Monthly Archives: December 2008

astronomy, friends of the observatory, griffith observatory

Why I am a FOTO

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And You Can Be, Too

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California

Continuing this week’s series about astronomy-related gift ideas, why not consider joining the Friends of the Observatory? I’m a Friend of the Observatory — Griffith Observatory, that is. If you haven’t heard of Griffith, it’s a public observatory in Los Angeles, California that serves up astronomy exhibits and information six days a week. You can wander its exhibits free of charge any day except Monday (and a few holidays when they’re closed), and for a few bucks, you can see their planetarium show. It’s a marvelous place and I highly recommend that if you live in L.A. (or travel there), you check it out. It will amaze you, delight you, and give you a wonderful sense of where you are in the cosmos.

I am a Friend of the Observatory because I support their outreach activities. In the 75+ years since the institution first opened, literally millions and millions of people have looked through the observatory’s telescopes and learned about the universe from the exhibits and planetarium shows.

A few years ago, Griffith renovated and expanded the building and recreated all their exhibits while adding new ones. I had the honor of being their exhibit writer, and when all was said and done, I ended up writing the equivalent of an astronomy book in approachable language for more than 150 exhibit panels. (You can read more about those exhibits here.) It was a fascinating and highly fulfilling project for all of us who were involved.

I am also a Friend of the Observatory because astronomy is one of the sciences that nurtures an interest in all sciences. It connects things together in a cosmic way. And Griffith Observatory helps people understand that connection. Even though I don’t live in L.A. and don’t get to Griffith all that often, I support its mission with my mind, heart, and soul. And, I joined FOTO so that my membership dues could help them continue to make connections to the cosmos for everyone.

A couple of days ago I had some gift suggestions for the holidays. If you’re still trying to find an interesting gift for that special someone, consider a FOTO membership. You’ll be supporting astronomy outreach in one of the world’s largest and most diverse cities. And who knows — maybe your membership will help fund a program that helps a little girl or boy decide to become a scientist.

astronomy

The Gift of Astronomy

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It’s Free

A screen shot from the stellarium computer program.
A screen shot from the stellarium computer program.

It’s that time of year again, the gift-giving time. If you are in the gift-providing mood but find yourself not so flush with cash, then let me suggest some ideas for the folks on your list (or yourself even) who like to study the skies that won’t cost you a bundle.

First, if your giftee is into computers, then why not download and help them install Stellarium — the fantastic open-source planetarium for the home computer.

It helps create star charts, lets you explore the sky for any date, and comes with a bunch of other neat features. And, best of all, it’s free!

Another cool and free sky chart program is called Cartes du Ciel, and I’ve used it on occasion to create charts for greeting cards and star parties. There are a number of databases you can plug into the program to help you see deep-sky objects, planetary satellites, run eclipse simulations, drive and aim a computerized telescope, zoom in on variable stars, stellar multiples, distant galaxies, and perform many other functions.

Screen shot of Cartes du Ciel
Screen shot of Cartes du Ciel

Another thing that you could do is download these programs yourself and use them to search out stars that you can show to your family during the holidays. Make it a tradition to go out stargazing on a holiday night (whenever it’s clear).

Perhaps you’ve heard of folks who claim to be able to name a star for you, and further claim that those names are “real” and imply that somehow astronomers will use the name you bought. Not true. Astronomers don’t use names for stars from companies that charge you $50 for a fancy certificate and a photocopy of a copyrighted star chart (which I’ve heard at least one company sells).

But, that doesn’t mean you can’t “nickname” a star for someone you love and admire. You can do that for free.  Just find a star that you can show your loved one, make a chart, and print it up into a nice certificate that is becomes a highly personal gift from you. You can even make up your own fancy card to present them their stellar nickname.

One of two dozen holiday card designs from HST.
One of two dozen holiday card designs from HST.

Go over to the Hubble site holiday card page and download one of their designs. Inscribe your card with a beautiful poem about the star you’re nicknaming; make it a personal dedication.

We’ve used these as holiday cards a couple of times now and all it takes is a color printer and a little time to inscribe a nice greeting on the inside.

Now, if you do have a little money in your pocket and want to buy something astronomy-related, then look over at my left sidebar. You’ll find a little MP3 player and links to music from some space music artist who goes by the stage name Geodesium. Take a listen. I happen to know this guy personally, and I know that he’d love to sell you some albums (either through Amazon.com or the link on his name). And, I predict that you’ll love to hear them!

If you want other astronomy-related gifts, check out the Spacewriter’s Store. It’s chock-full of good suggestions and if you haven’t browsed there in a while, I’ve added a few new items. I particularly like the Mars 3-D: A Rover’s-Eye View of the Red Planet book, which I reviewed here a few weeks back. For the little astronomers on your list, the Discovery Exclusive Ultimate Star Childrens Planetarium looks like it could be a lot of fun. There’s plenty more in the store to browse through. So, check it out.