PLANETARIA Journal of the International Planetarium Vol. 29, No. I, March 2000

Articles 5 Three Astronomies ...... James Kaler

Features 11 Reviews ...... 14 Gibbous Gazette ...... 16 Minutes of IPS Council Meeting ...... 23 Mobile News Network ...... 26 What's New ...... 28 Forum: 10 Commandments ......

33 President's Message ...... 00 0.0.0 ••• 49 International News ...... 55 Planetechnica: Create Panoramas ...... 65 Jane's Corner: Best Planetarium North America Welcomes a Brilliant NelN Character in Star ShOlNs: Zeiss Fiber Optics

With the dawn of the new millenni­ improve the quality of Star Shows for um, visitors of the new planetariums in audiences of the Universarium. They are Oakland, CA and New York City will also offered with the Starmaster, the experience brilliant stars produced by medium planetarium. the Carl Zeiss Universarium fiber optics Quality at the highest level which systems, Invented by Carl Zeiss, the stars you can afford. appear in their natural tiny size, but We will be happy to inform you shine with extraordinary brilliance. about how Carl Zeiss can make sure thaI Come and see this absolute pinnacle you will experience a new experience of projections of stars. Fiber optic systems Star Shows. by Carl Zeiss are not only offered to

Seeing Is Believing! Carl Zeiss Planetarium Division In the U.S.& Canada D - 07740 lena cOlltact Pearl Reilly: INS TFlLJf'v'1ENT Telephone: + 49-3641 -64 24 06 1-800-726-8805 Fax: + 49-3641-64 30 23 Fax: 1-504-764-7665 E-mail: planetarium @zeiss.de E·mail: [email protected] Interne!: http://www.zeiss.delplanetariums The Planetarian (ISN 0090-3213) is published quarterly by the International Society. ©2000. International Planetarium Society. Inc .. all rights reserved. Opinions exp,ressed netarian by authors are personal opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the International etarium Society, its officers, or agents. Acceptance of advertisements, announcements, Of Vol. 29, No.1 material does not imply endorsement by the International Planetarium Society, its agents. The Editor welcomes items for consideration for publication. Please consult (or "'Pr111",,,,tl March 2000 "Guidelines for Contributors" printed on page 56 in the September 1997 issue and posted web site. The Editor reserves the right to edit any manuscript to suit this publication's Executive Editor John Mosley E F s Griffith Observatory 2800 E. Observatory Road Adler Planetarium ...... Los Angeles, california 90027 USA Audio Visual (1) 323-664-1181 daytime phone (1) 323-663-4323 fax Bowen Productions ...... [email protected] Commercial Electronics ...... Advertising Coordinator Davis Planetarium ...... Sheri Barton Trbovich East Coast Control The Clark Foundation POBox 9007 Evans & Sutherland ...... cover Salt Lake City, UT 84109-0007 USA Goto Optical Manufacturing (1) 801-725-2771 voice (1) 801-583-5522 fax Joe Hopkins ...... [email protected] Learning Technologies, ...... Membership Miami Space ...... Individual: $50 one year; $90 two years Minneapolis Planetarium ...... Institutional: $200 first year; $100 annual renewal Library Subscriptions: $36 one year Minolta Corporation ...... Direct membership requests and changes ofaddress Pangolin Laser Systems, ...... to the Treasurer /Membership Chairman; see next page for address and contact information. R. S. Automation ...... Seiler Instruments ...... cover 1 P. S. Job Information Service The IPS Job Information Service has moved to Sky-Skan, Inc ...... the World Wide Web. Please check Spitz, Inc ...... the 'Jobs" page on the IPS web site, http://www.i ps-planetari um.org. Back Issues of the Planetarian Available from: Charlene Oukes IPS Back Publications Repository Strasenburgh Planetarium Lars Broman Richard McColman International News Planetechnica Rochester Museum & Science Center 657 East Avenue Susan Reynolds Button Jim ..... u ...... ,'F. Rochester, NY 14607 Mobile News Network What's New Index Jane G. Hastings A cumulative index of major articles that have Jane's Comer appeared in the Planetarian from the first issue through the current issue is available on paper James Hughes Whitt Gibbous Gazette ($12 ppd) or disk ($5 ppd) from the Exec. Editor. A shortened copy is at the Planetarian web site. Final Deadlines March: January 21; June: April 21 International Planetarium Soci September: July 21; December: October 21 World Wide Home Page: http://www . ip s-p lanetari urn. org http://www.GriffithObs.org/lPSPlanetarian.html

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian President Executive Secretary Director del Planetario "Lic. Elections Collnllnit'tee Chairman Dr. Dale W. Smith Lee Ann Hennig, Planetarium Felipe Rivera" Steven Mitch BGSU Planetarium Thomas Jefferson High School Centro de Convenciones y Benedum Natural Science Physics & Astronomy Dept. 6560 Braddock Road Exposiciones de Morelia Center Bowling Green State University Alexandria, Virginia 22312 USA Av. Ventura Puente Y Ogle bay Park Bowling Green, OH 43403 USA (1) 703-750-8380 Camelinas Wheeling. WV 26003 (1) 419-372-8666 (1) 703-750-5010 fax 58070 Morelia, Mich .. Mexico (1) 304-243-4034 (1) 419-372-9938 fax [email protected] +52 (43) 14-24-65 (1) 304-243-4110 fax [email protected] +52 (43) 14-84-80 fax [email protected] TreasW'er/Membership Chair http://michoacan.gob.mx/ President Elect Shawn Laatsch turismo / 3036 / cconvenciones.htm Awards Committee Martin Ratcliffe, Director, Arthur Storer Planetarium [email protected] Phyllis Theaters & Media Services 600 Dares Beach Road The Adler UIr,Y'OO1-"T-;' Exploration Place Prince Frederick, MD 20678 Historian/PhotO-Archivist 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive 711 W Douglas, Suite 101 USA John Hare Chicago, Illinois 60605 Wichita, KS, U.S.A. (1) 410-535-7339 Ash Enterprises (1) 312-322-0319 (1) 3162633373 [email protected] 3602 23rd Avenue West (1) 3162674545 fax Bradenton, Florida 34205 USA [email protected] IPS 2000 Conference Chair (1) 941-746-3522 International Planetarium Pierre Lacombe, Director (1) 941-750-9497 fax Past President Planetarium de Montreal [email protected] Society Thomas W. Kraupe 1000 rue Saint-Jacques O. c/o Planetarium EuroPlaNet @ ART OF SKY Montreal, gc H3C IG7 Publications Chair Museum of the Rockies Rumfordstr. 41 Canada April Whitt Montana State I T.... , H,o-.."H-u D-80469 Muenchen (Munich) (1) 5148724530 Fembank Science Center 600 W. Kagy Blvd. Germany (1) 5148728102 Fax 156 Heaton Park Drive NE Bozeman, Montana 59717 USA 498921031531 voice [email protected] Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA 498921031532 fax (1) 404-378-4314 ext 221 IPS Web Site: [email protected] IPS 2002 Conference Chair (1) 404-370-1336 fax http://www.ips-planetarium.org lng. Gabriel Mm10z Bedolla april. [email protected] Ie Pe S. Affiliate Represen Association of French-Speaking European/Mediterranean Japan Planetarium Society 600 W. Kagy Blvd. Planetariums Planetarium Association Soichi Itoh Bozeman, Montana 59717 Agnes Acker Dennis Simopoulos Suginan1i Science Education Center OJ 406-994-6891 Planetarium Strasbourg Eugenides Planetarium 3-3-13 Shimizu. Suginami-ku. (1) 406-994-2682 fax Universite Louis Pasteur Syngrou Avenue-Amfithea Tokyo 167 Japan [email protected] Rue de L'Observatoire Athens. Greece (81) 3-3396-4391 67,00 Strasbourg, France (30) 1-941-1181 (81) 3-3396-4393 fax 33-388212042 (30) 1-941-7372 fax [email protected] Russian Planetariums As!;ociatiion 33-388 212045 fax dps@eugenides_found.edu.gr Zinaida P. Sitkova [email protected] Middle Atlantic planetarium Society Nizhny Novgorod Planetarium Great Lakes Planetarium Assoc. Don Knapp Pokhyalinsky SYezd 5-A Assoc. of Mexican Planetariums Susan Reynolds The Henry W. Ray SpeCial Experi- Nizhny Novgorod. 603001. RUSSia Ignacio Castro Pinal Onondaga-Cortland -Madison ence Room (7) 8312-34-21-51 Museo Technologico C.F.E. B.O.C.E.S. Planetarium McDonald Elementary School (7) 8312-36-20-61 fax Apartado Postal 18-816 P.O. Box 4774 666 Reeves Lane [email protected] CP 11870 Mexico City, D.F. Mexico Syracuse. New York 13221 USA Warminster, PA 18974 (52) 55-16-13-57 (1) 315-433-2671 (1) 215441-6154 Southeastern Planetarium (52) 55-16-55-20 fax (1) 315-433-1530 fax (1) 215441-6006 fax John Hare [email protected] [email protected] Ash Enterprises British Assoc. of Planetariums 3602 23rd Avenue West Paul England Great Plains Planetarium Assoc. Nordic Planetarium Association Bradenton, FlOrida 34205 USA Fort Victoria Planetarium Jack Dunn. Coordinator Lars Broman (1) 941-746-3522 Fort Victoria Country Park Mueller Planetarium Broman Planetarium (1) 941-750-9497 fax Westhill Lane, Norton. Yarmouth 213 Morrill Hall Ostra Hanmgatan 1 [email protected] Isle of Wight. P041 ORR. UK University of Nebraska-Lincoln S-791 71 Falun. Sweden +44 (0) 1983761555 Lincoln. NE 68588-0375 (46) 2310 177 Southwestern Association (1) 402-472-2641 (46) 2310 137 (fax) Planetariums Canadian Council of Science (l) 402-472-8899 fax [email protected] Wayne Wyrick Centres [email protected] www2.nnn.se/cosmonova/tc-wnpa.html Kirkpatrick Planetarium John Dickenson. Managing Director 200 NE 52nd St. Pacific Science Centre Italian Planetaria's Friends Assoc. Pacific Planetarium Association Oklahoma City. OK 73111 USA 1100 Chestnut st. Loris Ranlponi Jon Elvert (1) 405-424-5545 work Vancouver. BC V6J 3J9 Canada National Archive of Planetaria Lane ESD Planetarium (1) 405-424-5106 fax 604-738-7817 ex 234 c/o Centro studi e ricerche Serafino 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy wayne. [email protected] 604-736-5665 fax Zan! Eugene. Oregon 97401 USA [email protected] via Bosca 24, CP 104 (1) 541-461-8227 Ukranian Planetariums Assoc. 25066 Lumezzane (Brescia), Italy (1) 541-687-6459 fax Dr. Alexander P. Lenin Council of German Planetariums (39) 30 872164 [email protected] Republical Planetarium Prof. Dr. Dieter B. Herrmann (39) 30 872545 fax http://www.efn.org/ -esd_plt/ 57/3 Krasnoarmeiskaia Street Zeiss-Grossplanetarium Berlin http://www.cityline.it Kiev 252 005, Ukraine Prenzlauer Allee 80 [email protected] Rocky Mountain Planetarium (744) 227-51-66 D-I0405 Berlin, Germany Association (744) 227-51-43 fax +49-30-42184512 Mike Murray [email protected] +49-30-4251252 fax Taylor Planetarium. Museum of the Rockies

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4 Planetarian Vol. Ie distinctions between areas of Three nomles that we can combine all manner of Astr including science, art, and philosophy.

1999 Armand N. Spitz Lecture The three ~or:11" .. nn.n,"",i""" .... beginner Dr. James B. Kaler Amateur (again, knowing that amateurs in Department of Astronomy fact cover all the astronomies): here is the beginning, where we learn the stars and the University of Illinois sky and what astronomy is about. Here is 103 Astronomy Bldg., 1002 W. Green St. where the importance and magiC of the stars and constellations are brought to the chil­ Urbana, Illinois 61801 USA dren, told here through me, through what [email protected] these constellations mean to me as an adult even now and how I treasure them, how I live the seasons through them, told t-h"""-,,,.h I am honored and deeply thankful for astronomies is to present these drivers to the magiC of the planets as I first saw them. being asked to give this lecture. There are others to draw them back into the astrono­ The images are burned into my mind, all the many to thank, and Dave Linton, who start­ mies. The culmination is education, of both drivers present at once. As I go, I want you to ed me on my visits to GLPA, is a good place children and adults, in which we use the reflect on your own experiences, on what to start. Thanks too to Dave Leake, as an astronomies not only to examine the sky the constellations meant and mean to you. email exchange with him triggered my and earth and our relation to them both, but This is not about me, but about you. topic. Finally, a heartfelt thanks to all of GLPA and to everyone involved in this won­ Abstract: I present three aspects of astronomy, all different, but derful invitation. all interconnected and supportive of one another: amateur/begin­ Prologue ning, research, education. Each is driven by three more interrelated I would like to offer three aspects of an aspects: pure science, wonder, and beauty. In the first astronomy astronomical life experienced over the S2 we learn about the sky, the seasonal passages of the stars and years I have been an astronomer. All here have visited at least one, most two, some all, constellations, and their meaning to humanity. In the second we as I have been privileged to do. The practi­ explore the physical depths of the subject to see how things work, tioners of each stage have taught me to be an which only enhances our sense of awe. In the third, not only do we astronomer, have helped me savor my pro­ fession, and have given me the ability to pre­ give the gift of astronomy back to others, but also use it to teach sent these aspects back to you, three powerful lessons in history, philosophy, and humanity. astronomies in which you can recognize yourselves and the work you do in teaching to examine human relationships as well. At others to experience and appreciate the sky the nexus, where they all cross, stands anoth­ A picture of Bootes vividly shows the and the Universe. er trio: the planetarium, the observatory, and bright orange star Arcturus. Articles in maga­ Woven around and through the three above all, the sky itself. zines talk about how such star colors are astronomies are three interconnected drivers Three Astronomies: Amateur/beginning, washed-out. Not to me. I saw this one when I that must first be recognized. They are not research, education, amateur included with was eight years old. I recall thinking "Look at presented in any order of importance. that orange star up there." They really do 1. Science: a fascination with how things the beginner with the recognition that ama­ teur astronomers span all the astronomies. have colors. work. We do not have to do science to appre­ The astronomies are told of and described Somebody here asked me, "How did you ciate it and its results; we need only under­ from my perspective, but with the hope that get into this business?" And I said I would tell stand its workings. Being a scientist is not just you will all recognize yourselves. The three later. So here is my story. I was walking up a way of doing; it is a way of thinking. Any astronomies are not necessarily sequential. from the grocery with my grandmother, of us, at any age, can be scientists. They can run at different times and be pre­ who was not well educated, at least not for­ 2. Wonder: the utter awe in which we can sent simultaneously. We can be beginners, mally. Eight years old, I had received some observe and hold nature in all her glory. researchers, educators, all at the same time. stars on my school papers, and I thought Here we feel the spiritual and human values Nor must we partake in them all; to be an stars had points. I told her that. She said, "No of our science and of the Universe, of what it astronomer you need but one. There are they don't." I said, "Sure they do." She said, means to us personally. those who feel that only professional "No, look up." I looked up - my eyes were a 3. Beauty: the aesthetics of the sky. The sky research scientists can be called "astron­ lot better back then - and this bright one is a canvas on which is drawn the loveliest omers." That is not true. I discovered astrono­ didn't have any points. And it was orange. I art. my when I was eight years old. When asked, kept following this orange star. The next sea­ These drivers are not separate, but com­ I said I wanted to be an astronomer, not real­ son it came back and I kept looking at it and bined, science, wonder, and beauty. We can izing that at that moment I had already it kept looking orange. I didn't find out for be drawn in by any of them, alone or in become one. An underlying theme of this some time that it was Arcturus. When I grew combination. The essence of the three subject and of this talk is that there are few a little bit older I was able to find the Dipper.

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian Once you find the Dipper, you can find any­ upon me, never forget my first look at thing up there. It was my signpost that led And that glittered and winked in the dark. Cluster in Perseus. I - and you - can me back to finding Arcturus, and then I dis­ The Dog, and the Plough, and the Hunter, ors, red stars, red supergiants, in these covered who that orange star really was. and all young clusters. How More reminiscences. The Dipper rises here And the Star ofthe Sailor, and Mars, and his father Lewis created a m,lgnLltlCellt over the lights of Tucson, Arizona. Watch it These shown in the sky, and the pail by the star catalog and found that the going around the pole. It tells me the time wall really are related. I used to show and the seasons. I saw this "giant arrow" that Would be halffull of water and stars. day nights at the old Dudley was pointing down to the West. I didn't They saw me at last, and they chased me Albany, New York, to know for a couple of years that it was the with cries, was getting quite old - with open northern part of Auriga. To me, it was - and And they soon had me packed into bed; was the dome - no motors, still is - "the Arrow." It's my personal con­ But the glory kept shining and bright in my leys and ropes. The Double Cluster stellation. I watched it go around the pole eyes, these memories back to me. and every time I see it setting toward the And the stars going round in my head. Look at the Andromeda Nebula th]~oulgh northwestern sky, I have wonderful memo­ the telescope. All you see is a fuzz-balL ries of my childhood. Take your kids outside. You follow the seasons. Wintertime. Orion you know what it's about, know some Let them make up their own constellations. rising in the east means cold weather coming SCience, you can realize that you are I'll bet they do that already. It's no trick to on. Orion chasing the Pleiades across the sky passing two to four hundred billion stars realize why the ancients made them. means spring is coming. Find then spring in one shot. in our own Everybody sees different patterns. You can blossoms, and everyone says, "Yes Leo is here, up there. What wonder! It doesn't then talk about different cultures seeing the harbinger of spring." Not to me. Not Leo. whether you can see the arms or things differently. Teach them in the plane­ Coma Berenices. I remember looking with thing else, it doesn't matter at all. tariums. Teach them under the sky, teach binoculars one spring night. What is that knowledge with which you are them the beautiful constellations, because wonderful lacy thing up there beneath the counts. they will look to the sky forevermore, a sky Dipper? I've been following it ever since. I didn't have very many books, kid's that will someday bring back their own What a glorious sight. Coma, to me, is spring. yes, but science books were hard to get memories. Summertime brings the wonders of the Sum­ expensive. But I found a few astronomy This is a picture of Jupiter, taken at the last mer Triangle: Vega, Altair, Deneb, the books in the GLPA meeting. I remember when I was Northern Cross, Cygnus, the exquisite little twelve years old watching the Great Square constellations of Sagitta, Delphinus; I watch of Pegasus rise in the east. Something rose them go across the sky, Vega practically beneath it. The diamond was pointing down overhead at this brilliant yellow-white star. I can't And then back into autumn. Now fall Nebula in Lyra, floating in the blue even remember how I figured out that it was trees and it's GLPA time! One of the most sky. So to keep a memory of the Jupiter. But I was twelve. It takes twelve years magical moments of the past was watching the book was returned, I drew it. Then for Jupiter to go around the Sun. That's Andromeda rise in the east. I was at a party more from this and from other books. where it was when I was born. Then I was 24, with my parents. It was dark back then. I time I was in junior 36,48, and now 60, and it just passed through wandered to a hillside and there was her drawings, using white crayon and ink, Pisces again. I am five years old. Some people graceful figure. I'd never seen it before. But oping my own the will say that I still act that way once in a now to me autumn is always Andromeda ris­ They're all gone. were mixed while, but that's all right. The idea reflects on ing. Now winter approaches again. The other things and my parents got rid of childhood and the childish wonder in me. I Pleiades are rising up in late autumn, even as without It doesn't matter, as think that the childish wonder in everybody they are now, and it's cold out there. You an they are all in my head. From them learned who teaches this subject keeps it - and them have such stories of your own to tell, our sea­ to recognize so much of what was in the - alive. sons all in the sky. I know the Beehive Cluster in an instant! The magiC of the stars and constellations is encourage you to have your kids draw best told by a poem from A Child's Garden of The three T'1"1',\n'''\!n''uac· research astronomical photos. You may be Verses, written by Robert Louis Stevenson. Then you move to a growing realization Take black paper, white ink, Let me read this to you, and while I do, of the science that is behind all this charm crayon, and see what can do. Have reflect on your own experiences. I'll bet you and beauty. It doesn't diminish the experi­ them take home. will never for- remember yourselves. ence: it enhances it because you get to learn get what they draw and it will never be lost the telescopic sky. The photographed Milky to them. Escape at Bedtime Way in Scorpius and Ophiuchus is glorious Deeper examination ,,,,''''VVr:1lL ultilnately here in this picture, with cascades and water­ leading to research. I discovered the The lights from the parlor and kitchen shone falls of stars pouring down from the heavens. Nebula by myself with my little three-inch out Here is the grandeur nature gave us, no and dragged my parents out in the middle of Through the blinds and the windows and longer just constellations, but what's behind the night, "Look, look, look at this! Look at bars; them. this!" And they looked at it and said, And high overhead and all moving about, I had a three-inch telescope with an flS that nice." They hadn't a clue as to There were thousands ofmillions ofstars. spherical mirror, and when the wind blew, it they were But you could There ne'er were such thousands of leaves on shook half a degree. But if I was really careful, tIe smoke ring even in that little a tree, I could see things. It helped teach me to deal but 80 power. I was fascinated Nor ofpeopZe in church or the Park, with problems and to gain needed skills. I'll nebulae, and I finally up As the crowds of the stars that looked down the field. But that did not take away

6 Planetarian Vol. charm. Knowing the details of the subject, of again hydrogen. It's from spectra that you what astronomical objects are, how they are begin to learn the souls of stars and nebulae. Finally, the most important of the made, parallels knowledge of music. Know­ You can't begin to understand them without astronomies involves education. We ing how to read music hardly takes away understanding their spectra. It's well worth back to those who gave to us from its beauty. You may hear people say trying to educate people about these lovely gift of astronomy to others, which is that if you can read the score of Beethoven's rainbows; they can only enhance the experi­ you are doing now. I want to enm11asize Seventh, then the symphony loses some of ence of astronomy. repeat as strongly as I can that none of this its power and meaning. That's nonsense. The What do you learn from all this? What about me and my experience. I'm more you know, the more you understand it. you gain from hard-core professional here as an example. You all have this mission The more you learn about the astrophysics research is an even deeper appreciation of within you. You're using the classroom, the of your subject, the more you appreciate the the awesomeness of nature. This is a picture planetarium, and the to teach the glory that nature actually gave to us. of waves in the North Sea. There are an of both the nighttime and the As a student and adult I got deeper into immense number. On every wave there are Look at this wonderful picture of the the subject and became more and more little wavelets, and then yet more wavelets, hemisphere of the sky and the expert. I don't have to repeat the definition practically down to the atomic level. The The Northern Cross lies at the upper left, of an expert in here, do I? I will anyway. An scene is awesomely complex. No one can Southern Cross at lower right. Here is expert is one who knows more and more replicate this in its real physical detail. These Coal Sack and up here Sagittarius. about less and less until he knows all. there is clouds show the same level of complexity. across the Milky Way runs the zodiacal to know about nothing. I became a hard­ Look at their edges. The edges have edges, our own planetary system; here are a core professional expert, a dedicated re­ which themselves have edges. Your vision of planets and here a meteor flashing UH.VU'''''' searcher. But fortunately I never lost my the sea and sky spans but a few dozen miles, Earth's atmosphere. Everything is there for beginnings; once the roots are there, placed however. You don't immediately realize that you to see, including Halley's Comet. Stars by mentors and teachers, you do not lose this sort of awesome complexity exists all are here in all manner of different stages of them, you grow from them. I always loved the way around the Earth. Now factor this evolution, including those beginning their to go outside. I generally used smaller complexity into the night-time sky, imagin­ lives in dark clouds, dying stars, research telescopes, but did have one run at ing that probably many of these stars have in this one picture. And don't forget the the four-meter on Kitt Peak. George Jacoby planets going around them. Each one of rious daytime sky. Anyone seeing a rainbow and I were studying planetary nebulae in the them is just as complex as our own. Go deep­ sees a spectrum. I saw a beautiful one Andromeda galaxy using a (for then) sophis­ er into the other galaxies and deeper and into town as I hit a little patch of rain. Such ticated multiple-object spectrograph that deeper into the Universe. These galaxies sights are common, not just rainbows, but George had programmed. (You could not have as many stars as our own. Each one of other phenomena of the daytime that "see" the nebulae - the telescope was set them has immeasurable numbers of planets, teach and then lead back at sunset into twi­ blind from previous imaging, and it was and each has the same level of complexity! light, and then into the deepness of amazing to watch hosts of spectra pop up Meditating on the subject becomes an when you can appreciate the stars all from seeming nothing.) Mostly I was there extraordinary experience. Let me read you again. something else to try to summarize it. for the ride and to provide background for We can use our astronomy to the project. We would set the exposure and human values. Now we enter the interdisci­ Paths' End then I would take the elevator 10 floors plinary part of the subject. Get an old star down to the parking lot and start snapping map of constellations. These figures are Sit alone upon an island shore constellations with my 3Smm camera. I ancient. To the ancient Greeks were went back upstairs, got M31 again, and then And watch the mating ofthe sand and sea ancient. I'm not telling you anything you it was back down. It went on like this all Encapsulate within your vision's core don't know. We don't really know the con­ night long and for the entire four-night run. The Universe's vast complexity. stellations' origins except that come George must have thought I was nuts. But Churning at the coast, the ocean hurls from the ancient lands of the Middle East. isn't it wonderful to be able to combine A million sunlit bubbles to the sky, You can talk about them to students and things like these? The project was semi-suc­ Each flashing drop its own minuscule world, bring out a whole history of the western cessful, and we did get a paper out of it, but Each a cosmos caught within your eye. world. The constellations were passed down the real treasure was in the little photos, Now multiply this view around the earth, to the classical Greeks, who put their own which I still use. Then multiply afresh to space's end patina on them. You can discuss Homer, I had become, as you saw above, a spectro­ Where heavens'stars began to give us birth, who first began to recognize and scopist. I specialized in chemical composi­ Our Sun and Earth and selves a starry blend. them, about other Greek poets who used tions of planetary nebulae, becoming nar­ Only from such a great infinity them, all leading to classical literature, to rower and narrower. But don't discount the Could all our hopes and dreams have come to Greek science, to Hipparchus, Aristotle, beauty of the spectrum. We don't get into be. Ptolemy. Teach about how Greek culture spectra very much in public education. But passed to Rome, the constellations now hav­ it's not that hard, as you can relate astro­ I am convinced that without the com­ ing Latin names, into northern and nomical spectra to rainbows and other natu­ plexity of the Universe as a whole none of Alexandria to Arabia, of how these cultures ral phenomena. This spectrogram of the what you see here, on this Earth, would be appreciated that of the Greeks. Show how Ring Nebula was taken by a Japanese astron­ possible. The complexity of us, of life, the Arabians took so much of this knowl­ omer at Okayama Observatory. It shows col­ depends on that of the entire Universe; it is edge and translated it into Arabic, the orful emission lines; here in the red is one there for us and for whatever other creatures guage used for so many of our star names. from hydrogen, H-alpha, and down here are there might be within its expanse Most students aren't even aware that the the classic blue-green lines of oxygen and Arabs had this kind of civilization in the

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian tenth and twelfth centuries. Then you can human beings changes almost continuously experience in the field and all you ask is that go back into Europe and the developments from the equator to the pole? People are people sit in and try to learn something 50 that led to the science of today. You can nearly black at the equator. They have to be minutes. They never know what they can take examine a history of western civilization to protect themselves. People are much away from it. I just wanted you to with what's up there in the sky. lighter toward the pole. Sure, there are differ­ sor Kaler, courtesy of that statement, I Look at cultures and time. Stonehenge had ences, as even ancient people migrated. But drive up to Chicago on the weekend looking out nothing to do with Druids in funny hats. you find that latitude runs as a common the moon roof of my car following Polaris. Or I Tell them what it really is and how ancient thread, even when you look at people in look up at the sky at night and try to peoples were just as smart as you are sitting southern Europe as opposed to northern some of the constellations we've talked about. out there today. They could solve difficult Europe." And I said, "You know, that's all I'm a young black man and the (Jrt'llr.nlr.wry civil engineering problems quite well, thank that race is about. That's it - latitude. stage of college is over now. It's time to get out you very much. Just look at the pyramids! Nothing else. Nothing else, whatsoever. Not in the real world and make a difference. I have People haven't changed much if at all over intelligence, not ability, nor any other char­ a 3-year-old daughter and she's on the last many thousands of years. acteristic." The first time I did that, I got an me. However, after making it through this uni­ Look at cultures in space, as opposed to ovation from the class. versity I think I'm about ready for any task. So time. You are all familiar with this wonder­ I want to read you portions of a letter I on that note I'd like to say good luck and God ful polar star trail picture taken from about received. This isn't to me, it's to everyone bless you. 31 degrees south. It's an 8-hour exposure with who has and will use astronomy to teach an Australian observatory in the back­ human values. Astronomy goes powerfully to UU'H-'''V­ ground. Then move. This picture was taken phy. In the nineteenth century determinism from around 10 degrees south. Look at what Hi Professor Kaler, was in vogue. We had discovered Neptune happens to the south celestial pole! Such pic­ This is Chris from your Astro 100 class (the through Newton's laws. If you knew where tures give you the chance to wander the tall black guy that always comes into your everything was, all the little mass points and Earth, both in the planetarium and in the office and hands in his work). I wanted to come their velocities, everything was prE~al(:tat)le, classroom. You can then talk about different in and talk to you personally but I'm kind of perhaps even human thought and human cultures, how latitude makes cultures differ­ self conscious seeing that all summer I've come fate. Determinism ruled. Then came quan­ ent in the far north and arctic than in the in only once and I don't want to come in and tum mechanics and the uncertainty south and the tropics; you can discuss how make you think that this is some sort of pre­ pIe, which of course is fundamental physics. cultures must adapt to latitude. exam buttering up. However, there are a few But we all know that physics is simply a A few years ago while teaching a basic things that I had wanted to convey to you. branch of astronomy! We all grew up that astronomy class I had a sudden impulse. I I'm a senior Sociology major. I'm also a black way. Astronomy, in a sense, is a guide for our talked about how you have to be careful kid from the inner city. What this means is lives. More perhaps than you know. going down to the tropics because the Sun is that I can think of a thousand better things to A couple of years ago, in a fit of madness, I more overhead. When you look overhead do than look up in the sky and imagine Vega, said to my class, "You are supposed to you're looking through "one atmosphere," Ursa Minor" light years, photons, and all the rest me at least three of four projects. But to and when you look at the horizon you look of the astronomical jargon. However, I feel that you I'll add another, a wild card, and you can outward through almost 40 times as much. ifa person is going to spend his money he should substitute it for any of the others, a short That's why the setting Sun can be so red. at least be able to get something out ofthe class. term paper." Though I had perhaps 300 stu­ Then break sunlight into a spectrum again, It may be a phrase, quote, experience, or some­ dents, I thought only a few would take me from red to violet. But there is also radiation thing else that a letter grade might not reflect. up on the offer. I got a hundred! Including shortward of violet, in the ultraviolet. It's To me if a person goes an entire term and can't one from a student who took my textbook, dangerous; it burns. When the Sun is on the do this he has wasted his time. selected various paragraphs, and stitched horizon, you don't get sunburns because all But if I can leave with something, the class them together, figuring, "Aw, he'll never that air removes the ultraviolet and it has indeed been profitable. Earlier this semester know." doesn't reach you. But when the Sun is close you said something that made me feel a little Then I got this one, the like of which I to overhead, the ultraviolet becomes very bit better about getting up at 8:30 in the morn­ have never seen. Yes, I'm going to read you a intense. When northerners go to the tropics, ing to go to class. You stated that race differ­ term paper! But it's not to me. It's an allegory sudden sunburn can come as qUite a painful ences only pertain to where a person lives rela­ and is really to and for everyone who ever surprise. tive to the equator. You know this made a lot of teaches in a classroom and makes him or her­ I said to the students (as best I recall), "You sense. So many times in our world people want self heard to the student. It's a remarkable know people who live down there have to to view things in terms of winners and losers, piece of work. First I read it to my wife. Then have protection. Tans are the body's natural inferior and superior, rich and poor, and black I sent it to my editor in New York. I want to defense. If you are a hunter-gatherer or an and white. They want to cite one race as being give this to you. I want to give it to you from ancient farmer, you must have permanent dominant or inherently smarter. Therefore my heart. defense. Those in equatorial regions had to when you hear a respected professor, especially In class I asked her to see me about it, told develop permanent protection against the of the opposite race, say otherwise it lets you her what I had done and praised her talent. Sun, and their skins must be dark. Look at me know there are still some humane people left. She has since graduated and is now a grad though. I'm about as white as can be. My You seem to lecture as a person that really student in art therapy for children. When I ancestors are from Sweden. We don't need enjoys what he does and a person that honestly contacted her to read this officially and get it dark skins, we need sunlight. Kids who ran would like people to at least make an attempt included in the Conference Proceedings so the slums of Edinburgh died of rickets to understand the field ofastronomy. that you can have it for yourselves, she said because they didn't get enough of it. We I suppose this is why you get so offended my confidence in her helped changed her need whatever we can get. Haven't you [the when people get up and leave during your lec­ life and came at the perfect time for her. students] ever noticed that skin color of ture. As you stated, you have over 40 years of You've all done this, and you will

8 Planetarian Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 it, whether you are aware of it or not, all of Bewildered, the student quietly followed until sleep came and took her away. your professional lives. she found herself at the campus observatory. starlight streaming down on her, she "Professor, no offense, I mean, I understand that peace. 'Stars an astronomer would think that astronomy By Susan Jacobs could fix almost anything, but realistically .... " I hope someday you get a As taught by lames B. Kaler "The stars are immensely older and wiser than fact you have. She wrote it for you. you," he interrupted. "They are more than just wrote it for what you have done. She Wild card project for Astronomy 100 atoms of hydrogen, helium and that other stuff. it for what you will continue to do Things to Keep in Mind While Reading This Look through this telescope and tell me what future when you leave here. So go. Go Story: you see." "Well, stars and planets, I guess." your magic. Go out there and do what 1. This story is absolutely true (except for the And that began a long night at the observa­ have done. Have them learn the .... "",."">.,..,,, parts I made up). tory. The astronomer showed her billions and Have them learn the sky. Have them 2. This story is for the little kid that still is in trillions ofstars, and to sum things up, these are life. Have them learn the quiet earth. the college student. some of the things she learned: them learn the wonder of ""',a... ',.... h;.,.,,... 3. While there may appear to be pathetic 1. Stars may seem like they last forever, and out there. attempts at flattery in this story, none of it was they do last a long time, but everything must intentional. Unless you like blatant attempts at change. They are born, they change colors, and Go with the words of Walt Whitman: flattery, then ofcourse I meant it. after a long time, they get really, really bright, 4. Please enjoy this. My grade depends on it. and then they die. That is just the way Things When I heard the learn'd astronomer, Work. It is the same way with people. When the proofs, the figures, were There once was a confused student who, be­ 2. Often times, when we look into the sky, we columns before me, lieving that she could find all of The Answers, are really just looking at light that was cast When I was shown the charts packed her belongings and went to a place from a star a long time ago. Even though people to add, divide, and measure them, called College. There were large buildings there sometimes have to leave us, their memories can When I sitting heard the astronomer where with the Important Books in which she hoped remain and still offer light to show our way. he lectured with much applause in the to find a certain type of Wisdom. This Wisdom, 3. The stars that one person sees as a lion, lecture-room, she thought, would lead her to a happy life. She another person may see as a can-opener. Neither How soon unaccountable I became tired and searched and searched and searched until she person is wrong, we just often have different sick, was exhausted, but The Answers were nowhere ways oflooking at things. Till rising and gliding out I wander'd to be found. In a haze, she wandered the cam­ 4. When compared to a star, a problem is myselt pus, without a clue what to do next. Seeing the really very small. In the mystical moist night air, and unhappy face of the student, an astronomy pro­ time to time, fessor walking by stopped to ask her what was Finally, the professor said, "The stars are al­ Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars. the matter. "l am lost," she claimed in a far off ways there, but many things will make you voice. "Well, that is easy," replied the professor think they are not. When the sun is out, or Thank you and good with the wisdom that astronomers often pos­ when the clouds blanket the earth with bad sess. "Since it is a clear night, and we are at 40 weather, it will appear as if they have disap­ degrees North latitude, look to the North and peared, but there they are. Just like the answers look 40 degrees up. There is the North Star. Any­ are always in your heart, it is just sometimes This paper was originally presented as the time you are lost, find it, and you should catch things get in the way." With this, the student Armand Spitz Memorial Lecture at the your bearings." thanked the professor and left into the night. Great Lakes Planetarium Association Confer­ "But I am not THAT kind of lost," answered She walked until she found a nice patch ofsoft ence, held in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I{f'"nnnt­ the student, disappointed. "Hmmm .... I think I grass, and laid herself down. Under the stars, she ed with permission from the 1999 GLPA understand. Come with me/, he said assuredly. thought about what the professor said until Conference Proceedings.

Title: 200t Queensland Astronomy Education Conference Date: March 31st, 200t Venue: T.B.A. State: Queensland, Australia Description: The Queensland Astronomy Education Conference is Australia's only bi-annual educator's conference target­ ing the teaching of astronomy and astronautics in pri­ mary and secondary schools. The programme varies but usually includes portable planetarium sessions, lectures, workshops and a night observing session. Contact name: Paul FIoyd Contact Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.ozernail.com.au;-ssemps/confer/index.html

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian

earth with the heavens, to Newton's Theory This is the second in a series of of of the motion of celestial bodies, to Ein­ scientists written for young adults (or adults stein's space-time concept and beyond, the who enjoy an easy read), and it follows Grand Unifying Theory still eludes us. As Galileo (reviewed in this column in June, Klein and Lachieze-Rey illustrate, the quest 1999). I was quickly drawn into the story itself has driven many of the great break­ thoroughly enjoyed reading it for relaxation. throughs in science and yielded boundless It puts the life of Kepler into the context of discoveries. The search is often more fasci­ the religious strife of Germany in the nating and surprising than the end result 1600s and is a review of the history of his age turns out to be. as well as a biography. It also shows how Atlanta. Klein and Lachieze-Rey present and com­ Kepler did not escape the mind-set of [email protected] ment on the successive unifications that time, where everything existed for a purpose, have marked the fundamental advances in and that Kepler felt that his purpose in life physics. From Galileo, Descartes, and New­ was to reveal the glory of God by better Greetings for the second-last equinox of ton, physics is traced as it developed in a understanding His solar system the millennium, planetarians. Reviews of world undergoing transition from a theolog­ mathematics. Although expensive if these fine books are brought to you courtesy ical base to one of knowledge based on by the page, this short book is a well-written these kind reviewers: Reg Fox, Lee Hines, observation and experiment. The course of summary of Kepler's life and times, full of Deborah Huffman, and John Mosley. Ken physics is then followed through a series of insight, and a delight to read. Wilson and I are always looking for people unifying steps. ElectriCity and magnetism became electromagnetism of which light who want to read new books, examine new I was quickly drawn into the software, and write new reviews. How about was just a part. The twentieth century filling another of those resolutions with a brought special and general relativity and story and thoroughly contribution from which all your colleagues prompted an "array of new unifications: enjoyed reading it for relax­ will benefit? electromagnetism with kinematics and, ulti­ ation. mately, dynamics; space with time; and mat­ ter with radiation (themselves related to Quest For Unity; The Adventure space-time through the bias of gravitation)." Of Physics, by Etienne Klein Modern unifications are then traced and Marc Lachieze-Rey, Trans­ through the many twists and turns of the Adventures In Celestial Mechan­ lator: Axel Reisinger, Oxford "quantum revolution". Particles and their ics, by Victor G. Szebehely and University Press, 198 Madison interactions are viewed through gravitation, Hans Marc, 2nd Edition, Pub­ Avenue, New York, New York, electromagnetics, and the strong and weak lished by John Wiley & Sons, 1999, ISBN 0-19-S1208S-X, nuclear forces. Inc., 60S Third Avenue, New $24.00. A search for harmony through symmetry York, New York, 1998, ISBN and then reductionism leads us to the close 471-13317-5. Reviewed by Lee Hines, Astronaut Memorial of the twentieth century. "The history of Planetarium and Observatory, Brevard Com­ human thought has been more akin to a Reviewed by Reginald Fox, Astronaut Mem­ munity College, Cocoa, Florida, USA. series of stomach rumblings, interspersed orial Planetarium and Observatory, Brevard with a few strident shrills, than a graceful Community College, Cocoa, Florida, USA. Quantum physicist Etienne Klein and and harmonious process of synthesis." astrophysicist Marc Lachieze-Rey are both The book closes with a look at grand unifi­ With the passing of Victor Szebehely in scientists with the Atomic Energy Commis­ cation, superstring theory, and an interesting 1997, the Astronomical and Astrodynamics sion in Sacey, France. Axel ReiSinger, transla­ summary of quantum cosmology. There is communities lost a well-known and tor, is a scientist at Sanders, a Lockheed Mar­ also a conclusion that is quite insightful con­ respected expert in the field of Celestial tin Company, in Nashua, New Hampshire. cerning scientific process: "unification does Mechanics. He and Hans Marc collaborated not necessarily lead to unity. It weaves a fab­ on the second edition of Adventures in The Quest for Unity exam­ ric that is never quite finished. Rarely does it Celestial Mechanics at the University of ines the history of physics offer more than a fleeting glimpse of unity." Texas. I did not know Dr. Szebehely person­ We must constantly press on for better ally, but his contributions to the field of over the last 400 years. understanding, new theories, and more cre­ Celestial Mechanics stand on their own mer­ ative insights. its and Hans Marc pays a nice tribute to The Quest for Unity examines the history Professor Szebehely in the opening pages. of physics over the last 400 years through an Adventures in Celestial Mechanics is de­ ongoing search for the One, the Grand Johannes Kepler and the New signed as a text for a first course in orbital Unifying Theory, which explains and makes Astronomy, James R. Voelkel, mechanics and spacecraft dynamics. It treats sense of the universe where we find our­ Oxford University Press, 198 many of the classical topiCS in celestial selves. The authors reveal how the quest for Madison Ave., New York, NY, mechanics (the Two-Body Problem, unity, for the One, has been the source of or 10016, ISBN: 0-19-511680-1, 141 Equation, Lambert's Theorem) but also momentum for virtually all the great break­ pages, hardbound, $21. delves into subjects of practical use in the throughs in science. From the ancient Greeks 'Space Age'. Such topiCS include rocket search for the one fundamental element in Review by John Mosley, Griffith Observa­ propulSion, orbital maneuvering of space­ all things to Galileo's reconciliation of the tory, Los Angeles, California, USA. craft and spacecraft dynamics (including a

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian discussion of how spacecraft orientation is dynamic stability of the solar system and Earthdance, by Reiser, controlled by spin-stabilization or three-axis explains how the new and exciting field of Greenwillow Books, William stabilization). The level of mathematics is chaos theory relates to multi-body problems Morrow and Company, 1350 limited to basic calculus, vector analysis in celestial mechanics. I plan to re-read the Avenue of the Americas, New with a few tensor equations in the chapter book soon, following the preparation of this York, New York, 10019, 1999, on Elements of Spacecraft Dynamics. review, since I feel sure I have missed some ISBN 688-16326-2 $16.00. The authors take the trouble to show in jewels of value to me as a student of celestial some mathematical detail how various sig­ mechanics. Reviewed by D~borah Huffman, Fernbank nificant equations in the field are derived. Science Center, 156 Heaton Park Drive NE, Unfortunately, during the review, I found Atlanta, Georgia, USA. more than a few errors in specific equations, Magnificent Universe, Ken Cros­ equation references and references to figures, well, Simon & Schuster, 1230 I opened this book with great expecta­ some of which obviously resulted from the Avenue of the Americas, New tions. It's a beautiful volume, small amounts translation of manuscript to final copy. The York NY 10020, 1999, ISBN 0- of text on each page, aimed for the younger serious student will wish to carefully work 684-84594-6, 210 pages, $60. students for whom it's difficult to find through the derivations, using the text as a books about space. This one is about the guide. Review by John Mosley, Griffith Observa­ planets. For example, the text at the top of page 38 tory, Los Angeles, California, USA. Hubble Space Telescope images are the refers to Figure 2.1 instead of Figure 2.4; backdrops for the artwork, and they're great. Equations 4.22 and 4.23 have corrupted Owen Gingerich sums it up nicely in his Some of the drawings of the "stage sets" had terms in derivatives; Equation 7.1 in the back-cover testimonial when he writes, "This cute ideas for the concepts of day and derivation of Kepler's Equation should read is clearly the best cosmic photo album in but there was little substantial content over­ alb = CD/QD, where the Q has been mis­ recent history." It is a magnificent collection all. translated as an O. These and other minor of large astronomical photographs with long The book doesn't teach anything scientif­ errors are blemishes on an otherwise, quite captions. ic and it sows seeds of misconception. Start­ illuminating work for those who wish to get Each page is a generous 35 x 25 cm (133/4 x ing young children off with umealistic ideas a flavor for the computational tasks in­ 10 inches), so the photographs are truly huge is not a great start. The drawn spacecraft is volved in guiding spacecraft through our when held in your lap. The book is printed outdated, while the ideas of taking off or solar system and beyond. I expect the in Great Britain, where they have a long tra­ landing in the backyard and traveling alone remaining author (H.M.) will address these dition of producing high-quality books, and "to the edge of the universe" in one mc)rrling, should there be a third edition and I certain­ the quality of this one is indeed very high. are simply wrong. ly do not mean to cast dispersions on the All pages are black (text is reversed in white) capabilities of the authors. and bleed to the edge, and generally the Hubble Space Telescop images fill each page. (One of my few qUib­ images are the backd Adventures in Celestial bles are the few two-page photographs that run across a seam.) Photographs come from for the artwork, and they're Mechanics is designed as a the Hubble Space Telescope, many NASA great. text for a first course in spacecraft, the Anglo-Australian Observatory orbital mechanics and (David Malin), the European Southern Obser­ I could not discern the author's main idea spacecraft dynamics. vatory, plus many other sources, and were or central theme. What is the point of this carefully chosen. It's striking how many book? While it is visually appealing, I would excellent color photographs exist nowadays. not buy this book for a young child, nor As an example of the readability of the would I recommend it for teachers or librari- book, I was able to proceed from cover to "This is clearly the best cos­ ans. coyer in only three and one-half weeks of mic photo album in recent spare-time reading (and it has been several history," years since I looked at many of the topics treated). I found the book to be a worthwhile refresher for basic concepts and results. The text is written for the knowledgeable While Adventures in Celestial Mechanics amateur or armchair astronomer, and is far may not be appropriate for the mathemati­ more than a set of captions. Text runs to a cally un-inclined, it does contain prose dis­ full page per picture, and it provides a mini­ cussions of interesting applications in celes­ course in astronomy. It is astronomy as tial mechanics. Examples include: a compari­ learned through appreciation of astronomy's son of the efficiency of chemical, ionic and most spectacular photographs. It reads well nuclear propulsion in Chapter 5 on rockets; a and would have good value even without discussion of zero-energy (parabolic) orbits as the photographs. it relates to orbit unpredictability in Chapter I don't have a coffee table, but I should get 7; a lucid treatment of basic orbital maneu­ one just to put this beautiful book on it. My vers (circularization and transfer orbits) in guests would enjoy it. Chapter 8; a useful history of planetary exploration and the navigation of spacecraft in the solar system is found in Chapter 10. The last chapter (13) treats the long-term

12 Planetarian Vol. No.1, March Most Frequently z-.~;II'~:u

UEsnON: What is the most frequently asked question about 'STAR ANSWER: That's easy. Everybody asks about our theme song which is the classic 'Arabesque # l' by Claude Debussy performed by Tomita on the still available "Snowflakes Are Dancing" album (RCA) , QUESTION: At what times and days of the week can I see 'SlAR GAZER'? • ANSWER: Most TV stations air 'STAR GAZER' just before nightly sign-off. However, due to 'STAR GAZER'S' enormous popularity a number of stations find the show's 5-minute format can fit any­ where during the broadcast day and air the show more fre quently. Local TV listings seldom include 5-minute shows, so it's best to call the station for the broadcast schedule.

QUESTION: If I can't find ISlAR GAZER' on my hometown PBS station, how can • see it where I livel ANSWER: 'STAR GAZER' is provided free. of ~ by WPBT, Miami to all PBS stations. If you can't find it, write or call your local PBS station and ask if they will air it and remind them that it li avai lable free. of ~.

QUESTION: Is it necessary to get special permission to use ISTAR IMaa..,.ll\! TV GAZER' for astronomy dub meetings, teaching in the classroom, science museum or planetarium use? on ANSWER: No. In fact, many astronomy clubs, teachers, science museums and planetariums have been taping 'STAR GAZER' off PI• •• one of the few writers who can the air and using it regularly as a way to reach their public. translate sophisticated disciplines into QUESTION: Is there any way. can get ISTAR GAZER' other than popular language without losing the science. my local PBS station l Dr. Sidney Nobel Laureate ANSWER: Yes. A month's worth of 'STAR GAZER' episodes are fed monthly to a satellite from which all PBS stations take it for their "... knows how to come down from local programming. Anyone with a satellite dish is welcome to the ivory tower and make <:>"fl"''''1''''''''''''' the satellite feed. Again, no permission is required. For satellite accessible. " feed dates and times call Monday through Friday (Eastern time) Lovi, Astronomer 305-854-4244. Ask for Ms. Harper or Mr. Dishong. American

QUESTION: I am a teacher planning my curriculum and would like several 4SlAR GAZER' episodes in ad "... 1 never miss it. As someone vance, but I do not have access to a satellite dish. involved in science fiction, I'm enthralled Is there any D.theI way. can obtain 4SlAR GAZER'? with Jack Horkheimer's science fact . .. John Nathan Turner, ANSWER: Any teacher anywhere around the world can obtain Executive Producer, 'Dr. Who' 'STAR GAZER' episodes in advance through their NASA e.O.R.E. Teachers' Resource Center. For details write: NASA e.0. R. E.; Lorain County Joint Vocational School; 15181 Route 58 South; Oberlin, OH. 44074. Or visit our website: www.jackstargazer.com

QUESTION: Why does ISTAR GAlER' always say ilKeep Looking Up!" at the end of each showl Produced in I"r.r... nc.... 'llt'r... ·.,

ANSWER: Have you ever tried star gazing looking down? Public Museum Planetarium in Kalamazoo, to Robert C. Victor Michigan) on a well organized and smooth Astronomer of the Abrams Planetarium running GLPA Conference, October 20-23, East Lansing, Michigan) who 1999. His show Sky Legends of the Three Fires tired last fall after 32 years of service. Bob G tte showed off some impressive combinations best known as the creator and author of of Digistar, video and special effects. Eric monthly Abrams Planetarium Sky Calendar, could win a prize for the best theater docu­ well established, respected, and valuable mentation and training program for his part­ resource among science educators and James Hughes time presenters. watchers of all ages. Bob started the Cal­ Planetarium Producer to Linda Hare (Executive Director, Inter­ endar in the late '60's as ml.mleOj~rapn,eQ national Laser Display Association in sheets, listing a few noteworthy events with Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium Bradenton, Florida) on ILDA's 1999 Con­ some observing projects teachers could do Science ference at the Contemporary Resort at Walt with students. Over the years the look and Disney World, November 20 - 23, 1999. Since presentation of the Sky Calendar has evolved. One Allegheny Ave. Laser Shows and Laser Projectors play such a Diagrams first appeared on the December Pittsburgh, strong part in many planetariums, I would 1972 issue. The famous "Bob Victor wolf" recommend this conference to anyone who debuted in August 1974 baying at the full 412-237-3348 programs lasers or would like to learn more moon. The Sky Calendar has received several 412-237-3395 fax about how their systems work. The ILDA awards, including an excellence in educa­ Conference was held in conjunction with tional journalism from the Educational Press [email protected] Lighting Dimensions International (LDI), Association of America. Though Bob may be The Entertainment Technology Show. LDI is retired, he will continue to playa role I am proud to be a part of the Editorial massive with 10,000 attendees and over 400 in producing the Sky Calendar for some time Staff of this publication. I have always loved vendors featuring everything from 30 foot to come. the planetarium. I have been an employee of high columns of fire to wireless micro­ the Buhl Planetarium since 1982. Before that, phones to specialty lighting instruments. IJOQ,nll'1>.g on Move I was a part of the Buhl Family as my father Two stand outs at this year's LDI show were Bill Carr (formerly with Fels Planetarium was the Chief Technician at the original Audio Visual-Imagineering With Lasers (a.k.a. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is now a Buhl from 1959 to 1990. My mother held a AVI of Orlando, Florida) with their Omnistar member of the GraphicS Division of brief position in the Administrative Offices TM Laser Balloon (think planetarium turned Inc. of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. and my Aunt has sold items in the Gift Shop inside out!) and Color Kinetics (Boston, for over 40 years. I met my wife at the origi­ Flateau (formerly with Laser Fantasy at the Massachusetts) for their Chromacore TM line Charles Hayden Planetarium in Boston, nal planetarium in 1983 and we were mar­ of LED-based color-changing light fixtures Massachusetts) has taken up the role ried in the Star Theater in 1988. 1988 also saw (great possibilities for exhibits and auxiliary the merger between Buhl Planetarium and ducer - Digistar Systems at Exploration lighting applications). Visit them on the in Wichita, Kansas. Adam Stachura (former the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and in WWW at av-imagineering.com and colorki­ Assistan t Producer /Educa ti on Coord inator) 1991, the new Buhl Planetarium opened as a netics.com. part of the Carnegie Science Center. To date, has left the Davis Planetarium at the to Mark Howard (Producer, Brevard land Science Center in Baltimore, programs that I have helped to produce have Community College Planetarium in Cocoa, to join the Pinch Valve been adapted over 300 times by planetari­ Florida) for his First Prize winning entry Handron (formerly with the Burke Baker ums in 17 foreign countries and have been (Flying Purple People Eater) in the Pangolin Planetarium at the Houston Museum of translated into 13 different languages. With Users Group Competition at ILDA 99. Mark Natural Science) has moved to Pittsburgh, your help, I hope I can chronicle the joys and was heard to say that he'll return the prize sorrows of this Society so that we may Pennsylvania, to head up the R.K. Mellon money to the planetarium since he made the Earth Theater project at the become a closer community, dedicated to show on company time! the love of our profession. Museum of Natural History. Touted as the to Bob Wollman (Director at the Richard first theater in the world specifically King High School in Corpus Christi, Texas) ed for a Sky Skan SkyVision System, the 6S Congratulations and Bill Hughen (Web master) on their recent seat, 40 x 10 foot curved screened theater Academic Excellence Award from StudyWeb­ to Christine Shupla (Dorrance Planetari­ houses five LCD projectors and a SPICE Auto­ um, Arizona Science Center in Phoenix, Ari­ .Com for their planetarium home page. Be mation System. Stop by and see their Mil­ sure to check out the Planetarium Etiquette zona) on her new role as Planetarium Man­ lennium show the next time you're in town. ager and new Mother. Christine asked me to section at http://members.aol.com/aggiebill /king. to John Sohl (Director of the Ott Plane take over this column after the 1999 Desert You Know Skies Conference. Thank you Christine for tarium at Weber State University in Ogden, your years of dedicated service to IPS. Utah) on the opening of their new Observa After spending 5 months working and liv­ to Arnie Gallagher (Astronomy Educator, tory! With a 16" Meade StarFinder This is ing in Moscow, Russia, Rob Landis in Hayden Planetarium in New York, New being called one of the largest public obser­ to an unannounced homecoming of sorts to York) and her husband Mike on the arrival vatories in Utah. You can take a virtual tour this year's GLPA meeting Kalamazoo, of their son Ryan Angus Michael Gallagher of the observatory at their website, http:// Michigan. In his presentation, he shared on January 16, 2000 at 5:09 PM. Baby Ryan physics.weber.edu/pianet/observatory.html. tographs and experiences of working STS-96 weighed in at 6 pounds 9 ounces and mother to the Members of the Australasian (the second space shuttle flight to and baby are home after a smooth delivery. Planetarium for their recent affilia­ International Space Station) from Mission tion with IPS. Visit our southern neighbors to Eric Schreur (Director, Kalamazoo (Please see Gibbous online at www.cfmeu.asn.au/aps/.

14 Planetarian Vol. No.1, March SHOW CONTROL "I have worked with the best of the best. Compared with systems for stage theatrical lighting and other planetarium systems, the Omni .. B System has shown to be the most versatile of them all 11" Aaron McEuen - Hansen Planetarium HerB arl~ afew of tlu~ tnni Plmu~tariums

A PLANETARIO de Pampiona ~~ PACifiC H.R."MACMILlAN t. SPACE PLANtJ~RIUM Spain II:'NTRII:' GOHDON M. SOUTHAM Ca;;. a;;. OBSERVATORY Vancouver • British Columbia

QUEBEC· CANADA Zeiss Planetarium Jena

Salt Lake City • Utah

ALBERTA· CANADA For more information visit our Website at www.comlectron.com/omniq or contact us at [email protected] The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m. by President Dale Smith. Dale welcomed resources Council to Mars Hill, home of the historic c. publicize in the plametarlU11] n~glonaj Lowell Observatory. Dale introduced Dr. publications Robert Millis, Director of Lowell Observa­ Jim Manning moved to approve

tory, our host at the Lowell complex, who port, seconded by Martin A'l.UL'-IILLC, gave a brief presentation on the history and approved by CounciL operation of the Lowell Observatory. Dale Smith pn~sente~d. The on the Minutes of President Dale Smith exprE~ssE~d In attendance: the London Meeting had been previously gratitude to past in President Dale Smith published in the December 1998 Planetarian. Gutsch, Jim and Thomas President Elect Martin Ratcliffe Jim Manning moved to approve the min­ for laying the foundations for a Past President Thomas W. Kraupe utes, seconded by Jack Dunn, and approved. national and active IPS. Dale's Treasurer Shawn Laatsch during his tenure will focus on: Secretary Lee Ann Hennig Shawn Laatsch presented the Treasurers 1. Making IPS seem less distant Council reviewed and discussed members. The President has attemlea Affiliate Representatives: specifics of the 99/00 Budget. Based on dis­ all U.S. affiliate conferences Association of Mexican Planetariums cussion, Council made suggestions concern­ international affiliate conference (AMPAC) ing the following items: will try to continue in this effort. - Gabriel R. Munoz for Ignacio Castro 1. Treasurer will expand the analysis of 2. Recognizing that mid-size British Association of Planetariums (BAP) long term trends and comparisons of Dlallle~taljUlms are the -John Dickenson for Paul England services and expenses as they relate to Canadian Council of Science Centres (CCSC) the dues structure. This will be included -John Dickenson as a standard feature of the Treasurer's the same goals European/Mediterranean Planetarium Report. structural, and institutional Association (EMPA) 2. Armand Spitz Fund: ences. -Dionysios Simopoulos a. Susan Reynolds Button suggested that 3. on the structure of our Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) an explanation of what the Armand nization and keeping member -Susan Reynolds Button Spitz Fund is would be beneficial to vices on task. Great Plains Planetarium Association (GPPA) the membership, some of whom may The President feels that the ,-uau.cui';" -Jack Dunn not be aware of its purpose. make IPS a vibrant V'-'-t"uu.• ~ ..... ~'~LA Italian Planetaria's Friends Association (lPFA) b. A portion of the Armand Spitz Fund and that many - Susan Reynolds Button for Loris Ram­ will be used to provide seed money work. Those hands include the Pn~siClent, poni for development of the IPS Laser Disc Officers, the Council and the "-''-/UIUU Japan Planetarium Society (JPS) Project and the remainder will be Chairs as a team. -Shoichi Itoh placed in a short term CD Fund. Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society (MAPS) c. '* Motion by John Dickenson to -DonKnapp rename the Armand Fund the Written Affiliate were ... "'H710iA7orl Nordic Planetarium Association (NPA) II Armand Planetarium Affiliate News from the floor: -Lars Broman tion Fund". Seconded by Dennis Si­ Marina Pacific Planetarium Association (PPA) mopoulos and approved by Council. Planetarium Association -Jon Elvert 3. Year 2000 Budget: on the state of the Russian 1Y1,;:,,.,.,<>i-,,..."_ Rocky Mountain Planetarium Association Treasurer Shawn Laatsch that ums and invi ted to the (RMPA) printing costs account for our largest ary 2001 Conference in Russia. Details -Jim Manning for Mike Murray expense. The electronic media will be a available next spring. Russian Planetarium Association (RP A) viable alternative to IPS in selected Gabriel Munoz reported that AMPAC -Marina Latysheva for Zinaida Sitkova cases and will result in a reduction of hold a conference in Tijuana, Mexico, Southeastern Planetarium Association (SEPA) printing costs eventually. John Dick­ 18-20, 2000. Gabriel was elected -John Hare enson suggested that there is poteIlti.H Presiden t Elect of AMP AC and Southwestern Association of Planetariums in generating sales and/or new member­ President during the IPS Conference (SWAP) ships if IPS were more visible to non­ held in Morelia, Mexico in 2002. -Mark Sonntag members. Thomas Kraupe underscored Jack Dunn of GPPA the Laser Disc Project as a perfect exam­ have initiated informal Affiliates not in attendance: ple as a potential product for the non­ between the GPPA Conferences. Association of French-Speaking Planetariums IPS market and the large group of sci­ John Hare of SEPA that (APLF) ence museums (via ASTC and ECSITE). involved with a mini-show Council of German Planetariums (RDP) Jim Manning pointed out that our "Dark Skies," narrated David Ukrainian Planetarium Association (UP A) mechanism for communication is musical score by Serrie. The directed toward members. Some sugges­ minute program will be available Guests: tions for addressing this issue were: members free and to non-members at Pierre Lacombe - IPS 2000 Conference Host a. invest in a mailing using our own inal charge. Gabriel Munoz - IPS 2002 Conference Host Directory John Dickenson of CCSC Dr. Robert Millis - Lowell Observatory Host b. place ads in publications of other results of a Canadian 'JA""-'--'-~.""

16 Planetarian Vol. Among the more interesting responses and by Lars Broman and approved by Council. Directory by 2001. This single comments on the surveys were: IPS welcomes our 19th Regional Affiliate and Directory will result in reduced set-up a. A lack of awareness on respondents' the first Affiliate in the Southern Hemi­ publishing costs, and benefits for OIrl,<7c"··Hco .... ,, parts of the mission of IPS and some of sphere. The new Directory would be a the services. cation including vendors and b. Requests for more information about Standing Committee Reports and should eliminate double trends in the planetarium field. Standing Committee Reports were pre­ Discussion followed concerning the e. Who and what is the planetarium mar­ sented, reviewed and discussed. The Awards of offering electronic versions ket field? Committee and Program Committee Reports Directory. CD/disk format/hard copy. The survey prompted John Dickenson to were tabled until the Council meeting on much discussion, Council suggest that we "need to develop an elo­ Monday, October 18. through one more print quent rationale for the importance of plane­ Directories, but to develop an electronic taria" and to look at the issues which help us Treasurer/Membership Committee Chair sion prototype based on a to market our facilities and services. Shawn Laatsch presented the Membership Dennis Simopou}os. Jim Manning reported that four of the US Report. By the end of 1999, our membership The proposal will include: western affiliates (GPPA, PPA, RMPA, SWAP) will be approXimately 630. Council discussed a. detailed budget for production will be meeting October 4-8, 2000, in Dallas, the Survey of Membership with emphasis on b. milestones for production Texas - a pre-conference tour of the Johnson the individual categories and associated data. e. deliverables Space Center in Houston is also on the agen­ Considerable discussion ensued regarding d. deadlines da. Mike Murray, President of RMPA has edit­ planetarians/facilities which are unable to 1< Motion by Martin Ratcliffe to ed a 320 page Planetarium Operations Guide afford the fee for membership in IPS. the version of the DiJ~eC'tory (planetarium primer) available free to RMP A '" Motion by Dennis Simopoulos to charge print version, but finance an electronic members. Contact Mike Murray for more the President by December 31, 1999, to devel­ sion as a test of the World information. op a mechanism for increasing accessibility seconded by John Dickenson, Sue Reynolds Button reported on behalf of to IPS services to planetariums in countries approved by Council with one objection. Loris Ramponi that he is developing a con­ of non-convertible currencies and to be Chair Susan Reynolds Button test for students to create their own constel­ implemented as soon as poSSible, seconded that work on The Portable Planetarium lations. The contest promotes art, literature by Jim Manning and approved by Council. Handbook is progressing. This document and international cooperation. Loris is look­ be made available on line with segments ing for collaborators within the planetarium The Elections Committee Report was pre­ available on audio tape. Susan is still field to carry out the project sented on behalf of Chair Steve Mitch. The suggestions and lesson plans for the hand­ Thomas Kraupe reminded Council that Elections Committee proposed guidelines book. Affiliates are partners with IPS and those that would be made available to prospective Johan Gijsenbergs is Affiliates who are not represented at Council candidates for offices of IPS. Discussion fol­ European Repository for IPS Publications or' who file no reports are not able to fully lowed as to the wording and format for the inc! uding the Directories and the participate in discussions on issues and pro­ document. Council agreed that more detail tarian. '* Publications will be sent to jects. Council needs and values the input relating to officer positions was needed as Itoh so that an Asian Re'po:!iit()IY from all Affiliates in order to be aware of well as the necessity of being able to give established at the Osaka Science Center. their concerns and to benefit from their prospective candidates a sense of what the The IPS Web Site is ae'"elomlllQ" counsel. Discussion followed on how to job entails. Council approved Dennis Simo­ Web master Tom Callen reports A-nrrn" ..... n encourage Affiliates to be more communica­ poulos' suggestion that John Dickenson be enhancements include a History Page devel­ tive with IPS on their news, reports, and con­ tasked to rewrite the proposed information oped by John Hare, a Vendor Page Don cerns. Suggestions were offered on how to document for potential candidates. Knapp, and an Education Resource address this issue from Council's point of * President Dale Smith directed John to Jon Elvert. Future additions will include an view. Lars Broman encourages Affiliates to complete the document, pass it on to the Astronomer Resource List, Chat Room and continue to pass information on to him for Officers for review and then present the doc­ Auto Responding Mailboxes. Discussion inclusion in the International News Section ument to Council in Montreal for action. included suggestions for a "Members of the Planetarian. Council also discussed page which would require passwords. The how to encourage planetariums to commu­ The Publications Committee was Web Subcommittee will investigate the nicate regionally. presented on behalf of Chair April Whitt. requirements and implementation for secure Jim Manning moved to accept all Affiliate Membership brochures have been translated areas. Thomas Kraupe suggested a "What's Reports, seconded by Thomas Kraupe and to French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chi­ New" on the Web Site segment which would approved by Council. nese, and Russian. The Committee is work­ highlight the latest additions or President Dale Smith reported that an ing on Italian and Portuguese, and the changes to entries. Application for Affiliation had been received brochure will be updated to reflect the dues Many thanks for the hard work and dedi­ from the Australasian Planetarium Society. change effective in January 2000. cation of Planetarian Editor John Council reviewed and discussed the docu­ The 1999-2000 IPS Directory of the World's and Webmaster Tom Callen. ments submitted in support of affIliation. Planetariums will go to press in December. The Society includes the regions of Australia, The second edition of the IPS Resource Ethics Committee: vacant New Zealand and the adjacent islands in the Directory is due to be produced in 2000. South Pacific. '" Motion by Jim Manning to President Dale Smith explained that our pro­ The Finance Committee was pre- accept the application for affiliation of the cedures for data base information and for­ sented in conjunction with the Treasurer's Australasian Planetarium Sadety, seconded matting will allow us to create a single Report.

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian Ad Hoc Committee Reports President Dale Smith presented Chair cy items/issues. Ad Hoc Committee Reports were present­ Dave Menke's report of the IPS Professional The Tec:nr.lol

many languages as possible, on the IPS the planetarium field. This document would c. Basic projector layouts and UUUA,e.U,", WebSite. include: conventions b. evaluating a translation software pro­ a. description of major planetarium posi­ d. Video format recommendations

gram: if the evaluations are favorable, tions e. Creating a planetarium ~,- .... AHA'VA'V'" IPS should consider purchasing the pro­ b. minimum/maximum qualifications of glossary gram. each position 2. Product Reviews c. expanding the exchange of abstracts c. salary ranges for each position a. All dome video between the Planetarian and regional Chair Dave Menke has also proposed de­ b. DVD, hard disk based video publications. veloping a career guide for prospective plan­ 3. Evaluating New Production Practices etarians and the job descriptions could be a. Film recorders and digital slide Susan Reynolds Button presented the included in that publication. In addition, the duction Portable Planetarium Committee Report long awaited list of planetarium internships b. Digital media servers during the Publications Report. Latest news will soon be published c. Web-based collaboration regarding portable planetariums is published The Outreach Committee Report was The Committee will also be with in the "Mobile News Network" column in delivered on behalf of Chair Bill Gutsch. Bill the Planetarium Development and the Planetarian. and several IPS members, officers, and former Chair Ken Wilson on the revised .... Build a officers have been busy this year participat­ Planetarium publication. Watch for news on Chair Jack Dunn reported on the progress ing in conferences promoting the challenges the Web Site for future projects. of the IPS Lasers in Planetariums Committee. and utilization of planetaria. Work contin­ Jack reported on the successful on-line dis­ ues on the compilation of a list of recom­ Council adjourned for the day with busi­ cussions and presentations at the Desert Skies mended public speakers in an effort to pro­ ness to continue on Monday, October '99 Conference regarding issues related to vide a linkage between the planetarium and 1999. lasers in the planetarium. Chair Jack Dunn professional astronomy and space science will follow up on these discussions by pro­ research communities. viding an article for the Planetarian on the Jim Manning reported on his continuing future of laser displays and will chair a panel efforts with the Astronomy Link Project Jim discussion regarding lasers in the planetari­ is still accepting names, especially astron­ um at IPS Montreal 2000. The committee omers from other countries, for the Project. will continue to provide communications The Planetarium Development regarding the utilization of lasers in planetar­ chaired by Ken Wilson is still in need of ium facilities and will develop further members. Ken is anxious to complete the online-chats on laser topics for the IPS Web revision of So You Want to Build a Plane­ Site. tarlum, but he needs help. Council urges anyone who has experience The History Committee Report was deliv­ in developing new planetaria and/or reno­ In attendance: ered by Historian John Hare. He continues to vating existing planetaria and who is willing President Dale Smith organize and document IPS archival materi­ to either write a chapter on a particular topiC President Elect Martin Ratcliffe als. John is making more of the items avail­ (e.g. Control & Automations Systems, Plan­ Past President Thomas W. Kraupe able on the IPS Web Site. Dennis Simopoulos etarium Health & Safety Planning) or peer Treasurer Shawn Laatsch suggested that photographs and slides be review such a chapter, to please contact Ken. Secretary Lee Ann Hennig placed on a CD for preservation and dis­ The original IPS publication, So You Want tributed to members for identification pur­ to Build a Planetarium, is now available on Affiliate Representatives: poses. \\' President Dale Smith directed the the IPS Website. Association of Mexican Planetariums Historian (in his best judgment) to select cer­ The Consumer Affairs/Astrology Commit­ (AMPAC) tain photographs/slides representative of tee Report was presented on behalf of Chair - Gabriel R. Munoz for Ignacio Castro Conference/Coundl Meetings and organize Jeanne Bishop. Jeanne continues her efforts British Association of Planetariums (BAP) them into a reasonable order for presenta­ to inform consumers and the business com­ -John Dickenson for Paul LH,1<,AUHU tion to Coundl in Montreal. John requests munity about the International Star Re­ Canadian Council of Science Centres (CCSC) that anyone having IPS materials which may gistry. The column of reviews on astronomi­ -John Dickenson be of historical interest to please forward cal products conducted by Barbara Baber European/Mediterranean Planetarium them to him. Don Knapp suggested that the continues in the Planetarian. Chair Jeanne Association (EMPA) Committee consider documenting an Oral Bishop would appreciate suggestions from -Jon Elvert for Dionysios oJH.'AVIJV ... U'-", History of IPS. The Committee will include the membership on products (astronomy, Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) this suggestion as one of its objectives. teaching), or astrology/astronomical accura- -Susan Reynolds Button Great Plains Planetarium Association (GPPA)

18 Planetarian Vol. No.1, March -Jack Dunn years, and substantial Italian Planetaria's Friends Association (IPFA) Regionals outside the United States, Can­ least two of the tollmvInlll ""::OCT,or-i-,,· - Susan Reynolds Button for Loris Ram­ ada, and Japan will continue to distribute the IPS poni products through the Affiliates, unless Japan Planetarium Society UPS) request to become part of the centralized sys­ -Shoichi Itoh tem. Details of the new system have been Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society (MAPS) printed in the President's Messages in the 2. Relevant and Sigl1itiCaIlt plJblicaltiOllS -Don Knapp Planetarian, and posted on the IPS Web Site Nordic Planetarium Association (NPA) and DOME-L. January I, 2000 is the start-up - Lars Broman date and the deadline for subscriptions of Pacific Planetarium Association (PPA) the first cycle is January 15, 2000. Thomas -Jon Elvert Kraupe commented that a centralized slide Rocky Mountain Planetarium Association distribution service will allow us to down­ de'velopm(~nt of new rnc.i-h,,,

The meeting was called to order by President SEPA is developing an eight-minute Dale Smith at 9:20 a.m. tarium program on the topiC of IiDark Skies". It will be free to SEP A members and will be offered to non-members at a cost yet to be President Dale Smith reported on the sta­ determined. IPS is working with SEPA to The tus of several IPS projects. The Mars Millen­ determine a mechanism for distribution to delivered on behalf of Chair Alan nium Contest is now on the IPS Web IPS members. The program will be narrated Site and was detailed in the President's by David Levy and will include slides, Council to i""TQC·f-itT,>f-o Message in the Planetarian. '* Jeanne and a sound track with music by John Serrie. and future of the Contest and her team of Dale Smith rerlor1ted select a winner from IPS member spo'IlSOlred Chair Phyllis Pitluga presented the a. student teams. The winning team's design of Committee The Committee was pre- test a Martian Village, should incorporate the viously charged with presenting a b. A committee chaired concept of the Global Community which of revised criteria for the IPS Fellow Award. port will create a new set of reflects the international nature of IPS. The Discussion among Council members resulted gUl.deJlm!~S for the Contest deadline for the contest is March 25, 2000, in some revisions to the suggested criteria. c. The Committee will report to ,"AJ"AlI"" and prizes will be awarded at the Montreal Motion by Jim Manning to in Montreal for action Conference. amendment to A of the :stamlilrul Rules with the revisions Coundl, second- d. There will be no Since the Media Distribution Service was ed by Shawn Laatsch and approved by year, but the Contest will COlmnCleIlCe implemented during former President Jim Council. The amendment to Appendix A with the next under Manning's term, continued through Past now reads: guidelines. President Thomas Kraupe's term, and contin­ B. FELLOW OF THE INTERNATIONAL ues through President Dale Smith's term, the PLANETARIUM SOCIETY IPS Conferences distribution has been handled by the Re­ In order to be named as a Fellow of the IPS 2000 Montreal gional Affiliates. '* In order to offer better International Planetarium Society, a mem­ Pierre Lacombe on pfE~paratiOIls dU1Pll(:at~~s and increased effi,ciellCYJ ber must have continuous active member­ the 15th conference. Discussion cerltel~ed IPS will be to a centralized distribu- ship in good standing in IPS for at least five conference costs, venues,

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian Planetarium, on ning of the IPS 2002

\lIr'·n+· ... o"1 on

'-'iJ'_'-U.H_J of the 2002 Conference. Plans are

Mexico .

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Control Center-Moscow. Back ton, Rob on the which will on station) and

Florida on mission sequence activation.

A new pla.netarimTI UIL"... ~.H_U

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Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian how to make and effective presen- We request a final report be written tations Starlab. the American teacher which will include the text of the High School lesson, com­ ments from the students and impressions of pn~sel1.tatioln of Native American (or other the eXT>erienc:e. cultures such as African or Chinese) mythol­ For other information and/or to receive or ogy and constellations for the general pub­ the reports about American Lessons with lie. Italian Students, written by previous win­ The presenter will provide an introduc­ ners, write to: Osservatorio AS1:rol:101TIlC:O ~;eraImo tion with slides, about experiences in the c/o Centro studi e ncerc:ne ~eI~anno diffusion of astronomy in the United States, Via Bosca 24 - CP. and then a presentation with Starlab. IPS Portable Planetarium Committee 25066 Lumezzane (BS), OCM BOCES Planetarium FAX: 3087 POBox 4754 e-mail: info@serafinozanLit

Name:

A~ ______

EX:peIier.lCe: Please enclose a resume/curriculum vitae and a tape-recorded lesson as you present to studelrrts. The lesson will be placed in a public domain file for students and teachers.) Please use the standard mini-cassette.

your proposals for the mC)rilllng lessons,

~&Conuner.l~.______

Send this aPTJllc:anon form and supporting materials before to:

Susan Reynolds Button International Planetarium Portable Planetarium Committee OCM BOCES Planetarium POBox 4754 ...:" ... .,,,,,,,'" NY 13221

Planetarian

moons, a saucer and off, co;m]:,ari5011.S between a tilted Earth and a non-tilted alien to illustrate season

IJV.LULJ;: the of Native Americans and a medieval astron- at the off

snowstorm animations, seasonal bits, assorted word­ (one I liked C:')~JCLlaU come to the Planetarium" around a

AV'.UL'.H'" Earth), and other bits. The run from about ten to 40 seconds, with costs Well, you all survived Y2K and all from $25 to $200 U.S. are avail- of the faux millennium celebrations better able in a wide of formats, i.",'I",,-I;""'IT than Mars Polar Lander survived its apparent Quicktime and AVI data files (these files can onto the surface of the Red Planet. be edited with Bowen's AstroFX Creator or What's not new are the """,",,,,,,..4-,-.,-1 rI,rTllr<,,' and data we would have received, but what on AstroFX new is a review of the whole NASA Mars or on BetaCam SP, S-VHS, or VHS program and a tape. certain to "faster, rh,o<>,,"\o1" As of this average./I Another that's not new is the millennium itself, at least for the calendrical­ that will mean celeb]catimg the true millennium (at least for the videos as wen as video from Plane- calendar) up<::onning. tarium's liThe program which Nonetheless, there's still much that is new be made available in AstroFX format for reg­ as we enter the last year of the current mil­ istered users of the show who have AstroFX lennium - for a welcome new esti­ mate that the number of Earth­ There's some nice stuff here (more

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brochure to go on, but to program illustrates how the modern can order as many or as few as you like with­ dar came to be. The cost is purdtasimg an entire disk-full. Just check includes 32-minute soundtrack at the web site score, computer animations on laser disk, more than 200 slides, you can download or get educational materials. Contact from Bowen a $30 U.S. CD-ROM low-resolu­ Kaelin at +1312-322-0516 for more infor­ tion, watermarked version of the for mation. ""... " •.,1""7;.-.rr at your leisure. COlntact." Last year, an called the I've also had an ~~ ....,~,"4- .. ~ ""'TT "cc" ..... 'rr" ... Consortium, 11 North number of the on viCleotaple. Irlch.lded #303, West Hartford, Conn- artistic renditions of the sun and other ecticut 06119 USA, 860-236-7827, stars, and web site (Please see

For the Technician doth labor of every week to make kingdom great, and be a visual marvel to the Bubbas and the Ferns; but the sixth and sev­ enth day he must rest, that he may return to his travail with a heart made glad and a liver made clean. omer?" Thou shalt not project the cursed gray rect­ angles upon firmament, for such un­ masked iniquities are an affront to all of the People of the Stars, and do appear ugly.

Thou shalt not copy unto archives any graven images, nor any joyful noises, that are sealed with the great seal and marked with a ©; for the courts of the land And so it came to pass that the First One, shall pursue thee tirelessly through the cities Zeiss of Germanica, begat the first projection and the deserts (though not to certain for­ planetarium, which, Lo!, begat thousands of eign principalities, we are given to under­ others. Many moons later ten planetarians stand), that the creators of such and gathered to scale Mount Zeiss and formulate noises may be granted the proper adulation ten commandments that other mere mortals and praises of the people. (And a few coins of of their noble profession should honor. Keith gold and silver, too). Johnson was the first to return, hammer and chisel in hand, and he spake thus: Thou shalt not take the name of boss in vain; for thy performance review will not hold thee guiltless upon the Last of the Year, for damned surely. The Planetarian's (Approximately) Ten Commandments I am the Digistar /Goto/Minolta/Spitz/ have them From the Book of Siderius, Chapter 365.2422, StarLab/Other [choose one: this is an eclectic Verse 23:56:04 religion] thy Projector; thou shalt have no Golden Rule other projectors before me. Thou shalt faith­ And the prophet Spitz did come into the fully schedule thy annual Covenant of Unto thee hoI y conference of the People of the Stars, Maintenance with my Appointed -,lel-/V""'-'" and spake unto the assembled planetarians that Projector may shine and well saying, "Many years ago did I bring thee out celestial tabernacle, even unto the of the classrooms of darkness, and into the of Precession. great domes of light, to show forth the glory of the heavens unto the unwashed multi­ Thou shalt not commit astrollollV Sticketh tudes of the land./I thou to the Real Stuff.

"And here are the rules by which thou shalt Thou shalt make regular appearances at the perform projections, in no righteous Hallowed Conferences of the the order:" Stars; for when in thou were an ignorant attendant, there were those Honor thy donor and sponsor, that thy came to thy aid and did show thee how to days may be long in the position which the administer awesome machine. Board of Trustees hath bestowed upon thee. fore, thou owest an equal or greater thereof. of nurture to those that have come after Thou shalt not covet neighbor's projec­ thee, even unto seventy times seven, known tor, nor his audio system, nor his laser graph­ to the Great Ones as "a factor of 490." ics system, nor his star palace, nor anything that is thy neighbor's; for thy neighbor was Thou shalt not kill power in the midst of once as wretched as thee, but by diligent a sacramental save to the holy hard disk. labor and clever marketing he hath acquired glory in his artificial heaven. Thou shalt become a partaker in the most beneficent International of Go thou and do likewise. peers. Those apostles have done a great work on thy behalf, and deserve thy support and Five days shalt the Technician work; but succor, even to the purchase of an institu- remember the weekend, to keep it

28 Planetarian done, and do thy best to show it. Mars missions have a habit of And in any given publication, Sky & Telescope could your wits and your sense 3. Honor thy audience, for they have made a upset the whole applecart. about you whenever special journey to sit under thy dome and Erich Landstrom remember that the n",-,.it:>,c-rr,r hear thee speak wisdom. They have evi­ Director of Astronomy Education frustration denced a desire and need for astronomy and Dr. Buzz Aldrin Planetarium Theater realigned tomorrow, before the space science knowledge by coming unto Henry C. Gibson, Sr. Observatory the you, and in many cases they have paid good West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 money to be educated and entertained by Remember that there are no you. But forget not that thou art not the star *** from the audience, dumb of the show The stars are. the person behind the control There's probably as many different "com­ 4. Thou shalt not use vocabulary and con­ mandments" for our profession as there are While the on another cepts beyond the understanding and wit of different people working in planetaria, with control console may look thy audience, unless it be necessary to intro­ all their myriad backgrounds. The following shinier, you haven't seen the

duce a new concept or to correct a miscon­ 10 are the first ones that floated to the sur­ the best to try and live "H.vue"-,, ception. Thou shalt use such visuals as will face after Steve put the question to me. own theater's and solve make coherent sense for thy topic, and thou There are probably others that are better, the time shal t go easy on special effects. and probably some that are worse. But, mak­ there ing up a short list that I can live with, these 5. Thou shalt not steal the best parts of thy are many that I find that I've consistently Cosmonova PlanetarimTI

neighbor's planetarium program, but thou applied over the years. Outside of the first Naturhistoriska HU,."'H.1UJ'L'--L shall do thy damn best to emulate it under one being what I think is most important, !,'rc""",,ri,,':>("Or'> 40, thy dome. Strive to understand the reason the rest are in no particular order. $-104 05, StocktlOlIn thou were so impressed with it, and thereby be creative, inventive and original with Always strive to be as accurate and correct as thine own presentations. possible; you are trying to educate (and * * entertain) the audience while still to 6. Remember the sources from which fund­ maintain credibility ... ing is derived, thy admissions and donations, mandments be? and subscribe unto a budget thereof. Fear not There's usually 10 ways to do something; try the laser show, the staged reading, or other to opt for the one that allows you to be the revenue generators, for the darkest dome is most efficient and artistic, while still being sornethirlg else ... that dome that is closed. accurate and credible ... 1. star is 7. Thou shall covet thy neighbor's planetari­ Use the dome as much as possible to try and men t. There shall be no other um and observatory, for it shall cause thee to provide your audience with as much of an before it. strive ever onwards to improve thine own immersive experience as possible (and here facility. tilted domes may have a slight an unfiltered over that those aren't) ... around 8. Honor thy staff, co-workers, colleagues, volunteers, astronomy club, students, and The Universe is both a beautiful and an 3. Thou shalt not touch the knob or spouse (or significant other), for wherever exciting place; try to plan your visuals in precession without due cause. one finds understanding, supportive, and new and interesting/different ways so that

hard working individuals who help the plan­ even you are impressed/moved by the final 4. Thou shalt encourage small '-UJUU,.'-U etarian, thou shall improve the general com­ results ... infants to be seated near exits. munity of astronomy educators. Forget not to express thy appreciation to them. Instruct Lend a hand when you can; one of the inter­ S. Thou shalt not unmasked other planetarium operators well and true, esting aspects of our profession that I've sel­ upon dome. that they will be able to give programs in dom seen elsewhere is the to thy absence. help one another out with sources, support 6. Thou shalt love with all and suggestions, all done with good humor ... and stn~n.ll~th. 9. Thou shall get out of thy dome every once in a while. Relax and forget about work for a Do what you do in the planetarium for the 7. Thou shalt the time. Exercise regularly and eat right. Have love of helping others to enjoy the Universe heavens with all outside hobbies. Read interesting books. Spend time with thy family and friends. Blessed are those who suffer the questiorls Grin, and bear it. Each one teach one; remember that no mat­ fools, for shall teach. ter where you end up in the planetarium 10. Lastly, thou shall chide and admonish profession food chain - from Hbrariarl/plarle Blessed are who toil astrologers and alien-abductees with tarian to director of the latest and greatest shall see their handiwork upon correction. But of the soothsayers be wary, as science center theater - everyone started out launch dates are notorious for slipping, and as a newcomer at one time or another ... Blessed are they who have spent

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian shows, for rich are their rewards when 4. Make yourself available to the local media. thanked by the children who view them. Don't be afraid to offer helpful corrections Christine Shupla w hen needed. Manager, Dorrance Planetarium Arizona Science Center 5. Offer to write a column for the newspaper. interested in with what 600 East Washington Street ested in. Phoenix, Arizona 85004 6. Offer to do astronomy-related items for the local radio station. 2. When a planetari1um *** shalt not tell visitors lots more 7. Become part of the local astronomy club. ever really wanted to know about For many years I have given new staff sev­ Start one if one is not in existence. ticular and convince eral of my Commandments of Planetarium for them". Operations. Though not a complete list that 8. Absolutely join your regional planetarium covers all aspects of life, these are laws one association and the International 3. Thou shalt not write a abides by in my dome. Planetarium Society. (Preaching to the choir.) start UH.lU'.U.l", sticketh into it so thou canst call Thou shalt never put any container that 9. For school planetariums: make yourself contains liquids upon the console. (I once available to the elementary teachers, and be 4. Thou shalt not bore patrons. saw a Diet Coke turned over into the com­ willing to help with the science curriculum. puter keyboard, and the CPU that was S. Thou shalt not mounted into our console). 10. Get to be best friends with the custodial spending a little money with staff. Your job depends on them! experience, and guts can nr/__ rh,rt:> sOluethilllg Thou shalt always set up for the next show - Dan Goins better. whether it is tomorrow or next week. One Martinsville High School Planetarium never knows when they might arrive at 1360 E. Street work just five minutes before they are to Martinsville, Indiana 46151 6. Thou shalt not confuse <,,..,,,,..,,-li.,.-,,, open the doors. This has saved me on several money (on a new new oc~asions. And it has saved others on my *** ment, new shows, new exhibits, etc.) staff. and success. :sp1en<11rlg Kris McCall, Director 1. Provide a planetarium experience that lot of money guaran tees one Sudekum Planetarium encourages visitors to ask for more! that thou hast spent a lot of money Nashville, Tennessee probably didn't have smarts to 2. Always give the best (correct) information figured out how to have done the *** available -check those facts! thyself for less).

Here are a few, courtesy of Georgia Neff, 3. Never stop trying new techniques to reach 7. Thou shalt not my right hand person (Assistant Planetarium visitors -success is around the corner! hast Director) : 4. Each show is a new opportunity to con­ 1) Thou shalt not be boring nect with visitors -don't let it slip money to run better programs for less, Ini:::reaSjng 2) Thou shalt be accurate and up to date 5. Make your planetarium accessible to peo­ dance, and hence ple of all abilities ... physical and intellectual viable 3) Thou shalt let the delight show, for what we have to share is the wonder and joy of 6. Encourage inquiry-based questioning with 9. Thou shalt not the sky. a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

One from me: Thou shalt not embrace astrol­ 7. Make each show spectacular ogy. your own enthusiasm to others!

Sheldon Schafer 8. Be a guide to the Universe and Director of Science Programs and Facilities to understand their place within it. 10. Thou shall never Lakeview Museum of Arts & Sciences it for - thou art 1125 West Lake Ave 9. Empower visitors to understand changes visitors. And, Peoria, Illinoia 61614 and patterns in the sky. 11. Thou shalt never 10. Look up! Enjoy the sky view! Help others matter. It's what thou to enjoy it, too! thy that counts. 1. Have a good sense of humor. Noreen Grice Charles Hayden Planetarium 2. Be prepared with your material. Re­ Boston Museum of Science member, we work in the dark! Science Park Boston, Massachusetts 02114 3. Be accurate with your information. ***

30 Planetarian Vol. 1. Every program should include a section important part of the community. Show the conferences, serving as an officer, nAC'-nnrr about the night sky. This is what people audience that you love your job and astron­ conferences, and a of come to planetariums for. Ideally this should omy. Organizations show our pf()tessi1onaw;m, be a live lecture. they are only as strong as their mE~mlber's. 7. Be accessible. Make yourself available to Shawn 2. Write programs for your audience, not for the audience for questions and concerns. yourself. Too often we forget what the pub­ Listen to what they say about your pro­ lic wants/needs in a program. Make sure you grams. Help teachers and students when are presenting material that is age/grade/ they ask. Remember, your audience is why Prince Frederick, public appropriate. you have a job. *** 3. Be scientifically accurate in all presenta­ 8. Practice what you preach - observe the sky. tions. This is the only way you can share its won­ der with other people. can set in stone. 4. Be professional in all ways. Your actions, taking the tablets. attitude, and appearance reflect on the plan­ 9. Keep learning. Astronomy is a rapidly Here's the for the next etarium community as a whole. Always be changing field. It requires you to constantly umn: prepared for your programs. be learning by reading, using the Internet, and by other means. If you stop learning, Other than vacation time; 5. Use humor in your programs and live lec­ your audience stops learning. you your batteries to ...... ,'<7""""+ tures. Making people laugh will make the ness, boredom and oV1et'-janlill,m1ty subject matter more interesting to them, and 10. Be part of planetarium organizations. matter cre~~iIut make them want to return. These are a lifeline in our profession which is umwork? usuall y a solitary one. Being part of them 6. Inspire your audience. Show them how means more than paying your membership I'll be glad to receive your considered interesting and fun astronomy can be. Make fees, it means contributing and being active in thoughts on this the deadline of 18. them want more. This will bring them back the organization's work. Some ways to be Until then, welcome to the 21st r"",h-,ru to learn more, and it will make you an involved include writing articles, attending minus the flying cars.

Simon

Lee Simon, former Director/Chairman of Morrison Planetarium in San Francisco and former Program Supervisor at Adler Planetarium in Chicago, died onJanuary 18, 2000, from a rare form of leukemia. He was 59. Lee Simon was a member of the Astronomy Department and Program Supervisor at Adler Planetarium from 1969 - 1977. In 1972 he received his PhD in Astronomy from Northwestern University, specializing in the spectroscopy of long-period variable stars. Lee led the exhibit develop­ ment and sky show production effort at Adler. Although he was a con­ summate lecturer, he gradually converted the staff from live to taped sky shows in the mid-1970s. In 1977, he moved from Chicago to his new appOintment at Morrison, where he wrote and presented sky shows for the public, taught astronomy classes, and instituted a number of improvements to the facility, including a renovation of seats and carpeting and an upgrading of the theater's elec­ tronic controls. He formalized the planetarium's production procedures and reinstated the Planetarium Artist pOSition, combining it with a Staff Photographer post. In late 1981, Lee suffered the first of a series of debilitating strokes and stepped down from the Chairmanship at Morrison, but continued as Staff Astronomer until his retirement in 1984. He became involved in stroke­ rehabilitation support programs, helping others in their recovery, and continued pursuing his interest in astronomy. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, and three adult sons, John, Dan, and Steve. The planetarium field has lost a dear colleague. Our deepest and sincer­ est condolences are extended to Lee's family.

[Additional information on his career appears in the Planetarian, Vol. 17 #2, pp. 54-55.]

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian e plex lens. It is bending and forming part of The manufacturers of I the light of the reference beam, which is types of which exist in used for reconstructing the image, into the and virtual. A real Conducted by Barbara Baber wave fronts of the original object, so that we rays Morgan Jones Planetarium perceive the object as if it were really there. virtual image, appear to come All the infinitesimallittie points that reflect­ reflected image, but 700 N. Mockingbird St. ed light, which interfered with the reference mirror, the virtual Abilene, Texas 79603 beam on the film, are neatly focused to their behind or "inside" the mirror, but respective positions in three-dimensional do not emanate from there. Real For the Committee on Astronomical space. Accuracy / Astrology This inexpensive Mirage toy is used to Jeanne E. Bishop, Chair demonstrate real images. You can obtain this toy from Opti-Gone Associates, Box 271366, under certain circumstances. The theory of holography was developed Fort Collins, and CO 80527 USA. The cost of The by Dennis Gabor, a Hungarian physicist, in the Mirage is $34.99 plus shipping and han­ 1947. His theory was originally intended to dling. increase the resolving power of electron The makers of Mirage believe that many ror. The surfaces have been wen Dfc)tected microscopes. Gabor proved his theory not educators and scientists use Mirage to with an invisible of with an electron beam, but with a light demonstrate real images. A precision optical which should stand up to casual beam. The result was the first hologram. The instrument, Mirage has the advantage of from hard such as marbles and early holograms were legible, but plagued functioning in ambient light, can be viewed For the removal of fingerprints and ~H''-'''-''.,..~~ with many imperfections because Gabor did from 360 degrees, and is attractive looking use a soft cloth. These rn.''' ... .,,..·L not have the correct light source to make on the outside. ers would break if thrown crisp, clear holograms as we can do today. Indeed, Mirage is fun to use. I have used it floor with force. The teacher or The correct light source was the laser, which with thirty-eight classes of sixth grade stu­ should to ensure safe- was first made in 1960. dents and had a lot of raves coming from ty rules. Laser light differs drastically from other them. The Mirage kept their interest and mirrored finish mea- light sources, man-made or natural, in one really amazed them. I used a Conic orrery to sures an 5/1,000,000 of an basic way. Laser light can be coherent light. show the motions of the sun and the thick. This is considered a critical tolerance Ideally, this means that the light being emit­ in retrograde motion in the star room. I told yielding remarkable ted by the laser is of the same wavelength, the students that this was an illusion and is a statement from the manufactur- and is in phase. later in the lecture room I would show them ers about the of the mirrored finish. The way in which coherent light is emit­ another illusion using the Mirage hologram. The drawbacks I find is that ted from a laser is analogous. Although abso­ It was not only considered "cool" but also is small - about the size of a lute 100% coherence is rarely attained, there "tight". plate - and would be hard to see if the are certain types of lasers which make excel­ Mirage is capable of fooling everyone. ence was I had to have students lent off-axis holograms. Even with nothing in it, people are amazed Depth-defying images produced in com­ when they touch the mirrored circle and mon holography are created by laser photog­ their fingers go right through it. When you raphy. The pulse laser allows us to make place an object inside, nothing about the holograms of animate objects. In the ruby appearance of Mirage will suggest that the In conclusion, I recommend this tool as a laser, chromium ions locked in a sapphire object is not actually resting where see value for middle school students that host are the sources of stimulated emission. it, before their eyes - until their grasping and understand the concept of and A light flash from a special flashlamp excites groping fingers prove that nothing's there lens or used as an introduction to lasers or chromium atoms. but thin air. holograms. It is definitely We know that light, traveling in a wave Objects are reversed in a single mirror and for classes and form, can be bent or diffracted along its path are reversed back again in the Mirage, so that could be used for entertainment to these stu- of travel. A lens can be used to bend light. the illusion is "right reading", virtually iden­ ~n~ * We could consider a hologram a very com- tical to the original.

(What's New, continued from page 26) hunting amateur astronomer Leslie Peltier USA. To order, call +1800-253-0245 (outside called Starlight Nights, reissued on the lOOth the u.s. and Canada, caU +1 617-864-7360), or but is always worth a look. It contains all of anniversary of his birth. The new edition use the 24-hour fax line at +1 617-864-6117. Or the usual good stuff from slide sets to star adds an introduction by David Levy (a cele­ check out the on-line store at web atlases, plus a large number of new items, brated comet-hunter in his own right) and 16 . including books of all sorts, astronomy CD­ black-and-white photos from the Peltier ROMs, an impressive new panoramic poster family archives. The cost is $19.95 U.s., and if of the Milky Way photographed in all its you've never read it, get this charming book Earth-based glory, and a new line of "Sky That's it for this time - short and about one man's astronomical life. You'll fall if Wear" - clothing featuring the Sky & Tele­ start the year. As you hear of in love with astronomy all over again. new or have new to scope logo. To get a copy of this always-useful catalog, let me know. In the meantime, have a I'm especially pleased to see that there's a contact Sky Publishing Corporation, 49 Bay spring/fall, and remember ... what's new? new edition of the autobiography of comet- State Road, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 *

32 Planetarian Vol. " message with the past preSidents of our est, the most valuable TO/1'r""Vla I t young SOCiety, and I asked each to con­ tribute some thoughts for use in this mes­ sage. All thirteen have responded! These responses are included in the following sec­ we use it. Our ranks are tions together with selected highlights from omers and phYSicists, musicians their original president's messages. I con­ painters, technicians and SO(:lOIO'llsts, clude with some thoughts of my own and a we have in common the desire to serve few items of current business. rnrnn(ltrintc; We

Paul Let's begin with Paul Engle, the first presi­ dent (1971-72) of IPS, then known as ISPE, the International Society of Planetarium Edu­ cators. Paul wrote in the very first issue of the Planetarian in]une 1972:

I am glad to say that this society is now in being and safely underway.

Whoa! Sounds so simple. But it took the we not all learn from each other? work of people of vision to found that Our was founded to fledgling society we have inherited so strong ideas, to stress the creativity which lies today. Most of the founders are now retired to stimulate and they would probably prefer that we from difference ... The growth honor the past by looking ahead; we owe IPS at 2000 30 sen profession as planetarians them a debt of gratitude that we can best diversity. IPS turns 30 in this millennial year. During repay by building for the future as they did. its three decades, IPS has been served by a Paul went on to write: Let us build our society and nurture remarkable series of men and women who us listen to each other, not talk, have led it as president. I have had the privi­ Two of the major benefits we can look for­ listen with open eyes and open ears. lege to know most of them during my own ward to from such an organization are the grow to serve our communities better, 16 years in this field and took the opportuni­ journal called The Planetarian and the make this world better, and to ty recently to re-read all the president's mes­ major meeting held every two years ... Let value with our audiences. sages in my nearly complete collection of us all support our new journal to the the Planetarian. During the years since the fullest extent and make the first meeting into the 21st r>r. .... i-"'~

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian a century old on this North American con­ diverse. We must be ready to serve as an Thanks, Tom, for seeing the young tinent. Coincidentally, I am two thirds ofa effective organization for all planetariums zation through this crisis. century old, so I look back at using this throughout the world. We must serve not audio-visual tool for the last third of this only our membership, but also our profes­ Don Hall century. As I get older I ask myself, did my sion .... Strasenburgh's ever-practical Don Hall work have any impact, can I point to any next in the leader's chair. It was positive result arising from my efforts? Today, he continues to serve the profes­ term (77-78) that the society its pre- The world is still resounding from the sion through work in NASA's AESP (Aero­ sent name, changing from ISPE to IPS. crash of guns and the screams of its vic­ space Education Services Program), perform­ term as president also saw editor tims. We planetarium educators took part ing a rather wide variety of education assign­ three take the helm at the Planetarian, in this by providing practical training to ments, with a focus on teacher training thanking all the successive editors for through workshops. Here, he gives us a per­ much they gave, he noted that the navigators to deliver the deadly loads, but on the other hand we also fostered the spective on a crisis that threatened the sur­ ... and 'give' is the word; like all IPS look into the space beyond our planet to vival of the young IPSE: there is no salary for anyone. show dramatically the fragility of our As I think back to those years, I remember r:mvirons. Our planet is still suffering from two things, one how we, as an organiza­ And that is still true today, as Don's the effects of our mistaken assumption tion, almost collapsed, and two, hosting bailiwick, the Strasenburgh Planetarium, that we have dominion over its resources the preliminary meeting from which ISPE continues to serve IPS by hosting the IPS Job and its beasts. We had the opportunity to (now IPS) formed. The latter was the cul­ Service and by holding the North American show that all of the activities on our plan­ mination of Paul Engle's term as a begin­ repository of IPS publications. et are interdependent and interrelated. ning group of planetarians of all types, In a talk near the time of his retirement in Everything is grown and living on star which had not yet coalesced into the group which he explained Hall's Laws, ideas that dust. All events so important to us, that we of today. I was administrative director of had guided him in his work over the years, are willing to suffer and kill for, are the Space Science Center of De Anza and he noted with regard to the job he was infinitesimally small by consideration of Foothill Colleges with a 50-foot (15 m) for: the whole of the universe. Our kind is dome on the De Anza campus and a 30- truly a close knit family, and yet our pos­ foot (9 m) dome, an observatory operation Aren't we lucky to be able to make our liv­ sessive greed and sibling rivalries are tear­ and museum on the Foothill campus. We ings in a business that's fUn. For 34 years ing us apart. held our week-long meeting in the first most of the things that I've done in the Over most of the last century we had an week of November, usually a dry time of planetarium have been fun. Most opportunity to point that out to our com­ year. But this time it rained HARD for the And don't tell the boss, but I might have munities. Had we been effective, there entire week. Nevertheless, the meeting done it for free. should have been at least some minute went very well and all participants were changes detectable. But were there? Did we eager to see the fledgling international Now doing his new, self-assigned work do our part? Did we do any good? organization go forward. As you know, we for free, Don spends much of his I am ashamed to say, I do not know, but I did!!! speaking and writing on American art firmly believe we have tried. Oh God, oh Two years later, I followed Sig Wieser as tery and is in fact president of the Amer- creator of all things, oh mankind, forgive president of the organization, but a new ican Art Association. He tells us, if we have failed. There is yet a chance problem had arrived, the journal was nine that he finds "a ready market for my words. to continue the celebration of man's inge­ months behind in coming out. In order to As he did when serving IPS and also while nuity, creativity and learning, which is keep the organization together, I had to directing the Strasenburgh for a quarter­ Astronomy and thus reason. Best wishes to borrow $2000.00, hoping that the money century and marketing its those of you, my colleagues, who carryon could be raised to pay back the loan. The Today he writes: our briefbut important tradition. funds were necessary to cover the rising costs of getting the journal out. John The month before the Strasenburgh Plane­ Tom Gates Cotton in Dallas was the hero/angel who tarium opened in September, 1968 in Tom Gates hosted the first ISPE confer­ took on the task of not just getting a single Rochester, New York, the entire staff took ence in San Francisco where his talents as a journal into the hands of the members, the afternoon off to go to see musician enhanced an acclaimed meeting. but putting together and mailing to the Kubrick's new movie, "200l-A Soon thereafter he was elected to lead ISPE membership ALL of the journals in arrears Odyssey". I was not only faScinated and (75-76). He cited the need of planetarians to and bringing us up to date. thrilled by what I saw on the screen, but have their own organizations, observing that also depressed. IIHow can we pOSSibly com­ astronomy, museum, and education societies The most gratifying part of an was the pete with that?" I wondered. response of the membership when after did not provide the channels we needed. In There was, ofcourse, no way that we could those early days when ISPE was primarily a not receiving a journal for many months, not a one balked at paying an increased compete. Kubrick had millions North American organization, Tom went on member dues, from $15 a year to $25. to spend and we had a few thousand. to forecast that: Things came together, the loan was repaid, However, it turned out that our the journals came out and ISPE went forth show was a great hit and the arrival The planetariums of other continents will to become IPS. planetarium in Rochester was a Deal. become part of our organization, and the We rode the crest of a wave of popularity exchange of approach and utilization of FOR WARD, PLANETARIANS!!! for years - all the time wondering how our medium will indeed become more long the wave would last.

34 Planetarian Vol. No.1, March Ian McLennan, the planetarium's creator Yes, let us hope we are so listed, and it and produced as theatre. Robert, at the and first director predicted at the time would be another sign of the professional Manitoba Planetarium, encouraged me that the planetarium, as a communica­ recognition we seek. use market research techniques to tion medium would be dead in 10 years. with audiences in a structured and -(Bad news for me because my career was Bill Peters depth manner. just beginning.) That dire prediction has Planetarians then passed the leader's torch Audiences taught me that, once in the the­ not come true and now 32 years later, north again, back to Calgary, and it landed in atre, the story and the quality their planetariums worldwide continue to at the capable hands of Bill Peters (81-82). In his experience was everything. Content was least exist and many to thrive. It's my president's messages, Bill often returned to for naught if the experience was thought that the reason for this is our will­ elements that underlie the potential success taught me about artistic leadership and ingness, even eagerness, to adapt and of our operations. He challenged his col­ challenged me to experiment because change. The shows that you are offering leagues to raise the standard of show produc­ learned they couldn't tell me what to pro­ now under your domes are very different tion, beginning with ideas: duce. They could sure tell me if they want­ from those being offered in the mid 1960s. ed more (or less!) of something similar. [the show] must convey some compelling, As long as you can keep your creativity the risk of experiment I learned there was and continue to grow and change, the gripping ideas that move or amuse the the reward of inventing programs, and planetarium will find its useful niche in audience. If the presentation is weak on planetariums, they would appreciate more the world. Good luck to you all as you look ideas, all is lost. than I could have first imagined. for ways to serve your various audiences. and then supporting the ideas with a literate When the time came to upgrade the Cal­ visual and aural style and sound production gary Centennial Planetarium, Jim Hooks values: King, author of the book Co-Design, Serving next in the hot seat was Jim taught me how to involve the larger com­ Hooks (79-80). Jim's messages emphasized the munity in the design process. diversity of knowledge among planetarians, To capture peoples' minds, inspire them with our ideas, involve them with the told us they loved the surrounding the mutual support and friendships we share ence of a dome theatre. They thought the with each other, and the inspiring nature of emotions that we feel when we contem­ plate the universe, we must view our role shows in the existing theatre were boring our field: as that ofa dramatist ... and the theatre was uncomfortable. While they loved space and astronomy, We work with a science that is sublime And the dome, don't forget the Space that wanted to come for a personal discovery and beautiful ... it gives us wings to soar experience about many topics and issues. through the cosmos ... our domes create: Our question transformed from, "How can and turning to our Society, [visitors] come for the very powerful envi­ we fix a tired old planetarium?" to, "What ronmental theatre-experience possible in is the strongest way we can create the­ It has been the individuals who make up our surrounding rooms. atre to address community needs, wants this great organization that have made it and concerns?" Today, because the ques­ so. Still today, even with all the advances in tion changed, Discovery Dome is home to the media at our disposal, these words still an innovative combination of high-tech ... guiding thoughts as true in 2000 as they ring true as we seek to reach and teach audi­ imagery and live theatre, presented in an were in 1980. Jim also described an inspiring ences that may have come more for enter­ advanced layout. visit to Monterrey a few years before the IPS tainment than for an astronomy course. To answer the new question Ian Mc­ conference would be held there in 1984 and Perhaps one reason we want to teach is that Lennan helped us understand the pOSSibili­ he also reported on an early membership sur­ we too are learners. As Bill writes today: vey that sought to determine typical admis­ ty of linking the presence and style of live theatre with an enticing array of new sion charges, program frequency, and catego­ My association with IPS has been a jour­ technologies. Architect Bill Chomik ry of audience. ney oflearning. Recently retired, Jim writes today: learned with us and addressed the guest I became IPS President-Elect began when experience in a building that demonstrat­ After retiring June 1999, I could see the David Rodger, then Director of the H. R. ed its own award-winning artistic leader­ real sun rising. It was experience gained, MacMillan Planetarium, changed careers, ship. Live theatre artistic director, John sailing from North Carolina to the Florida leaving the position of IPS President-Elect Paul Fishbach, teamed up with Alan Keys, and returning with the arrival of not as well. Actually David didn't really Susan Cannon and Brad Struble, to invent one, but two, Atlantic Hurricanes. "Floyd" change careers; he has always viewed him­ and learn how to produce a new kind of was a hurricane to be remembered. The self as a journalist, a role he continues live theatre dome show. I appreciate the trip was an experience not to be forgotten. today. courage ofJohn Dickenson and Paul Deans in Vancouver and Les Young and Dono­ I continue to teach a course in Astronomy From David I learned that a planetarium van Reimer in Edmonton who shared the for the University of North Carolina Pem­ show could be compelling and engaging challenge of this learning with us. broke. I have, in the past year, contacted journalism, something that would grip the many individuals concerning the name audience through their personal identifi­ I owe a special dept to all my colleagues in "Planetarian". Also, I have been working cation with the journalist narrator. the International Planetarium Society. with Mr. Frank Gear from the United David instinctively knew something From you I have learned much and contin­ Kingdom, hoping that we can get the Robert Ballantyne taught me explicitly - ue to learn. I extend special afJtITec'iation name "Planetarian" in the world's dictio­ a planetarium show needs to be thought of this regard to those on the Board naries, beginning the 21st Century. my term as President.

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian 35 My wish and vision for the IPS as we enter ting personal computers, and no one was the 2000s is that it foster all the opportu­ thinking of e-mail. I believe that my nities for interaction, debate, experimen­ efforts, which absorbed much of my non­ since the invention of the pl(mE~tarium, tation, sharing and dialogue that inspire job time, were reasonable, considering that Friedman assumed reins of learning. Revolutionary presentation tech­ not as much was possible or expected then (85-86). Fresh from the nologies and theatre layouts present un­ as now. As I observe Dale Smith in con­ ence, Alan wrote: paralleled opportunities. The opportunities stant, comprehensive, and instant touch have meaning only in the context of out­ with planetarians around the world, I real­ comes for the individuals our programs ize that it is every bit as difficult now to touch. May the focus ofour learning centre have the same objective. Dale, Thomas on and respect what we hear from these Kraupe, Jim Manning, and Bill Gutsch individuals. have used the potential of technology to produce outstanding communication Jeanne Bishop within and beyond IPS, a level of commu­ Then the presidency passed for the first nication we could only dream about in time from the hands of a large facility plane­ 1984. I have observed the efforts of these tarian into the hands of a school planetarian presidents with great admiration. Looking as 'jeanne Bishop took the helm (83-84). ahead, I predict that accelerating improve­ since held jeanne's messages were filled with the con­ ments in technology in this century will in one in Asia; have added cept of communication - among members allow future IPS presidents and Council new affiliates; and seen and between members and the IPS leader­ members to respond even more efficiently regionals strong active in ship. During her watch, IPS published a new to the needs of members and associate Directory and undertook a comprehensive groups. Desirable new activities will be As the Tucson conference of his World Survey of Planetariums that would generated very quickly. apr)rO,KneG, Alan support future directories. The Awards Yesterday I watched via PBS television as value of our conferences: Committee was established, institutional the opening to the year 2000 swept around membership was inaugurated, advertising the world. I was interested in and im­ was now accepted in the Planetarian, the pressed with the efforts ofeach culture cel­ membership brochure was translated to lan­ ebrating midnight and morning. I felt need this COl'11nVZulVlltv guages beyond English, a Planetarian Index close to the people of these locations on the which was prepared by future editor John Mosley, opposite side of the world from me as fire­ and the first IPS conference in Mexico was works exploded in skies over Beijing and held when our society convened in Mon­ Tokyo at their midnights. This is because I terrey. visited Japan last summer on a Fulbright jeanne's current message again under­ Teacher A ward scholarship and had been Today, email and dome-l scores the theme of communication: to China for an astronomy conference two but there is no substitute years earlier. But I felt a deeper kinship gathering at IPS and affiliate cOIlteJrences. It has been 15 years since I completed my with people of every country as I watched term as IPS President. But the goals and successive groups welcome the New Year operation of this wonderful organization sunrise. remain very important to me. I continue to serve IPS in some ways. Since I was imme­ As planetarium educators, we need to be in inside: diate past-president, I have been chair of touch with this basic human response to the Committee on Astronomical Accuracy the rising of the sun, as well as to other and Astrology. I am grateful to Barbara astronomical cycles. I believe that it Baber for her help on this committee - her of our mission to sensitively teach the thoughtful reviews of astronomical toys astronomy ofastronomical cycles to every­ appear in the Planetarian. At Dale Smith's one. Myths are interesting and beautiful, reques'0 I also became chair of the IPS Mars but all people deserve to know how our Millennium Project Competition, prepar­ planet moves within the universe and the ing the competition's rules and arranging wonders of the universe found all about over new instruments, dozens for the judging which will take place this us. etariums built every year, and spring. I hope that many IPS members will As the new century unfolds, I hope that educational like fJarticifJa'tol"V coordinate submission to this competition. planetariums worldwide, large and small, As President in 1983-84, my top goal was continue to expand their positive influence to improve communication and open new in educating people about astronomy and avenues of communication at all levels of related subjects. To this end I hope that IPS IPS. Someone, I think it was Alan Fried­ Council and individual IPS members will man, pointed out to me with a touch of keep reaching out to introduce new indi­ amazement that my Council newsletters, viduals and country organizations, large IPS columns, and correspondence were all and small, to the IPS family. completed with a typewriter. This was about the time that many people were get-

36 Planetarian Vol. ral message were Yet planetariums are still with us, and in zation had also become more initer:naitional most cases, are thriving. Here in New York And besides this journal, and our other and had already selected a torth<:onninlg City, we are eagerly awaiting our first vis­ publications, and our conferences, and our ference site in Europe, the first its to the new Hayden Planetarium, a $100 member services, what is the value and pur­ America. million plus project (that is not a mis­ pose of IPS? Perhaps again Alan Friedman Von Del was print!). Starlabs continue to inflate on a said it for us all: ways to the scope of IPS: to daily basis throughout the region. The the internationalization efforts of education department at the New York The International Planetarium Society is cessors, to more support to ClassrlOO1TI Hall of Science just finished our a medium ofcommunication ... this works planetarians, and to work more umpteenth Starlab teacher workshop, only if our members have something they research astronomers. The latter infecting another dozen teachers with the want to communicate and use IPS as their soon realized with IPS support itch to get their students looking up at the means to do so. IPS does not generate origi­ Universe in the Classroom newsletter stars. Over 2,000 teachers in the past fif­ nal ideas, questions, research, scripts, ... duced ASP and now distributed to teen years have learned to use Starlabs You, our individual and institutional members as a benefit here. members, do create these things . ... our With Von Del set

society is exactly as worthwhile as its indi­ I.HU.U .... ' ...... LHUiv Educational trends have come and gone at mission as vidual members make it. ... People join the prosaic a steady rate. I've been through several cycles of "back to basics," "make more sci­ society, travel around the world to attend its meetings, and read its publications In our theaters we translate the reCIf1mcal entists," "scientists can't find jobs," "the because individual members are continu­ scientific into the larirxuax<:s computer/the Internet/se1f-directed learn­ ously volunteering their time to make and the crowds understand we ing/cooperative learning-is the answer," to keep the society worthwhile. The oppor­ stars down to earth and into the ad infinitum. tunity is open to each one of us to make people to blend what has been Fortunately for those of us who love plane­ IPS valuable. about stars into the rrn17lP'wnl'V tariums, there are also constants, for ideals. schools and the general public alike: sci­ Officers, committee members, the ence continues to pose fascinating new Planetarian team, and YOU, the individual and poetiC questions, and continues to find even more member - it is each of us who can make IPS fascinating new answers. It is still a thrill valuable or render it useless. It is the contri­ Planetarians the voices to look up at an all-encompassing sky, and butions of each of us taken together that can to Earth to be heard and understood take a measure of our relative standing in make IPS a vibrant organization that serves that the song the stars the universe. And people remain social ani­ us all into the 21st century. But it depends on known. mals: television and the Internet have yet all of us working together. Don't ask, what to replace the movie theater or the stage, can IPS do for me? Rather ask, what can I do Can you hear the voice of the archa(;:oa.s­ and PC-based planetarium programs, for my fellow planetarians through IPS? tronomer here? - the voice that's m()d~~rn handy though they are, have not replaced Every bit of IPS work is done by a volunteer yet also attuned to the world of the delight of that moment when the sun who somehow, despite a full-time job, makes c17,nA1-,t-,,"ha.,. who that: slowly sets in the western sky, Orion the time to help. That was true in 1970, in appears overhead, and we collectively gasp 1980, in 1990, and now also in 2000. ... every time we look at fa starL with delight. You can help too, and now is the time! us. Long live the planetarium and the plane­ Write an article for the Planetarian. Suggest a tarians. project and then volunteer to help do it. When we Earth Contact an officer or committee chair and 53 and counting offer to help. Lend your energy. Share your we And also this journal called Planetaria~ insight. Help us all work and grow together. iums: we educate our LJHULl,'ULL. In his next-to-last message as preSident, their and we may even attract Alan wrote a little line that may not have Von Del Chamberlain attracted much attention at the time: Nearly a saros of years after the CAPE con­ ference led to the founding of IPS, an own John Mosley has accepted the position of ful founding father took his turn at leading Editor [of the Planetarian). as Von Del Chamberlain entered a well­ earned term as president (87-88). Toward the ... which leads to the question, what is 52? end of his term, Von Del could write, citing a The number of weeks in the year? Yes. The succession of conference highlights and sure­ number of cards in a deck? Yes. The number ly also thinking of a mature publication pro­ of Planetarian issues John has edited? Yes! gram: This one is now number 53, and counting. Some time ago, John passed the mark for IPS has certainly come of age as a profes­ editing over half the pages of this journal sional organization. It has been to since Day One. watch it do so. Thank you for your heroic and continu­ ing efforts. We are all profoundly grateful. The goals set forth in Paul Engle's inaugu-

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian time, 'The most important element ofany IPS and was part of two Council meetings in planetarium, II he said, His the teacher." I Europe, at Armagh and Athens. A continuing Those stars shone in Texan eyes have thought about these words often over pioneer in the use of video in our domes, gavel carne Stateside It ... ",_,,,,n1-"''''''n the years and I am more convinced of their Terence like Bill Peters before him used his handsofaschool ~HHH_'~~'~LA truth now than ever before. What really president's column to critique planetarium Pogue took office (91-92) after a decade counts, what has lasting value, what mat­ work and practice with the hope of exhort­ vice on Council and two ters most of all is the changes that take ing us all to examine what we do and do it planetarian. The election of an expel~lelln~a place within the minds of those who visit better. After all, he wrote: school pianetarian may have reflected planetariums. more of the world's plcllletaJ~iUJms I recall the various issues that have been ... we planetarians are very good at doing ated with schools than with any discussed at planetarium meetings­ something about it. of parent institution. ISPE/lPS, GLPA, MAPS, GPPA, SWAP, The Texas teacher's voice PPA, PAC and others-issues such as: "how Active we are and active we have to be. alarm about declines in US science ..... U'...... ULU'-"U long will planetariums continue?" - Terence has been active in developing video and asked: "recorded vs. live presentations" - "educa­ for use in planetariums and it's to video and tion vs. entertainment." Now I do not the stars that his thoughts turn today: Do have a role in VVO/WT"V>" think that these are really very important these challenges? You bet! ... The rec;nm1S1- issues at all. They are important questions Most visionaries don't get the future right bility falls on not and concerns, but they are not the issues. I and I'm sure my planetarium visions educate but to stimulate the interest n!"'YltJfnY'l1J1'l1 visitors. think that the grandeur of the cosmos won't last beyond the first decade of the assures that there will continue to be the­ new century and millennium. But those aters of the sky. I think it is important that ten years will be exciting enough for me. we continue to do the best professional I think the next ten years will see the most work we can, using all the methods and dramatic advances in all-dome presenta­ technologies that will bring this about. I tions since the invention of the projection think that we should do highest quality planetarium in the 1920s and the arrival all, the new millennium audio-visual presentations to help make of the electronic Digistar in the 1980s. John also reminded us in a later message the beauty and significance of astronomy the importance of our Many Planetaria will be able to benefit tacts with our local press to support come alive for as many people as we can. I from new media to become all-dome the­ think planetariums can be and should be rate science - of iniltiaLtirlg aters not restricted to astronomical presen­ releases, of eX1plaining both theaters and classrooms. I think edu­ tations. This will provide new experiences cation should be entertaining as well as reporters, of available as a source for existing audiences and bring new audi­ accurate information. informative. I agree with Armand Spitz ences into the Planetarium environment. that the teacher is the most important tool John's term of office also showed in any planetarium facility. Teaching and The challenge for the domed theatre will how vulnerable many school r\lo'n"'T'1 future audiences for as long as the stars readers: scenes from Amsterdam, Athens, and Society upon the celebration thirtieth shine. Tampere, among other sites, were a vivid year. I am extremely honored to have been part of his column. Terence energetically elected as a of the promoted more European involvement in though,

38 Planetarian one of the shortest-lived terms. doing something about it." Bill Gutsch (93- decade is certainly slated to be the During my first year as IPS president and 94) brought that energy to his service in IPS exciting and rewarding yet and, consulting, writing after 20 years as director of the Grand high office and especially promoted cooper­ Prairie Schools Planetarium, the new ation with related societies and the interna­ the world, I'm excited to continue superintendent determined that the facili­ tionalization of our own. IPS gained four part of it. The journeys we and our ty, and position, were low priorities - an new affiliates during his term Qapan, Ger­ ences will soon be taking "under the dome" all too familiar scenario for many other many, Russia, and Ukraine) in addition to truly will be mind boggling. school and college system planetariums one (Italy) the prior year when he was Some final advice, (in addition to my over the years. I was reassigned to teach Acting President. Bill also played an aGtive Commandments listed elsewhere middle school math, the planetarium'S part in planning the 1996 Osaka conference issue) - work hard, moonlight, max out operations were cut to one-half day, and a that would follow his term of office. His mes­ those deductions, 403(B)s, IRAs, and library aide (who was the wife of an assis­ sages also report new cooperation with STScI IRA's (or equivalent), buy low, sell tant superintendent) was assigned to oper­ to establish the IPS slide service, with AAS in invest for the long term, always listen ate the planetarium. That same year I fin­ taking steps to establish a speakers bureau, Uncle Lou and Abby Joseph Cohen, ished my thirtieth year of teaching and and with ASP in co-sponsoring a symposium send me a post card from as away as retired, but I was not able to preside over on Astronomy Education (at ASP's 1995 you can get. the biennial conference of the IPS. I am Maryland meeting). forever grateful to Bill Gutsch, then presi­ Like other preSidents before and since, Bill dent-elect, who stepped in and chaired the called on members to take an active role in And the next president's post cards came their Society: conference. from remote Mon tana as Jim lVACn, .activities of that administration (includ­ to the domes that open: ing two trips to New York City by the ... a marketplace filled with ideas shared by superintendent and board members and each of us as we present at conferences, con­ ... there it was: the 200-inch telescope - all their spouses costing the district around tribute to publications, and serve this society girders and glass and history ... $20,000 each). I and two other candidates of our peers. aware of the district's administrative prob­ In his final message as preSident, Bill wrote and to those that don't: lems were elected to the school board. that: Within a year that superintendent sought employment elsewhere, the district made Planetariums have never been more num­ It has been the greatest honor of my career erous, more accessible, or better able many operational changes during the next to have served as your President and serve the function that Palomar ... did several years, and I am pleased to report worked for such a wonderful group of car­ that the planetarium is now back to full some of us: to inspire, to spark an interest, ingpeople. to engage the imagination. operation with a certified educator in charge. So would we all say, all who have had the to in Bolivia: I relate the above not to take personal cred­ privilege of service in this office and of writ­ it, because one vote on a governmental ing in this column over the years and again the most vivid {images] of all ... the board has no power alone, but to relish the today. streaming corona of the eclipsed sun, and a fact that voting citizens, when aware of If you've persevered this far, you'n appre­ simple cairn of stones in the middle misuse of their tax money and the sacri­ ciate that Bill now begins: desolate plain. fice of their children's educational oppor­ tunities to wasteful purposes, can make a Since you have to plow through all these and Thailand: difference. Happily, there have been other other messages from IPS Past Presidents, I such resurrections of dormant planetari­ thought I would make my remarks merci­ ... those Thai kids had an enlightened ums. fully brief. opportunity to witness the workings of the Planetariums will continue to be enjoy­ IPS indeed has come a long way in its 30 universe first-hand, for their teachers able facilitators of public information years. I congratulate the organization and knew that sometimes the best education is because of the dedication and efforts of all of you who have helped it survive, grow experienced rather than taught. people like you, the members of the Inter­ and flourish. As someone who has served national Planetarium Society. I wish all of somewhat more than a single term as to lecture halls with Dan Goldin: you success in your endeavors to promote President, continues as a Committee your planetarium facilities and in educat­ Chair, has been to lots of conferences and ... there are lots of rewarding moments ... ing your public about the wonders of the given lots ofpapers, I'm proud and happy whether it's the head of NASA offering a world and universe around them. to have done my part. Hopefully, we're a compliment or the sudden bright look on a little stronger and a little more interna­ little girl's face that tells you she under­ BillGutsch tional as a result. It's a sincere honor and stands. Our twelfth president was once asked how privilege to have served and still be serving. he was able to put so many ideas into prac­ With technological changes coming and Stephen Hawking: tice, and replied "by getting off my butt and almost daily to our medium, this next

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian this man did something I've never seen Planetarium at the University of Wiscon­ The key to our success will indeed be done before: hold 9,000 people in quiet sin in Oshkosh watching a Spitz A3P cre­ ability to incorporate and transport attention while he explained the finer ate the universe on a dome and realized with the content the emotional, the points of cosmological theory that had that here was Something Wonderful, too. man touch of science and riicrr01JPY11J' nothing to do with their daily lives . ... It seems a marvelous coincidence to me ing people feel joy, excitement, and Professor Hawking reminds us that if we're now that at almost the very same time, going to reach an age ofgeneral scientific the International Planetarium Society and not only for our audiences, but also enlightenment, we're all going to have to (then the International Society of Plane­ ourselves, even as so much of our cOlmrnuni­ get there together: the scientist, the plane­ tarium Educators) was being born. cation is shifting to electronic media: tarian, and the ordinary person who won­ We could all tell similar tales ofour plane­ ders if we are talking science or magic. tarium beginnings, and today, 30 years Even our new tools ofl~ele'COlVJmv[UlV[iclC1tiIDns removed from these experiences, I realize - cannot replace the valuable Ut;f:'>UI'!U! And thus the "why" of our mission as in another sort of epiphany - that I have tacts and fTiendships you make at planetarians: become what others were for me in those ingsJ ... Let us celebrate long-ago years. I have become a catalyst learn from each other. So why do we do what we do? I think it's with the potential to reveal the essential for love. For the intangible rewards that nature and meaning of the universe to the And he what every IPS officer come from enlightening others. For the sat­ fresh, young minds offuture scientists and president has felt: isfaction we get from puttering about in teachers, to future stargazers, who, what­ the universe in a way we enjoy. Because we ever they do, will do it with lives enriched We want to make IPS better - but really can make a difference ... We keep by knowledge and appreciation of the uni­ so only with your help and support. the cosmic link; we temper the absolute verse in which they abide. And so, my truths of the universe with the warmth of friends, have you. Plain, basic words perhaps, but go to human perspective ... and it matters. the heart of the matter - we can do bet- In this 30th year of IPS, it is important to ter by working together - and describe As do the matters of our business, and remember the words of Henry Brooks the results of Thomas' term: the we bsi te there too, much was done during Jim's Adams: "A teacher's effect is eternal; he redesigned as a creative tool for our future term at the helm: the first IPS conference can never tell where his influence stops." communication, the second IPS conference in Asia, reported in his messages before We are all teachers, we are all potential held in Europe (with delegates from a record and after the meeting, the first distribu­ catalysts for epiphanies in others. May we 29 countries), a new edition of the tion of Hubble and JPL slides, the creation use these important gifts wisely and well. and a first edition of the Resource of the IPS web site, the first steps toward And, with the year still fresh and new and published, a worldwide planetarium survey Astronomy Link, an active publication all things possible, may they lead to conducted, the script contest reactivated, effort, fine-tuning of our governing docu­ Something Wonderful in our lives! membership brochure translated, the ments, and eight more manningesque and technology committees activated, columns of "What's New." For, as Jim wrote in closing his final presi­ work begun on the first IPS video. Then as the year called 2000 dawned, 'Tis dent's message: Today, that same verve the Season's author wrote anew, with won­ excitement, Thomas looks toward the der: ... you belong to that strange and wonder­ tarium of the future: ful race called Planetarians ... it means As I write these words, the calendar reads "People of the Stars." Greetings from Europe on the occasion January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany - the the 30th anniversary ofIPS! It is

commemoration in the Western Christian pleasure and joy that I join this "hjrt-I/,r/"" Church of the visit of the Magi as the first One of Europe's stars rose to the stage as chorus" of former preSidents Our manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Thomas Kraupe became "1st officer" of IPS "dynasty" - and the history of IPS now But today, with the year as fresh and new (97-98). Thomas led with style and energy spans one orbital period the upon us as the morning sun shining on and a joie-de-vivre. While he drew on his great "Bringer of Old Age" (a footnote: new mountain snow above my valley experience with cutting-edge technology, have fun and figure out aOlorOIXlllTlatel'V home, I'm thinking of the broader mean­ Thomas always saw our work in very human how many "planetarium-projector ing ofthe term. terms both past: we could celebrate by now - I mean the We all have epiphanies in our lives, times total number of rotations of the sun-pro­ The ceremonial sites of ancient Mexico jectors in all planetariums around the when the essential nature or meaning of really get your mind set for the magical something is suddenly made manifest to globe ... adding up all motions in side of astronomy and our civilization ... I starshows in 30 or even in 75 veLITs--ar.w us, and our lives are changed. My own think ethnoastronomy is a great subject astronomical epiphany came early, as a you could also add to that quite some for us planetarians ... it allows us to relate Digistar years I guess ... ). child, with my earliest recollections of the real sky to real people and show that looking up into the night sky and realizing astronomy is a relevant part ofour culture As I write these few lines, I am on a busi­ that here was Something Wonderful. Since ... I think that we as planetarians should ness trip in Madrid, Spain. Although I lived in a region with few astronomical have a special interest to connect current busy with leisure industry meetll'1'ls. resources and no planetariums within events to historical and cultural back­ also visit the Planetario reach, my planetarium epiphany came grounds. Madrid - maybe my most favourite plane­ somewhat later; it wasn't until college tarium, since it offers unique shows and that I sat in the darkness of the Buckstaff and present: great example of what can be achieved

40 Planetarian Vol. No.1, March when you bring together technology and IMAX-movies and High-DefTV produc­ In 1970, we knew the talent. That inspires me even more to tions, but we rarely have a dialog going worlds only throw some Ilbrain snacks" at you as we between us. selves to telescopes. We knew that IPS members get 'Iold" and "wise" - and Let us go beyond the fences ofpure educa­ was veiled with clouds, but didn't move forward towards a new millennium. tion or entertainment! I do hope we will what the clouds were made of We are in the middle ofa revolution in the benefit a lot from joining discussions with field of immersive theaters, which include the Leisure Industry - as a complement to a few pictures of craters on Mars sent planetariums - and I think it will happen joint meetings with museums and teach­ by early spacecraft. We had much faster than we currently think - ers (remember, most of us are dealing with tures of cloud bands on immersive theaters are going digital, and visitors whom we want to spend an hour Uranus, and were in the near future, we no longer will have of their leisure time at our planetariums light in a telescope. Of Pluto, we knew the typical mix of media in our planetari­ .... ). Let us continue to create various to nothing, its size and mass mere guesses . ums. This already has some major conse­ means of communication and exchange Then the veil was lifted We sent quences for our profession. The privilege between IPS and other organisations and armada of robots to see the for astronomers in immersive theaters is the industry. Let us work together for a Magellan, Mariner, Pioneer, Venera, gone - astronomers are no longer the only renewed sense and sensibility of our im­ and Voyager - brave names and bold scientists who have their own theater: mersive planetarium environment - Let sions. Streams of data and scores of more and more locations will see digital us open our eyes, ears and hearts - let us flew home. Radar from the circumlla'li!!at­ all-dome systems, immersive shows focus­ talk, listen, share, and learn - for the bene­ ing pierced the battery acid clouds ing on geology, chemistry, biology, physics fit offuture explorers. of Venus to reveal a world of exotic - or any other science may be produced. noes and cliff-scarred continents too Especially planetariums in science muse­ IPS has evolved into a global network, a oceans to wash. Venera's cameras returned ums will experience this as a challenge for forum well suited to host and even orches­ still-incredible images of the surface. their future - they may be replaced by trate these debates by offering you the Vikings away to Mars. coursed such immersive science theaters, which appropriate venues to speak up and ex­ over colossal volcanoes, craters, canyons, might be run by a biologist or any other change your experiences. My hopes are and ice caps, and they landed to eat the scientist along with a team of multimedia high - as are my expectations for the next soil in search of life, but found specialists. Astronomy certainly might be few years, because IPS is in very were alone. and Pathfinder rolled a vital part of the content presented, but hands. Current President Dale Smith is in later to whet our appetites with of the word ''planetarium'' for such theaters doing a great job in all areas. a once-wet Mars. Pioneers and and might not be correct. Join me in supporting his mission. Fellow Galileo rode the gravity lines to Jupiter and I would be worried if we feel offended by planetarians, let me raise a glass of beyond. Roiling bands of clouds and storms the size of Earth posed for the distant these developments and reject using these Weissbier towards IPS and its members. technologies - it would remind me of the Happy Birthday, IPS - towards are-birth eras and a score of moons become worlds priests who refused to look through of the planetarium idea for the upcoming their own right. The scorching craters punched into little Mercury were seen close­ CaWeo's telescope to see the satellites of new millennium. May IPS continue to be Jupiter. Certainly the stars are beautiful, the family of those who boldly go where up and named. And Pluto, now revealed as but just look at Hubble images .... using no one has gone before .... captain of the Kuiper belt, up a current and immersive technologies moon that gave away its mass. All since 1970. we can relate the story of the whole uni­ And from the cmren't pr1esidlent In 1970, we were in the midst of u.unuub verse to the story of us and for the first In 1970, another starry-eyed graduate men on the Moon. Out of the cradle for the time show the real splendor of this amaz­ went boldly forth from Colgate first time. And in our lives, perhaps the time. Neil took the first step the ing and active cosmos we are part of. Quite unaware that a society soon to be called IPS had been founded in that very year before IPS was founded. Two years later, Let us not just concentrate on making our same year, this aspiring astronomer moved Harrison Schmitt, the only geologist among shows successful in the eyes of our col­ into graduate school, unaware as well that eleven test pilots, took a next-to-Iast step. leagues, but rather let us think about our he would have the privilege of serving that the six Apollo landers gather lunar audiences and their senses. Certainly we society at the cusp of a millennium change dust, awaiting, perhaps, a rebirth some as have to discuss also what our measures of 30 years later. a remote world park. From the lunar rocks success are - visitor numbers and When my college class convened for its brought back, we gleaned the of economy or just the other extreme of 25th reunion in 1995, some of us were asked the Moon - reassembled from a spray of shows that will not find their audiences, to write a perspective on changes in our field rock wrenched away from the but which we regard as excellent .... Let us in the quarter-century since our graduation. Earth by the suicidal interloper ,reinvent the planetarium as theaters That silver reunion essay, now revised and Today, the last of the great Saturn V rockets which enable whole groups of people to extended, forms the basis for this section lies prone on the ground at Cape Canaveral, share the same sensations and compare which reflects on where we've come in these its engines silent, consigned to life as a muse­ their experiences. Let us discuss how we past 30 years - gains and losses, dangers and um piece. Today, we can no longer launch can learn and teach narrative style to hopes, challenges and opportunities. men to the Moon or even a Voyager direct ensure a feeling of continuity of space and to Jupiter. The Galileo mission had, for the time for our visitors. The aesthetics and Advances in astronomy since 1970 lack of an adequate rocket, to be launched artistic flow of visuals in an immersive inward toward Venus to pick up the We have discovered the solar system in environment is not as simple as some folks site to climb out to Jupiter. the last thirty years. We are in danger of los­ think. We face here challenges similar to Around 1420, Prince Henry the those encountered by the creators of ing the whole Universe.

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian of Portugal set his sights to the south. He set yards (2 m) across, to a single focus. I never recting mirror a hundred times a ,-,,-,-,-,,uu, his seamen feeling their way down the west believed it would work. In the mid-80s, I was these telescopes still the Earth's atnl0spnl~re, coast of Africa, launching an effort that using it, and yes, it worked. Today the Keck and they can be built much would cost as much as the Apollo program bares light-collecting surfaces ten meters Hubble at a fraction of the cost. in terms of percent of GNP. By his death in across: they are a honeycomb of thirty-six 1460, his men had barely rounded Cape separate mirrors, each polished to a mil­ sors, wherever they are, we are Verde. Only in 1487 did Bartholomeu Dias lionth of an inch and orchestrated to act as universe in richer detail than we could have reach around the Cape of Good Hope, and one. Even bigger telescopes are in the offing. imagined a generation ago. We have seen the open the door to India. You can see monu­ The OWL, if built, will have a 100-meter eye! incredible turbulence of star formation, ments to him today near the Cape. It had The computer technology to control have unmasked the chaos of mass loss as taken seventy years of perseverance. In 1497, these multiple mirrors did not exist thirty stars evolve, we have seen of a decade later, Vasco Da Gama completed years ago. Today it seems routine. The main­ galaxies in birth at the edge of time. We've the journey to India, and tiny Portugal frame computer on which I did the number­ found the exotic corpses of stars - became a world power. We went to the crunching for my dissertation? The word­ and black holes. We have our Moon in a decade, landed as a billion people processor on which I'm typing this essay uses across the spectrum; COBE has decoded watched, opened the door, and stopped more memory than that mainframe had, ation's fingerprint, the cosmic ba<:kg;round. In the early 1970s, I was fortunate enough and it occupies only a small fraction of my We have honed in on the other Hubble, the to use the great 200-inch (5.2 m) telescope desk-top computer. The laptop you carryon Constant, and we think we may know the atop Mt. Palomar for my dissertation re­ a plane has more memory than that big age of the Universe, give or take an aeon or search. Opened in 1948, it was still the mainframe had in the late 70s. two. We see these images on the TV news world's largest working telescope nearly By the end of the Hubble Space Tele­ and we retrieve them from the Internet and three decades later. Then a classmate went scope's projected lifetime a decade frOPl now, world wide web. The computer center in into optical design and later described to me we can expect to have telescopes on the which I did my senior project was a telescope project he was involved with. ground, which can match or surpass the reso­ built when IPS was born. The Multiple Mirror Telescope would bring lution which the Hubble alone still enjoys Since 1970, we have discovered the light from six separate mirrors, each two today. With adaptive optics reshaping a cor- around other stars - lots of them - and we

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42 Planetarian Vol. No.1, March have discovered that we cannot see most of invisible in another way as well, as we pol­ dark sky. When we can no longer see the universe. Thirty years ago we thought lute our skies with light. Astronomers flee to for ourselves, we will have lost our roots. that stars made up most of the universe - remote, dark mountaintops to escape the It would be a sad irony if we were to stars spaced with some interstellar gas urban sprawl and build their telescopes. But the sky in the same generation in which we between them and assembled into those even here the light pollution creeps. The are discovering the role the in the great collections we call the galaxies. great telescope atop Mt. Palomar has lost half world-views of our forebears -- discoveries Whatever the details, the universe was made its ability to see in just one generation as the spearheaded in so many ways since 1970 up mostly of stars whose arrangement and bright skies of southern California creep up the pioneering work of my un.ctergractuaite inner workings we were figuring out. Then the mountain slopes like a plague. The elec­ mentor, astronomer-anthropologist came the shock - there is the dark matter - tromagnetic chatter of human commerce ony AvenL To the first and the stars we can see make up only a threatens to drown out the faint signals that Americas, to the Maya and Inca, tenth of the Universe. When we watch how radio astronomers strive to glean from dis­ ancient cultures of Africa, to the Neolithic these stars move, we can feel the gravity of tant stars and galaxies. builders of Stonehenge, to the all that mass we cannot see. Nine-tenths of But it is not only the research astronomers gators of the Pacific, the sky was a the universe is dark, we learned, and despite who lose. It is all of us - how well we know. tapestry alive with those you and all the work since, we are still at a loss to If you live in a city, perhaps you cannot see the, stars, planets, Moon, and Sun. The know what this dark matter is. We are in a the night sky at all. Or if you can, it is only ancients knew the splendor of the and room with a hundred people, but we can see vestige of what my grandfather, a farmer, the dance of its intricate cycles. The was only ten of them: ninety are still invisible saw. I live in a small city of barely 25,000 set a calendar to them, the sky filled their rich though surely there and made of we know among the farm fields of northwest Ohio, mythology, and the sky inspired their archi­ not what. For all we know, it could be and we can see at best a third of the stars my tects to align buildings and streets with oobleck. But in 1970, we didn't even know classmates and I could see in 1970 from the celestial directions. Have we not all the other ninety were there at all. Colgate Observatory grounds near the presi­ this? The Maya turned building after build­ dent's house. We planetarians are alarmed at ing to face the setting of Venus. Today not The risk of losing the sky the prospect of our theatres becoming zoos one person in a hundred will even notice We are in danger of making the universe - the only places where you can see a truly Venus, the brightest planet, when it domi-

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Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian nates the evening sky. Recently, after Venus that recent informal poll of graduates and ate or graduate student. Now had dominated the evening sky for three faculty taken at a Harvard commencement daily contact with months, when I asked a college class and a that we've seen in A Private Universe, only and with mass market school class who among them had seen it, of two of twenty-three could explain why we become very clear to me, over 120 people, not a single hand went up. have seasons, and in polls of other popula­ my students would claim I still don't We not only ignore it, we have even tried to tions, many of those asked could not correct­ stand it. shoot it down: the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas ly identify that the Earth goes around the once aimed a 40-billion-candlepower shaft Sun. It is the tip of an iceberg of ignorance of light to illuminate the sky; with it, you that descends far deeper. If I think the Sun So what does all this have to do could read a newspaper while floating at orbits the Earth, why should I support the etariums and with IPS? Well, p12m€~tm:iums fifty thousand feet (15 km). Sacrilege, a Maya extravagance of a mission to another planet? serve perhaps 40 million a priest would weep. Or could I understand seemingly unrelated shows and classes. Over the past appeals to retain even limited national sup­ that's about a billion "fannies in the CruilleIlges and op~)Ortunities in astronolmv port for cuI tural broadcasting and for the borrow Bill Gutsch's education arts? 30% of the 1970 But we are losing the universe in an even Only if basic information is in hand does no small part of the world's science more insidious way. From the heady hey­ one have any chance of moving on to tion team. days of 1970 when we were sending men to knowledge and understanding in the sci­ We've a great army the Moon, we have, at least in my home ences. To make that move, one must also minds to the battle for astronomy eGllCatlOn: nation, begun a seeming estrangement from possess a basic level of numeracy and analyt­ look around this issue of Planetarian science. The Apollo program was one requir­ ic reasoning and have the patience to inter­ other issue since Volume I-Number ing an expensive initial investment followed nalize ideas. These skills are absent from the insights and debates. by comparatively inexpensive subsequent repertOire of an alarming number of students Our arsenal of tools is much

flights. Yet once the initial investment had today, if the populations I see in large classes issue 1-1. Since 1970 we've seen HH_'-"",UJlA'-,U been made, the program was cancelled at a midstream state university are any guide starfields until before the full scientific rewards could be and if they bear out the results of surveys real one, we've seen the dawn of re'J.ped at a cost of only a few percent of the taken over larger samples of students. the of the initial outlay. If we believed that we went to colleagues and I see many students today the advent of automation systems the Moon for science, we were living with an who are unable to read graphs or do even growing sophistication, we've seen illusion. The science was a hitchhiker. simple math and who seem unable to follow invention of video, immersive video, Physics was also a hitchhiker during the a chain of analytical reasoning. My older col­ real-time immersive video, of lasers, cold war. It had practical value because it leagues tell me it's worse now than in the disks, of digital video disks, of

had obvious applications to national defense past. If you live in another country than I do, and of software to create, .l.U,UHLJUAUL'-. of the superpowers. Now with the end of the you may be saying the same applies in your mate, and run it alL We have this cold war, funding for physics has dimin­ homeland too, though I hope not. tools at our disposal for science ,-uU'-'UCuvu ished, and the physics community is facing a If these basic skills are absent, then access that we could only have dreamed of, time of readjustment. It is an adjustment that to the world of understanding beyond mere in 1970. We bring these tools to bear astronomers can well understand. We have information is closed. Grasping the elegance multimedia shows, in our startalks, always been in a science in which the knowl­ and beauty of science and the conceptual parti<:ip·at(xy lessons, and in all the ways we edge is acquired for its own sake, for the plea­ splendor of the natural world is made impos­ work. sure it brings to the discoverer, and for the sible, or at least much more difficult. Science Our insight and understanding it brings to the becomes an alien world disguised as a morass grown from a prim,lrily interested public and other scholars who of facts, largely incomprehensible facts ican to a trans-Atlantic to a learn from it. whose primary value may be seen to lie only tion. The original 7 affiliates have grown We know that understanding the content in whatever technical application 19; primary affiliate languages have grown of science can be a challenge to the lay per­ might have. To a scientist whose primary include at least 7 besides .uH"' .... .,U. son. The science of profeSSional journals is work is now in science education, these are we've become more global, our means cloaked in a complex web of precise techni­ tragic shortcomings. cOlmrnunic:atilng have us, I cal jargon and the language of mathematics. Our last US President quipped in the early closer together. Phone and mail To most people, including most college grad­ 1990s that he did not understand his science been by fax, email, and the web.

uates, these are foreign languages they do courses at Yale, then proclaimed a program At the same time, other .. Hi'-iA''''UAJ not speak. We and other science educators to make American students number one in held constant. We have can translate the jargon and communicate the world in math and science by the year vened 14 biennial conferences, each the content in more colloquial, friendly 2000. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. those attending as We have terms. We can convey information, and The challenge is much greater than he could ularly published our journal with a tal,en1ted thereby provide the opportunity for our have imagined. Surveys show that US stu­ succession of editors and contributors. We audiences and students to obtain knowledge dents' science competence is alarmingly low. have assembled directories and nrl"I1",-".r! and even some understanding as well. But to General science literacy seems to shrink special publications. We have been gather either information or understanding, from our grasp despite the wealth of discov­ by a remarkable series of pr'eSilCleltlts

th~ recipient must bring proper learning ery and the abundance of means for sharing words old and new appear in this 1''1''''':'<:<:01<'1'''' skills. Today, these skills are often absent. that wealth. I fear that many scientists do We have been served by an army of Despite the explosive growth of modern not realize how far removed their world is and committees. Somehow, we have

communication, many listeners do not from the world of the general population. our credo as a volunteer 'V ... , ... "'.A ....., .... absorb even basic scientific information. In Certainly I did not, either as an undergradu- have remained a home for aU sizes

44 Planetarian Vol. tariurns. We have kept our focus as astrono­ grow we are to maintain my educators even while we've up a the scientific literacy to use those tools wise- be and creative debate over all the 1y and to the of the diverse ways to try to be good planetarians. physical world in the broad context of And therein lies the to our future. If human knowledge and endeavor. The risks if we can frame our debates in our context as we fail and rewards if we succeed are great, astronomy and science educators, then we perhaps even more than they were when IPS will move up to become can hold faithful to our role as players in the was founded thirty years ago, and the out­ move on to Past-President. battle for science on our in come is as uncertain now as it was then. The officers be the 21st century. I do not know if this battle Yet our field exudes an elegance and will be won. But the efforts being mounted excitement that we strive to share. If we can in my homeland and in much of the world bring the stars to Earth in a human way, we are substantial. New national science educa­ will have done our work well, and the tion standards have just been developed in promise of the planetarium will indeed be a the US and UK. US federally funded vital part of the 21st century. research grants now require an education component. Societies of research scientists Committee appears are paying more attention to education in Whew! Enough with ephemeral efforts to This is your chance to their fields. effect ethereal and elegant expression. Enter of IPS, so consider it We in planetariums see the excitement in the elevator to Earth, and ask: just what are the faces of our school visitors we this millennial cusp or not, and hope the excitement can be maintained name to to fulfill that promise of the I-'"

Vol. No.1, March Planetarian October 17 & 18. The complete Minutes ...... -,,,,,,·irl,,, a valuable record of a confer­ appear elsewhere in this issue of the Plane­ ence, especially for those members who were office. tarian. Council made several important deci­ unable to attend. 3. sions, and in the paragraphs below I will note some of the hi~~hligl1tS. Current directories. Preparation of the 1999/2000 Directory of the World's Planetar­ New rejil;10ltliU affiliate. Council voted to iums is moving along well as I write this in 4. accept the application of the Australasian mid-January. the time you read this in Planetarium Society to affiliate with IPS. We March, the Directory will definitely have welcome the 19th regional affiliate and the gone to press and you may already have first in the Southern Hemisphere. This affili­ received it. The 2000 edition of the IPS be an enhanced, and H~I,,-~.u.UU'-"UU.UL,,-U ate covers Australia, New Zealand, and the Resource Directory will be produced later this version of one she V~~l".HHAH island nations of the South Pacific. year as well. for GLPA. Please contact can contribute. Modified time line for conference pr()pc5al.s. Future directories. Following completion of 5. revision You Want to After careful consideration, Council voted to the current directory cycle, we plan to make tarium" booklet to include text shorten the time scale to receive and vote on two major advances with the directories. proposals to host an IPS conference. Effective One, we expect to combine them into a sin­ with planning for the 2004 conference, pro­ gle publication with two sections corre­ posals will now be due at the time of the sponding to the existing two directories; this Council meeting four years before the is analogous to a directory that intended conference and will be voted on at contains white pages and yellow pages sec­ recent eXlperierlCe the Council meeting three years before the tions. Second, we expect to switch from intended conference. This time scale (4/3) is a to electronic as the primary medium of issue, reduction of one year from the previous though copies will be time scale (5/4) in which proposals were due available for those members who five years ahead and were voted on four require them. progress or !-"U.'UUHf'j years ahead. web site. I've listed some here One benefit of the new plan is that pro­ repository authorized An Asian include more in posals are now due at a Conference-year tory of IPS publications will be set up at the are a bit farther Council meeting, and thus the prospective Osaka Science Center. Contact information hosts can make presentations about their will be provided at a later date once the conference proposal to the IPS membership repository has been established. This will be at the general business meeting, and mem­ the third IPS repOSitory from which back bers can give more informed feedback to publications may be ordered. The other two their affiliate representatives regarding the are at Strasenburgh Planetarium in the US choice among the possible conference sites. and at the Artis Planetarium in the Nether­ The vote to select the conference site will lands. take place one year later at the off-year Council mE~etlng. Fellow criteria revised The criteria for nation to be a Fellow of IPS were to Steve at 2004 conference PfC)PC;ISal.s. The modified with an increased errlPflasis on contributions "News and Views": abstracts time line for proposals has the effect of to IPS and the ~I~,~~+..,>·;",,,,, Droj:es~;ioln. to newspaper articles and press releases extending the deadline for accepting propos­ revised criteria are detailed in the Minutes. written Sharon als to host the 2004 IPS conference by one ,~l~"ru.u. .... is '~~'~''',", year, and thus such proposals will be accept­ Publications and gui,deUnes new whose page on ed until the time of the 2000 Council meet- Work is moving along on a site will feature links to and abstracts in Montreal. If you interested in submit­ cations and documents. Some are newspaper materials (columns, a proposal to host in 2004 and have not tions that will be available for distribution press releases) written done so, contact me at once to members; others are essential guWt~HIles page under receive a copy of guidelines for preparing a IPS operations. Callen as write, and should be proposal to host. March. Check 1. revised guidelines for hosting an IPS con- write a Conference Upon recommen­ ference and for submitting a to how someone else has eX1Pla:lned dation of the officers, Council voted to insti­ host an IPS conference. Thanks to Then contact Sharon to add your tute Proceedings available to all IPS members Tomlinson for this on-line material to the as a standard feature of our conferences, task in consultation with the officers As with many other effective with the 2000 conference in and recent conference hosts. will work thrive Montreal. Prior to now, proceedings have 2. creation of job descriptions for IPS officers. tribute to it. been ' some conferences but not Steve Mitch,John Dickenson, and I have by others. The Proceedings will contain texts worked on this document which will of all contributed papers and summaries of give candidates for an IPS panel discussions and workshops. Proceed- office information about the duties and 5. an LF~;-m~errlfJe'TS-,on.{v

46 Planetarian soon and contain items that are benefits IPS 2000 Secretariat For reference, I've listed of membership. Planetarium de Montreal dollar 1000 St-Jacques (CDN$l = US$0.69). Please IPS 2000 conference in Montreal. By now Montreal (Quebec) you should have received the mailing for the Canada H3G 1G7 must be paid in Canadian dollars. IPS 2000 Conference to be held in Montreal, Tel: + 1514 872-3611 Quebec, Canada on July 9-13. The conference Fax: +1 514 872-8102 promises to be an exciting one filled with Email: [email protected] nomical valuable papers, workshops, panel discus­ sions, invited talks, exhibits, demonstrations, Postscript and PDF versions of the registra­ and plenty of time for informal conversa­ tion form can be downloaded from the con­ tion as well. Please plan to attend, give an ference website. oral or poster paper, hear other papers, see the latest products from the vendors and Important conference deadlines are: exhibitors, and spend time meeting and shar­ April 1 for early (discounted) registration ing with your colleagues from around the April 1 for titles and abstracts of papers world. Extend your time and learning by May 15 for full texts of papers \stronomy 101/1 courses. taking a pre- or post-conference tour. June 5 for hotel registration enhanced the Information is also available on the con­ June 16 for regular registration. planetariums to AAS members ference web site at www.planetarium. ly committed to astronomy eOllCatlOJn, montreal.qc.ca/IPS2000. If you have further Basic costs (quoted in and must be paid in as we are. questions or need additional copies of the Canadian dollars) are: mailing, contact the conference secretariat Early registration CDN$445 C US$307) at: (includes all meals except banquet) Since this message has run Banquet CDN$ 60 C US$ 41) bit long, I'll defer a fuller report on Conf. Hotel CDN$142 C US$ 98) panel until my June column, where (single or double, per night, plus tax) describe the of a starry the dark near the top of the world. time ...

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Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian SPITZ, INC. P.o. Box 198, Route 1 Chadds Ford, PA 19317 USA Tel 610.459,5200 Fax 610.459.3830 www.spitzinc.com great and many new people came to the Calgary Science Centre I planetarium . Vancouver and I t The next meeting of Association of French addition to -Speaking Planetariums APLF will be hosted A unique new "modular" show by the Planetarium of Cite de l'Espace in Universe Tonight Toulouse in May 2000 . Finally, at the end of this year 2000, a Ken 0-1<>"".1-1-_'"'' new Planetarium will open in Montpellier. It TV's Cosmic series, the will be equipped with a 15 meter dome and a designed to run for several years Digistar II with a StarRider. changing "modules" for each additional changeable modules to hl$!;hllgtlt Canadian current events such as the 30th Centers - versary, eclipses, meteor showers and relatively way Canadian Planetarians have been survey­ expensive show "fresh" for a ed on IPS and its services. Prior to the IPS run than normal. Council meeting in Flagstaff a questionnaire Plans for a major new plcmetar"imll fax was distributed to all Canadian planetariums Toronto suburb of North York are nrrv'a.arL [email protected] listed in the latest IPS Directory. Input was ing. Planetarium consultant Ian LVL'-.. LCUH.UU requested on IPS activities and services, and has a pl"mrlin.g on new initiatives that IPS might consider York on whose campus undertaking. ty would be located. The r. ....,." ...,i~·;~~ A number of responses were received, and has completed the DUlrC!laS,f' Early this morning on 21 January, I en­ the following are some of the comments star from Toronto's now C1etmKt joyed a nice lunar eclipse in a cloudless sky. I made: Need more information on IPS and McLaughlin planetarium, for use as took some pictures of the half-eclipsed what it does. Develop generic marketing and hibit in the new moon with a 250 mm objective (in case there fundraising materials on rationale and The Canadian is Of"vel,ODlIn!Y ever will become a new edition of 27 Steps to importance of planetaria. More work on IPS a new strategy from which to build the Universe). Lunar eclipses are nice - you Job Bank, as hiring qualified planetarium er relationship with Canada's science can share the experience with people over a people is a challenge. More news on trends in and planetariums. A by KPMG large part of the earth. technology, programs etc. Reliable atten­ suIting is and new The International News column depends dance statistics and trends. Insights into announced by mid-2000. entirely on contributions that I receive from planetarium marketing, demographics, psy­ The IPS 2000 plans are rYlt'.Ul'-HT IPS Affiliate Associations all over the world. chographies, etc. Who are our clients? More MontreaL Pierre Lacombe and his Many thanks to Vadim Belov, Bart Benjamin, encouragement, models, news, etc on show getting very John Dickenson, Jon Elvert, Jean-Michel collaboration and co-production. for what PH>mjises Faidit, Donna Pierce, and Loris Ramponi for These and other comments were brought your contributions. You are welcome back to IPS Councils attention at the with new reports, and I look forward to meeting held 17-18 October. A detailed report reports from other Associations as well. of that meeting was distributed to all facili­ Upcoming deadlines are 1 April for Plane­ ties listed in the IPS Directory, along with rare tJU1.r,,-,aUClUJlaH m{~etltn2:S. tarian 2/00 and IJuly for 3/00. information on IPS serviees and a member­ ship application form for facilities which are presently non-members. Great lakes A CCSC Meeting is planned for Charlotte­ Among the latest news from France is a town PEl 9-13 May 2000. CCSC will be hold­ new show from Planetarium de Vaulx-en­ ing its annual meeting in conjunction with Planetarium """'''''-'-'--rT Velin. Managed by Patriek MiHat, this Plane­ the Canadian Museums Association Annual Lakeview Museum Planetarium on tarium celebrates year 2000 with a show Conference. In addition to the AGM several The Cernan Earth and Space Center named Histoires d'Univers, a travel through other sessions are planned which will be of campus of Triton College in River Grove sky legends and civilizations written by particular interest to science centers and the of a $33,947 astrophysicist Daniel Kunth, and narrated by planetariums. Full details will be available support grant from the federal Institute Michel Galabru, one the greatest French soon. This will be a particularly rich year for Museum and Library Services. The actors . our community as the IPS 2000 Conference College Library and the Cernan Center also In the same region, the Planetarium de follows in Montreal 9-13 July. received a partnership grant for Saint-Etienne, managed by Philippe Huyard, Planetarium Show collaboration contin­ the IMLS to conduct a variety of is now preparing a new show for 2000, Mon ues to grow. A successful meeting of Cana­ programs and services related to the secret etoile. The show shown by the plane­ da's western science centers, including four Millennium Project. In December, tarium in 1999, Reves martiens, attracted a major planetariums, was held in Calgary, Cernan Center welcomed ~U.IJL<.u.u large public of that city with an V~'.F.AJ.HU Alberta 29-30 October. A number of issues of Cernan for an extended book advertising campaign original for a plane­ common interest were discussed, including This winter, the Cernan Center "' .... <,.,"ynTc'rl tarium in France! - representing a Martian government funding and exhibit and pro­ four different earth and sky shows", with a shock slogan: "Come to the Plane­ gram collaboration. Dr Fantastic's Marvelous ferent children's shows, and six different tarium if you are a man!/I. The success was Millennium Show, a production of the laser light shows. The Cernan Center

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian the Near and Far Sciences workshop on 21 Institute of Science. Michigan planetarians Youngstown audiences are learnimg January. could not be busier! The Chaffee Planetari­ extra-solar planets and Dale Smith's The Lakeview Museum Planetarium re­ um, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's Uni­ at Bowling Green are used ports that in addition to their regular shows, verse Theater and Planetarium, the Shiras shows in the boss's absence, as a different school show will be presented Planetarium, and the Peter F. Hurst Planetar­ took the IPS president to Finland in :'>el)tem­ each Saturday morning for the general pub­ ium in Jackson presented several shows dur­ ber for the Nordic lic during January through April. A make-it ing the winter. Marquette celebrated its Flagstaff in October for IPS Council, take-it activity precedes each show. The sesquicentennial anniversary by having fam­ Lauderdale in November for the Peoria Astronomical Society meets in the ilies build history totem poles. Scott Stob­ ing, and to Vienna over planetarium dome the first Wednesday of belaar, the director of Shiras Planetarium, talks with a colleague at the UN Outer each month. With the installation of The made a rocket out of his totem pole which office. Explorers, the Strickler Planetarium in featured the history of the Shiras Planetari­ Wisconsin/Minnesota: Bourbonnais debuted this outstanding pro­ um. It was recently taken out of a city park Planetarium, the planetariums in gram in early October. Tropical fruit was and now resides in front of the planetarium. and La Crosse, the Barlow Planetarium served and the geology of Hawaii was pre­ The McMath Planetarium at the Cranbrook Menasha, the newly named Allen F. sented as guests made their way into the Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills Planetarium in Stevens Point have planetarium to see the show. New special debuted an in-house production entitled ed that they a busy giving shows. effect projectors have been added as well. Planet Alignment 2000 in February. Horwitz Planetarium in Waukeska, The William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Ohio: The Ohio state meeting will take DeRemer's classic show Journey to Parkland College began the new year with place on 29 April at Shaker Heights. Good was recorded and produced in several shows including a new light show news: Joe DeRocher is recovering well after a will be available in March for based on Pete Townsend's Lifehouse Project. serious illness this summer and is now back through Minneapolis Planetarium On 4 February, Donald Luman of the Illinois at work at the Cleveland museum of Natural ductions. State Geological Survey gave a talk on the History. The Fernbank Science Center view of Illinois from satellite imagery. This is At the Westlake Schools Planetarium, SEMAA (NASA's Science, Enl~in~2erimg, part of their annual World of Science Lecture Jeanne Bishop has given several special class ematics and Aerospace Academy) w(lrK:shc)ps Series. The planetarium hosted the Near and presentations in addition to her astronomy for students on Saturday mornings. Far Sciences Initiative on 25-26 February. classes. Topics have included Multi-cultural Center staff is working with curriculum Indiana: Indiana's spring 2000 meeting astronomy, Celtic astronomy, Egyptian the national headquarters in Ohio. Two takes place on 6 May in Marion. Keith Turner astronomy, lunar motions and phases, Star planetarium programs, opening in will serve as meeting host. In Muncie, an magnitudes, Classification and Life Stage, 2000, highlight the International Educators Workshop was held in October and Creative Writing. All these programs are Station. The public show City in the during the Teacher Professional Days for area presented live and many are interactive. Per being written and educators using the planetarium. The stu­ a superintendent's dictum, each program is Dundee. April Whitt is. working on dents from Central High School enrolled in individually scheduled for a time that tries dren's program, Have Space Suit, Will astronomy are participating in the Mt. to co-ordinate with the individual classroom with two former planetarium interns, Wilson Telescopes in Education Project. In teacher's needs. In mid-November, Bishop students at Georgia Tech. Martinsville, Dan Goins has recently been gave a double-feature evening presentation At the GLPA Conference in Kalamazoo, .... h.~"'r'llinla Venus in the daytime. Goins has based on the three weeks she spent in Japan the following GLPA members were awarcled also been participating in an Internet work- last summer with the Fulbright teachers pro­ the distinction of GLPA Fellow: Wade entitled Water in the Solar System. It is gram. CRAP members and friends gatneJrea Elisabeth Ronald Kaitchuck, AIE~Xana!~r online and runs 4 to 5 weeks. It is a jOint for their 13th annual HPP (Holiday Party for Mak, Kristine McCall, and Mark project. The Ball State University Planetarians) on 11 December at the home of Congratulations and thank you for Planetarium reports that Ron Kaitchuck has Jeanne and Allan Bishop. This annual gather­ service to GLP A! the process of converting the plane­ ing is a reminder that our ties are those of tarium's video clips over to the new AstroFX friendship as well as of the planetarium work system. we share. ation Bowen Productions of Indianapolis has Within Greater Ohio, the Edinboro Uni­ The annual of planetaria takes been chosen by the IPS to provide distribu­ versity Planetarium in Edinboro, Pennsyl­ on the Sunday before or after tion services for Hubble and JPL Materials to vania keeps busy running shows for area spring eqUinox. The 2000 Day subscribers of the IPS Slide Service. Bowen schools and the general public. In November was held on 19 March. For the occasion has also announced their new show Mystery they hosted a group of students visiting from exchanges between planetaria of different Missing Seasons is now shipping. It is a Zibo, China, where a new planetarium is countries were promoted and this year also 25-minute show designed for 3rd grade and under construction and should be opening an exhibition on line of Astronomical chil- audiences. The script was written by soon. Through an interpreter, they high­ IPS Fellow Jim Manning. Dayle Brown is lighted the night sky for Zibo. Since Zibo is Starlab (NIESC loaner) with K-6 in her 13 hours later than EST, that means they had celebrates in 70 years from the founda­ school. She is working with the NIESC about the fun of doing a show for the "current" tion. Conferences, exhibitions, and mE~etjlng:s, an in-service for teachers. The Koch night sky at 9:30 a.m.! The planetarium crew also with the of Science Center and Planetarium in Evans­ is also gearing up to produce more tactile leagues, will be or$'~anjzed. ville conducted a Mercury Transit Event in maps related to astronomy, as another stu­ Planetarium of Milan is situated the Museum parking lot on November 15. dent with visual impairments may be taking Natural Science Museum and HH~H~''''\OU. Mid1lgaltl: Michigan has a new state chair. their course on atmosphere and space sci­ the The scientific \011'''''-'.H''" He is Michael Narlock from the Cranbrook ence.

Planetarian Vol. Dr. Fabio Peri. A new star projector is in the have a star projector built by ASH Enter­ planning as well as a study visit among dif­ prises (u. S. A.) under the Starlab dome inside ferent foreign planetaria by Dr. Gianluca a giant Lap-type tee-pee. More information Ranzini with the financial support of the on Teknoland is available in English, French, government municipality. Dr. Ranzini prepared also the German and Swedish on . missions for Moscow for visits to ministri!:s Planetaria that was held in Milan. Among and committees of education, the

the participants was Thomas Kraupe, the and the Cosmonaut Museum rI.;:>;'V\.-HH.1Vl.l, first IPS president attending a National The Minolta Planetarium at the De Anza meeting among others cosmonauts and Titov. Meeting of Italian Planetaria. College is moving into the 21st Century with Each year since 1995, Serafino Zani Astro­ a new automation/control system from East The Russian Planetarium Association nomical Observatory in collaboration with Coast Control System. This is the first stage place at the in St. Learning Technologies, Inc. organizes the in what Karl von Ahnen, Director, hopes to 5-7 November; Zina Sitkova palrtH:lP~atea initiative A week in Italy for an American be a series of major improvements to the the event. Belov visited Briansk on planetarium operator. During the week, sec­ planetarium. vember and learned that Briansk's plalnetarl­ ondary students follow lessons in the A National Symposium on Teaching urn has finally left an orthodox American language, under a Starlab dome, Astronomy to College Non-science Majors another building. held by u.s. teacher selected among the can­ will be held at the Pasadena, California Con­ On 14 December the didates. Last October April Whitt from vention Center on 17-19 July 2000. This is Fernbank Science Center of Atlanta, Georgia part of the 112th Annual Meeting of the came to Italy. Earlier participants are, in 1995, Astronomical Society of the Pacific. This 2.5- Susan Reynolds, OCM Boces Planetarium, day program involves panels of mentor pro­ Syracuse, New York; in 1996, Jeanne E. jects, teacher resources, hands-on workshops, Bishop, Westlake Schools Planetarium, Ohio; and trying new techniques and approaches in 1997, Jerry Vinsky, Raritan Valley Com­ to teaching astronomy. Contact Andy munity College Planetarium, Somerville, Fraknoi at for New Jersey; and in 1998, Dee Wanger, Dis­ further details. covery Center Science Museum, Fort Collins, The Coca Cola Space Science Center in Colorado. Colleagues interested to partiCi­ Columbus, Georgia has hired Bill Gutsch to pate in the 2000 Week can send their entries write a new show on the greatest wonders of to Susan Reynolds or read the Internet pages the universe. Also from Gutsch: production about science of Serafino Zani Astronomical is underway for Where In The Universe Is Observatory . Carmen Sandiego - II In this sequel, Carmen J. Mark Wallace was honored with will escape from prison, develop warp drive tion on his retirement 16 and go after the giant black hole at the cen­ Andrews LS.D. As past pla.netarimTI riii ... Clr+(Vr Per Broman reports that Broman Plane­ ter of the Milky Way Galaxy. Audiences will principal, and assistant supelrintelld!:nt tarium lately has sold several Starlab plane­ have fun learning about nebulae, stars, super­ the District numerous friends, former tariums in the Nordic countries. One Starlab novas, pulsars, black holes, and the structure dents and collages were present. went to the Science Center in Bergen, Nor­ of the Milky Way Galaxy. In addition, President Barbara Baber was in attendance way and one to Technichus Science Center Carmen - I will be re-rendered for '-17"1\'«'''''''' well others from the planetarium field. in Harn6sand, Sweden. The National Muse­ (all-dome video) at the Burke Baker Plan­ Dallas will host the 2000 Conference

um of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden­ etarium in Houston. SWAP, RMPA, PPA and GPPA and U'-'"''-AU'U home of Cosmonova Space Theater - has The Bishop Museum (Honolulu) has to the Association of Mexican Planetariums purchased a Starlab projector to be used in a date distributed 170 copies of the NASA­ will join in Dallas to make this one of space exhibition in the making - Mariana funded The Explorers planetarium program. Great Conferences of the millennium. Back on loan from the Museum of Tech­ The Bishop Planetarium is also preparing a Hotel will be the conference nology in the same city is in charge of the second NASA partnership program involv­ Conference attendees will have the project. Finally, Teknoland in Falun, Sweden ing modern ground based astronomy done of touring not only a Digistar I and II but sev- has just got their 6 m dia. giant Starlab dome on Mauna Kea. Distribution for this program eral Star Projectors, and Minolta in the delivered. is set for this spring. Contact Ken Miller at greater Line dancing, Lars Broman and colleagues are presently for more steaks, and for those of you at Desert Skies - very busy with the construction of the new information. the other half of your chocolate cookie. Swedish science park Teknoland. Situated on Tours of NASA Space Station and six acres (30,000 sqm) of the Swedish Fossil Rim will be offered as pre and National Ski Stadium, the park will open up Vadim Belov reports that the story of the Conference tours. Contact SWAP President on 13 May with a planetarium and over 100 planetarium in Nizhny Novgorod has con­ Barbara Baber at or interactive exhibits, some so large that they tinued after the Tampere NP A Conference in Conference Chairman Donna Pierce instead of being hands-on exhibits ought to early September. Later in September, the for more informa­ be described as the-whole-body-on. Several Russian car company GAZ agreed to pay for tion. Other sources of information astronomical exhibits will be included, the building of a new planetarium within master Jan Wallace at The astronaut scales, Galileo's among them the year 2000 providing it was built near the or SWAP's web site at observatory, Kepler's dance, and five large 3D factory. .esc18net/Planet/Texas2000.html>. {); stellar constellations. The planetarium will

Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian

IPS Elections Committee Announces

IPS Colleagues: It is time to begin the process of selecting qualified candidates to run for the offices of the International Planetarium offices are President-Elect, Executive Secretary and Treasurer/Membership Chair. The term of office for President-Elect will 2002, after which, that person will serve as President (2003-2004) and then as Past President The term of Executive Secretary and Treasurer/Membership Chair will be 2001-2002. The IPS Elections Committee has been activated and is ready to accept your nominations for the three offices. All nominees must a current member of the International Planetarium Society. We would like to have more than one person nominated for each office. Ann Hennig has agreed to run again as the incumbent for Executive Secretary and Shawn Laatsch has to run the incumbent for Treasurer/Membership Chair. The office of IPS President-Elect is wide open at this time. The deadline for accepting nominations from the IPS membership is Monday, May 1, 2000. The Elections Committee will review the list of nominees and verify that they are eligible to run as a candidate for office and then send the list of nominees to the IPS Executive Council. The Executive Council will formally submit them to the IPS rY'IOrY'li'"'l,Ol"e'l"\,n the Business Meeting of the IPS conference in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in July. At that time, additional nominations will be ac(~epted from the floor. Ballots and candidate biographies and statements will be mailed in mid-September. The returned ballots will be counted, audited and the results will be announced in December. Please think about this important process as it directly shapes the future of your organization. Please submit the name of your nee (and office) to any of the following individuals who have agreed to serve on the IPS Elections Committee.

Steven Mitch, Chair Johan Gijsenbergs Hallstrom Planetarium Benedum Planetarium Artis Planetarium Indian River Community VVIICI..IIC Oglebay Park Plantage Kerklaan 38-40 3209 Virginia Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 1018 CZ Amsterdam Fort FL 34981 U.S.A. Netherlands U.S.A. Fax 304-243-4110 fax 31-020-5233-518 Fax 561-462-4796 e-mail [email protected] e-mail [email protected] e-mail - ,hollr,.,),,.,.,,,

Tatsuyuki Arai Wayne Wyrick Professor Planetarium Kirkpatrick Planetarium Dept. of II ~1·~f'\"",\"'''' Katsushika City Museum Kirkpatrick Science & Air Space Museum University of Town 3-25-1, Shiratori 2100 N.E. 52nd Street Rondebosch 7700 Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-0063 Oklahoma City, OK 73111 South Africa Japan U.S.A. Fax +27-21-650-3342 e-mail [email protected] fax 405-602-3768 e-mail -fair"all(g>plhYl5CLuct.ac:.za e-mail [email protected] Jon Bell

**** NOTE CHANGE IN GRANT AMOUNT **** tive workshops. If you wish to submit a proposal to the Y.M. SUpher Committee, The V. M. Slipher Committee please note the following criteria: of the 1. The objective and procedures to be followed in the National Academy of Sciences should be outlined in concise terms. Announces Funds Available in 2000 for the 2. The budget page should identify how funds will be spent Improvement of Public Education in Astronomy (please note any other funds allocated to this both direct and in-kind). During 2000/2001 the V. M. Slipher Committee will make two 3. Proposals should be short-no than three TUr"'''AT",.;++on awards of $5,000 each for projects that enhance the public's under­ pages. An original and four copies of the proposal must be standing of astronomy. submitted to be considered for funding. We will fund projects which: 4. Applications must be postmarked 2000. Notifi- 1. request seed money for programs that continue beyond the cation of grants will be made around the end ofjuly 2000. funding period 2. provide programs/services to more than a single group. No Please send applications to: request for equipment to serve a single classroom or school build­ Dennis Schatz, Chairman ing will be accepted. V. M. Slip her Committee Past grants have included support for radio programs about astron­ Pacific Science Center omy, refurbishment of an historical telescope for use in a public 200 Second Ave. North observatory, partial support of teacher workshops and park interpre- Seattle, W A 98109

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian NEW! Solar System Panorama Set by

~ ~anorama Set includes: Best of all • The Sun (a very active chord view) this beautiful • All nine planets (separate ring for Saturn) set is only: • The Asteroids $495 • Earth's moon The set is shot in standard 25% overlap and comes to you already opaqued, masked and mounted. 50% overlap sets are available for only $100 more.

Order From: Joe Hopkins Engineering Call 1-800-J H -5960 4301 32nd Street West C-1 Bradenton, FL 34205 ater's projection layout, not quite the subject landscape panoramas customized for your you need, or are taken from some really planetarium of Earth scenes, or landscapes of Planetechnica hideous artwork. Finding or making single­ other planets and moons. The resulting com­ slide images for your planetarium show is puter images can either be output directly to tough enough, but getting your hands on a film recorder, or to a color ink-jet printer the right panorama can be a like trying to and photographed at the copy stand. Create Panoramas nailJello to the wall! What to do? Although the program wasn't written for I've recently found at least a partial solu­ planetarium production use per se, some of With Your tion to this problem by using my computer its features, seem custom-designed for mak­ and a software application called VistaPro ing planetarium panoramas, including the Computer 4.0. Some of you may already be familiar ability to appropriately section-up the scene with VistaPro, as it's been around for some for overlapped pan projectors. Richard McColman Morehead Planetarium Using Vista Pro, you can create entire landscape panoramas cus­ CB #3480 Morehead Bldg. tomized for your planetarium of Earth scenes, or landscapes of University of North Carolina other planets and moons. Chapel Hill, North Carolina time. It is billed as a three-dimensional frac­ Watching VistaPro at work is a truly fasci­ 27599 tal landscape simulation program which can nating experience! After the opening of an recreate real-world or fantasy landscapes, existing landscape map file and just a few Good panoramas are hard to find. Sure, using a combination of artificial intelligence, simple mouse clicks and keystrokes, the you've probably got a few scattered around chaotic math and a user-definable set of val­ computer sets about generating - seemingly in your slide file. But more often than not ues. Using VistaPro, you can create entire they're either incompatible with your the- as if by magiC - an astonishing landscape

Figure 1

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian 55 der each image on the computer. (A couple of other low/no-cost programs are available that are of potential use in creating panora­ mas, and I'll discuss these later.) On the other hand, VistaPro is a lean-and­ mean program, designed to create maximum output with a minimum of computer re­ sources. In fact, the PC version, while written to run under Windows 95/NT, has a slightly bare bones appearance to the graphical user interface - almost a quasi-DOS feel (Figure 1). This lack of a pretty user-interface probably helps save computer resources for all the mathematical computations needed to tum out the landscape images as efficiently as possible. VistaPro is also different from the commercial ray tracing packages in that it doesn't demand much learning or expertise from the user. You don't have to be a comput­ er artist to turn out really nice landscape images wi th the program. One of the first images I created with VistaPro is shown in Figure 2. (Sorry, but I'm at a bit of a disadvan­ Figure 2 tage reproducing these images here in before your eyes. The experience of watch­ Actually, VistaPro is only one of a series of course-screen lithographed black-and-white. ing the software at work can be quite intoxi­ currently-available landscape-rendering­ To get a better idea of VistaPro's actual image cating, especially the first few times you capable applications. Some others include quality, I strongly encourage you to do a lit­ work with it. In fact, in a communication to Bryce and Truespace - programs that are used tle internet surfing. Simply search for vista­ the late Stanley Kubrick a few years ago, by many computer artists. Besides rendering pro or vistapro landscape on your preferred Arthur C. Clarke wrote, "If you get VistaPro landscape elements, these programs also can web browser to find some of the stunning into your computer, you'll never do any create all sorts of geometric objects within examples of user-created VistaPro images in more work! It produces images of almost beautifully surreal scenes - images like huge higher-resolution color.) Keep in mind that photographic quality ... ". What's even more glowing crystalline spheres levitating in all of the elements seen in this image - land­ amazing is that VistaPro 4.0 can be had for a ghostly mists above an alien vista. While form, trees, water, sky, Sun, and clouds - are mere $69 U.S. for the PC version, or $59 for entrancing to look at, such imagery may not all generated automatically by the program. the Macintosh, and is available - among always be applicable in the planetarium. When creating landscape images, the user other sources - from Andromeda Software Such programs are also more expensive, merely opens a map file and selects or adjusts (http://andromedasoftware.com). more difficult to master, and use ray tracing a handful of parameters to get things going. technology which takes lots of time to ren- The program does the rest. Getiing Started To begin generating a landscape image, you first must have a topographic map, which displays within the square window in the upper-left area of the VistaPro work­ space. There are several different sources for topo maps. The first is a digital elevation map (DEM). These maps are of actual places and contain elevation information necessary for the program to render the landscape image(s). VistaPro comes with two CD-ROMs. The first is a program disk, while the second landscape disk contains over 14,500 DEMs from different areas on Earth or elsewhere. You simply open one of these pre-existing DEMs. If it doesn't give you the sort of land­ form you want, simply open another DEM. The second type of map-source can be generated by the program itself. At this pOint, I should mention the control panels section on the right-hand side of the workspace. It contains a series of different Figure 3 panels which can be accessed from mouse-

56 Planetarian Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 program adjustments you can perform to modify your rendered scene. Again, the types of changes are grouped together on the control panels in the right-hand workspace area. Simply click on the label-tab for the panel group you wish to access. What fol­ lows is a brief listing of the various control panels and their major functions: Camera -position and aiming of the virtu­ al camera, lens focal length, and Auto Exposure (automatically adjusts the ness of the scene based upon the angle and intensity of the virtual sunlight striking it) Lighting - image brightness and contrast, light source (Sun) position in the virtual sky, and shadow characteristics on the terrain Sky - Sun position (a parallel to the con­ trols in Lighting), Moon pOSition, activa­ tion/deactivation of Sun, Moon, stars, and sky visibility; cloud and haze characteristics Terrain - characteristics of the rendered landform, including roughness, stratifica­ tion, valleys, and tree and snow lines Water - creation of seas, rivers, and lakes, Figure 4 wave-characteristic control (opens up the clickable tabs. Each of these panels allows to give you a very rough idea of the land­ possibility for demonstrating terraforming you to control various aspects of the final form shape. If you then click on the Render in panoramas) rendered image (more on this later). Anyway, button at the bottom of the workspace, Tree - controls automatic tree placement one control panel - called Creation - allows VistaPro begins to create the actual land­ and density, tree size, tree type (palm, oak, you to tell the program to create your own scape image, complete with mountains, val­ pine, and/or cactus), 2-D or 3-D tree render­ topographic map from over four billion pos­ leys, ground colors, trees, sky, clouds, etc. The ing, and foliation sible fractal landscapes. amount of time needed to render the image Texture - controls surface detail and appli­ A third map source is from VistaPro land­ depends upon a number of factors - the cation of texture mapping to ground, sky, scape files which the user would have image size, the quality settings, and the num­ water, tree and house elements already customized and saved to disk. This ber of elements placed on the landscape, Manipulation - smooth or roughen, erode, would have been done by starting with such as trees or houses. stretch, enlarge or shrink features on the either of the two previous sources and hav­ The rule of thumb is to start out with a topo map ing changed or added various attributes such small image and lower quality setting first. Creation - generates a new landscape from as feature elevation, erosion characteristics, This will allow the program to render the scratch colors, textures, lighting, snow line, tree line, image quickly, so you don't have to wait Placement - creates and places individual camera position, etc. Having done all of this, long periods to see the effects of any land­ objects such as trees, houses, and roads you can save the landscape itself, for later scape alterations you attempt. Once you get Image - controls rendered image size and retrieval and manipulation. closer to the landscape appearance you other options Once you have your topo map, a crude want, you can then increase the image quali­ VR Control- sets camera positions in mul­ representation from a virtual viewer's posi­ ty settings and size for the final rendered tiple-monitor Virtual-reality display tion or camera is displayed in the lower-left image. Path & Animation - creates a scene anima­ window in the workspace. This is designed As I mentioned earlier, there are all sorts of tion using multiple VistaPro renderings of

Figure 5

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Plane tar ian 57 Figure 6 the same scene. for making planetarium panoramas. For forward, procedures. We'll touch on these In addition to the controls already listed, these situations, the sky should be eliminat­ aspects a bit later. the Lighting, Sky, Terrain, Water, and Place­ ed, since the planetarium dome above the m~nt panels provide access to control the simulated surface will become the sky - Panoramic Possibilities colors of the ground, cliffs, sky, trees, water, either with your instrument's stars, a cloud In the meantime, let me show you a few sky elements, and houses. special effect, and/or colored dome lighting. examples of actual panoramas we've created. As you can see, there is a lot of flexibility For instance, turning off the sky colors, Because of the inherent difficulties of repro­ available to the user for controlling the clouds, and stars in VistaPro, eliminating ducing full panoramas here, we'll just show scene. However, beginners can opt to specify trees, and setting all the terrain surface colors parts of the full landscape scenes - equivalent as many or as few parameters as they choose. to gray, yields a rather effective lunar land­ to about two-slide sections. The first is VistaPro will simply use the default settings scape (Figure 5). shown in Figure 7, and represents a country of the program or map file if no changes are Not all extraterrestrial landscapes must be vista, with rolling grass-covered hills and entered by the user. This makes getting your concocted from scratch or adapted for Earth pine trees scattered around. In this case, I feet wet in VistaPro very easy, and makes the terrains. The VistaPro landscape CD-ROM didn't use VistaPro's automatic tree place­ program non-intimidating and relatively contains a pretty large series of Martian ment function, but placed all of the trees in easy to learn. DEMs, including Olympus Mons and Vallis the scene manually. A similar approach was Obviously, since we work in planetariums, Marineris. There are also a number of used with the desert panorama shown in we don't only want to display Earth scenes. Venusian-terrain DEMs as well (Figure 6). In Figure 8. In this case, I opted for cacti rather What about other planets or moons? both cases, the files have appropriate terrain than pines, and altered the terrain colors to Actually this is pretty easy. By coloring the colorations already incorporated into any look like a desert. Distant mountains appear landscape blue, turning off the day-sky col­ landscape files that you may render from in the background. ors and trees, activating the stars and placing them. Sometimes manual tree placement is nec­ the Sun within the field of the virtual cam­ Since you can change the aim of the cam­ essary to prevent trees from existing too era, a rather effective view from the surface era, it's easy to pan it around and generate a close to the camera. In such instances, the series of individual slides that - when of Pluto is created (Figure 3). A fantasy alien foreground trees might appear so large that world - this time with a red ocean - is shown installing into your pan system - will display they would get clipped-off at the top of the a landscape panorama. The visual results are (in black-and-white here, of course) in Figure image frame. Of course, you do have the 4. quite impressive. What's just as impressive is option to reduce the ~izes of the rendered But all of the scenes mentioned so far are the relatively small amount of time required trees, but this would make the background to create a panorama. And you don't even really intended as standalone images com­ trees tiny. Another important point when plete with sky elements and an identifiable need a staff artist to create these images. Of creating trees is to minimize trees of any sig­ rectangular format. While these make for course, doing this properly does require nificant size that appear in the slide-overlap pretty pictures, they aren't all that applicable establishing some specific, though straight-

Figure 7

58 Planetarian Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Figure 8 areas of your panoramas. Any slight mis­ Just remember that when pasting objects position as well as the heading when alignments between the pan sections can be into your landscapes, try to match the light­ so. This would have the effect of making the more noticeable with well-defined objects ing and shadow patterns (Sun direction). camera tilt slightly up or down each time like trees. All right, now that you've got a sense of the heading is changed, meaning that there One thing that Vista Pro won't do for you some of VistaPro's visual possibilities, just will be a vertical displacement of each is render artificial objects (aside from little how do you go about creating a series of image, and the panorama sections won't line houses and roads). Though this might appear individual slide images that - when installed up in an up-down aspect. Therefore,. once to be rather limiting, it is also easily over­ in your projection system - will mesh into a you get the camera pOSitioned, aim the cam­ come by inserting bi tma p objects in,to coherent, convincing, and properly-over­ era instead by entering a new numerical VistaPro-rendered images using a capable lapped panorama? For those interested in heading value. This numerical adjustment painting or photo-editing program (Photo­ using VistaPro, I'll give you a few setup won't change the pitch value. (The bank set­ Shop or Paint Shop Pro). In Figure 9, I pasted pointers. ting should always stay at zero, by the way.) an appropriate dome into a landscape scene Speaking of pitch, it's best to minimize to illustrate a mountaintop observatory. In Working the Geometry any angular distortions between pan sec­ Figure 10, an image of the Penzias/Wilson Let's take Morehead Planetarium's panora­ tions by keeping the camera pitch with microwave horn that we acquired from Bell ma setup as an example. (Warning - there's a about plus-or-minus 10 degrees, or less. Laboratories was inserted to illustrate the dis­ little geometry involved here, but bear with Otherwise, the overlapping terrain areas will covery site of the Big Bang microwave noise. me - it shouldn't be too difficult to follow, I have a Significant rotational displacement And in Figure 11, a radio-telescope was pasted think.) We have a full 360-degree panorama between one pan section and the aQllaC!~nt into a VistaPro scene at three different sizes. system at Morehead, incorporating twelve one. Ideally, the pitch should always remain (The radio telescope image was downloaded projectors. The virtual-camera positioning at zero to eliminate this, but a slight tilt up from the European Southern Observatory and aiming in VistaPro is relatively straight­ or down of the virtual camera is usually tol­ web site and used with permission and forward in this situation - simply divide the erable. Having said that, it's also ;rnnr.,.t""..-.t appropriate show credit.) This technique full 360-degree sweep by 12, and you end up to remember that you need to find a camera opens up all sorts of imaging possibilities for with a 30-degree horizontal offset between position which will prevent any of the ter­ planetarium programs. Instead of throwing the virtual camera images. Keep in mind that rain as well as trees - from getting clipped-off yet another rectangular-format slide onto - although you can aim the camera by click­ at the top of the frame, and it's best to keep the dome of some space or astronomy facili­ ing the place target button on the camera the terrain-line from dropping below the ty, a much more impressive panoramiC scene control panel - VistaPro is designed to adjust bottom of the frame as well (except at the can be created to visually impress audiences. the virtual camera's pitch to follow the target extreme left and right ends of a partial pan

Figure 9

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian 59 Figure 10 where a drop-away is actually desirable and between the center and the left edge of the come in getting our panorama sections to needed). If the terrain-line is consistently too right-adjacent slide (or, put another way, 2S line up. Since we have a Zeiss Mk-VI star high or two low when the camera pitch is set percent right of the left edge of that slide). machine which protrudes above the dome's at or near zero, try lowering or raising the Through experimentation, I found that a springline, our pan projectors are left-offset camera position in altitude (the Z-coordi­ focal-length setting of 46 in VistaPro will to shoot around the instrument. This key­ nate, or height above ground setting) while give us the required 2S percent image over­ stones the individual pan images and makes keeping the pitch angle the same. This will lap in a 12-section panorama system. This fig­ them viSibly taller on the right side than on have the effect of raising or lowering the ter­ ure was arrived at rather easily by rendering the left (Figure 12). Unfortunately, VistaPro rain-line in the camera views. Obviously, all pairs of experimental images with the same isn't designed to deal with this problem. this may take a little experimentation. Some­ focal-length setting, which were offset from However, I easily fixed this keystoning by times it may be necessary to actually find or each other in heading by 30 degrees, saving coun ter-distorting the rendered VistaPro generate another topo map altogether to get each image, and then opening each pair in images using the deform function in Paint a good terrain-line which sweeps uncut my painting program. Placing the cursor on Shop Pro. By checking projected Oxberry through your entire panorama. the matching terrain feature in question pro­ grid slides, I determined that the keystone­ Okay, so we've already decided that for a vided pixel-position values which were easi­ distortion in our planetarium theater is full 360-degree panorama, we need a 30- ly used to determine any inaccuracy in the almost exactly 10 percent. Performing a select degree horizontal offset. But how do we con­ overlap. Several trial-and-error attempts of all on each image and applying a minus-lQ­ trol the image overlap? The key lies in the doing this at different focal-length settings percent vertical deformation down from the lens focal-length. At Morehead, each hori­ provided the final result. Keep in mind that upper right corner in Paint Shop Pro corrects zontal panorama slide overlaps the adjacent this is a one time only test. Once you've for the keystoning (Figure 13). In fact, by one by 2S percent. This means that a terrain arrived at your focal-length setting, you can using this method, all of our soft-edge­ feature at the right edge on one slide (a tree, use that from then on in your planetarium. masked VistaPro-generated panoramas line for example) must show up exactly halfway I did have another slight problem to over- up so well in the theater that not a single

Figure 11

60 Planetarian Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 ratio for slides is 3:2. For preliminary work in VistaPro, the exact size won't be critical, but once you start moving closer to setting up your final high-quality renderings, make sure to enter appropriate proportions. Note that none of the VistaPro preset image size options match the 3:2 slide aspect ratio. However, you can enter numerical values for your rendered images from the keyboard. To get an exact ratio on small scale, 300 x 200 pixels usually will do. For the final high-reso­ lution renderings, I use 1500 x 1000 pixels. - As you make changes to your topo maps, make sure to periodically do a Save Landscape (found under File on the menu bar). This will prevent you from losing your landscape changes (colors, textures, tree placements, etc.) in the event of a program crash or unex­ pected power blackout. Bear in mind that saving a landscape is different from saving a rendered image. (The latter is done under Figure 12 Save on the menu bar, which lists several dif­ ferent image-format options including pex, BMP, lPG, and TGA (Truevision Targa). (If you want another file format, you will need to convert and re-save your images in a PhotoShop, Paint Shop Pro, or equivalent.) ------+ Even if you make changes to your topo maps and save the resulting rendered images, the changes won't be retained in the topo map without performing the save landscape function. - If you will be sending your files for out­ put through a film recorder, remember that the slide images will look darker than on your computer monitor. Set up brightness and contrast to make the images lighter than normal on the computer. You can also do this in your painting program after the images are rendered in VistaPro. - In my computer panorama work so far, I have intentionally deactivated VistaPro's Auto Exposure function for fear that it might lead to perceptible brightness steps between the final panorama sections (though I plan to play around with it to test this assump­ tion). Be careful if you decide to use this function. Otherwise, I suggest keeping it Figure 13 deactivated and manually setting brightness image has required any manual re-align­ quality paper and then shoot them at the and contrast ments! copystand. Al though this method requires - Be careful when selecting your light So let's say you've got VistaPro installed some precision positioning of the prints source (Sun) position. Although a lower Sun on your computer, and you want to create under the camera, it may be worth working will create more dramatic-looking shadows landscape panoramas. How do you get these up such a special copystand technique to and make for more dramatic-looking terrain to slide? The simplest way is to take the avoid the high commercial reproduction features, it can also make part of your image files to a commercial outfit with a costs. panorama very dark, while the other part is film recorder. (If you choose this option, very bright. I've found that keeping the Sun make sure to tell the technicians not to crop Additional Observations between 55 and 70 degrees declination (alti­ or resize the images in any way, but to print I'll take a moment to make a few com­ tude) reduces excessive terrain-brightness them full-frame.) However the film-recorder ments and tips that may be of use to poten­ differences without eliminating too much of option can cost $5 or more per slide! That tial VistaPro users: the perceptible relief detail in the landscape. will really add up fast when doing panora­ - When setting up the image size, make - Remember that in most cases when ren­ mas. The alternative is to print your images sure to remember that the correct aspect dering panorama images, you will want to to a good color ink-jet printer using high-

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian 61 turn off your sky, clouds, stars and Moon, (add or delete a mountain, or add craters) and often your distant horizon as well (I from within the program. This issue is a fair­ think VistaPro horizons look a bit artificial, ly significant one when trying to create especially against a black sky). Also, be care­ lunar or other planet/moon panoramas. It is ful when using Haze. It works well for Earth pOSSible, however, to import a gray-scale 258 scenes, but probably isn't appropriate for x 258-pixel PCX image as a topo map. This some other planet/moon landscapes - partic­ allows the user to take an existing VistaPro intuitive, but pern,lps ularly those with little or no atmospheres. topo map, and perform an Export Elevations yield greater success. The Genesis - Consider using textures for your terrain as PCX-GrayscaZe function, open the result­ version is available for download features rather than simple colors. Good tex­ ing PCX file in a paint program, modify and tures will help give your landscapes a more re-save the image, then Import PCX as applica"tion of note is natural appearance. There are lots of free tex­ Elevations-Grayscale back in VistaPro. One This is an program ture files available for download on the difficulty is that, for most exported topo be downloaded and used free for internet. However, you'll probably find that maps, most of the information displays very non-commercial and is $79 only a small number will work well in your darkly on the image in a paint program. The mercial use. This program excels landscapes. The best ones have very tiny, best strategy is to brighten the PCX image in beautiful and water effects granular-appearing detail. Be aware that the paint program using gamma correction look as VistaPro will only use TGA bitmaps for its (don't use brightness/contrast), perform the textures, so any]PG and GIF files that you manipulations, re-darken the image with download will need to be converted to TGA. gamma correction to the same overall But don't worry about a bunch of TGA tex­ brightness as in the original image, save the ture files taking up space on your hard drive. image, and then import it back into VistaPro. The typical texture file that works with This procedure seems to work fairly well. VistaPro is only a few dozen pixels square, so - There is no undo function in VistaPro. even a larger number of small-dimension This can be of some concern, particularly TGA files won't take up much disk space. when you would like to reverse a m,mipuJa­ - Whenever possible always have your tion to a topo map. However, I must say that trees rendered as 3-D, rather than 2-D. Al­ I haven't found this to be a huge hindrance, though 2-D trees will render faster, they look only a moderate aggravation. very artificial (sort of like the Crystalline Entity from the Star Trek: The Next Genera­ can The user interface for tion series). As I mentioned either, VistaPro isn't the gram is pretty easy to understand - Try playing around with the large scale landscape rendering program available and unlike VistaPro, it does allow roughness and small scale roughness functions (although from what I've seen so far, I has create and individual on the VistaPro Texture control paneL Along the best balance of rendering speed, flexibili­ the topo map. I don't yet have a feel with the use of texture bitmaps, these func­ ty, ease of use, and cost). Besides the good the program would be at tions can change the characteristics of the end commercial packages like Bryce, True­ extraterrestrial as yet, surface - especially in the image foreground. space, and 3-D Studio Max, there are a Terragen web site does have an impr1essiv!:- Martian '''''-',r1C',~"-r",, Foreground terrain which might initially of other programs worth mentioning. appear like jagged, bare rock can be made to The first is a program called Genesis II. It is look smoother or less rock-like by setting available from an outfit called Geomantics large scale roughness to zero. Small scale rough­ (www.geomantics.com) in three versions - a ness changes can create some useful terrain Freeware edition, a Light version for and effects as well. the Professional version for $300. The Free­ - One drawback to VistaPro is that there ware and Light versions have most of the grams. Even with no artistic training, isn't any real way to create or modify indi­ basic features of the full version. A few web soon be out attractive UV.l.UeVH vidual features within an existing topo map sites claim Genesis to be superior to VistaPro. plame'tarimll programs. I~

IJ ..... 'LJI...... JL ...... JI. Workshops Science teachers can register now for summer workshops on the Penn State University Park campus the summer of Science Teacher Workshops offer middle-school and high-school teachers the opportunity to some of the most eX~~HllIlg science with senior faculty known for their excellence in both teaching and research. Teachers will n';l1rT1('in::.tA with scientists and researchers, and tour various labs and research sites. Participants will receive two gri:ilUUiire workshop. Room, board, and a travel allowance are provided Scholarships will be available for the As"tro1ncimy V\TOrJKstLop'S.

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Information regarding the workshops is available at www.outreach.psu.edu/C&I/Science4Teachers or For more information, contact Geraldine Russell, 814-863-5957

62 Planetarian SHOW KITS AVAILABLE FROM THE

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Vol. No.1, March 2000 Planetarian c E Mauna Kea, The Australian Outback, The Space Shuttle in Orbit and A Goto GSS-Helios Planetarium Theater. .... What do all these places have common? A spectacular view of a crisp, clear

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GSS-Helios The GSS-Helios (GSX) features 25,000 stars reproducing a sky seen only from space. Digital shutters mean panoramas without stray stars twinkling through the image. Computer-assisted functions give manual mode the ease of auto mode without replacing the lecturer. The list of special GOTO features goes on and on. Contact your nearest representative and find out what your planetarium could be like.

The GI014si offers Space Simulator functions plus GOTO's exclusive automatic lamp replacement mechanism. No more shows lost to lamp burnout. With the G 1014si, your spare lamp leaps into action with a simple touch of a button at the console. Simple, fast and efficient. That's a GOTO Planetarium.

GOTD OPTICAL 4-16 Yasaki-cho Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183 JAPAN TEL: IntI No. +81-423-62-5312 FAX: IntI No. +81-423-61-9571 GI014si Email: [email protected] This planetarium is a laboratory; a place in the sky at the same time of night, after which to tryout things which benefit all sunset?" Each person who wanted to guess Jane's Corner planetariums worldwide. It's inhabited by was given a red arrow pointer to show energetic go-getters who are anxious to be where. The guide was in no hurry: all involved in projects to improve learning and the show he asked a few pertinent science/math literacy. To that end, the LHS at each juncture and accepted all '--''-I.n~'H~ The Best Holt Planetarium has been partners with sev­ tions without correction, just gently eral NASA and other federal programs to a "better" explanation. He showed us including: where the moon would be three from Planetarium in the - NASA's Science Education Gateway now. (SEGway) project which produced middle Surprise! Not only is it in a different Whole World and high school internet lessons; [http:// it's a different shape! "Where would it be cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/SEGway] three days from there?" he asked. we - NASA's Sun-Earth Connection Forum saw the moon in a different place, with a dif­ Jane Hastings which is producing a lesson on seasons and a ferent shape. We were asked to name the Thomas Jefferson planetarium show about the Northern shapes we have seen. He then told us the Lights; names of the shapes, and asked, does Planetarium - Center for Particle Astrophysics project the moon change?" After a leisurely pause 4100 West Grace Street which sponsored the creation of a planetari­ for audience ideas, he told us, liThe moon um program "Mysteries of the Missing moves around the earth. As the sun shines Richmond, Virginia 23230 Matter" (about dark matter); on the moon, the moon looks different". He - Hands-On Universe project which allows then turned on a fairly bright light in the student access to an automated telescope, middle of the room and gave each person in I have visited many planetariums in the and enables students to use image processing the room a 2-inch Styrofoam ball stuck on a last 30 years; I would like to reveal my selec­ software on downloaded images; 6-inch piece of dowel rod, and we modeled tion for "The Best Planetarium in the Whole - An Integral relationship with the Great moon phases, using our head as earth. We World." I know what you're thinking; I Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) discovered how the moon changed phases. haven't seen them all. Please hear me out; I curriculum development project which has After completing this demonstration, we think you'll agree. produced these teacher guides: Earth, Moon were next shown a copy from a page of I'll tell you right away so you won't have and Stars, Moons of Jupiter, More than Magni­ Galileo's journal on which he recorded data to guess. It's the Holt Planetarium at the fiers, Color Analyzers, Experimenting with about the moons of Jupiter. The drawings Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS), in Berkeley, Model Rockets, Height-o-Meters; and Sky were confusing. Next we saw a slide of what California, built in 1973 under its first direc­ Challenger Star Wheels with six interchange­ Galileo probably saw: Jupiter and its four tor, Alan Friedman. Planetarian Alan Gould able discs, each disc focusing on a specific largest moons. It was the first in a series of 11 is its current director. Let's go inside and see observing activity. slides specially produced for this show: what qualifies Holt as "the best". As you These are very busy folks, as you can see. were shown in a sequence that revealed the enter the planetarium, you are struck with The real clincher for Holt's title of "The Best position of the four moons over a period of the smallness of it. It has a 6.S-meter dome, a ... " evolved while I was on vacation. I visited time. Each moon was a different color (for Goto Mercury planetarium projector, and the Holt Planetarium to see a planetarium purposes of this demonstration). People in one circular set of benches. The benches seat show. This is where Holt really shines! There the room were divided into four groups; approximately 25 (a few more children). The were two shows offered during the day. One each group was told to watch one moon as benches are so close to the inside circular of them, "Constellations Tonight," is de­ the slide sequence was shown, and report wall that when you are seated, your head is signed to teach people how to use a star map when "their" moon came back to where it slightly outside the dome circumference. for the current night sky. The one I went to started. And so we were not told that moons Above and behind your head, on the wall, see was called "Moons of the Solar System". It orbit planets and the closer the moon, the hang clipboards on nails and orange-colored was offered twice during the center's hours faster it moves; we discovered it! dimmable lights which shine down on you. of 10:00-5:00. The planetarium show was For the second half of this show, we took a The console is in the center of the room. $2.00, an extra cost not included with the tour of the moons in the solar system. So, in The operator walks around the room in a admission price to the Hall. "Moons of the Solar System," we saw lots of narrow circular path found between himself Here a small group of adults/children was pictures of moons, we learned what a moon and the feet of the seated patrons. No invited to join a guide on an adventure in is, and how it moves. Wow: now that's a automation is evident; lots of toggle switch­ science in which individuals from the group planetarium show! es show on one side of the console. Two were allowed to express their ideas (and most But there's more ... In 1979, LHS conducted switches operate a cassette tape player and a likely their misconceptions) while we all summer institutes for Planetarium Directors CD player hooked up to two modest speak­ pursued new knowledge and ideas. Moons of in the area of how to implement such les­ ers. Other switches toggle a video projector, the Solar System: we began with the dim­ sons. A decade later, 300 teacher-leaders were four slide projectors, and a couple of special ming of orange lights to a late afternoon sky. trained in these summer institutes to bring effects projectors, all mounted in the center The sun set, the room darkened to show the the experience of "Participatory Oriented of the room somehow. moon in a southwestern sky with a sky full Planetariums for Schools" (POPS) to planetar­ Where's the laser, all-sky, panorama pro­ of stars. Holt's planetarian showed us how to iums all over the world. jectors, surround sound, exploding superno­ find the North Star, using the Big Dipper. The POPS people also came up with a 12- va? How could this be the "Best Planetarium Then he asked a question: "Three days from volume set of books designed to help teacher in the Whole World?" now," he said, "where will the moon be in and planetarium educators implement effec-

Vol. 29, No.1, March 2000 Planetarian tive participatory programs and classroom sticks, sky maps for use in the planetarium seems that others agree. The lead activities. The Volume Titles are: Planetarium for star ID, or any other of the wonderful that issue, entitled "Reflections on Educator's Workshop Guide, Planetarium ideas spawned by 27 years of educational ex­ tarium Design and Operation", was Activities for Schools, Resources for Teaching perimentation at the Holt Planetarium. The by Ian McLennan, a prominent former Astronomy and Earth Science, A Manual for Lawrence Hall of Science has been a pioneer etarian and avid planetarium-lover. Using Portable Planetariums, Constellations in what professional educators call the "dis­ ing his 'reflections', Ian writes: " I have come Tonight, Red Planet Mars, Moons of the Solar covery," "hands-on or "participatory" tech­ full circle, and am convinced it is overdue System [that's the one I have described above; nique for learning, specializing in astrono­ for ... planetariums to abandon the reconied the ll-slide sequence comes with it], Colors my /space science/mathematics concepts. In show, and go back to the basics. This means from Space, Who "Discovered" America, Astron­ 1998, nearly 19,000 people visited LHS's plan­ having highly motivated, omy of the Americas, How Big is the Universe? etariums (including 8500 participants in talented, enthusiastic presenters and and Stonehenge. If you have a planetarium, their Starlab outreach program). However, municators connect with live audiences in and don't have these books, Get them! there is no way to estimate how many peo­ the planetarium theatres of the future. [We [Planetarium web site: lhs.berkeley.edu/ ple have been influenced by the commit­ need to re-introduce styles] that can assist us Planetarium; volume site: Ihs.berkeley.edu/ ment of Holt's staff to helping people under­ in reaching the public at a very level pass.] stand the Universe. engagement-including fundamental and These unique audience-participatory In my opinion, the POPS philosophy is excellent storytelling." shows are authored and edited by Cary not only past history, it is the model for the If I take another vacation out way, Sneider, Alan Friedman, and Alan Gould. In direction that planetariums should go in the you better bet I will go and see what the my opinion, without these three "hawkers" new millennium. That's another basis for the ters have come up with at "The Best Plane­ of "participatory-ness", we converts (yes, I'm title I've laid on the Holt Planetarium. In the tarium in the Whole World!" U one!) wouldn't have polystyrene balls on September, 1999 issue of the Planetarian, it

An nt tales and modern truths come together when wish made

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66 Planetarian Vol. No.1, March Creating a new planetariulll for the next century was easy. It only took best of the world's most advanced ~~-"- __ ......

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