- published last year (2002), the Mir space sta- to finish the construction of ISS. The inaccu- tier,” “Standard orbit, Mr. Sulu,” “I cannae do tion is referred to in the present tense, which racy is due to no fault of the author, but to it, Captain! I’ve got to have more power!” some readers may find confusing. It would delays in launches due to technical problems
30 Planetarian March 2003 with a foreword by James A. Van Allen, attention! Joseph Henry Press, 2101 Constitution Ave. This compelling book explains the relati- NW, Washington D.C., 2002, ISBN vely new science of space weather. Dramatic 0309076420, US$27.95, CAN$37.95. events of the distant and near past illustrate the real and imagined impact of solar activi- Reviewed by Dayle Brown, Pegasus Produc- ty on human kind. The complexities and tions, Mishawaka, Indiana, USA mysteries of the workings of our nearest star and its atmosphere are explained for readers While cruising at an altitude of 35,000 feet from all walks of life. and deep into reading Storms from the Sun, I The recounting of an incident that almost found myself more interested than usual in overtook the astronauts of Apollo 16 and 17 the space weather for the day. was another that riveted me to the pages of Designs on Space pro- Perhaps it was the passage “The radio the book. On August 2, 1972, the sun pro- vides a remarkable and blackout was particularly troublesome for duced a “sudden and spectacular resurgence the airline industry. More than 100 planes of solar activity” lasting 10 days which yield- mesmerizing sneak pre- were ‘groping their way in one direction or ed a proton blast followed by a coronal mass view of space voyages the other’ between Europe and North ejection. later in the twenty-first America during the magnetic storm. Under On Earth, on August 4, a magnetic storm normal circumstances, they would have began and auroras were reported as far south century. relied on radio transmissions to relay infor- as Illinois. On August 7 a flare lasting four mation on weather, traffic, and landing con- hours lit up the sun. Energy levels hurtled to with the Shuttle fleet and/or weather and ditions. But on February 10, pilots found that hundreds of thousands of times higher than supplier deliveries to support the missions. they could only make radio contact if they normal. X-rays and energetic particles were The second part of Designs covers upcom- were within a visible line of sight of a sta- off the measurement scales. Protons bom- ing robotic missions. Stardust is to sample tion.” barded the upper atmosphere. A 230,000- the tail of Comet P/Wild2 and return the volt transformer blew up in British Colum- material to earth after an almost seven-year bia. journey. The MUSES-C mission to sample By pure luck, this massive solar storm fell asteroid SF36 was designed by Japan’s In- right between NASA’s Apollo 16 (April 16-27) stitute for Space and Astronautical Sciences and 17 (December 7-19) missions to the and carries a NASA nanorover. Mars Express- moon. A few days earlier or later for launch, Europe’s first Martian mission with the and the astronauts could have been caught Beagle 2 lander is designed to search for signs in the middle of the proton swarm. of past or current inhabitants of the Red According to experts, if the astronauts had Planet. The Rosetta mission will place the been en route in the command module dur- RoLand lander onto the surface of Comet ing the storm, the situation would have been 46P/Wirtanen eight years after launch in dangerous, but not life-threatening. How- 2003. The now-lost CONTOUR mission to ever, the lunar module’s shielding is not Comet Schwassman-Wachmann 3, Comet much better than a space suit. If astronauts d’Arrest, and Comet Encke; Aerial missions had been on the moon, they would have to the Red Planet, Mars Sample Return in been instructed to find a crater and burrow 2008, the NASA/ESA Cassini/Huygens mis- underground. sion to Saturn arriving in 2004, and the Studies on the storm’s effects to the astro- killed and resurrected Pluto/Kuiper Belt nauts state that they would have suffered Express mission are among others. from vomiting, nausea, and other symptoms The last part of Designs features technolog- The complexities and of radiation sickness. At worst, each crew ical missions that might be launched within member would have been hospitalized for the next 20 years and beyond, including a mysteries of the workings three to six months, with a 20 percent manned mission to Mars, solar sails, space of our nearest star and its chance of death from accumulated radia- tethers, a fusion ramjet for interstellar travel, atmosphere are explained tion. and solar power stations converting sunlight A more universal hazard is faced by our to electrical power beamed down to earth. for readers from all walks electric and communication systems. Clearly presenting each mission’s rationale of life. Magnetic storms have resulted in massive and the clever engineering that goes into power outages and satellite “deaths.” Today’s solving the problems mission designers face, Or perhaps it was “... an airline passenger’s world relies more and more on these sys- Designs on Space provides a remarkable and exposure to cosmic radiation doubles with tems. System vulnerability and the resulting mesmerizing sneak preview of space voyages every 6,500 feet of altitude, and solar flares danger to humans are well documented. later in the twenty-first century. can increase radiation exposure by 10 to 20 What can we do to protect ourselves? The times.” International Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) Storms from the Sun, The The authors did go on to assure readers, “… program was launched in the 1990’s. The Emerging Science of Space there is no demonstrable harm at the levels ISTP coordinates comprehensive, quantita- Weather of radiation received by airline crews and tive studies of the movement of energy from passengers.” Still, they had my undivided the surface of the sun to the surface of the by Michael J. Carlowicz and Ramon E. Lopez,
March 2003 Planetarian 31 Earth. This is just the first of many steps in Red Planet comes with a single DVD and a Meteorites is lavishly illustrated with color the process of understanding the Sun-Earth short but comprehensive instruction book. photographs, most being original and new to system. Divided into two sections, the first describes this reviewer. There is a stunning sequence As James A. Van Allen writes in his fore- installation and navigation within the pro- of images showing the recovery of the 3.5 word, “I commend this book to a wide spec- gram. The second deals with Educator’s ton Mundrabilla meteorite from the trum of readers who may join me in enjoy- Resources which include questions, answers Nullarbor Plain in Australia. It was very ing a compelling account of the fascinating and key terms of which teachers might make interesting to see the documentation of the field of space weather and its evolving effects use. “main mass” of this meteorite, as I own a on our daily lives.” Red Planet runs completely off the DVD in small bit of the iron in my personal collec- a Macromedia environment that requires tion. Private collectors at all levels will enjoy QuickTime. After a brief introduction, you this aspect of the text. Red Planet: Scientific and are presented with a Table of Contents. Clicking on any heading will take you Cultural Encounters with directly to that section. There is a simple Mars navigation menu at the top of each screen as Software published by University of Penn- well as embedded links within the text. You sylvania Press, http://www.upenn.edu/penn can read the text or opt for a narration. The press/, 2002, ISBN 0812236203, US$39.95 links will take you to more in-depth expla- nations of terms such as retrograde motion Reviewed by Paul Trembly, Orlando Science or opposition. There are also video clips and Center, Orlando, Florida, USA. interviews with noted researchers, among them Richard Zare and Carol Stoker. Red Planet is the first DVD-ROM software I The sections are in chronological order have ever used and as such I had only one beginning with “Early Views” of Mars, dis- machine on site that could handle it; a 1.5 cussing such topics as religious beliefs of the GHz Xeon running Win2000. I can only ancients about Mars, and the work of assume that this package will run as well on Huygens and Herschel, among others. Other other platforms. chapters cover Lowell and his canals, and For Windows-based machines, you need a Mars in literature and film. There is good Pentium II or better, running no slower than information about past Mars missions as well 200 MHz. Win9x or better, 32MB of RAM as such futuristic subjects such as terraform- and a DVD-ROM drive. For Macs, a G3/iMac ing. The information contained in each sec- I found the book literally running OS 8.6 with 32MB of RAM is needed, tion is topical and very clear. The explana- an encyclopedia of mete- as well as that pesky DVD-ROM drive. Please tions are concise and understandable. The oritics, more a handy ref- note that this DVD is not compatible with images are of high quality and the interviews video-only DVD players. are insightful. erence than a “just for There is a good index of concepts and sub- reading” text. jects and a simplistic but useful help file. There are also links to Mars related web sites. I was particularly impressed by the section For anyone wanting to know about Mars on tektites, as it clearly states that these bits in all its many facets, this is a great resource of impact melt are produced by impact and well worth the price, but educators will events on the Earth, and the authors did not make the most use of this product. include any mention of the antiquated theo- ry of origin from the Moon. I also found the Reference and Suggested Reading sections Meteorites: A Journey very useful. Meteorites is certainly not a replacement Through Space and Time for O. R. Norton’s Rocks from Space, particu- by Alex Behan and John De Laeter, Smith- larly if you are looking for a thorough intro- sonian Institution Press, 750 Ninth Street duction to these wonderful celestial stones. It NW Suite 4300 Washington, DC, 20560- does belong on the astronomy bookshelf, 0950, USA, 2002, ISBN: 158834021X, US$35.95. however, and I highly recommend it as a useful companion to Norton’s book. Reviewed by Ed Albin, Fernbank Science For anyone wanting to Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. know about Mars in all its This large-format, beautifully illustrated What Your Astronomy many facets, this is a book offers an excellent introduction to the Te xtbook Won’t Tell You great resource and well study of meteorites. Laid out in a logical fash- Norman Sperling, Everything in the ion, the book tells the story of meteorites Universe, San Mateo, California, ISBN 0- worth the price, but edu- from ancient times to present. I found the 913399-04-3, © 2002, 183 pages paper, $24.95. cators will make the most book literally an encyclopedia of meteorit- use of this product. ics, more a handy reference than a “just for Reviewed by John Mosley, Griffith Observa- reading” text. tory, Los Angeles, California USA.
32 Planetarian March 2003 I’ve known Norm for many years, and he’s of? What is the significance of Hubble’s “tun- a creative, original thinker. He always has ing-fork” diagram of galaxy shapes? What interesting comments on how astronomy is does a “typical” galaxy look like? What do presented to the public and to students and meteorites really tell us? How many planets how people (mis)understand the sky. Part of are there in our solar system, and how has this comes from having taught thousands of that number gone up and down through the students and part comes from the experi- centuries (it has varied from 6 to 11)? ences he’s had through the wide variety of Along the way Norman sprinkles in astronomical jobs he’s held in the San enough humorous samples from answers his Francisco Bay area. Much of it comes because “least-attentive” students wrote on tests to Norm is a thinker and questioner with, as the fill April Whitt’s Last Light column for a book jacket says, “fresh, intriguing ideas.” dozen years. Two samples (and it was very This book is a seemingly random compila- hard to pick only two): “Gravity is the force tion of astronomical musings that have that keeps everything from falling out of the caught Norm’s attention through the years, Earth’s atmosphere,” and “Comets are impor- such as how the way that introductory tant because the gases they release are good astronomy textbooks present the state of for the solar system.” astronomical knowledge has evolved I do have a complaint about the book’s through the years (Norm notes that they all layout, which I found confusing and annoy- give short shrift to what isn’t yet known); ing. He reproduces the work of others at how science is really done (as opposed to … interesting comments length, but it is difficult to know where the how most school teachers and textbooks on how astronomy is pre- transitions lie. And his wild use of multiple claim science works — Norm is right and his sented to the public and fonts was a real barrier to enjoying the text. little diagram is wonderful); and what it to students and how peo- Such are the hazards of self-publishing and means to “buy a star.” this is a good example of why it is to be Most sections are short and deal with one ple (mis)understand the avoided. oxymoron or frequently-misunderstood sky. What Your Astronomy Textbook Won’t Tell word or term. Why do we call it a “first-quar- You is a very informal and delightful romp ter” moon when it looks half full? What is oid, a meteoroid, and a meteorite? What is a through Norm’s fertile mind. C the meaningful difference between an aster- “frozen gas” that we’re told comets are made reproduced from the Planetarian, vol. 6, no. 1, 1977
March 2003 Planetarian 33
ly impressive with printed data on every vis- Gibbous Gazette ible object, beautifully rendered orreries, constellation figures, grids and even real- database. Starry Night software contains an time images of every satellite flying over enormous variety of stellar objects and infor- head. mation. There are 500,000,000 (that’s half a Detroit Science Center played host to a billion) stars in the Starry Night universe - special show featuring the music of Sur- users can fly to each one in the 3D environ- round sound artist Alexandr Jero. The staff of ment. It’s even possible to travel to the edge the Digital Dome Planetarium provided of the universe and see the large scale struc- video and Digistar effects to enhance the ture of the galaxies - all in their accurate posi- music of Mr. Jero. Tickets were available tions. The view of space from Earth is equal- through Ticketmaster and two performances were well attended at the end of December
James P. Hughes Planetarium Producer Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium & Observatory Carnegie Science Center One Allegheny Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212 USA (1) 412-237-3348 voice (1) 412-237-3395 fax [email protected] Spitz SciDome running Starry Night Dome at MacWorld, San Francisco. Photo: Spitz Inc.
The Show Must Go On The folks at Spitz, Inc. and Starry Night Software had the attendees of the Macworld Conference in San Francisco, California, see- ing stars from January 7 - 10, 2003. Visitors to the trade show were able to see trailers of Spitz productions and a demonstration of Starry Night Dome - created especially for Spitz by Starry Night. Spitz set up its Sci- Dome projection system inside the 5-meter (16-foot) portable dome. “Audiences were pretty anxious to see the display - apparently we were the first planetarium ever set up at Macworld. Visitors packed into the dome nonstop from opening until closing each day”, says Scott Huggins of Spitz. The booth was listed as the most “unusual” booth at the conference on Wired.com, the website for computer savvy web surfers. Several thou- sand people are estimated to have seen the booth. Each presentation featured a preview of Spitz’ soon-to-be-released Dark Star Adven- ture, AVI’s Legends of the Night Sky - Orion and a real-time journey to the edge of the uni- John Schorer, Alexander Jero and Jenny Pon at the Digital Dome Planetarium at the verse using Starry Night’s powerful stellar Detroit Science Center. Image courtesy of the Detroit Science Center.
March 2003 Planetarian 35 2002. Planetarians Jenny Pon and John tives of this integration are to create corpo- Chabot Space and Science Center in Oak- Schorer provided the Surround visual rate structure that targets the top position in land, California, in March 2003. accompaniment for this Cosmic Concert. If the industry by greatly strengthening com- Dr. David Menke (formerly of Beuhler you’d like to learn more about this music petitive capabilities in the image informa- Planetarium in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) is now experience in 3-Dimensional sound visit tion products business, the largest business teaching Advanced Placement Physics at the www.surroundrecords.com and click on sector, and to further solidify our number High School level in South Florida. Send him Surround Show or email info@surround one market position in the field of optical a note at [email protected]. records.com. products by combining the strong optical If you have any stories of unusual and dif- technologies of both companies, and to A Friend In Need… ferent uses of your theater, send them along aggressively pursue well-timed, strategic Wes Anderson (VCSU Planetarium Direc- and I’ll be sure to feature them in a future business collaborations that result in new tor) is looking for anyone who has an old column. But for now we send … levels of strength for our corporation. The Spitz Meteor Shower projector (working con- integration of operations between both com- dition please) that they would consider sell- Our Condolences to… panies is scheduled for October 2003. We ing. He is also looking for any other “toys” … the friends and family of Grote Reber, have just started direct marketing in the US suitable for a 30-year-old Spitz 512 system ... the Father of Radio Astronomy who passed of all Minolta Planetarium products starting constellation projectors ... etc. Contact him at away in Bothwell, Tasmania on December January 1, 2003. As one of the members of 701-845-7452 or 701-845-0966. 20, 2002 just two days short of his 91st birth- Konica and Minolta corporate group, we will day. Reber created the first purpose-built continue to work with the goal of increasing Have You Heard? radio telescope in Wheaton, Illinois in 1937. the level of customer satisfaction. This move A new planetarium show staring the He had located to Tasmania because of the provides additional strength as we aggres- friendly characters from the children’s show, local transparency of the iononsphere to the sively seek to satisfy the emerging needs of Blue’s Clues, is being developed by Bill wavelengths of interest. He had made signifi- the customer and face the challenges and Gutsch and the staff of COSI in Columbus, cant studies of the sky at long radio wave- opportunities we encounter over the long Ohio. For more information contact Bill at lengths, using a dipole antenna array near his term.” 973-492-8165 or Mike Stanley at mikestanley home in Bothwell. Thanks to Martin George @mail.cosi.org. (see below) for this news and for offering to People On The Move GOTO Optical Mfg. Co. has a new US carry our messages of grief to the memorial George Wurtak has left the Manitoba office and has doubled its staff. Toshi Yasuda service for Grote. Museum Planetarium (Winnipeg, Canada) as joins Ken Miller at 401 Kamakee St., Suite 319, … the friends and family of Long time a result of a major museum reorganization. Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. You can call toll SouthWestern Association of Planetarians George was the Director of Education and free from the US at 888-847-5800 or at (1) 808- (SWAP) member Bill O. Walker who passed Interpretive Programs (with responsibilities 597-8688 from the rest of the world. away Saturday December 14, 2003, after a for the Planetarium and Science Gallery). If Mario Di Maggio (Staff Scientist: Plane- lengthy illness. Bill was at the Hudnall you’d like to keep in touch with George, you tarium, Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow, Planetarium at the Tyler Jr. Community can contact him via email at gjwurtak@ Scotland) reports that a new Science Centre College in Tyler, Texas. He had been there mb.sympatico.ca or via post at 27 Packard is being created in Macao, China. The new for the last 12+ years. Prior to his position at Place, Winnipeg, MB R2N 2M9 or by phone facility is being designed by world famous the Hudnall Planetarium, he was Plane- at 204-256-9278. architect I. M. Pei. Mario had the opportunity tarium Director at The Science Place Alex Barnett (formerly of the National to host a delegation of representatives of the Planetarium in Dallas, Texas. Space Centre in Leicester, UK) will take over Macao Foundation at his facility last June. … to the residents of Canberra, Australia, as the CEO and Executive Director of the They were so impressed with his knowledge who lost loved ones in the recent bush fires, and to the staff of the Mount Stromlo Obser- vatory. The fires destroyed four telescopes, the equipment workshop, eight houses which had been occupied by staff, and an ad- ministration building. Preliminary estimates have valued the losses at more than $20 mil- lion. Thankfully no staff or students were injured in the Mount Stromlo fire. The Observatory, operated by the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, is one of Australia’s leading centres of Astro- nomical research..
Congratulations to … … our new President-Elect Martin George (Launceston Planetarium, Queen Victoria Museum, Launceston, Tasmania Australia! … the integration of Management between Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd. In a announcement released on January 10,
2003, Yasushi Imai, (President, Minolta Plan- Timo Rahunen and Asuncion Sanchez (Planetario de Madrid) discussing Timo's new etarium Co., Ltd.) stated, “The primary objec- video system at IPS 2002 in Wichita. Photo courtesy James Hughes.
36 Planetarian March 2003 and enthusiasm during his planetarium reopen soon. Plans are to rebuild rather than demonstration that they decided to equip renovate the existing planetarium and obser- their new Science Centre with a planetarium vatory! rather than an Imax theater. Way to go Zeiss, Inc. held a two day workshop on Mario! their ADLIP/ZULIP laser projection system in The Ann Arbor Public Schools, Ann Arbor, Jena, Germany, in early December, 2002, for Michigan, have signed an agreement to pur- about 80 international guests. chase a Digistar 3 SP from Evans & Suther- The Eugenides Planetarium in Athens, land of Salt Lake City, Utah. The new system Greece, will open in October of 2003. Slated will be installed this spring. Michigan has to be one of the largest planetariums ever more Digistar planetariums than any other built, it will include a 12-projector Digital state in the USA. Sky system from Sky-Skan, Inc. of Nashua, Always an innovator, Timo Rahunen of New Hampshire, USA. For more information the Tampere Planetarium at the Tampereen visit www.eugenfound.edu.gr. Sarkanniemi Oy in Tampere, Finland, has The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, developed a new 3-Channel Immersive Digi- California, took delivery of a SkyVision all- tal Video System. By combining Barco Pro- dome projection system from Sky-Skan in jectors and DPS Reality hard disc players, his January and has begun production of their home-made system delivers images rendered premiere planetarium show. Reopening is on 3D Studio Max running plug-ins written scheduled for late 2005. in-house. The first show using this wide screen system is called, Out of Stardust, and And Finally … the results are out of this world! Read the full I’d like to feature artwork or other inter- report starting on page 178 in the Proceedings esting imagery from your planetarium - past, of the 2002 IPS Conference. present or future. Maybe you have a neat old After having been closed (pending refur- ad or an awesome new graphic for your lat- bishment), The Star Theatre at the Armagh Image from the show "Out of Star- est production. Send it to me and I’ll make dust," courtesy of Tampere Planetar- sure it gets into a future column. Thanks! C Planetarium, Armagh, Northern Ireland, will ium.
March 2003 Planetarian 37 analysis of the effectiveness of this structure. President’s Message The idea and hope of this process is to have a much improved Society, one that encour- directly with me or any of the IPS Officers on ages international membership growth and issues you feel are important to our Society. becomes more relevant and effective in serv- With this issue, the Planetarian takes on a ing its members over the long term. Funding very different look and layout. When I be- has been approved to move ahead on the came an IPS member in 1980, the front and Strategic Planning project (thanks largely to back covers of the Planetarian journal were the IPS 2002 Conference revenues), which solid colors - sometimes a dark blue, other begins with hiring a consultant to work with times purple and occasionally even pink, but John Dickenson and his committee. the articles were always in black and white. Speaking of revenue, not only did Martin There was also virtually no vendor advertis- Ratcliffe and his staff succeed in hosting a ing in the journal during the early eighties. wonderful 2002 IPS Conference, but they In the nineties, the cover became black and managed to realize a profit of at least $55,000! white and advertising began appearing in As a result of these proceeds, the IPS is in a color! As you have already noticed, this issue strong financial position, one which will of our primary publication premiers with an only strengthen the offerings to our mem- Jon W. Elvert exciting new look, which is a direct result of bership. Thank you Martin! a lot of preparation and hard work primarily Over the coming months, IPS Officers will Director, Lane Planetarium by our Executive Editor John Mosley and his focus on a variety of issues - from the 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy. assistant editors. John’s editorial in this issue appointments of vacant Committee Chairs introduces us to our new format. to redefining how new affiliates will be Eugene, Oregon 97401 USA Along with new beginnings, I would like admitted to the IPS. These and numerous (1) 541-461-8227 to implement a series of reports from the other important issues will eventually effect Chairs of both our Standing and Ad Hoc the way the IPS is governed, so I encourage (1) 541-687-6459 fax Committees. These brief reports will be in- you to become involved in the process of [email protected] cluded in the body of the President’s message change that lies ahead, make a difference and and are intended to better inform our mem- our Society will be better for it. Let me share bership by keeping us current with the com- with you a few updates on our Society’s How well our Society functions depend mittees’ goals, accomplishments, and who activities: on many variables, but it is the commit- serves on these committees. In this issue, Membership Brochure ments and accomplishments of past leader- Susan Reynolds Button presents a brief syn- Thanks to April Whitt, our new member- ship that defines our present and shapes our opsis of the Portable Planetarium Commit- ship brochure is available and is being dis- future. As your incoming President, I feel tee. tributed to the IPS Council representatives. very fortunate to begin my term with an As my term of office begins, I look forward Although now in English, the brochure will accomplished, committed leadership team, a to the continuation of projects begun by eventually appear in different languages. team I have had the privilege to work with Martin Ratcliffe and I, especially on develop- Representatives are encouraged to distribute during my first two years as President-elect. ing closer partnerships with the Education the new brochures to their regional mem- On behalf of IPS, I wish to extend a well- and Public Outreach programs of NASA, JPL, bers at upcoming regional conferences. deserved thank you to Martin Ratcliffe, who and more recently with The Planetary I spoke with shortly before the New Year to Society. In recent issues, these agencies in Slide Service transfer the presidency. The shoe size of past particular have begun to offer our members By the time you read this, those of you presidents continues to get larger to fill, but I CDs, posters and The Planetary Report, a sam- who are subscribers to this service should look forward to the challenges ahead. pling of membership benefits we can look have received the latest distribution of slides, Martin, of course, will continue to work as forward to in future issues. Perhaps the most a selection of the newest JPL images from the Past-president. My congratulations to Lee challenging and exciting project, one that Mars Odyssey, and all the latest Hubble Ann Hennig and Shawn Laatsch for their will effect all of us, is being developed by the Space Telescope pictures. If you do not al- continued appointments as the IPS Secretary Strategic Planning Committee lead by John ready subscribe to the IPS Slide Service and and Treasurer respectively. I would also like Dickenson, Managing Director of the H.R. would like to, you can do so by using the to welcome Martin George to the leadership MacMillan Space Center in Vancouver, subscription form available on the IPS Web- team as President-elect, who brings a wealth Canada. The Strategic Planning project will site (www.ips-planetarium.org) or in the of experience and knowledge and is our first have a far-reaching impact on the Society Planetarian journal. elected officer from the Southern Hemi- and will result in the growth of both services sphere. Also thanks to out going Past-presi- and membership. Martin Ratcliffe worked IPS 2006 Conference dent Dale Smith, who has provided six years very hard to implement this project during Concerning the IPS Conference 2006 site, of invaluable leadership, resourcefulness and his term as President and it is one that I will last December we received a letter from the friendship. I look forward to serving and continue to actively pursue. The challenge Vienna Planetarium, one of the two site can- working with all of you – Officers, Commit- for the Strategic Planning Committee in the didates, indicating they could not effectively tee Chairs and their committee members, months ahead will be to look at our current host the conference in 2006 and therefore and those of you who would consider organizational structure – the Society’s gov- were withdrawing their invitation. This becoming involved in serving the Society. I ernance, structure, operations and budgeting leaves the Melbourne, Australia proposal as encourage all IPS members to communicate process, services to members, as well as an our only invitation. Although the site selec-
38 Planetarian March 2003 tion normally would have been voted upon can planetarium operator who presents concerns and successes. Our numbers are during our 2003 Council meeting, it was lessons with an itinerant planetarium to growing and each new director needs to decided that a vote by the IPS Council to high school students of English. There is an know what is going on in our world of mini- approve the Melbourne bid would give our Internet page devoted to the week that con- domes. future hosts more valuable time to plan and tains many photos, at the following address: make early decisions. http://www.cityline.it/cult/frame_invita- Committee Members: The 2003 IPS Council meeting will take tionitaly.htm. Members of this committee include peo- place in Jena, Germany October 3-5. I will In 1995 the committee co-sponsored the ple from several affiliate regions. We would report on this important meeting in more first European Meeting of Itinerant and like to have at least one new member from a detail in the June issue of the Planetarian. Small Planetaria in Lumezzane, Italy. In 1999 region in the Southern Hemisphere. The cur- Finally, I want to again welcome aboard a second European meeting was held in rent members represent planetarians who President-elect Martin George, which defi- Strasburg, France, in conjunction with a work in portable domes at all educational nitely now makes the leadership team more meeting of the French-Speaking Planetari- and business levels. They are familiar with a international. Both of us will continue to fol- ums Association. At this time we are study- wide range of venues for portable planetaria low up on the work of our past presidents, ing the feasibility of holding the next meet- and are ready to provide support to every- collaborate closely with fellow Officers and ing in 2003. one interested in mobile planetaria. Committee Chairs, meet the unexpected The committee maintains resources in- challenges that certainly lie ahead, and cluding a database of directors and specialists Susan Reynolds Button, Syracuse, New ensure that we continue to become a and a list of current mobile planetarium York, USA; Committee Chair (MAPS/GLPA; stronger international society – one of my manufacturers. Resource materials, curricu- e-mail: [email protected] commitments to you. lum and lesson materials have been cata- Per Broman, Göteborg-Angered, SWEDEN loged and these public domain materials are (NPA); currently housed in Syracuse, New York. A e-mail: [email protected] IPS Portable Planetarium portable planetarium business owner’s sur- Dayle Brown, Mishawaka, Indiana USA vey was designed, distributed, and the results (GLPA); Committee collated and published. e-mail: [email protected] A handbook for portables has been pub- Michel Dumas, Le Motte, Chalancon, Susan Reynolds Button lished and was distributed to all members in France (AFSP); OCM BOCES Planetarium December 2002. This handbook contains e-mail: [email protected] PO Box 4754 information about all aspects of buying and Alan Gould, Berkeley, California, USA Syracuse, New York 13221 USA running a portable planetarium, whether as (PPA); (1) 315-433-2671 a business or as some type of outreach pro- e-mail: [email protected] (1) 315-432-4523 fax gram. Sharon Mendonsa, Nashville, Tennessee, [email protected] USA (SEPA); Goals for the Future: e-mail: [email protected] The function of this committee is to help The committee is seeking contact people Loris Ramponi, Brescia, Italy (IPFA); those interested in the use of portable plane- in each regional affiliate. We would like a e-mail: [email protected] taria and to provide a support system to report from each affiliate that explains the Ray Worthy, Hartlepool, Cleveland, Eng- assist portable planetarium directors or number of members who have portable land (BAP); teachers. planetariums and in what capacity they are e-mail: [email protected] used. Accomplishments: We would like the IPS affiliates to include This committee has been very active since information of interest to portable planetari- Past President’s message its inception in 1988. In the beginning mem- um directors in each of their newsletters. We bers were sought and then e-mails begun to need our work and services advertised. Martin Ratcliffe flow along with information and support We are interested in promoting quality Exploration Place within the committee. It was exciting to work in mobile planetaria through work- 300 N. McLean Blvd begin this communication between friends shops and papers for portables at all regional Wichita, Kansas 67203 U.S.A. from regions around the world. We began to and IPS conferences. It is important to have mratcliffe @exploration.org form a community of portable planetarium papers and workshops, not just demonstra- directors. tions of equipment, presented at confer- The aftermath of the IPS2002 conference In 1990 a column, “Mobile News Net- ences. We would like to see lessons given was both one of self-enforced rest along with work”, for mobile dome directors began to under a variety of domes and using an assort- an exciting last few months of my term as be published as a regular feature in the ment of planetarium projectors. President. As luck would have it, my October Planetarian. Portable planetarium workshops We would also like written reports of any deadline for my last President’s message flew and papers began with the 1990 conference activities involving mobile domes that by without mention or notice on my part. in Sweden and have been appearing at each occur in each region. These reports will be And so in consultation with the new Presi- IPS Conference since. Now it is assumed that published in the column in the Planetarian dent, Jon Elvert, it was deemed appropriate portable planetaria will always be represent- as another way to improve networking for me to offer a few comments following ed at IPS conferences. between mobile dome planetarians. both the conference and the end of my term Each year, since 1995, Serafino Zani We will continue to promote communica- as President. Astronomical Observatory (Lumezzane/ tion in every way possible. We feel that plan- By all accounts that I have heard, the IPS Brescia) collaborates with the IPS Portable etarians who work in mobile domes need to 2002 conference in Wichita, Kansas, was a Planetarium Committee to host an Ameri- hear from others in the same job to share
March 2003 Planetarian 39 resounding success. I attribute this success to ing to develop. IPS has been fortunate to mittees, to see who the society is really run two things. First is being surrounded by a have NASA funds to travel to various meet- by. My grateful thanks to each of you. How- fine team of people. Davin Flateau on my ings by IPS officials and such commitment ever, I would be remiss if I did not mention staff at Exploration Place provided invalu- to continuing the dialogue is critical to our three names, with a plea for forgiveness if I able behind-the-scenes support ensuring future planning. do not mention more and you feel I should many details were dealt with. The special There are other avenues that we can have. Phyllis Pitluga, who, with an enduring meeting organizer, Diana Palmer of Designer explore. In January I attended the 201st style and grace, has managed the awards Events, did a superb job of handling hun- American Astronomical Society meeting in committee and ensured that the awards the dreds of details ensuring the smooth opera- Seattle. The AAS has a very active education society bestows upon its members are prop- tion of the conference. division and are actively looking for collabo- erly recognized at our conferences, stepped When we first set out to organize the ration with other societies. It would be natu- down last year. Phyllis, from all of us, a big conference, in September 2001, we were very ral for IPS to have an active link with the “thank you” for years of service to IPS. unsure of the numbers to expect. After all, at AAS in some form. In addition to an excel- The two marathon runners of the society that time the entire airline industry in the lent pair of workshops on developing skills are Lee Ann Hennig and Shawn Laatsch. United States was grounded in the aftermath in teaching astronomy led by Dr Tim Slater, These two people do 80% of the society’s of the terrorist attacks of September 11. It was well known to many IPS members, the con- work, most of it unseen and all voluntary. A a risky time to be planning an international ference held a panel session on careers in thank-you does not seem enough. The mem- conference. We hoped for 300 delegates, the astronomy, focusing the discussion on bership knows how valuable they are to the number required just to break even on our careers other than pure research. Careers in smooth operation of the society, and a sin- projected budget. However, following a ner- the planetarium industry are wide and var- cere thanks to both of them for two more vous few months, we eventually attracted ied, and offer interesting opportunities to years of steady management of the Society’s 451 delegates. new graduates. IPS is a fine first point of con- affairs. And this brings me to the second reason tact to assist newcomers to the possibilities Finally, I wish Jon Elvert every good wish for the success of the conference – you, the of a planetarium career, and I was thankful for his Presidency, and it is with a distinct delegates. With such a large number of pro- to the organizers of the session to allow me measure of relief on my part that I can hand fessionals in one place at one time, it was to say a few words about IPS during the the reigns to such an able person. wonderful to see the various collaborative meeting. To be effective, the profile of IPS discussions occurring. From vendors dis- needs to be higher at such meetings, and that cussing details of new science center con- costs money. It is a personal hope that a Past-Past-President’s Report struction to educators discussing new strate- higher profile can be developed. gies, the environment we created appeared Dale W. Smith to work very well. So a big thank you to all Strategic Planning update Department of Physics & Astronomy who attended, you are the ones that made At our council meeting last summer, we Bowling Green State University the conference successful. We just provided passed the strategic planning initiative after Bowling Green, Ohio 43403 USA the right environment. a long discussion on how to finance the [email protected] I am also very pleased to say in light of effort. A large percentage of the financing the strong attendance and generous sponsor- was agreed to come from any profit that the Presented at the IPS Council meeting in ships, the conference turned a healthy profit. conference generated. Once I confirmed that Wichita, July 27, 2002, when I was serving as As our meeting organizer stated at the outset the funds would be available from the con- Past-President. of our planning, if a large conference does ference, I am pleased that we could give the not make some profit we’re not doing it go-ahead to John Dickenson to move ahead I would like to offer a few reflective com- right. At the end of 2002 I sent a check for with the project. I have great hopes for this ments on the state of IPS as my six-year term $50,000 from Exploration Place to the IPS initiative. While a voluntary organization of service in elective office (1997-2002) draws Treasurer, representing the bulk of the re- such as ours tends to move more slowly than toward a close. First I will note some of the maining funds following all receipts payable. fully-funded organizations with a staff, I am Society’s accomplishments and progress dur- I am pleased to report that IPS is now in a also quite sure that after a fine 30-year histo- ing this time and then offer some challenges very stable and strong financial position for ry of IPS, a new look at how we do business for the future. the future, and I hope future conferences can only benefit everyone in the society. will be able to sustain similar levels of prof- In looking back over the past two years, Among our accomplishments: itability. IPS can create the environment that much has happened, far more than I imag- • we have held three outstanding confer- encourages a host to generate a profit. Our ined when I took office. I realize that nearly ences, in London, Montréal, and Wichita. current rules encourage a host to break even, three quarters of my term was spent worry- Especially, the sophistication and de- and indeed this has happened over the past ing about our conference, yet hosting the mands of the vendor demonstrations, few conferences. I hope our experience will conference was the most treasured moment have taken a quantum leap over previous encourage future hosts to plan accordingly. of the two years of work. I would like to conferences, as we shall see again this Such funds will allow the Society to develop thank you for electing me to the position, week. our effectiveness in many areas, especially as and wish the society a long future. It is in the • we have found talented people willing to we try to develop new relationships with excellent hands of Jon Elvert as our new run for and serve in our elective offices, other societies. President, and I encourage you to read his and that prospect continues unabated in I am excited about the future of IPS. Fol- words in this issue. There are many people to the current election. lowing a strong showing by NASA’s Educa- thank. While I would like to thank each per- • we have increased our globalization, with tion and Public Outreach officials at our son individually, I think it best that I encour- the admission of new regional affiliates in summer conference, our dialogue is continu- age you to turn to the page with the list of Australasia (1999), India (2000), and Spain council members, officers and chairs of com-
40 Planetarian March 2003 (2001). The prospective admission of a (one ESA, one NASA), with a third to come ally bring them under an IPS affili- Dutch-speaking affiliate at this meeting this year. ate. No such groups exist at present. will complete the process of filling west- •we have put our governance documents — foster the formation of an affiliate in ern Europe with IPS affiliates, fulfilling a in order, including the By-Laws, Standing Central and Eastern Europe, where there goal envisioned by Dennis Simopoulos Rules, Conference Planner (nearly done), are dozens of active planetariums. with the founding of EMPA in 1978. Officers Job Description, Officers Calendar, — foster the formation of an affiliate in the • we have published our journal on-time, Script Contest Guidelines, and Affiliate Arabic countries in northern Africa and every time, so regularly that we may make Report Forms & Responsibilities Docu- the Mid-East, where there are planetari- the mistake of taking the efforts of John ment. ums in almost every nation. Mosley and his team of associate editors • we revised the IPS web site into a more — foster the formation of a Chinese affiliate. for granted. John has completed the transi- accessible format and established a mem- There are 100 planetariums in China. tion to fully electronic preparation of the bers-only area, and placed versions of the — bring the planetariums of East Asia into journal, and we can expect further steps to IPS Directory and Resource Directory on the the IPS fold. In particular, I refer to South enhance our flagship publication. web site. We have put the job bank on-line Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and •we have firmly established the ability of and developed an extensive annotated on- southeast Asia. IPS to publish robust directories, both the line list of educational web sites of interest • we need to find ways to support the atten- new IPS Resource Directory and the contin- to planetarians. dance at conferences of a limited number uing IPS Directory of the World’s Planetari- • we have, through the travel agendas of of delegates from planetariums in eco- ums. three successive presidents (and others), nomically distressed countries. The efforts • we have established the publication of represented IPS at numerous affiliate con- of the NPA to include the Baltic countries Proceedings as an integral part of IPS con- ferences and individual planetariums are a notable example of this on a regional ferences and have inaugurated their distri- around the world and, I hope, helped tie scale. bution to all IPS members as benefit of our community closer together. • we need to encourage and expand the membership. • we have forged closer ties with other pro- fledgling efforts of the twinning program • we have released a continuing series of fessional societies or organizations, includ- to supplement Star Partners with materials special publications, including a revised ing (but not limited to) NASA Outreach, exchange. This program was described by special effects handbook (1997) and an in- ESA, AAS Division of Planetary Sciences, Carole Helper in the December 2000 Plan- ternational mythology book (2001). At and TPS, an important work in progress etarian. least four others are in the pipeline, as I which is certain to yield future benefits. • we need to market our membership much will detail in the Publications report. • the list goes on, and many other accom- better within and beyond the regional • we have made the transition from print to plishments are described in the President’s affiliates. We need to market both in those electronic as the primary medium of dis- Messages of Presidents Kraupe (esp. Decem- affiliates where more than half the mem- tribution for all publications aside from ber 1998), Smith (esp. December 2000), and bers are also IPS members and in those the Planetarian. Ratcliffe (continuing), and chronicled in affiliates, both large and small, where • we have established the IPSnews service as the articles and features in the Planetarian. there are just barely enough IPS members a means of rapid communication with the This is an abbreviated list, not given in to maintain the affiliate’s vote on Council. majority of IPS members. order of importance, and I apologize to those We also need to market beyond affiliate • we have established the IPS Education whose contributions aren’t listed here either membership in both served and unserved Committee, whose work is now taking by oversight or for lack of space. Together, geographic areas. We have many benefits hold and appearing in the Planetarian and we have made substantial progress and I to offer which are poorly marketed be- on the IPS web site This committee under- have been privileged to be able to contribute yond (and sometimes within) our mem- scores our central role as astronomy edu- to some of these areas, few of which are real- bership. cators. ly completed and most of which represent • we need to ensure that affiliate representa- • we have held three consecutive off-year ongoing projects for a stronger future. tives are active participants in the work of Council meetings at sites with astronomi- IPS, not only at Council meetings, but also cal observatories (the Observatoire de Future Challenges: on the other 363 days of the year. The Strasbourg, Lowell Observatory, and the I would also like to leave you with a list of tasks listed in the Affiliate Representative Vatican Observatory), thereby underscor- specific challenges for the future, which Responsibilities document are a small step ing our roots as astronomy educators. together with the initiatives of President toward this end. In particular, you should • we have established the Star Partners fund Ratcliffe, can help IPS do even better in the be actively promoting IPS in regional con- as a means of providing limited assistance years ahead. These are in addition to contin- ferences and newsletters and you can also to our colleagues in economically chal- uing our work in nearly all the areas listed help immensely by participating in pro- lenged countries, and we underscored our above. In some cases, these challenges repre- jects you suggest at Council. This is also a commitment to planetarium work in sent areas in which I leave office frustrated at two-way street and requires ongoing com- developing countries with significant in- the lack of timely progress. munication between meetings from the kind support of the 2001 conference in Sri • we need to expand our affiliate societies Officers and especially from the President. Lanka. and IPS membership to cover the rest of None of us recent presidents has an espe- • we have centralized and expanded the the world, in particular to: cially good track record in this area. scope of the IPS slide service and main- — bring in the Brazilian Association of • should the forthcoming restructuring tained a uniform subscription price world- Planetariums, which has been a viable study examine the one-affiliate one-vote wide. national society since 1996. structure of Council, given the enormous • we have inaugurated the IPS video service — help the rest of South America form differences in IPS membership from affili- and distributed two video compilations functioning groups along sensible geographic boundaries and eventu- (Please see Dale Smith on page 47)
March 2003 Planetarian 41 Guests: vide limited assistance to some planetari- Minutes of the IPS Jose Carlos Guirado - Valencia, Spain ans Council Meeting Manuel Toharia - Valencia, Spain • refining and organizing our governance Gerardo Trujillo Jiménez – Morelia, Mexico documents Phyllis Pitluga - Chair, IPS Awards Com- • improving the IPS Web Site into a more Wichita, Kansas mittee accessible format July 27, 28, and Steve Mitch- Chair, IPS Elections Committee • forging closer ties with other professional societies August 2, 2002 The meeting was called to order at 10:20 Past President Dale Smith challenged a.m. by President Martin Ratcliffe. Martin Council to address the following items as welcomed Council to Wichita, Kansas, on areas for improvement or attention: * indicates action items behalf of his facility, Exploration Place, our • expand affiliate societies and IPS member- host for the Council Meeting and 2002 IPS ship to other parts of the globe In attendance: Conference. After a few short announce- • encourage and expand efforts to assist President Martin Ratcliffe ments regarding the conference, facilities, planetariums in economically distressed President-Elect Jon Elvert and the Kansas weather, the President areas Past President Dale Smith reviewed the rules and privileges of the • market IPS membership within and Treasurer Shawn Laatsch Affiliate Representatives regarding Council beyond the regional affiliates Secretary Lee Ann Hennig matters. • ensure that Affiliate Representatives are The Secretary’s Report on the Minutes of active participants in the work of IPS all Affiliate Representatives: the 2001 Castel Gandolfo, Italy Meeting had year long Association of French Speaking Planetariums been previously published in the March • address the multilingual issues in publica- (APLF) - Marc Moutin for Agnès Acker 2002 Planetarian. John Dickenson moved to tions and at conferences Association of Mexican Planetariums accept the Minutes, seconded by Dale Smith, • revitalize the work of many of our com- (AMPAC) - Gabriel R. Muñoz for Ignacio and approved by Council. mittees Castro Pinal Shawn Laatsch presented the Treasurer’s • examine the one-affiliate, one-vote con- Association of Spanish Planetariums (APLE) - Report. Council reviewed and discussed cept of Council in the restructuring study Javier Armentia specifics of the 2001 Financial Report and the This entire report will be published in the Australasian Planetarium Society (APS) - mid-year 2002 Budget. Discussion of print Planetarian. Martin George for Glen Moore media, laser and slide service projects and The President’s Report was delivered by British Association of Planetaria (BAP) - their costs would be held during the Publi- President Martin Ratcliffe. Much of Martin’s Teresa Grafton cations Committee Report. There was con- attention since the summer of 2001 has been Canadian Association of Science Centres siderable discussion regarding the 02/03 focused on organizing and overseeing a suc- (CASC) - John Dickenson Proposed Budget. The advantages and disad- cessful 2002 Conference. Council of German Planetariums (RDP) - vantages of a dues increase were debated. • The IPS 2002 Conference has an excellent Thomas Kraupe for Wolfgang Wacker President Martin Ratcliffe reported that the attendance and vendor support was quick, European/Mediterranean Planetarium Finance Committee is reviewing the issue of strong, and supportive. Association (EMPA) - Dionysios Simo- revenue and funding issues. Final approval of • The conference will showcase efforts at poulos the Budget would be considered after further enhancing the image of IPS with profes- Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) discussion during the meeting. John Hare sional societies/organizations and build- - Susan Reynolds Button moved to approve the report, seconded by ing bridges of cooperation to those entities Great Plains Planetarium Association (GPPA - Jack Dunn, and approved by Council. (such as the American Astronomical Jack Dunn Past President Dale Smith presented the Society, the Association of Science and Italian Planetaria’s Friends Association (IPFA) Past President’s Report as a state of IPS upon Technology Centers, and NASA.) Several - Loris Ramponi the close of his six-year term of service in of our speakers, workshops and discussion Japan Planetarium Society (JPS) - Shoichi elective office. Among the accomplishments groups were scheduled as a direct result of Itoh were: these initiatives. Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society (MAPS) • conducting three successful Conferences • Martin and Jon Elvert continue to explore - Lee Ann Hennig for Peter Connors with outstanding vendor support links with NASA’s Office of Education and Nordic Planetarium Association (NPA) - Lars • finding talented people willing to run for Public Outreach. One of the goals, “to Broman and serve in elective offices and as chairs inspire and educate the next generation”, Pacific Planetarium Association (PPA) - Jon of committees will be the centerpiece of a document in Elvert • publishing our journal on-time, every which IPS will be offering input. Rocky Mountain Planetarium Association time thanks to our Editor and his team of • The operation of IPS is dependent upon (RMPA) - Aaron McEuen associate editors the work of Committee Chairpersons and Southeastern Planetarium Association (SEPA) •enriching the publications aspect of our Affiliate Representatives. We need dedicat- - John Hare organization both in print as well as other ed and strong leadership in these positions. Southwestern Association of Planetariums media The entire report will be printed in the (SWAP) - Mark Sonntag • establishing the IPSnews service as a Planetarian. means of rapid communication with the Affiliates not in attendance: membership Affiliate Reports Planetarium Society of India (PSI) • strengthening the work of several com- Written Affiliate Reports were reviewed. Russian Planetarium Association (RPA) mittees such as: Education and Media In Affiliate News from the floor: Ukrainian Planetarium Association (UPA) • establishing the Star Partners Fund to pro- EMPA Representative Dennis Simopoulos
42 Planetarian March 2003 spoke to the EMPA issue of the representa- ship for representation on IPS Council. The Other discussion centered on how the tion of that regional area. Although EMPA Benefits of Membership Document has been report would be produced and distributed. * has shrunk in size geographically, it will con- forwarded to all Affiliates and is available on John Dickenson moved to endorse in princi- tinue to foster growth in the eastern the IPS Web Site. * Thomas Kraupe suggested ple the publication of an IPS Annual Report, European region with Greece and Bulgaria that Affiliates should include in their seconded by Shawn Laatsch and approved remaining members of EMPA. Affiliate Report a list of the benefits in their by Council. Comments by Council regarding AMPAC Representative Gabriel Muñoz native language and it should be posted as the proposal should be submitted to Mem- introduced Gerardo Trujillo Jiménez of the such on the IPS and Affiliate Web Sites. bership Chair Shawn Laatsch by February 28, Centro de Convenciones y Exposiciones de Dennis Simopoulos questioned the fair- 2003. The Membership and Publication Morelia Mexico. Gerardo spoke to the unfor- ness of Affiliate representation in terms of Committees will work together to produce tunate cancellation of IPS 2002 in Morelia large and small affiliates alike having a single the first IPS Annual Report by the 2004 and expressed the hope that IPS would representative. Discussion centered on how Conference. reconsider visiting Mexico in the future for a to be equitable in the representation process IPS Awards Committee Chair Phyllis conference. AMPAC will be meeting in if a change were effected and it was acknowl- Pitluga reported that the President Award Morelia in December 2002 and planetarians edged that this would be a challenging issue. Plaque will be presented to Past President are invited to attend that conference. * President Martin Ratcliffe appointed Past Dale Smith at the Conference Banquet. Council thanked Gerardo for his efforts to President Dale Smith as chair of a committee Several IPS Fellow Awards will also be pre- encourage participation in the astronomy to research alternate methods of representa- sented at that time with a list of recipients to and planetarium initiatives in Mexico. tion of votes among Affiliates. Thomas be published in the Planetarian. Phyllis pre- CASC Representative John Dickenson Kraupe suggested that the focus should be on sented two versions of a proposed IPS reported the official name change of the building a strong membership within the Technology and Innovation Award. Council Canadian Affiliate to the Canadian Asso- regional prior to a formal affiliation with IPS. discussed the two versions and supported the ciation of Science Centres. Other discussion centered on attendance following: President Martin Ratcliffe reported that at conferences and how to address low atten- Zina Sitkova, RPA Representative could not dance issues. Some suggestions were: hold IPS Technology and Innovation Award be present at the meeting, but did send her simultaneous conferences at several loca- 1, An IPS Technology and Innovation Award greetings and best wishes for the Conference tions and incorporate electronic conferenc- shall be bestowed, from time to time, by and Council meeting. ing techniques, alternate the conferences the Society upon an individual, institu- President Martin Ratcliffe reviewed the between the United States and international tion or commercial vendor whose tech- draft of the Affiliate Responsibilities Docu- venues, consider holding annual confer- nology and/or innovations in the plane- ment and discussion by Council followed. ences. It was agreed that these are complex tarium field have been, through the years, Suggestions included: issues. utilized or replicated by other members • advise Representatives as to the specific President Martin Ratcliffe reported that and/or planetariums. time and agenda of meetings so they may little had been accomplished regarding a 2, The criteria for such an award call for sub- plan accordingly redefinition of Corporate Membership. * jective judgment since there is no easy •determine the percentage of financial Martin will attempt to put a proposal togeth- way to describe more concretely the prere- reimbursement based on the time spent at er regarding levels of corporate membership quisites for the nominations and/or candi- Council Meetings and benefits and forward to Council for dis- dacy of a prospective recipient. It should • assure that the IPS Membership List is dis- cussion. John Hare reminded Martin to be be implied, nevertheless, that a nominee tributed to Representatives before the aware of how corporate membership would for this Award has had a broad, deep, and Affiliate Reports are due impact vendor contributions to the Con- concrete effect in the profession and its • adopt a common format for the Regional ferences. development. Affiliate map John Dickenson presented a report on a 3, Recipients shall be recognized at the IPS • include Affiliate Reports and Maps in the revised IPS Information Packet. John and Conference at which time they shall be Proceedings Lars Petersen developed a Membership awarded an appropriate plaque indicating Council Members were urged to send any Guide document to replace the Information their selection. further comments regarding the Document Packet. Discussion followed regarding the * Jack Dunn moved to accept the above ver- to Secretary Lee Ann with a copy to Martin. content of the Guide and a proposal to pro- sion of the Award, seconded by Thomas RMPA Representative Aaron McEuen will duce an Annual Report. The Annual Report Kraupe and approved by Council. investigate the digital format as a map tem- could contain the information in the plate for use by affiliates in their reports. Membership Guide as well as other material Because of the small number of IPS Martin George moved to accept all Affiliate which may be of interest and value to the Fellows nominated this year, Phyllis suggest- Reports, seconded by John Hare and approv- membership, such as: ed that we need to review the policy and/or ed by Council. •a review of IPS activities and achieve- manner of receiving nominations. Discus- ments sion implied that perhaps reinstating the 10 Standing Committee Reports • copies of financial statements year longevity statement in lieu of active Standing Committee Reports were pre- • committee membership and activities contributions to the Society might allow sented, reviewed and discussed. • affiliate reports more potential nominees. However, a Treasurer/Membership Committee Chair •a directory of consultants and vendors motion to approve this reinstatement failed. Shawn Laatsch presented the Membership •a list of projects under development * President Martin Ratcliffe directed Mem- Report. As a follow-up to the 2001 Report, • lists of IPS Fellows and Service Award bership Chair Shawn Laatsch to design sever- Shawn discussed the global representation of recipients al proposals addressing membership awards membership and reiterated that some affili- • membership list for longevity and present them to Council ates are very close to the minimum member- •a list of benefits and services for discussion by March 2003. Phyllis will be
March 2003 Planetarian 43 stepping down as Chair of the Awards of the contents. grant affiliate status to the Association of Committee, a position she has held since • The Moon Phase Book (Jay Ryan, artist Dutch Speaking Planetariums, seconded by 1984. Council expressed its appreciation and /author) artwork has been digitally Susan Button and approved by Council. admiration for her outstanding service on scanned and the presentation format is As a continuation of Affiliate Business, behalf of the membership. being arranged. Release date for the CD- Council agreed that the * Affiliate Report ROM will be early 2003. Form should stipulate who the Affiliate rep- Elections Committee Chair Steve Mitch sub- • Small/Portable Planetarium Guidebook in resents in terms of geographical area and lan- mitted his report on the Committee’s selec- Spanish (Pedro Saizar, astronomer/educa- guage/s reference. * Susan Button moved that tion of qualified candidates for the offices of: tor/ author) is a project in the works in- the officers review the By Laws regarding President-Elect, Executive Secretary and tended for Spanish-speaking planetarians Affiliate Representation and draft changes to Treasurer/Membership Chair. For the office Other documents and publications and their be presented to Council for consideration, of President-Elect: status include: seconded by Thomas Kraupe and approved • The IPS Directory of the World’s Plane- by Council. Martin George tariums and the IPS Resource Directory will As a continuation of Publications Com- Launceston Planetarium be available on CD-ROM format (print mittee Report, Chair Dale Smith reported Queen Victoria Museum option available) as a single volume with that along with the redesign of the Plane- Wellington Street “white” and “yellow” pages sections. This tarian, the Publications Committee and Launceston, Tasmania 7250 Australia early 2003 edition will inaugurate the co- Finance Committee would review competi- publication of the two directories. tive costs associated with printing. Council Professor Tony Fairall • An “Eloquent Rationale for Planetariums” discussed a proposal concerning a Planetar- Department of Astronomy was presented in its final form to Council ian archive that will require a budget, possi- University of Cape Town and will be available on-line and printed bly several thousand dollars, to scan the Rondebosch 7700, South Africa in the Planetarian. issues. Lars Broman and Thomas Kraupe sug- • The redesigned Membership Brochure was gested that the archive be in a word docu- For the offices of Executive Secretary and reviewed. ment so it is searchable. John Hare, IPS His- Treasurer/Membership Chair, Lee Ann Hen- Chair Dale reminded Affiliate Representa- torian, suggested that his committee’s pro- nig and Shawn Laatsch agreed to run as tives that it would be helpful in the produc- ject to preserve historical documents and the incumbents for the offices that they current- tion of the Directories to have delegate lists Planetarian archive project serve parallel pur- ly hold. No other individuals were nominat- from regional conferences and membership poses. * The Finance Committee was directed ed for these offices. During the IPS Business lists from affiliates. Dale reported that IPS to propose a budget which would meet the Meeting at the IPS Conference in Wichita, keeps three repositories of back publications: needs of both projects. With the redesign of Kansas, additional nominations for the three the Central Repository is in the Strasenburgh the Planetarian now in motion, the Editor is offices will be accepted from the floor. Planetarium in Rochester, New York; the encouraging the membership to submit arti- Voting will take place in the fall, and the European Repository is in Ghenk, Belgium; cles with illustrations. * The Publications newly elected officers will take office on the Asian Repository is in Tokyo, Japan. Committee will publicize the information January 1, 2003. Council Meeting was adjourned at 5 p.m., on how to submit an article and describe the The Publications Committee Chair Dale to be continued on Sunday, July 28. opportunities to contribute to the Plane- Smith reported on the activities of the Com- tarian as a result of the redesign initiative. mittee. “The Planetarian remains the flagship Continuation of IPS Council Meeting, 10:00 Lars Broman suggested that each Affiliate publication of IPS under the able leadership A.M., July 28, 2002. should submit a contribution to the Plan- of John Mosley, now in his 15th year as Additional Attendees: etarian. Editor.” In keeping with the redesign initia- Planetarium Society of India (PSI) - Professor Javier Armentia presented the IPS 2004 tive of the Planetarian, an all-digital layout is R. Subramanian Conference Report on the plans and prepara- now in operation and other design changes Jeanne Bishop- Chair, IPS Consumer Affairs tions for the conference in Valencia, Spain. will be evident in future issues. The distribu- /Astrology Committee He will address the membership at the tion of the IPS 2000 Montréal Proceedings Ken Wilson - Chair, IPS Planetarium Devel- Business Meeting and will answer questions (edited by Marc Jobin) marked two mile- opment Group relating to the Conference when Council stones in the history of IPS: (i) it was the first Michel Hommel -Temporary Chairman, reconvenes on Wednesday, August 1. to be distributed primarily in CD-ROM for- Association of Dutch Speaking Plane- John Dickenson, Chair of the Strategic mat, and (ii) it inaugurated the new IPS poli- tariums Planning Committee summarized the report cy of distributing conference proceedings to Milo Grootjen - Association of Dutch Speak- on the proposal addressing the restructuring all members as a benefit of membership. ing Planetariums of IPS. The proposal is designed to conduct a Several special publications are in various study of IPS operations to: stages of development: President Martin Ratcliffe called the meet- • determine member satisfaction with IPS • The Portable Planetarium User’s Handbook – ing to order as a continuation from the pre- services Susan Button reported that the publica- vious day. The first order of business was the • develop a strategic plan for the Society tion is ready to be pressed to CD-ROM and introduction of Michel Hommel and Milo • recommend options for future gover- will be issued as an insert in the December Grootjen of Amsterdam, representing the nance and structure Planetarian Association of Dutch Speaking Planetariums. The proposal includes a rationale, process • Astronomical Songbook - Jon Bell reported Michel and Milo presented the formal appli- for review, request for proposals, terms of ref- that the project will be distributed on CD- cation for IPS Affiliation and answered erence for study, the composition and func- ROM as well as available on the IPS Web Council questions regarding membership, tions of the planning committee, the budget, Site for members-only later this year. Jon geographic representation, and organization- the deliverables, and the timeline for com- gave a musical demonstration of a sample al documents. * John Dickenson moved to pletion of the project. Council discussed the
44 Planetarian March 2003 budget requirements which were of consid- tinues to pursue the preservation, documen- Southwestern Association of Planetariums erable concern, as well as how the consultant tation, and display of IPS historical items as (SWAP) - Wilgus Burton for Mark Sonntag would be chosen. * John Hare moved to well as Affiliate items of interest. The com- Rocky Mountain Planetarium Association endorse the initiative and authorize $5000 mittee reminds members to please pass on (RMPA) - Christine Shupla for Aaron from the IPS Treasury and to encourage the any relevant materials to Chair John Hare. McEuen President to seek an additional $5000 from Dennis Simopoulos suggested that we Prof. R. Subramanian - Planetarium Society other sources to meet the proposed $10,000 need to profile and promote our past confer- of India (PSI) budget, seconded by Jack Dunn and approv- ences in order to generate a “Sense of History Michel Hommel - Association of Dutch ed by Council. of IPS”. Suggestions included: Speaking Planetariums With the Strategic Planning Committee • documents of past conferences Milo Grootjen - Association of Dutch budget item finalized, John Dickenson • Photo Gallery of past conferences Speaking Planetariums moved to approve the 2003 Budget in the • solicit articles dealing with certain aspects Tanya Hill - Melbourne Planetarium - Bid for Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Thomas of the history of IPS and the Planetarium IPS 2006 Kraupe and approved by Council. Community Jose Carlos Guirado - Valencia, Spain • featured articles of IPS 10 Years Ago, 20 Manuel Toharia - Valencia, Spain Ethics Committee: vacant Years Ago •a regular “Historical Feature” article in the The Media Distribution Committee Report The Finance Committee Report was includ- Planetarian was given by Chair Thomas Kraupe. Thomas ed in the Treasurer’s Report. • Personal Musings of Conferences Past reviewed the reorganization of roles of com- The Language Committee Report was pre- mittee members in the Slide Distribution Ad Hoc Committee Reports sented by Chair Martin George. Martin Service in order to insure the quality, timeli- Armand Spitz Planetarium Education reports that most translation software is con- ness and production of the slides. Updated Fund has a balance of $4764. The Treasurer sidered inadequate for translating detailed information and order forms will be posted reported no activity regarding the account text. The Committee will continue to moni- on the IPS Web Site and in the Planetarian. this year. tor the technology. Several versions of the The committee has been successful in ob- The IPS Consumer Affairs/Astrology membership brochure are now available on taining HST Press Photo releases for Euro- Committee Report was submitted by Chair the Website in different languages. The pean planetaria as well as distributing an ESA Jeanne Bishop. Jeanne is working on an arti- Committee intends to explore providing SOHO Exploration of the Sun CD-ROM to all cle concerning the naming of astronomical translation services at the conferences by set- IPS members. Projects in progress include: objects. Dr. George W. Collins II, Astronomy ting up a system in which there are two • ESA/ESO Astronomy Exercise Series on Professor at Case Western Reserve University translators for each language, with each pair- CD-ROM - student exercises using observa- will assist Jeanne with the accuracy of the ing consisting of a native speaker in each of tions from HST and ESO Telescopes utiliz- article, which will then be submitted to the the two languages. * Marc Moutin suggested ing a cross platform PDF-format and avail- Planetarian. The Committee continues its that perhaps a survey of the membership able in 7 languages. work of informing catalogue editors that would reveal more details as to what the • the ESA Hubble Image Collection on CD- carry advertisements for companies “selling membership requires or expects in terms of ROM - Jpeg previews in HTML overview stars” about how stars are named in truth. translation services. structure and the highest resolution tiffs The IPS Education Committee Report was The IPS Planetarium Development Group available. This project is a result of a col- submitted by Chair Gary Sampson. The chaired by Ken Wilson is making progress on laborative effort involving the European “Focus on Education” Column has appeared the IPS Planetarium Development Guide. Ken Association for Astronomy Education, the in the last four issues of the Planetarian. Co- could still use volunteers for authors inter- European Consortium of Science and Editors are Kathy Michaels and Francine ested in the following topics: Special Effects Technology Exhibits and IPS. Jackson from the U.S., and Marie Rådbo from and Multi-Image; Sound Systems; Interior • IPS Video Release # 3 - The Sun:SOHO and Sweden as the European correspondent. The Domes; and Wide Angle Film Systems. Ken Beyond on DVD - the first IPS DVD on-line Lessons project under the leadership proposed that the document be posted to of Brock Schroeder with assistance from the IPS Web Site (the completed, peer- The Committee is in the planning stages for Geoff Holt has posted a series of lessons on reviewed chapters with the approval of the other projects including the following: the IPS Web Site. Jon Elvert and assistant Publications Committee) along with a listing • ESO/VLT Images - these images will be Chris Janssen have continued to update the of the unwritten chapter topics in order to available for the IPS Slide Service as well as 200 web sites from Jon’s original list. Inter- encourage additional volunteers to come CD-ROM. national links are still being sought. One of forward. In essence, the IPS Planetarium • Asteroids and Comets - a DVD focusing on the future goals of the Education Committee Development Guide would become a living NASA’s Stardust and ESA’S Rosetta is to offer teacher astronomy workshops on document on-line, with revisions occurring Missions as well as imagery from NEAR the day prior to the opening reception at IPS when needed. Ken will include an education- Shoemaker and the Galileo flybys of aster- Conferences. Gary will be retiring from his al purpose clause in the documentation so oids. position as Chair of the Education Com- for copy purposes. Council agreed that a web mittee and will place its future in the able based format would be the preferred medi- IPS Lasers in Planetariums Committee Chair hands of April Whitt. Council expressed its um for dissemination to the membership. Jack Dunn reported on the committee’s pleasure at the great foundation that Gary The meeting was adjourned until Thurs- work to date. A section on lasers was submit- has built for this committee which high- day, August 1, 2002. ted to Ken Wilson for inclusion in the IPS lights our central role as astronomy educa- Planetarium Development Guide. Jack report- tors. Continuation of IPS Council Meeting, 7:30 ed that lasers are now competing for time in The IPS History Committee Report was A.M., August 1, 2002. the planetarium programming schedule and delivered by Historian John Hare. John con- Additional Attendees: budget with other forms of technology. He
March 2003 Planetarian 45 anticipates conducting more chats on laser Steve Fentress, Chair of the IPS Job Informa- IPS Conferences issues led by Rovy Brannon on the planetari- tion Service Subcommittee, reports that in In a continuation of business from the pre- um.net site. the last year he has posted 38 jobs, and all but vious Council session, discussion and review one was in the United States. Steve suggests, concerning upcoming conferences pro- Outreach Committee Chair Christine based on his experience with the career mar- gressed. Shupla reported that the IPSnews Service is ket in planetariums, that a good strategy for IPS 2004 Valencia Conference: the theme very healthy with a current list of 516 job seekers is to also look at the web pages of of the conference is still being discussed as is addresses. The Service has primarily been institutions in their geographical area of the total cost. Several council members used to inform the membership of IPS preference, searching for jobs that match expressed concern about translation services Conference and astronomy updates as well their skills and interests. Dome-L is an excel- and Martin George, Chair of the Language as IPS Job Service announcements. Chair lent source for job announcements. Steve Committee. said they were looking into sev- Christine would like to see more committee will continue to post to our Web page and eral alternatives. chairs use IPSnews as a means of informing also to IPSnews. IPS 2006 Conference: No one from Vienna members of the purpose and work of their was present to provide further information committees and to encourage participation The IPS Technology Committee chaired on their bid document to host the 2006 in the committees. Christine, who is antici- now by Jan Sifner, was reviewed. As a new Conference. * Council directed President pating that the birth of a baby will be keep- chairperson, Jan envisions two primary Martin Ratcliffe to request more information ing her busier than usual, will be handing objectives of this committee: regarding missing items from the bid require- over the duties of IPSnews coordinator to • to help planetarians use, maintain, and ments and then pass them on to Council for John Schroer. Outreach to other organiza- upgrade their devices review. tions is continuing. Christine reported that • to help utilize new technologies in the Tanya Hill and Martin George presented several IPS members attended the ASTC con- planetarium field - collect information the Melbourne Australia bid documents. A ference and DPS (Division of Planetary and provide independent recommenda- review of the facilities, conference agenda, Sciences) conference as representatives and tions about domes, technologies, facilities, accommodations, travel requirements, and participated in panel discussions. The com- etc. costs prompted discussion and questions. mittee has produced a document listing the To accomplish these objectives, Jan proposes Tanya and Martin will make a presentation following information: to: to the membership at the general meeting • Planetariums Interested in Collaborations • set up databases of vendors, spare parts, during the conference. - a partial list of a few planetariums that technical solutions 2003 IPS Council Meeting: President Elect would like to collaborate with scientists • discuss with vendors their technical sup- Jon Elvert announced that the next IPS • Possible Collaborations with Planetariums port for older systems Council Meeting will take place October 3-5, - a list of methods by which scientists can • set up databases of products useful in the 2003, in Jena, Germany. Details will be forth- include planetariums as educational part- planetarium field. coming. ners in their science grants. • revise the IPS Technical Committee Web- The committee will continue to pursue page Old Business partnerships and cooperative ventures with John Hare, speaking on behalf of Jan, sug- The Conference (Guidelines) Planner as it organizations sharing a common goal with gested that vendors would be welcome to stands at this point was reviewed by Dale the planetarium field. serve on the committee and would certainly Smith. Council was requested to send com- provide expertise and another perspective ments on the document to Dale by Septem- Chair Susan Reynolds Button presented which would benefit the committee’s work. ber 1, 2002. The entire document will be the Portable Planetarium Committee Report. Chair Tom Callen submitted the IPS Web ready for approval by Council before the An update on The Portable Planetarium Users Committee Report. The bulk of the year’s 2003 Council Meeting. Handbook was included in the Publications work was devoted to maintaining and The remaining Old Business was covered Committee Report. Susan reported that a updating the site. The Jobs Bank page was under Committee Reports. portable planetarium business owners’ group redesigned to make it more efficient and has been established and a new survey is changes were made to allow for easier post- New Business being distributed. Susan reported on a num- ing of job announcements. Tom also re-stan- Jack Dunn introduced the following pro- ber of activities by portable planetarians and dardized web page content as well as posals on behalf of the International Dark manufacturers as well as workshops and con- removed non-standard HTML code tags to Sky Association: tributions to conferences. The latest news ensure that all pages are read the same way • IPS become an organizational member of regarding portable planetaria is published in by all web browsers. Committee Chairs are IDA the Planetarian column “Mobile News encouraged to update their pages and to pro- • IPS and IDA exchange ads in their respec- Network”, so please send your news to Susan. vide information for posting on the web site. tive publications President Martin Ratcliffe reported on Tom and his committee will be introducing • create a light pollution committee in IPS behalf of Steve Tidey, Chair of the IPS Script new features and improvements to the to further establish communication Contest Committee. Due to personal com- Website. • make the IPS Mail List available to IDA for mitments, Steve was unable to administer In a continuation of business from Sun- the purpose of sending out information the contest this year. day, the IPS Awards Committee submitted a on the organization and light pollution * President Martin Ratcliffe will draft a list of IPS Fellows for nomination. * Motion education report addressing some of the issues related by John Dickenson to approve the Award •establish a column or highlight the light to the contest. nominees, seconded by Thomas Kraupe, and pollution issue in an existing column of approved by Council. The recipients of the the Planetarian The IPS Professional Services Committee IPS Fellows Award will be presented at the * At the suggestion of President Martin report was submitted Chair John Dickenson. Conference Banquet. Ratcliffe, Council agreed to have George Flee-
46 Planetarian March 2003 nor act as Chair of the Light Pollution Initi- • what would sponsor reaction be to the in Council directing the President to move ative Subcommittee under the auspices of award in terms of support at future confer- the items to appropriate committees for the Outreach Committee. The subcommit- ences action. The following suggestions were made tee will report to Council in October of 2003 • conference fees are too high, would this regarding the proposals: on the progress addressing the proposals. not signal that they should be lower if • the Media Committee will investigate As a continuation of the Affiliate Reports, there is a high profit Proposal 1 with respect to using a CD for- Professor R. Subramanian, President of the •other organizations use conferences to mat Planetarium Society of India, briefed Council generate funding - so it is an appropriate • incorporate the Affiliate Reports in Lars on the status of the affiliate. PSI is actively mechanism Broman’s “International News” column in recruiting new members in India, Thailand • the proposal is premature - could this not the Planetarian and the surrounding areas. They have partic- be considered after the final conference • publish the affiliate maps in the Plane- ipated in programs to popularize astronomy, budget is resolved tarian as well as on-line promote the planetariums, and support the •this is a matter for deliberation for the • Affiliate Reports should be in the native education of students in the study of astron- Finance Committee and then to be consid- language as well as English omy. Many of the planetariums were in- ered by Council as a whole • publish the affiliate calendars in Lars’ col- volved in observing sessions for the Leonid • registration Fees for conferences should umn as well as contact information Meteor Shower, and The Day of the Plane- not be influenced by profit margin issues Dennis Simopoulos reminded Council of the tarium will be celebrated by much of the PSI • would this proposal influence a host to set need to review the Standing Rules regarding membership. the fees higher to gain a profit Affiliate Organizations, in particular: John Dickenson, on behalf of Council, •this could be an incentive for hosts to be • Section II.1.A.2.ii, which addresses the min- praised Conference Host Martin Ratcliffe and creative in bringing in revenues imum number of members of a potential the staff of Exploration Place on their out- • IPS should consider several models for affiliate organization standing effort, support and work on the conference planning and revenue sources • Section II.1.C.1-3, which addresses voting 2002 Conference. John Dickenson made the • Wichita is a model of success and should representation following proposal: be recognized as such • Section X.1,2, which addresses travel ex- As a result of the unique circumstances of • if hosts knew they would reap the rewards penses and reimbursement for representa- this conference, and in special recognition of the of profits, it would increase the number of tives attending Council Meetings. short lead time for preparation for the confer- potential hosts President Martin Ratcliffe directed Secre- ence, IPS will make a $5000 Grant to Explora- * John Dickenson moved that the proposal tary Lee Ann Hennig to coordinate the dis- tion Place on the condition that the net rev- be accepted, seconded by Jack Dunn. cussion among officers regarding revisions to enues from the Conference exceed $10,000. If Approved by Council on a vote of: 12 - Yes; 3 the Standing Rules. Discussions would be the net revenues are less than $10,000, then any – No; 5 - Abstain; 3 - Absent (out of the room). copied to Council Members for further com- amount over $5000. be awarded to Exploration Loris Ramponi brought to Council three pro- ments. Place as a grant, and that a plaque or other per- posals for consideration: With business completed, Christine Shup- manent marker be placed in Exploration Place Proposal 1: la moved to adjourn the Council Meeting, in recognition of such. IPS produce an IPS Update Video for use by seconded by Martin George and approved by Because of Martin’s position as Host as affiliates at regional conferences Council. well as President, President Elect Jon Elvert Proposal 2: Respectfully Submitted, took the Chair and Martin left the room dur- Affiliate Reports be published in the Plane- Lee Ann A. Hennig ing Council’s discussion of the proposal. tarian (odd year) and in the Conference Pro- IPS Secretary Considerable discussion took place regarding ceedings (even year) October 28, 2002 the proposal, its implications, and its timeli- Proposal 3: ness. Among those points relating to the IPS publish a calendar of events in the Plane- Addendum: issue were: tarian which would list the dates of affiliate At the General Business Meeting no addition- • how much revenue would be generated conferences and other events al nominations from the floor were made to by the conference * General discussion of the proposals resulted the slate of candidates for office.
(Dale Smith continued from page 41) help at conferences. Efforts in these long- resource for our members both in the pub- standing goals have been stalled by years lic pages and in the members-only area. ate to affiliate? For example, MAPS alone of committee inaction, but I am confident I believe this represents a list of practical has over 140 IPS members, more than in that the new Language chair will make goals that can be largely accomplished or at the twelve smallest affiliates combined! rapid progress in these areas. least substantial progress made within two • we need to become much more language- • we need to revitalize the work of the Tech- or three years. friendly to non-speakers of English, not nology Committee which has been dor- It has been a great pleasure to serve IPS as only by continuing abstract exchange mant recently. We should encourage and future, current, and now past president and with non-English affiliate publications, support the work of the new Chair. to work with such talented and dedicated but even more by getting translation soft- • we need to revitalize the development of colleagues. I look forward to future work in ware on the web site, by considerably the web site, which done right can help areas where I can be of help. C expanding other-language pages on the represent us effectively to the world, can web site, and by providing translation be a recruiting tool, and can be a real
March 2003 Planetarian 47 The Planetarium: A Rationale
At its 1999 meeting, the IPS Council authorized the creation of an “eloquent rationale” for the existence of planetariums. Jim Manning, John Stoke, and Christine Shupla con- tributed essays that were edited together by Gary Sampson and Dale Smith to create the text presented here. At its 2002 meeting, Council accepted this document as an official statement of IPS.
Why did not somebody teach me the audiovisual environment in which the nology and about the future of our constellations, and make me at home universe beyond the backyard view is species and our planet. in the starry heavens, which are also brought inside and portrayed as the In the words of one planetarium educa- always overhead, and which I don’t active and exciting place that modern tor, “There are other means by which know half to this day? discoveries are revealing it to be. Today information about the universe can be –Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881 more than ever, the planetarium can cap- conveyed. But none so befits the enormi- ture the whole exciting spectrum of ty and grandeur of the subject, none is so The human fascination with the cos- astronomical discovery and take audi- directly analogous to the sky itself, as the mos springs from our earliest awareness ences on journeys from the turbulent vast dome of a planetarium.” of the natural world. Our quest to under- atmospheres of the planets to the edges of The lament of the 19th-century English stand this world and the laws that govern black holes. author Thomas Carlyle—”Why did not it—and the application of this knowledge An estimated 80 million visitors a year somebody teach me the constella- to our daily lives—forms the basis of sci- attend planetarium programs in more tions?”—seems even more relevant today ence, and astronomy is the oldest and than 2,000 permanent planetariums and as our modern technological civilization most inclusive of the sciences. Advances hundreds of portable planetariums increasingly severs our connections with in astronomy have paralleled human around the world. These programs incor- the natural world and obscures the sky development and contributed to our porate new technologies and educational that so fascinated our ancestors. The growth into a technological civilization paradigms that make the modern plane- world’s planetariums and those who capable of comprehending the cosmos tarium a flexible and versatile teaching operate them strive to encourage and that gave us birth. environment that can be used in multiple strengthen these connections to the larg- In our efforts to explain the natural ways and fill a variety of niches in both er cosmos in the minds and spirits of the world, we humans have found it neces- formal and informal educational settings. children and adults they serve. In doing sary to construct models, both mental Visitors are drawn to planetariums to so, planetariums constitute a vital force in and physical, to simulate, explain, and experience the wonders of a night sky the cause of astronomical and scientific explore the workings of the cosmos. brought inside, to learn about the science enlightenment, as they offer student and Some of these models were physical rep- behind the cosmic sights, to put headline visitor alike knowledge and understand- resentations of the sky and the objects in discoveries into a meaningful context, ing and a sense of place in a vast and won- it. The modern planetarium is the best of and to better understand their own place drous universe. these models. The audience sits under a in the cosmos. Because planetariums are hemispherical dome. A central projector so versatile, interdisciplinary uses are Contributors and References turns the dome into the starry sky and legion: musical concerts, poetry under the Gutsch, W., and Manning, J. G., “The can show all its patterns, motions, and stars, and live theatrical performances Current Role of Planetariums in cycles as seen at any time and from any enrich the schedules of many planetari- Astronomy Education” in New Trends in place on Earth. ums. Astronomy Teaching, IAU Colloquium 162, Planetariums unite a learning laborato- But the lure of the planetarium goes far London, U.K.: Cambridge University Press, ry and a performance space. They are an beyond the public’s fascination with the 1996, pp. 153-156. unparalleled teaching tool for reproduc- universe. The modern planetarium also Manning, James, “The Planetarium: A ing the night sky and for revealing the fulfills a critical need to improve scientif- Rationale.” Invited essay, 2000, 3 pp. constellations and the motions and ic literacy among a diverse populace. Shupla, Christine, “The Evolution and cycles of the sky that are a basic part of Planetarium programs inspire their audi- Renaissance of the Planetarium.” Invited our natural environment. Moreover, ences to study, to understand, and to essay, 2000, 2 pp. enhanced by technologies ranging from appreciate the universe we inhabit. In Stoke, John, “A Rather Personal slide projection, laser imagery, and multi- helping to improve general science litera- Rationale for the Planetarium.” Invited channel sound to fiber optics, three- cy, the planetarium is a key player in essay, 2000. 1 p. dimensional digital projection and all- work toward the goal of achieving an Editors: Smith, Dale W., and Sampson, dome video controlled by computers, the enlightened society capable of making Gary E. modern planetarium is a captivating informed choices about science and tech-
48 Planetarian March 2003
ty’s interest in space, we have been looking the exciting evolution of rockets and space Forum “up” at space. It was considered to be a place vehicle research, there may not have been a above us. Out There. When space travel large public and political interest in the began, we came to see our home more as an building of new school and community island rather than the foundation of the cos- planetariums. School planetariums would mos. While scientist knew otherwise, the have been affected the most. ordinary folks going about their lives saw It is ironic that the greatest advancement only the Earth below, and the stars above. in science education in the United States was The famous Apollo photograph showing for not brought on by our own initiative, but the first time, the entire Earth, contributed largely a "space race" competition brought substantially to the changing perception of on by the Soviets. This brings up another our place in space. Planetaria from before interesting question: If the United States had this era were oriented towards looking up at been first to launch a satellite into space, the sky from the Earth, but after this time would we have had the same push for the they attempted to place the audience in advancement of science education in space, looking down at the Earth, or other America? planets below them. The tilted dome con- Dave DeRemer cept was an attempt to create this viewpoint. Charles Horwitz Planetarium The classic view of a planetary segment at School District of Waukesha the front of the dome with the stars above, 222 Maple Avenue Steve Tidey places the audience in space. This shift in per- Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186-4725 USA 58 Prince Avenue, spective is the most significant change in the planetarium field caused by space explo- *** Southend, Essex, SS2 6NN ration. England John Young Our Producer informs us we only have Planetarium Producer those two respondents this time. Hey, my [email protected] Reuben H. Fleet Science Center brother has three words to say to that: ‘Ba-lo- PO Box 33303 ney!’ But it’s true. No, it’s not ‘Booooooogus!’ (This is by way of a homage to Car Talk on San Diego, California 92163 USA It’s a pretty good puzzler, but people just National Public Radio). didn’t get round to contacting us this time. *** Hey, it happens. CUE BANJO MUSIC We’ve thought about this next one long Considering the wealth of scientific know- and hard ... well, no, not really. We scrambled Welcome to the Forum column, which ledge that has been obtained, let alone the around the studio just now, madly hurling comes to you for this issue only from the excitement of manned and unmanned space ideas at each other while you were listening We’d Be Dead Without Duct Tape depart- exploration in the past 45 years, it is difficult to a jingle! So here’s the Forum puzzler for ment of Forum Plaza. for me to imagine a world without it. Indeed, next time, which, spookily, is the flip side of In our mailbag recently came this interest- it was inevitable that if Sputnik had not the one we’ve just had: ing puzzler, which we’re throwing open for flown when it did, it would not have been comment: long before some other country, likely the Looking to the future, if China succeeds in United States, would have launched the first its stated objective of having a permanently In what state, technologically and socio- satellite into space. However, leaving the ele- occupied lunar base by approximately 2010, logically, would the planetarium profession ment of vehicular space exploration out, for will this development lead to another spike be today, had we, as a worldwide civilisation, the sake of this discussion, is interesting. For in the building of new planetaria similar to not invented and developed space travel to most of us in the planetarium field, the that which was evident after Sputnik was its present level over the last 45 years? advancement of astronomical knowledge by launched in 1957? Remember, planetaria in their modern con- any means is important and exciting. figuration had been around for several Ground-based astronomical science would Send us your contributions by email, or decades prior to Sputnik, but the satellite’s have most certainly continued to advance. written on the back of a first-class return shock launch gave the profession a massive Casual observational astronomy by students ticket to Hawaii by April 17. The mailing boost in the arm. In the first few years after and their families may also have prospered address above is nowhere near Cambridge, Sputnik a huge number of domes were built, at normal levels. Massachusetts (our fair city), but we’re work- and since then we planetarians have been Planetaria thrive by developing and pre- ing on that! the cheerleaders for a multitude of space mis- senting programs from a variety of astro- sions and other stuff related to space travel. nomical sources. Perhaps there is a good Well, it’s happened again, you’ve read this chance that those facilities which remained column all the way through. Didn’t take [Phone rings] in touch with science research by other long, did it? We’ll have a longer one for you means, and those which continued to devel- next time, I promise. Before we go we’d like We have a respondent. Hello, you’re op imaginative, interesting and entertaining to thank our new Russian school bus driver, through to Forum ... programs, may well have continued to pros- Pickup Andropov. per normally. On the other hand, there may Until next time, don’t write scripts like my Hi, guys! Since the beginning of humani- also be a case for the thought that without brother ... C
50 Planetarian March 2003 (Education, continued from page 19) Role of Planetariums in Astronomy Educa- naissance of the Planetarium.” Unpub- tion” in New Trends in Astronomy Teach- lished essay, 2000, 2 pp. tific enlightenment, as they offer student ing, IAU Colloquium 162, London, U.K.: Stoke, John, “A Rather Personal Rationale for and visitor alike knowledge and understand- Cambridge University Press, 1996, pp. 153- the Planetarium.” Unpublished essay, ing and a sense of place in a vast and won- 156. 2000. 1 p. drous universe. Manning, James, “The Planetarium: A Ra- tionale.” Unpublished essay, 2000, 3 pp. Editors Credits Shupla, Christine, “The Evolution and Re- Smith, Dale W., and Sampson, Gary E. C. C Gutsch, W., and Manning, J. G., “The Current
(NASA continued from page 28) pose original poems on an on-going basis. science, math and/or technology education in the U.S. for students, teachers and the general Who’s paying for all this? Local teachers get a workshop public by promoting partnerships that explore too! The poetry project is funded by a grant translating astronomy and space science in from NASA’s IDEAS program. The following ways that will educate and stimulate the inter- In addition to the student component of statement of purpose from the IDEAS web est of students, teachers and the general public. the project, a teacher workshop will be held site provides some background. More information about the IDEAS program, for first-year-teachers in the fall of 2003. The IDEAS Grant Program is administered including abstracts of winning proposals can be Along with a full day’s activities designed to by STScI on behalf of NASA’s Office of Space found at ideas.stsci.edu. learn about the Hubble Space Telescope and Science Education and Public Outreach Stra- its astronomical discoveries, the workshop tegy. It provides start-up funding for innovative, participants will be expected to create a bul- You can visit the Maryland Science Center creative education and public outreach projects letin board in their classrooms to highlight on the web at: www.mdsci.org and the that feature active collaboration between the Hubble Heritage collection and to dis- Baltimore City College High School at: astronomers/space scientists and education pro- C play its monthly image. Teachers will be knight.city.ba.k12.md.us. fessionals. The IDEAS objective is to enhance expected to encourage their students to com-
“Astro-Quark” by George Reed
March 2003 Planetarian 51 1. Stenn Strayer, Andrea, The Celestial River (two perpendicular lines running through Mobile News Creation Tales of the Milky Way, August both poles).” House Publishers, Inc., Little Rock, 1998. ISBN In a final “Commentary” the author states: 0-87483-528-3 “The Galaxy was identified by Greek authors There are seven wonderful stories about as early as Parmenides; however, the few the Milky Way in this book. Listed below is myths associated with its formation occur the Table of Contents: no earlier than The Constellations. In addi- The Seventh Night of the Seventh Moon – tion to the two myths recounted above, Japanese there is one myth that explains the Milky The Milk That Flew Across the Sky – Way as formerly marking the path of the Greek Sun, who changed his course in abhorrence Yikaisdahi, Which Awaits the Dawn – at the deed of Thyestes (slew his son and Navajo placed the cooked parts before the gods), and The Stellar Dance – Australian Aborigine another that explains the Milky Way as the A Raiment for Rangi – Maori ashes of the scorched heavens left in his path The Girl Who Threw Wood Ashes Into by Phaethon. The Sky – Kalahari San “Poetic fancy saw in the Milky Way a Nagaik, The Path to the Place of Abun- road, either the road of the gods, or the road dance – Toba Indians of Argentina beside which stood the palaces of the gods, or the road traveled by the souls of the dead, 2. Condos, Theony, Star Myths of the Greeks or the path of the Sun. Susan Reynolds Button and Romans, Phanes Press, Grand Rapids, MI, “The Milky Way was known to the Baby- OCM BOCES Planetarium 1997, pp. 109-110. ISBN 1-890482-93-5 lonians, who saw in it a serpent or a rope. From a section called “The Constellations The Egyptians saw in the Milky Way a PO Box 4754 44” we learn, “This is one of the heavenly cir- reflection of the River Nile. The designation Syracuse, New York 13221 cles, known as the Galaxy. Now, it was not of the Galaxy as Milk or Milky was, appar- possible for the sons of Zeus to share in heav- ently, original with the Greeks. (A Modern USA enly honor before one of them had been Greek myth explaining the Milky Way as 315-433-2671 nursed by Hera. And so, it is reported, Hermes the trail left by a grain-thief as he fled in brought Heracles shortly after his birth and haste, is said to derive from an Ancient Near 315-432-4523 fax placed him at Hera’s breast, and the infant Eastern Story which may have been known [email protected] was nursed by her. When Hera discovered to Eratosthenes.)” the trick, she pushed Heracles away and the remaining milk was spilled, forming the 3. Bruchac, Joseph, Native Wisdom, Harper, GLPA Portable Planetarium Work- Galaxy.” San Francisco, 1995, pp 52 and 55. ISBN 0-06- shops: And the section called “Poetic Astronomy 251172-6 In October three portable planetarium 2.43” reads: “There is a certain circle among The following two poems about the Milky workshops were presented at the GLPA 2002 the stars, white in color, which some call Way can be found in this book. conference in Menasha, Wisconsin. These ‘milky.’ Eratosthenes says that on one occa- three workshops are described below. sion, Juno unknowingly suckled the infant We are the stars which sing. Mercury, but when she recognized him as We sing with our light. I. The Milky Way-Trail, Path, River … a Com- Maia’s son, cast him away from her, and thus We are the birds of fire. mon Theme the brightness of the spilled milk appeared We fly over the sky. Susan Button (OCM BOCES in Syracuse, among the stars. Our light is a voice. New York, USA) “Others say that [the infant] Hercules was We make a road Over the ages, the cycle of human life has placed at Juno’s breast as she slept and that For the spirit to pass over. been intricately connected to celestial cycles. when she awoke, what we recounted above -Traditional Song (Passamaquoddy) Studies of various cultures reveal how people occurred. Others say that Hercules, in his used knowledge of sky phenomena to sur- great eagerness, took so large a quantity of It is above that vive. Religious and cultural traditions and milk that he was not able to contain it in his you and I shall go; teachings were passed from generation to mouth, and that the [galactic] circle shows Along the Milky Way generation through stories, art, and music what was spilled from his mouth. Others say You and I shall go about objects and events on the celestial that at the time when Ops brought to Saturn Along the flower trail sphere. a stone in place of the child she had borne, You and I shall go If you can project a Milky Way on your he ordered her to offer it milk. When she Picking flowers on our way planetarium sky, you can help students squeezed her breast, the milk that flowed You and I shall go. experience a view of the celestial sphere as it forth formed a circle, as we recounted above. -Anonymous (Wintu Songs) Translated might have been seen ages ago. You, and “The galactic circle was one of the eleven in 1935 they, can study cross-cultural interpretations heavenly circles distinguished by the of the Milky Way. At the October GLPA con- ancient Greeks. In addition to the galactic 4. Bruchac, Joseph, Bowman’s Store, Lee & ference workshop participants explored cre- circle, these included the equator, the tropic Low Books Inc., New York, 2001, page 135; ation stories about the Milky Way from the of Cancer, the tropic of Capricorn, the Arctic ISBN 1-58430-0272 sources listed below: Circle, the Antarctic Circle, the horizon, the Mr. Bruchac writes, ”Among the Abanaki, meridian, the zodiac and the two colures this story is told. After you die you travel
52 Planetarian March 2003 along the Milky Way, the spirit trail that night he hid near the bin and waited. He was shaman climbs to the northern stars. Those leads into the sky. But as you travel you will surprised to see a strange giant dog was who live near the equator, however, need come to a place where there is a break in the responsible for the missing cornmeal. not glorify the celestial pole. Yet their trail. There is a log across that deep chasm, When he told the people about it they shamans, too, journey to the sky and to and you can walk over that log. But it is held were not able to think of what to do so they another zone of cosmic order. In the firmly in place by all the dogs that you have sought advice from a wise old leader, Colombian Amazon, for example, the owned on the earth. They hold the log with ‘Beloved Woman.’ She told them that this Tukano Indians travel ‘beyond the Milky their teeth. If they hold it firmly, then you was no ordinary dog; it was a spirit dog and Way.’ Many equatorial peoples of South will be able to get across. they must be careful of its powers. She told America use the Milky Way to organize the “Those dogs look at you as you step onto them to bring all their drums and rattles. sky. Among the Tukano, the Milky Way is that log. They remember how you treated That night they would hide by the bin and the sky’s chief structure. It arcs up from the them when they lived with you. If you did make a great noise to scare the dog off. When underworld and flows east to west over the not treat them well, if you beat them or they saw the spirit dog they were frightened earth. Because it intersects the horizon and starved them, they will not hold the log but when he began to eat they made a reaches into the sky, it is the channel of com- steady. You will fall, and you will continue tremendous noise which scared the dog. He munication between the powerful spirits of to fall.” ran away and as he ran cornmeal spilled the upperworld and the people of the earth.” (The Abanaki are located in the North- from his mouth as he ran up to the top of a On pages 175-176 we can learn about the eastern United States) hill and into the sky. Andean concept of the Milky Way: “The The story ends with, “It ran across the sky Milky Way establishes ‘intercardinal’ hori- 5. Kuoichi Kitao, Translated by Hideo Fujji. until the people could see it no longer. But zon directions; it rolls up each night from Star Lore of Japan, Ama River Publishing, the cornmeal that had spilled from its the eastern horizon like a cresting wave and Amherst, Massachusetts, 2002. pp. 32-33. mouth remained behind as a great band of eventually arcs through the zenith. One end ISBN 0-9714846-2-7 light across the night sky. Each grain of corn- of this diffuse band of light intersects the This book tells us that a Tanabata Festival meal that fell became a star. southeastern horizon, while the other drops is held on July 7 each year. This festival is “Just as the Beloved Woman had said, the out of sight in the northwest. Because the based on a legend associated with Weaver great dog never returned to bother the peo- axis of the Milky Way is skewed with respect Girl (Vega) and Cowboy (Altair). The girl and ple. But where it ran across the sky was left to the earth’s rotation, its orientation boy were forced to live on opposite sides of that pattern of stars the Cherokee call changes. About 12 hours later, its other half the Ama River (Milky Way) by the Heavenly Gil’liusun stanun’yi (Gil-LEE-oot-soon stan- transits overhead, and then the band runs Master as a punishment for spending too UNH-yee), ‘the place where the dog ran.’ from northeast to southwest. All four inter- much time together and not doing their That is how the Milky Way came to be.” sections with the horizon provide two more work. They could see each other on only one interesting cosmic axes – like the main day, July 7th, each year. If it was rainy, 7. Heifetz, Milton D. and Tirion, Wil. A Walk routes and canals of Mismanay. On the though, the river would flood and they Through the Heavens, Cambridge University ground everything intersects at the Crucero; would not be able to cross it. Press, 1998. ISBN 0-521-625130 everything crosses at ‘the Cross.’ In the sky In the evening the couple go down togeth- There are several comments about the the corresponding point is the zenith.” er in the west and then on July 7th they rise Milky Way in this book: “The zenith is one of the organizing prin- together to get ready to be together for that “The Milky Way has been thought of as ciples of the Andean world, and it establishes night. the pathway to the home of Zeus/Jupiter. It the character of sacred space. was also considered the path of Phaeton’s “‘In the Andes the Milky Way is a river. … 6. Bruchac, Joseph and Ross, Gayle. The wild ride across the sky in the sun chariot.” Alpha Crucis … was associated with the ‘cen- Story of the Milky Way - A Cherokee Tale, Dial “The Chinese and the Japanese saw it as ter’ of the Milky Way, the place where the Books for Young Readers, New York, 1995. the silver celestial river.” oppositely flowing ‘waters’ of its two halves ISBN 0-8037-1737-7 “The Norsemen believed the Milky Way collide. The Milky Way is bright there, and This book has beautiful illustrations. It to be the path traveled by the departed souls its light is the ‘foam.’” begins, “Long ago when the world was new, going to Valhalla. In ancient Wales it was the there were not many stars in the sky. silver road to the castle of the king of faeries, 9. De, Ma (adapted and illustrated by), The “In those days the people depended on Caer Groyden.” Cowherd and the Weaving Maid, Foreign corn for their food. They would grind it and “The Algonquin Indians believed it to be Language Press, Beijing, 1980. keep it in bins behind their homes. Bread the path of the departed spirits on their way The story in this book begins, “Altair and made from the cornmeal often kept them to their villages in the sun. Their path is Vega fell in love in heaven. But when the from starving during the long winter marked by the stars, which are campfires Queen Mother heard of it, she was angry and months. that guided them along the path.” punished Altair by sending him to Earth to “One morning an old man and an old herd cattle. Taurus tried to help and was sent woman went to their bin for some cornmeal. 8. Krupp, E. C. Echoes of the Ancient Skies, to Earth to become an ox-beast of burden.” What they found there upset them very Oxford University Press, 1983. pp. 140; 275- Altair’s kind brother took him in but the much. The lid was off the bin, the level 276. ISBN 0-19-508801-8 brother’s wife was very cruel. Altair had to inside had dropped by a handspan, and there This book is a good source for understand- “graze the ox, sleep in the barn and eat slops was cornmeal scattered over the ground. ing some other cultural connections to the while she ate the good food while he was Surely no one in the village would steal from Milky Way. away.” the elders! Who could the thief be?” Here is an excerpt from page 140, on Taurus, the Ox, advised Altair to come When their grandson heard of this he Shamanic symbolism: “In the temperate lati- home early so that his sister-in-law would decided that he would catch the thief. That tudes, where the pole governs the sky, the have to share the good food. After trying this
March 2003 Planetarian 53 successfully for several days the sister-in-law mirror this ideal of the good life in their ning “crew” received “treasure” (gold foil- told him he would have to live somewhere everyday family existence …” wrapped candy). else. Taurus told Altair to “ask for him (the Dayle modified this program from Lesson ox) as his share of the property in the place 11. Another resource to seek out is a book 16, Volume 2, “Activities for the School of room or fields.” suggested by Jeanne Bishop. The book is very Planetarium.” Written by Gerald L. Mallon. The weaving maid never stopped thinking old and is called Stars in Our Heaven by Peter (Lawrence Hall of Science University of of Altair. On day she saw some magpies and Lum. California, Berkeley, CA and the New York took this as a good sign. She left the “Palace Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows Corona of Heaven” and went to earth to wash her Conclusion: It is most interesting to exam- Park, New York, USA) The Quadrant design clothes. There she saw Altair and Taurus. The ine cross-cultural references to the Milky by Alan Gould, was also modified from ox told Altair to play his flute and the music Way. Presenting the Milky Way in this way, Volume 10, “Who ‘Discovered’ America?” of drew the maiden closer. They married and in the planetarium, may encourage students the same series. had two children, a boy and a girl. to try and find it in the real sky. Pointing out They lived as a happy family until the that it is not visible unless you go to a really A Manual for the Sunspotter: “Celestial Dog” found them and reported dark location will promote thought about Learning Technologies, Inc. (Address: 40 back to the Queen Mother. The Queen the impact of light pollution. Some students Cameron Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts Mother sent the god “Erlang” to deliver a might even be inspired to help save the 02144 USA; Phone: 1-800-537-8703 (U.S. only) message. It said that if the weaving maid did Milky Way! You can direct them to the fol- or 1-617-628-1459; fax: 1-617-628-8606; web- not return to heaven her family would suf- lowing websites: site: http://www.starlab.com/e-mail: starlab@ fer, so she returned. The ox gave Altair a http://darkskyinstitute.org starlab.com) sells a solar telescope called the horn which turned into a magic boat which http://darkskyinstitute.org/DarkSky/Save Sunspotter. Now LTI has published a handy took him and the children through the thick theMilkyWay.html manual for the care and use of this instru- clouds. They followed a shuttle that Vega ment during several interesting activities. had thrown to them. They approached the II. Using Glow-in-the-Dark Mater- Write or call for a copy if you have not re- South Heavenly Gate only to be turned ials in Planetarium Programs ceived one for your Sunspotter. away by the Heavenly Generals. Jeanne Bishop (Westlake School District in “The Queen Mother saw them approach- Westlake, Ohio, USA) “Cove” Lighting System for the Portable ing and drew a line between the husband Jeanne showed us that there are many Planetarium and wife with her jeweled hair pin. Water things one can do with glow materials in In the past my older students were re- flowed in, forming a turbulent river-the planetarium programs. The first 20 partici- quired to write notes in the planetarium Milky Way-that separated them forever. The pants to sign up for this portable planetari- while holding individual flashlights. Thanks cowherd went nearly mad with anxiety. If um workshop received a package of glow to Dan Case, one of our staff members, we only he could drain the water away! But he materials for use in their own planetariums. now use red “cove” lights that are hard-wired could not. Sympathetic magpies built a Jeanne demonstrated how to use glow-in- into a remote control plug. Here is some bridge across it so that once a year on the the-dark slinkies to illustrate light waves. She information about how to put a cove light- night of the seventh day of the seventh used glow fake fingers to point to stars and ing system in your portable planetarium. lunar month the couple could meet. And to constellations and glow bracelets to “frame” You can go to a large hardware store and this day they appear as two stars, one on them. We used glow pinwheels to simulate a purchase three or four 5.5 meter (18-foot) each side of the Milky Way, facing each Big Bang and modeled distances between Super Bright Rope Light Kits (#775 096 Red) other sadly.” celestial objects with glow spheres and glow This Indoor/Outdoor lighting flexible tube putty. Glow stars or papers can be taped to has quick connections to create any length 10. Goodman, Ronald. Lakota Star Know- the dome to mark the sun’s apparent up to 61 m (200’). The flexible tubes are 54 ledge, Sinte Gleska University, Rosebud, motion. When you make the path of the sun watts with impact-resistant bulbs and are South Dakota, 1992. “glow,” by charging the markers with a flash- made of solid core PVC with 1 bulb per 2.54 This is another informative book that also light, students can then compare the paths cm (per inch). Plug this into (or hardwire contains references to the Milky Way. of the moon and the other stars to the sun’s into) a regular or a remote dimmer and you According to the author, in the Lakota tra- path. can have a great cove lighting system! dition the stars are “the holy breath of the The flexible tube can be attached to the Great Spirit.” The sky and earth events mir- III. Treasure Island wall of the dome with Velcro tabs. Find your ror each other and sacred power can be Dayle Brown (“Pegasus Productions” in horizon line. (For Starlab, turn on the projec- drawn down to earth if the people are South Bend, Indiana, USA) tor without a cylinder to see the height of attuned to the will of the Great Spirit. In this presentation, we explored some of the horizon.) Drop down about 10 centime- Although in the Lakota culture there are the navigational tasks that would have been ters and attach 5 cm tabs of sticky backed many variations of the story about what encountered by the characters in the fiction- Velcro (the soft side of the Velcro, not the happens after death, there are some common al trip to “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis hooked side) to all of the dome seams; you themes. In all the versions there is a belief in Stevenson. We worked in small “crews” to will need to go up and over the door. You a spirit that travels the Milky Way, “the road seek treasure. We determined our approxi- must have at least a 5 cm tab of Velcro to of spirits” to “the place of the spirits.” mate latitude on Earth by measuring the alti- hold the weight of the light rope. On page 23 of this book it says that the tude of the North Star using a model of a Georgia Neff (Lakeview Planetarium, place of the spirits, “not only provides hope mariner’s astrolabe. We determined the Peoria, Illinois, USA) suggests that it is best to for (or rather knowledge of) a life after death, approximate longitude given, the time in use the non-sticky backed hooked side of the it provides an ideal. In traditional pre-reser- Greenwich at our local “noon”, and plotted Velcro for hangers that go on the light rope. vation Lakota society the People strove to our estimated position on earth by means of The sticky backed Velcro tends to detach a map using latitude and longitude. The win-
54 Planetarian March 2003 1 Remote Light Dimmer (Wall mount dimmer with 7.6 m remote control. #724-398. Com- mercial Electric 2455 Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30339, USA) 1 P S White Decorator Outlet (78500719144) 1 P S 2 Gang Decorator Plate (78500727553) 1 Quick Click Box Adj. 2 (78500720718) 1 16/3 Med. Capacity Cord (04513144033)
From a fabric or sewing store: 4.6 m 1.27 cm sticky backed Velcro 4.6 m 1.27 cm non-sticky backed Velcro
Next PIPS Meeting There will be a PIPS meeting for portable plane- tarium directors in mid-June 2003. It will be held in Syracuse, New York, USA. If you would like more information please contact me and I will add you to the mailing list.
Bye for now! Please share your Milky Way stories, ideas you have for glow-in-the-dark materials and any other materials or lessons you think work well in the portable planetarium. Contact me with your suggestions or questions at the address, Nine year-old students record observations about the sun’s apparent path for phone, or e-mail at the top of this column. C each season in North Syracuse, New York. Photo by Susan Button. from the warm lights after a few hours of use. Cut pieces of non-sticky backed Velcro (hooked side) to 15 cen- timeter lengths. Make loops by sewing the ends together across the top and also stitch the loop together at about 3-4 cm (mea- sure to make sure you can slide the Velcro loop onto the light rope over the end caps!). If you use a sewing machine to stitch the Velcro, use waxed paper under the Velcro as you sew each piece or else the Velcro will “grab” the thread and the machine will jam. Make enough loops so that you have enough to attach the rope at each Velcro tab you have placed on the dome. Slide the loops onto each section of the lights. Attach the lights to the tabs on the wall with the loops. (I can still run my fan on low and keep the dome inflated while the lights are hanging on the wall.) Plug the lights into a remote dimmer that can be placed in the fan tunnel or hung on the wall with Velcro. Or you can plug or wire the lights into a regular dimmer switch outlet to have at your console. For travel or storage, remove the lights from the wall and coil the rope light so it fits around the projec- tor bulb assembly or in an auxiliary box. It will cost about $US100 for this lighting system. It is very effective, requires a short set up time, and is durable. Students can use the lights during the lesson to make notes and drawings on their papers. You can dim the lights down or off as needed. Following is a list of materials that were used for the OCM BOCES planetarium cove lighting system.
Materials List: From a hardware store: 3 Super Bright Rope Light Kit (#775 096 Red) (In- door/Outdoor, quick connections to create any length up to 61 m (200 feet), 54 watts, impact-resistant bulb, solid core PVC with 1 bulb per 2.54 cm)
To create a remote dimmer you will need: “Cove” Lighting System for the Portable Planetarium. Diagram by Susan Button.
March 2003 Planetarian 55 56 Planetarian March 2003 For future argument, no doubt. In the The Moon and Planet Repository What’s New meantime, I’m reminded, in a convoluted One of the places where all of this moon sort of way, how the planetarium field is and planet data ends up is at the Lunar and rather like the gravity field of Jupiter: new Planetary Institute (LPI), operated by the things keep turning up when we take the Universities Space Research Association time to look. And I’ve included some of my (USRA) and located at the Center for recent new discoveries in this first column Advanced Space Studies (CASS) in Houston, of 2003. They already all have names, but Texas. I had a chance to visit the place along are still worth some investigation. Enjoy. with colleagues roaming about the Houston area last October on a pre-conference adven- Ringworld ture prior to the Western Alliance meeting. In mid-2004, Saturn will acquire yet One of the principal allures for people like another satellite that also already has a us is the Center for Information and Re- name. It’s called Cassini. And Brian Sullivan search Services – LPI’s excellent library of has assembled a production crew of familiar books, journals, pictures, documents, films names to help him create a JPL-funded plan- and videos designed to facilitate continued etarium program on the Cassini/Huygens study of the solar system. It was most im- mission called “Ringworld” that should be pressive to wander among stacks and shelves ready for distribution to every planetarium and file cabinets housing imagery from the Jim Manning in the U.S. virtually as you read. For free! Apollo days and other Moon and planetary According to Brian, the show is both de- Taylor Planetarium missions including Lunar Orbiter, Clemen- signed to be readily adaptable to a variety of tine, Mars Pathfinder, Voyager, Magellan, Museum of the Rockies planetarium configurations and to be readi- Galileo, and Mars Global Surveyor. The Cen- ly adaptable to accommodate what Cassini Montana State University ter offers reference, cataloging, photographic reveals as the mission unfolds. For more spe- and distribution services (at a price) for Bozeman, Montana 59717 cific information on the program, contact researchers (and educators, for that matter) Brian at e-mail address [email protected], USA who want to delve into the treasures housed or contact the Cassini Outreach Office at e- here. And treasures abounded. mail address [email protected]. LPI also offers educational products Okay – who knows who the following It’s not clear to me if the program can be including planetary slide sets, CD-ROMs, a ladies are: Themisto, Iocaste, Praxidike, made available to non-U.S. facilities (in terms book or two, and an instrument called a re- Harpalke, Isonoe, Erinome, Taygete, Chal- of no charge, at least), but I suspect that flectance spectrometer for classroom use. dene, Kalyke, Mageclite, and Callirrhoe? If Brian will try to accommodate everyone in The spectrometer sells for $160 U.S. (class- your answer is that these are no ladies, his project in whatever way he can. So ask. room lesson documents are offered for an you’re partly right; they’re the new names of additional cost), and the slide eleven of the tiny moons of Jupiter discov- sets run about $25, the CD- ered in recent years – the names taken, albeit, ROMs a little less. Orders many from mythological ladies associated in some be placed by calling 281-486- way with Jupiter or Zeus. And the “e” at the 2172, faxing to 281-486-2186, or end of most of the names tells us that these e-mailing to [email protected]. moons orbit “backwards” around the planet. Some scholarly publications Uranus also has small moons recently are available for the cost of christened with “tempestuous” new names shipping and handling. Pro- taken from characters of Shakespeare’s ducts are listed in the LPI stormy play: Caliban, Stephano, Sycorax, Bulletin that regularly updates Prospero, and Setebos. LPI activities; contact LPI at A dozen more recent discoveries around 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Jupiter, a dozen around Saturn, and one or Houston, Texas 77058 USA or two more diminutive Uranians still without use the contact numbers above. names (including one just announced this While visiting, we were ush- past October) insure that the IAU will be ered down a long hallway dec- hauling more obscure Greco-Roman moni- orated on one side with an kers out of its mythological name-bag in the artistic rendering of a timeline coming months. And as bigger and better showing the key events in the telescopes sift smaller and smaller satellites universe and on Earth over the out of the background clutter (the newly- lifetime of the universe. It was named Jovians are estimated at no more very well-done and very im- than 4 km in radius – 5 miles wide – for pressive. This “Wall of Time” is example, and those most recently discov- also very long, but according to ered are but half this diameter or less), one Mary Ann Hager, Manager of begins to wonder if we’ll end up with a Information and Research Plutonian-like debate over how big a satel- Services, is available as an elec- lite has to be in order to be called a satellite “Ringworld” supported by the Jet Propulsion Lab. tronic file on a CD; if you’re as opposed to a rock.
March 2003 Planetarian 57 Evans & Sutherland: the company had the Digistar 3 SP (the system formerly known as Digistar 3 Junior) in residence and running through its paces in a 4.9-meter (16-foot) dome in Houston during the conference. It was nice to see the single-channel small- dome version of the Digistar 3 full-dome video system in action (it wasn’t present in Houston). Attendees were able to see many of the same sequences shown in Wichita on the six-channel big-dome system, and they held up very nicely indeed, I thought, through the single fisheye projector on the smaller dome. We saw some additional things, as well, such as SP trainer Kevin Scott’s programs to turn the stars into pump- kins and other items. Kevin also let me play with the company’s new remote control button box, an adapted Palm Pilot-like device that allows one to initiate pre-pro- grammed sequences and actions by the touch of a button – without being tied to a console or a plug-in cord. Cool! Center for Information and Research Services at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Later in the conference, participants had an opportunity see the full-sized D3 in per- interested in reproducing it for your facility, Technologies Redux formance in the Burke Baker Planetarium as the CD can be taken to a photo lab for repro- Last October’s Western Alliance planetari- it had been in Wichita, with the smaller duction or Mary can make arrangements um meeting in Houston, Texas also offered (15m, 50-foot) horizontally-aligned dome with a lab in Houston. Contact Mary if further glimpses of much of the technology providing a new setting to compare with the you’re interested in learning more about or presented at the IPS conference in Wichita experience remembered under the larger tilt- obtaining this excellent piece of work. not quite three months earlier. While these ed screen of the Cyberdome in Houston. The Another piece that impressed me at LPI technologies were covered in some detail in more intimate setting worked well for the was a large wall mounting of the surface of the last column, seeing some of them in a programs and sequences I’d seen earlier in Mars showing surface altitudes as derived new setting with new wrinkles to report Kansas, and I liked the brightness, color satu- from the altimetry data from the Mars makes it worthwhile to undertake a brief ration, and clarity of the imagery on the Global Surveyor. Altitude was rendered in revisit. Burke Baker dome. The E&S folks also bright colors overlaid on a topographic map of the surface, and it was quite breathtaking to examine so large a copy close-up. The polar regions were mounted as separate maps from the rest of Mars. You can view this data representation yourself by going to the web site http://photojournal.jpl.nasa .gov/targetFamily/Mars and typing the fol- lowing image identification numbers into the search box at the upper right: PIA02035, PIA02036, PIA02037. PIA02031, and PIA02820. It’s esthetic as well as revealing. As a side note, our visitor’s packet includ- ed a solar system lithograph set I hadn’t seen before, featuring new images of the sun and planets on one side of each sheet and the usual useful descriptive copy and facts on the other. Asteroids, comets, and the Galilean satellites are included on separate sheets. Very nice! If you’re interested in tracking it down, the NASA identification number is LS-2001-08-002-HQ. If you want to learn more about LPI ser- vices and products, Mary Ann Hager is a good person with whom to talk. You can reach her at telephone 281-486-2136, fax 281- 486-2186, e-mail: [email protected]. Digistar 3 image from Evans & Sutherland.
58 Planetarian March 2003 showed us additional astronomical capabili- lian offices. Contact the Skanners in Europe Wichita, given the ongoing development of ties of the system in comparison to Wichita, at Museumsinsel 1, D-80538 Munich, Germa- the intervening months. In the Wichita pre- and we had a chance to see what a standard ny, telephone 49 (0) 896 428 9231, fax 49 (0) view, we saw primarily full-dome abstracts. starfield looks like through the D3; the result 896 428 9232, e-mail: [email protected]. In But in Houston, we saw many of the sequen- was very credible and creditable. The star- Australia, try 441 Spencer Street, West Mel- ces that in Wichita were presented on the field looked good. bourne, Victoria 3003, Australia, telephone six-channel Electric Sky I video system. And I continue to be pleasantly surprised by 61 3 9329 5501, fax 61 3 9329 6609, e-mail: I was very impressed with the quality of the how reasonable the video starfields pro- [email protected]. imagery on the 15m dome in comparison to duced by various systems are beginning to Spitz, Inc.: the Spitz people brought the what I remembered from the Electric Sky I look – and they’re only going to get better. single-channel fisheye Electric Sky II system demo in Wichita, all coming from the fish- And with the new small-dome systems, to Houston, and the audience was treated to eye lens in the center. And of course, there they’re also going to be available to every- a much more extensive demonstration of were no seam blends – and but one projector one. My how the field is changing! the system than IPS attendees witnessed in to align. For more information on either the big D3 or the little D3, contact E&S Digital Theater Sales Director Jeri Panek at 600 Komas Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 USA, telephone 801-558-7500 or 801-588-7405, fax 801-588- 4520, e-mail: [email protected], web site: www.es.com. Sky-Skan, Inc.: the Skanners were also pre- sent in force in Houston to show off their SkyVision system, and delegates again saw a digital theater festival of programs and sequences much as it was presented in Wichita, including the astronomical capabil- ities of Digital Sky and Sky-Skan’s good-look- ing video starfield. Again, I thought the smaller and “horizontal” dome setting, at the least, offered a different viewing perspective to evaluate the system, and to me, seemed to enhance how things looked. For information on the system, contact Sky-Skan at 51 Lake Street, Nashua, New Hampshire 03060 USA, telephone 603-880- 8500 or 800-880-8500, fax 603-882-6522, e- mail: [email protected], web site: www .skyskan.com. Sky-Skan also has European and Austra- Electric Sky from Spitz, Inc.
I still fret a bit that full-dome fisheye video doesn’t yet provide the contrast and black skies for starfields that I’m used to (and like), but people tell me that I overblow an issue in which relative contrast is the key – and to enjoy the otherwise cornucopic capa- bilities and wait for laser projection to prolif- erate. Regardless, there’s no denying the ver- satility and potential of full-dome video. My goodness – where will it take us next? To talk to the Spitzers about their systems (including the small-dome version called SciDome), contact them at P.O. Box 198, Route 1, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania 19317, telephone 1-610-459-5200, fax 1-610-459- 3830, web site: www.spitzinc.com, e-mail: [email protected]. Minolta Planetarium Company, Ltd: the company had the MEDIAGLOBE at work in Houston, which is another of the single- channel fisheye full-dome systems for the petite planetarium. Phil Groce had the U.S. Sky-Skan’s Datastorm. version of the system on hand this time,
March 2003 Planetarian 59 610-766-0673, fax 610-664-0308, e-mail: [email protected], web site: www. seilerinst.com, or, in Germany, Volkmar Schorcht in the Planetarium Division of Carl Zeiss Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 10, 07745 Jena, Germany, telephone 49-36-41-64-22-83, fax 49-36-41-64-30-23, e-mail schorcht@ zeiss.de. Goto Optical Manufacturing Company: not to leave out Goto, whose new CHRONOS projector so charmed me in Wichita, Ken Miller reported on the new purple projector (see last December’s col- umn), and also indicated that Goto’s new small portable, called the NEX (which re- places the EX-3), will become available in just a month or two as you read this. The portable projector is motorized, shows 1,000 stars, features positionable planets, can be computer controlled, and sells for $4,000 U.S. Add an inflatable dome for $7,000, or a vinyl framed “umbrella” dome, and you’re set. Ken also mentioned that GOTO has avail- able three DVDs of computer graphics creat- ed by the company, with eleven more planned over the next few years. Anima- MEDIAGLOBE image from Minolta Planetarium Company, LTD. tions presently available include standard astronomical stuff (he showed us moon which runs at 30 frames per second, twice To find out more about this system and phase, Earth rotation and Saturn ring fly- that of the Japanese version, and it looked Zeiss’ range of planetarium projectors, con- through clips, for example – nicely done). good. I especially liked the lovely Milky tact Laura Misajet, Sales Manager for the The disks sell for $890 U.S. apiece. Way it produces. Planetarium Division of Seiler Instrument, at I should likewise mention that Goto offers Phil confirmed for me that the slight 23 Narbrook Park, Narberth, Pennsylvania, its exhaustive library of planetarium pano- squarishness of the brighter (larger) stars and 19072, telephone 800-726-8805, cell phone planets that I noted in Wichita was a limita- tion of the pixel resolution (which is 1,024 pixels across). And I continue to be impres- sed with how good video looks through the system, seeing again many of the sequences I saw in Wichita. To learn more about the system, which looks like a cute little robot on wheels and can be operated by a laptop computer, revis- it last December’s column and/or contact Phil at Helping Planetariums Succeed, 619 Orange Street, Macon, Georgia 31201 USA, 1- 478-750-7870, fax 1-478-750-7826, e-mail [email protected], or Minolta via Kosy Sasaki at Minolta Corporation, 67 Washing- ton Road, Monroe, New York 10950, tele- phone 1-845-782-9056, fax 1-845-783-0496, e- mail [email protected]. Carl Zeiss Jena: Laura Misajet, representing Zeiss, reported in Houston that the compa- ny’s ADLIP system, using laser projectors to project part-dome or all-dome video, can now be demonstrated in the U.S. (A legal snag prevented a demonstration in Wichita.) That’s good news; I’m looking forward to seeing the full-fledged system that we saw as a zoom-slew projector of sorts in Montreal at IPS ‘00. Laura said that the first system is to be installed in Beijing, China, in June of 2004. ADLIP image from Carl Zeiss Jena.
60 Planetarian March 2003 weighs in at a paltry five kilos (11 pounds) “soaking wet,” as they say – although that would probably short it out. Using modulatable laser diodes and Cambridge scanners and draw- ing a mere five amps of power, the device is available to two flavors: a 10 milliwatt RG (red/green) version, and a more expensive 10 milliwatt RGB (red/green/blue) version – blue being a tricky hue to squeeze out of a laser. The selling price ranges between $35,000 and $51,000 U.S., depending on which flavor you want with what features, and is designed for use in domes 9 meters (30 feet) and smaller. It seemed improbable to me that an object the size of a bansai contain- er could actually run Omniscan pro- grams, but Joanne plopped the thing on a table in the middle of one of the 16-foot demonstration domes and ran her signature “Legends of the Night Sky” Perseus and Andromeda Goto’s new NEX portable projector. piece – and there it was. And the laser imagery looked great! It certainly sold me. ramas for sale as well. And it’s great stuff; I What it means is that small domes, for a remember touring the Goto site some years cost considerably under what a regular back and wandering through their Disney- Omniscan would cost, can have Omniscan land of an artwork library and being amaz- capabilities. And the portability factor ed. If you can think of it, Goto has probably means that you could put it most anywhere, created a panorama of it. Check with Ken. and that several small domes within reason- Goto has also announced, in a card sent able traveling or shipping distance could with its handsome 2003 calendar, that Toshi actually share a system. Yasuda is joining Ken Miller in the compa- This is a neat little machine – and another ny’s Hawaii office. For information on the excellent example of how vendors are work- company’s products, you can now contact ing on ways to bring their wares to the full either Ken or Toshi at 401 Kamakee St., Suite spectrum of the planetarium community. 319, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 USA, telephone Good show! For more details, contact Joanne 808-597-8688 or 888-847-5800, fax 808-597- as given above. 8682, e-mail: [email protected], web site: www.goto.co.jp. Sci Fi CD Skylase from AudioVisual Imagineer- More and more vendor wares seem to The Baby Laser ing. come in the form of CDs these days, whether While every fast food restaurant seems software, infoware, or musicware. One nice ready to “supersize” one’s order of fat and piece of musicware I’ve received recently cholesterol these days, our industry is doing comes from Cosmonova at the Naturhis- the opposite, creating petite versions of big- toriska Riksmuseet, Box 50007, Se-104 05, dome technologies to serve those of our Stockholm, Sweden, telephone 46 (0)8 519 number for whom smaller (and cheaper) is 540 00, fax 46 (0)8 519 551 00. It’s an album of better. music by composer Mark Snow compiled Joanne Young of AudioVisual Imagineer- from the soundtrack of Cosmonova’s plane- ing, 10801 Cosmonaut Blvd., Orlando, Florida tarium program “UFO: The Truth is Here.” 32824 USA, telephone 407-859-8166 or 800- Talk about The X-Files! This stuff is perfect 952-7374, fax 407-859-8254, e-mail: joanne@ for it. The program offered a scientific view av-imagineering.com, web site: www.av- of the UFO phenomenon and the possibili- imagineering.com, continued this trend at ties and search for real life beyond the Earth, the Western Alliance Conference in Hous- but the music could slip behind a good ton by introducing the Omniscan Junior Monsters-From-Outer-Space show without (since christened the “Skylase”), a cute little changing a note. It’s great music – eight long black flying saucer that is actually a full- pieces all acoustic and atmospheric and very blown, portable Omniscan laser system for "Legends of the Night Sky" from much in the style of a good movie sound- small domes. The tyke is a mere five inches AudioVisual Imagineering. track, in turns contemplative and forbid- (13 cm) high and 14 inches (36 cm) across and ding, lyrical and tonal, anticipatory and cli-
March 2003 Planetarian 61 children’s programming making is implied that the Moon’s period of re- excellent use of video. The pro- volution about the Earth and its cycle of gram features Holly Ween, a stu- moon phases are the same length (291/2 days) dent witch-in-training, who – and they aren’t. This isn’t the age group or encounters a talking pumpkin the show with which to launch into a schol- named (of course) Jack O’Lantern arly discussion of the difference between the in the school attic, Jack promptly sidereal and synodic periods of the Moon, filling her in on some of the finer but I might have preserved a vague correct- points of the holiday – and sneak- ness by simply referring to both time peri- ing in some astronomy on the ods as being about a month. side. It’s a small point in another great show The video I received features from Calgary, and it’s definitely worth live-action scenes of actors play- investigating if you‘re looking for a nice Hal- ing the parts (and very well, too), loween program for younger age groups. The leading the audience in a brief show is available as a video show kit for exploration of the origins of $1,500 U.S. (including Beta, SVHS, or DVD Halloween, the jack-o’-lantern, videos of the actors and animation sections, and Halloween practices. The all-sky slides, annotated script, and produc- show debunks superstitions and tion notes), or as a slide show kit for $995 focuses on the non-scary and fun (including a CD soundtrack, slides of the
"UFO: The Truth is Here" album from Cosmo- side of the celebration, with an characters, and the rest). I suspect that there nova. all-important reminder about are also Digistar files available for facilities of being mactic, quiet and scary. And always dramat- sure to ic. It’s a good listen. dress appropriately Tom Callen at Cosmonova tells me that on the big candy- the album (also entitled “UFO: The Truth is trolling night. The Here”) is available through the Cosmonova show also manages gift shop for about 150 Swedish Crowns – the to work in astro- equivalent of about $15 U.S. He adds that it’s nomical bits in- not to be hijacked for use in a planetarium cluding the rota- show – though it would be great for such tion of the Earth and if you’re interested in doing this, you and how it makes might ask him about getting permission – the sky shift over- but would make a great item for your per- head, the phases of sonal music library or for sale in your gift the Moon, and a shop, especially if you do any UFO-related brief pointing-out shows or have a big X-Files clientele. It of fall and winter would also provide great atmospherics for constellations. Halloween. I highly recommend it. Contact Other bits include Tom as given above or via e-mail at imagining Hallo- [email protected] for more details and per- ween versions of haps a sampler. these constella- tions, learning to Seasonal Stuff say “Happy Hallo- Speaking of Halloween, let me make the ween” in cat and phase shift complete by reminding you that bat, and singing a for some of us, it’s the beginning of autumn song at the finale rather than spring, and regardless, as reck- that reviews the oned from the March equinox, you’ve only key points of the got 225 shopping days till Pumpkin Day and program. It’s all just 280 shopping days till Christmas. That very nicely done; should be sufficient rationale to get your the video I screen- orders in for a couple of fine holiday treats ed was very good, that recently popped into my in-basket. both in the live The Halloween Show. The Calgary action sections and Science Centre, Box 2100, Stn. “M,” Loc. #73, in the charming Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 2M5, tele- cut-out anima- phone 403-268-8332, fax 403-237-8967, web tions. site: www.calgaryscience.ca, has produced a The only quib- delightful little Halloween show (called, ble I have came in appropriately, The Halloween Show) for ages the Moon phase five and up, another in its series of quality section, where it "The Halloween Show" from Calgary Science Centre.
62 Planetarian March 2003 that persuasion. index of all the personages listed The show kit becomes avail- in the directory, with links taking able in April 2003 (next month me to their entries in the data as you read). Contact producer base. Susan Cannon at susan.cannon I’m one of those throwbacks @calgaryscience.ca for more who actually prefers to sit down details. This is right up the dark, in a comfortable chair in his bed- spooky alley of facilities want- room slippers with a good book, ing to capitalize on the current smelling of wood pulp and library Harry Potter craze, so do have a glue (the book, not me), flipping look. pages with one hand and sipping ‘Tis the Season – the Album. something good to drink with the Also arriving late last year was other – as opposed to letting my word that Loch Ness Pro- muscles stiffen and my eyes go ductions was making available bad squinting at a computer a CD album of music from its screen all day. (And the LNPC hard popular Christmas show, ‘Tis copy is there for such as me.) But if the Season. Good move, for I still want the convenience of an these are very nice renditions electronic directory to sort of the familiar music of the sea- through, the Loch Ness approach son – perfect for use as intro or is a very good one indeed. Contact exit music for the very show, the Nessies if you want to check it and for sale in your gift shop out; the e-mail attached version afterwards. costs $30 U.S., the CD version costs Given that the pieces were $40, or you can opt for the printed originally used to underlie the "'Tis the Season" album from Loch Ness Productions. edition for $50. narration of the planetarium show, they’re all short – between one and was able to open it through Netscape and Spaceshots three minutes – and are pretty straightfor- graze to my heart’s content. I could click on We live in a resource-rich environment, ward treatments of the familiar carols and icons for each country (and each state with- and one of the richest and prettiest resources songs, but with some nice electronic presen- in the U.S.) and access all of the facilities in I’ve encountered recently is Spaceshots, Inc., tations and pacings. Seventeen selections that region as if I were running my gaze a company that claims to be the largest pro- add up to almost 33 minutes of music, all full down a page. Green links led to external web vider of satellite images and space and of sparkles and twinkles and jingles and sites associated with entries. astronomy-related imagery. And to look at choral touches and instrumentation and Alternately, I could click on a “Projectors” its stunning catalog is to believe. good cheer. A fine piece of work, and decid- link and obtain a listing of various planetari- Spaceshots offers a remarkable array of edly Christmassy. um projectors with links to all of the facili- To get more information or to order, con- ties in the data base possessing those projec- tact the Nessies at P.O. Box 1159, Groton, tors. And a “Names” link brought me to an Massachusetts 01450 USA, telephone 978- 488-3666 (or 888-4-NESSIE), web site: www.lochness.com. You’ve got, oh, about eight months or so to lay in a store for next holiday.
The Electronic LNC Loch Ness Productions has also come out with a new edition of its Loch Ness Planetar- ium Compendium (LNPC), a compilation of all known planetariums in the known uni- verse. The hard-copy version is available as always, but new this year is a browsable elec- tronic version, obtainable on CD and brows- able from there, or importable from the CD onto your computer and browsable from there, or transmitted to you as an attach- ment to an e-mail that you can load onto your computer. I received an electronic copy from the Nessies to preview, and found it to be very Jim-Friendly. And if it’s Jim-Friendly, it will be easy to use for Anybody. It’s a Web Browser edition of HTML (ASCII) files, and I The Loch Ness Planetarium Compen- dium from Loch Ness Productions. The Spaceshots catalog.
March 2003 Planetarian 63 beautiful pictures in a variety of guises. some of this stuff for your gift shop, but I’ll ries, in a series of a dozen chapters beginning There are extraordinary images of the Earth, warn you in advance that you’ll also want with the sun and extending out to edge of to start, rendered from satellite data. (One of some for yourself. the known cosmos. After the observatories my favorites is “The Brilliant Earth” which For a catalog and/or to order, contact are acknowledged, the sun is presented as shows human-produced night-lighting on a Spaceshots, Inc. at 26943 Ruether Ave. #R, seen through SOHO and TRACE stills and rectangular Earth projection derived from Santa Clara, California 91351 USA, telephone movies. The next chapter whisks us through satellite data.) There is a wide assortment of 800-272-2779, (or 661-299-5594 for outside the solar system via Hubble pictures and space vistas and objects, planets, Hubble the U.S.), fax 661-299-5586, web site: www spacecraft images. Succeeding chapters focus images, comets, and eclipses. All are offered .spaceshots.com. You can make an on-line exclusively on Hubble imagery and take us as posters and many can be laminated or catalog request, or can call 800-272-2779, on an examination of stars, nebulae, and framed to order. Colorful and educational extension 12, to do the same. If you want to clusters in our Milky Way galaxy, then the posters on the solar system, stars, galaxies, talk to a person, Cynthia Compagnale, Pro- sights in nearby galaxies, and finally to the and other subjects are available, as are charts motional Director, at 800-272-2779, exten- most distant reaches of the universe via the and maps of planetary surfaces and the night sion 14, e-mail: [email protected], is Hubble Deep Fields and other images. The sky. There are also renditions of antique a good person to try. narrator offers concise descriptions and maps of Earth and sky, color space photos explanations of objects as scientists current- taken from Earth (including a stunning A Universe on DVD ly understand them, while these images dis- image from Kitt Peak that places the “Pillars The prettiness of space comes in many solve and zoom and pan to provide a more of Creation” into their Eagle Nebula context formats – and now in DVD, as well. All the active presentation. The narrator is good, – it graces the cover of the Spaceshots’ cur- proof you need is in the video product called and the music fills in and around in rich rent catalog). Universe produced and marketed by Uni- electronic layers, but like all really good There are assorted astrophotos, including verse Productions, P.O. Box 727, Menlo Park, soundtrack music, doesn’t get in the way. selected constellations with star colors, adja- California 94026 USA, telephone 650-328- It’s a fine esthetic piece with lots of infor- cent nebulas and other details color- 9808, web site: www.universedvd.com, e- mation included. It’s also available in VHS enhanced to turn them into works of art. mail [email protected]. format, though I found that 60 minutes of There are greeting cards, bookmarks, and This DVD is takes the viewer on a romp material without any change in manner of magnets. There are NASA videos and mission through space as imaged by the Hubble presentation is a lot to sit still for when report books, NASA manned space program Space Telescope and other space observato- taken in one session. Therefore, I recom- prints, postcards, interactive mend the DVD, which allows you software CD-ROMs, and video much more flexibility in how you DVDs. enjoy the experience. You can Spaceshots also offers a gor- select chapters individually and so geous set of panoramic city digest in smaller doses. You can views in 34 cm by 1 m (13.5- elect to hear the narration, or turn inch by 40-inch) full-color for- it off and just watch the lovely mats. Subjects include a large sights with the music alone. The number of major cities in the DVD also has a pair of short “talk- U.S. plus selected cities beyond ing-head” discussions following including London, Paris, Rome, that are quite excellent – one by Madrid, Sydney, Tokyo, and astronomer Alexei Filippenko of Rio de Janeiro. Just beautiful. the University of California, who And also in profusion are select- offers the most cogent and easily- ed satellite images of cities and followed explanation of “dark regions, including about half of energy” – what it may be, how he the U.S. states and specific other and his team stumbled upon its countries beautifully rendered apparent effect, and what it means as regions set out from the sur- for the expansion of the universe – rounding terrain in very pleas- that I have yet heard. And Karel ing fashion. Most all of the Schrijver of Lockheed Martin Ad- prints can be framed at your vanced Technology Center offers discretion. an equally lucid account of the You’ll want this catalog. And solar observatory TRACE and how then you’ll want more out of it’s helping us to understand the this catalog than you can prob- sun. ably afford. But the prices are If I had a quibble, it would be reasonable; most of the prod- that a more varied presentation ucts are under $30 U.S. apiece, a style than relentless “picture-and- little more if you want lamina- description” would help to allevi- tion, and even the most expen- ate the risk of the program becom- sive pieces and sets of things, ing monotonous if you try to take including lamination, are it all in at once. But that seems to under $80. Wholesale and retail be on its way. A press release I re- rates are available. You’ll want "Universe" DVD from Universe Productions. ceived announced that Universe
64 Planetarian March 2003 Productions is working with Public Broad- this company offers, along with a selection imprint a message or logo or name and dis- casting System affiliate KCSM-TV in San of gallery prints of colorful microscopic tribute for promotional and other purposes. Mateo, California to produce a version of the objects ranging from fleas and mites and This is the place from which I obtained program for public television that will fea- insect heads to blood cells and molds pho- some gold star pins that made the perfect ture introductions by well-known astrono- tographed by Dennis Kunkel. A small selec- “thank you” for the volunteers who helped mers to nine chapters of the program. As we tion of T-shirts is included. The catalog last year with our summer stargazing events know from our own experiences in the plan- makes a colorful space gallery; contact as – and I got a free supply of 25 name-imprint- etarium, it’s important to give the pictures given above for a copy. ed pens to boot for making the order. (I and data a human context, and I think the Oriental Trading Company Inc., Business noticed that the Baudville catalog above has astronomer prefaces will help to do just that. Edition Catalog, from Oriental Trading gold and silver star pins as well.) See? These The only other quibbles I can produce are Company, P.O. Box 2659, Omaha, Nebraska things can come in handy. And again, see the occasional name mispronunciation (at 68103 USA, web site: www.orientaltrading above if you want a copy. least according to my own lexicon) and the .com, order line 800-526-9300, customer ser- misspelling of a nebular name (“Triffid” in- vice line 800-226-7450, is bursting with an My Kingdom for a Slide Mount … stead of “Trifid” and mispronounced accord- endless array of small gift items, decorations, For those of us still dependent on slide ingly, but the narrator pronounced the and novelties useful for parties, “attaboys,” projectors to help visualize the universe, name of Pluto’s moon Charon correctly – and personalized give-aways and promo- word as of this writing is that the slide hard “K” as opposed to soft “Sh” – and so in tional items for advertising your company. I mounts produced formerly by Wess Plastic my book it’s a wash). Nothing critical, and won’t even begin to start a list, for it would and more recently by BCA Manufacturing, the accompanying information is sound. never end. If you can think of it, it’s doubt- Ltd. (which took over Wess’ slide operation) This is a nice piece of work, especially in lessly here in some form, and you can put are still available and without ordering DVD format, with lots of potential uses in your facility name and logo on it if there’s a delays – at least in terms of the standard 002 the classroom and as a gift shop item. The surface big enough to manage it. You never mounts. (That’s been my recent experience DVD retails for $24.95 U.S., and the VHS for know when things like this might come in as well.) Specialty mounts like circles and $19.95. For other details and to order a supply handy; contact as above for a catalog. squares may be a different story; Mark Peter- or to ask for a sampler, perhaps, contact Tim Successful Events Catalog, from Successful sen of Loch Ness Productions reports delays Tully at Universe Productions as given Events, P.O. Box 64784, St. Paul, Minnesota on these. above. 55164 USA, web site: www.successfulevents Mark also kindly supplied me with new .org, order line 800-352-9501, fax order line contact information for the company. To Catalogs 800-896-9221, is of the same bent as the pre- order those mounts that keep us from resort- A passel of catalogs have been collecting vious catalog, but as the name implies, focus- ing to shadow puppetry, contact the compa- on my shelf, all of them designed to help es more on events, providing trade show ny at 539-1 Acorn Street, Deer Park, New stimulate the economy – theirs or yours. accessories, badges and neck straps, ribbons, York 11729 USA, telephone (1) 631-300-000, Here goes with a short list. lapel pins, labels, tote bags, folders, mugs and fax 631-667-8474. Space Trader, from Space Center Houston, assorted drinkware (though I noticed no 1601 NASA Road #1,. Houston, Texas 77058 flasks …), and so on, most of which can be Finally … USA, web site: www.spacetrader.com, order- emblazoned with logos and messages. Again, I would be entirely remiss, writing the col- ing line 800-746-7724, fax ordering line 281- a handy reference for those esoteric meeting umn that I do, if I failed to mention what by 283-7787, offers a selection of spacey items needs. See above for contact information. now has become obvious to you: that start- from the large and diverse gift shops at Space Baudville Catalog, from Baudville, 5380 ing with this issue, the Planetarian has a new, Center Houston just outside the gates of the 52nd St., S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 colorful, and very classy look. Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston. USA, web site: www.baudville.com, ordering This new look comes to us thanks to the You can spend a little or a lot by selecting line 800-728-088, fax ordering line 616-698- good work of long-time editor John Mosley, from an assortment of patches, toys, fig- 0554, is of yet a similar bent but shifts the with the encouragement, blessing and sup- urines, key chains, mugs, posters, books, focus to providing assorted lapel pins, certifi- port of the IPS leadership. It isn’t the first videos, prints, spacecraft models, T-shirts, cates, plaques, stationery, greeting cards, time that John has taken our journal to a jackets, ball caps, flight suits, etc. One seldom posters, gifts items, and assorted do-dads to new plane of existence during his tenure. gets out of Space Center Houston without reward and recognize employees and create And the professional discipline he’s brought finding something you can’t live without, team-building fuzzy feelings and motiva- to it – and to his stable of associate editors as and the same may be true of the catalog if tion. It’s full of assorted “attaboys” at various a result – has kept our primary organ of com- you’re into space (and who isn’t?). The cata- prices, and you may find something here munication coming out like clockwork for log offers world-wide shipping, gift certifi- that’s useful in showing your appreciation so long that few of us remember that it cates, and 10% senior citizen and educator of your own employees, volunteers, student wasn’t always so. discounts. Contact as above for a catalog. workers etc. – as I did with the catalog men- So next time you see John, or are near Astrographics Product Catalog 2003, from tioned next. enough to your computer to send him an e- Astrographics.com, 85 Oakside Drive, Best Impressions Catalog, from Best mail, be sure to thank him for his dedication Smithtown, New York 11787 USA, web site: Impressions, 345 N. Lewis Ave., Oglesby, and his laudable accomplishments. He’ll like www.astrographics.com, ordering line 888- Illinois 61348, web site: www.bestimpres- it even better if you send him your contri- 827-8768. It features, as its name implies, sions.com, order line 800-635-2378, fax order- butions for the next issue …. pretty pictures in a variety of product guises. ing line 815-883-8346. This catalog I’ve men- And until that next issue, when we’re get- NASA pictures, Hubble Space Telescope tioned before, but is worth mentioning ting ready for either summer or winter, imagery and David Malin’s Anglo-Australian again in conjunction with the previous sev- depending on hemisphere, be sure to let me C Observatory photos are rife in the selection eral of the same genre. Again, it offers an know, as always, what’s new! of calendars, gallery prints, and posters that endless assortment of chachkis on which to
March 2003 Planetarian 65 66 Planetarian March 2003
son, Kansas planetarium group meeting. The find it.” Last Light stipulation was that the winner was to pass When the conductor returned, the profes- the prize on to someone in another region. sor still couldn’t find the ticket. The sombrero has lived in Florida (where a The conductor, recognizing the famous cat removed the silver bobble fringe), has scientist, said, “I’m sure you bought a ticket. stopped briefly in the mid-West, crossed the Forget about it.” border to Canada, returned across the border “You’re very kind,” the professor said, “but to Michigan, sweltered through a Georgia I must find it, otherwise I won’t know where summer, retreated to Virginia and is current- to get off.” ly at an undisclosed location in the Southern Hemisphere. *** Each recipient has autographed the interi- or of the crown, some more legibly than oth- The Southeastern Planetarium Association ers. Some have left photographic evidence of listed some commandments in the summer their award. Some have preferred to remain 1999 issue of their journal. In American ver- anonymous. Various criteria have been men- nacular, they are reprinted here courtesy of tioned as requirements for recipients: a spirit author Kelly Quinn and Southern Skies edi- of friendship, a good sense of humor, contri- tor Duncan Teague. butions to the profession, a spacious closet April S. Whitt for storage, a hefty bribe to the current hold- The Fifteen Commandments of Planetarium er, or willingness to move to another region Education Fernbank Science Center for eligibility. The last two are pure fabrica- 1. Control the perihellions, and demand re- 156 Heaton Park Drive NE tion. spect for the opportunity you’re offering The big challenge, of course, is transport- your audience to take a trip across the uni- Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA ing the sombrero to the next conference. If verse. [email protected] anyone wants a big plastic box, e-mail me at 2. Always wear your shades when you exit the address above. the star theatre. 3. Eschew polysyllabic discourse. When Editor John Mosley sent around the *** 4. Use analogies and simple, concrete exam- word that this issue would be the inaugural ples. full color printing of our journal, I had to dig Former Morehead Intern Pat Madison 5. Don’t forget to breathe. out the photograph Dr. Jeanne Bishop took shared this delightful anecdote: 6. Hold the laser pointer steady. at the IPS conference in Wichita last July, One of the world’s greatest scientists was 7. Memorize the placement of the planetari- honoring the latest winner of the M104 also recognized as the original absent-mind- um’s equipment and furniture. Award. (He’s the one in the hat.) ed professor. 8. Develop your own style. From what I can gather, this prestigious One day, on board a train, he was unable 9. Remain open to suggestions and experi- award has been traveling the globe since to find his ticket. mentation. As long as you’re having fun, 1997, when it was a door prize at a Hutchi- The conductor said, “Take it easy. You’ll your audience will too. 10. Stay on top of current information about the universe. 11. Listen to the questions you’re being asked. 12. If you really don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so. 13. Make sure everything is set up for a show. (“God is in the details.”) 14. Keep your own sense of wonder alive. 15. Communicate to your audience the wonder and the excitement that brought you here.
***
And finally, a saying from the Native American Ojibwa people, sent to me by Gary Lazich: “Sometimes I go about with pity for myself and all the while Great Winds are carrying me across the sky.” This year’s recipient of the M104 Award poses with some previous lucky recipients. From May your spring or autumn breezes left: Pierre Lacombe, Patrick McQuillen, April Whitt, Tony Fairall, Jon Bell. Photo by bear you well. C Jeanne Bishop.
68 Planetarian March 2003