Camp Discovery
Pick a week, geek.
Camp Discovery
Pick a week, geek.
Bio: Dr. Randy Emmons
Randy Emmons is the director of the Zacheis Planetarium and Observatory in Alamosa. He is also devoted to promoting robotics education and advancing informal science education. Working in collaboration with Colorado Space Grant Consortium/NASA, Dr. Emmons is responsible for the Colorado Robot Challenge, now in its fifth year. The project, involving 20 teams from universities and colleges in the western states, develops small autonomous robots capable of planetary exploration. Dr. Emmons received his Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics.
Dr. Randy Emmons: Telescopes
Following his tour-de-force seminar on robotics last March, Dr. Randy Emmons, director of the Zacheis Planetarium and Observatory in Alamosa, returns to the museum to offer his stylish expertise on telescopes and constellations!
Astronomy + Telescopes:
Friday, April 15
Ever wonder about the science of the Sun? And where in the universe are Orion and Canis Major? What's in the stars ... for you?
Join us for a day of cranium-cracking exploration into our (and nearby) solar system, plus enjoy bonus workshops on star charting and putting your dusty old telescope to real use! Here's what's ahead:
12:10-12:40pm: THE SUN
Join Dr. Emmons and the Mad Museum Scientists to learn how the Sun produces energy, how it ages, and how it impacts our solar system. Dr. Emmons will have several specially equipped telescopes for viewing the Sun! Bring your lunch and engage in discussions. All ages; FREE; Powerhouse Plaza.
4:30-5:15pm: TELESCOPE WORKSHOP
Dust off and bring your telescope to the museum, then get it “tuned up” ... for FREE! We'll help you understand all those special lenses and filters, and get you ready to tame Leo. All ages; FREE; Powerhouse Plaza.
6:30-7:30pm: SPRING CONSTELLATIONS
Learn how to make a star chart! Dr. Randy Emmons will discuss the art of locating and identifying constellations, plus mix in some dazzling mythology of the spring constellations. At dusk, we'll head back outside to put our star charts to good use. All ages; FREE; Mensch Spark Shop.
8-9:30pm: TELESCOPES
Dr. Emmons and the Mad Museum Scientists take us to the Moon (and possibly Saturn's rings) via several large telescopes. With an ultra-bright laser, we'll will point out several constellations in the sky. Helpful hints: Bring warm layers and a thermos of hot drinks to ward off cool, windy weather. Cloudy and inclement conditions might cancel the event. It's helpful, but not necessary, to attend the earlier presentation. All ages; FREE; Powerhouse Plaza.