Backyard Astronomy For Mississippi: Coordinators and Presenters Information

Background

The Backyard Astronomy series was begun several years ago to acquaint the public with the night sky and developments in modern astronomy. Since then, the series has been presented numerous times by the Mississippi Science Network, Inc., and French Camp Academy’s Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium with funding by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium.

Backyard Astronomy consists of one or a series of programs presented by a knowledgeable speaker geared to the seasonal constellations or to current space missions or astronomical discoveries. The programs are focused towards families and the general public. After the program, weather permitting, participants have the opportunity to observe some objects in the evening sky with telescopes that we bring.

In order to give all Mississippians a chance to attend Backyard Astronomy programs, the Rainwater Observatory received a grant from the V. M. Slipher Fund Committee of the National Academies to establish and support sites across Mississippi to host Backyard Astronomy programs. This has been extended by a further grant from SERCH, a consortium of southeastern NASA Space Grant Consortiums.

Objectives

• To have programs presented at various locations throughout Mississippi and the region so that everyone in our area will be within an hour’s drive of these programs.
  
  
• Each presentation will be about 1.5 hours long and consist of:
  • a. A brief introduction to the current night sky.
  • b. A presentation on a planet, deep sky object, space astronomy mission, or current astronomical discovery.
  • c. An observing session with portable telescopes afterward, weather permitting.
  The venues for each program may vary. College auditoriums, libraries, planetariums, and park campgrounds have proven well adapted to the family groups we want to attract.
  
  
• Develop a cadre of experienced presenters. This is an important objective since it will ensure the future of Backyard Astronomy for Mississippi.
  
  
• To encourage the new sites to become self-supporting through fees and/or community grants after getting the initial sessions started. Rainwater Observatory will continue to support the local programs by providing scheduling, a cadre of presenters, and materials.

Locations

We are seeking locations around the state to have programs. If you would like to have Backyard Astronomy programs presented in your community, contact James G. Hill at (662) 547-6377 or jhill@rainwaterobservatory.org, and we will work with you to set up programs.

Site Coordinators

• Arrange a meeting place for the lectures (e.g. library, school auditorium).
• Find a safe and convenient place for observing near the lecture site (e.g. park, large yard away from traffic). Solar observing equipment is available for day programs.
• Contact the local media and have flyers posted.
• Arrange for the collection of data on participants.
• Provide a meal for the presenter(s), if needed.
• Provide overnight housing for the presenter, if needed.

• The presenter and their travel expenses.
• Slides, overheads, posters, and other materials.
• Telescopes and solar observing equipment, if needed.
• Sign-in and evaluation forms.
• Press releases and flyers.

Presenters

• A $75.00 honorarium per program.
• $0.325 per mile travel expense.

Presenters coordinate with the Project Director, James G. Hill. Program scheduling will be worked-out for the convenience of the presenters.

Application & For More Information