Yesterday I took some time to visit Griffith Observatory — which, as long-time readers of this blog know — is a favorite of mine for many reasons. I wrote their exhibits and continue to work with them from time to time on new projects. I am a member of FOTO (Friends of the Observatory), which is a wonderful support group. And, I really like their astronomy outreach philosophy.
Walking around yesterday, listening to people talk about what they were seeing and interacting with, I was struck by how engaged they were with the exhibits and shows. And, in several places, I stood behind groups that included several generations of family members, with the kids just as often explaining things to the parents and grandparents as the parents were to explain things to the kids.
There’ s a real love of astronomy going on at Griffith — not just among the staffers, but also very encouragingly among the many and varied visitors who make the pilgrimage up the mountain each day. There’s a reason their motto is: Inspiring the Future, One Imagination at a Time. If you ever get a chance, go check ’em out!
Happy New Year, folks! I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to the year’s astronomy and space science news. Lots of good things are going to happen in 2009, including the long-awaited “final” refurbishing mission for Hubble Space Telescope, the continued building and expansion of ground-based facilities such as the MWA, ALMA, and others.
And, of course, it’s the International Year of Astronomy. There are a huge number of activities going on around the world, all designed to get YOU and your friends and family OUT there and involved in one of the world’s oldest sciences. I’m participating in the 365 Days of Astronomy podcast project, and my first one (of twelve podcasts that I’m producing) will be “airing” on January 6 (next week!). I’m also posting additional material about each of my podcasts here on TheSpacewriter.com. Just visit the tab that says “365 Days of Astronomy” up there under the Horsehead.
Surf on over to the IYA web site and check out some of the great activities that are planned in more than 130 countries by astronomy lovers from every walk of life. It’s truly a year to “look up!”
