GLPA Conference Proceedings: 1995

Proceedings Editor:  Dale W. Smith, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.

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Title Author Year Abstract
AN ASTRONOMY EMPHASIS PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE Allen, Robert 1995 Abstract: In 1993 an Astronomy Emphasis was added to the Physics major and minor at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. Astrophysics, Relativity and Cosmology courses were added to the curriculum. The first person graduated from the program in May 1995.
INTERACTION AND ASSISTANCE: MY NEW FRIEND IN LITHUANIA Bishop, Jeanne E. 1995 No Abstract
WHY ARISTARCHUS WASN'T A STAR? Bonadurer, Bob 1995 Abstract: Aristarchus was the first to suggest a heliocentric Universe. Yet he's hardly known. This paper will examine the causes and any implications for planetarians.
THE ALTITUDE OF THE NOON SUN VARIES BY SEASONS AND BY LOCATION Bueter, Chuck 1995 Abstract: A paper dial can be made to demonstrate visually the relationships between the Sun at transit, the date, the observer's latitude and the altitude of Polaris.
OUR UNIVERSE IS EXPANDING Ciupik, Larry 1995 Abstract: Adler has plans to nearly double in size. The new facility will include a Digistar II and approximately 40,000 square feet of additional exhibit space.
REPAIR OF AN EARLY U. S. BUILT PLANETARIUM INSTRUMENT DeRocher, Joseph M. 1995 Abstract: The Hanna star dome, Ohio's first planetarium built by hand in 1936 has been completely repaired using fiber optics.
BEYOND THE DOUBLE-TRUTH UNIVERSE: THE GREEK IDEA OF THE KOSMOS AND ITS RELEVANCE TODAY Fideler, David 1995 Abstract: When the Greek philosopher Pythagoras called the universe a kosmos he did so because it embodies both order and beauty-both fact and value. This paper will explain why the Greek philosophers envisioned the universe as being akin to an intelligent organism, and how that view of the world was eclipsed by the mechanistic worldview of the Scientific Revolution which pictured the universe as dead, unintelligent matter powered by external force. Contemporary science, however, paints a much different view of the universe in which matter is fundamentally active and intelligent and the entire universe is pictured as being akin to a vast, evolutionary organism. By reminding us of our place in the cosmos, contemporary astronomy suggests that humanity reflects the order and beauty inherent in the universe; it suggests that humanity is not separate from the world, but an embodiment of the universe in search of-and celebration of-its own being.
STS-70 (THE WOODPECKER SHUTTLE) Francetic, Dan 1995 Abstract: A group of Euclid students get to talk to the Discovery Space Shuttle via ham radio.
THE SIKHOTE-ALIN METEORITE Gallant, Roy A. 1995 Abstract: Gallant returned from the Sikhote-Alin meteorite site in eastern Siberia last month and was the first foreigner ever to visit the site. He describes his 3-person expedition and what's there to investigate, and reviews the latest information about the 1947 event.
Hall's Laws Hall, Donald 1995 Abstract: During my 34 years in the planetarium profession, I hav discovered some ideas that have guided me in my work. I believe that there is Cosmic Truth in them because some of them, perhaps all, have been discovered first by others. However, in my usual modest manner, I have chosen to call these Truth's Hall's Laws.
New Views of Gas Giants Hammel, Dr. Heidi 1995 Abstract: The four largest planets in our Solar System are the Gas Giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. During the 1980's, NASA sent the Voyager spacecraft to explore these worlds. But those spacecraft provided only a brid snapshot in time of these continually changing planets. During the last five years, our knowledge of these giant planets has exploded, due in part to fantastic imaging from the Hubble Spac Telescope. Dr. Hammel will bring you up to date on our understanding of these planets, with an emphasis on the results from her two recent Space Telescope programs: (1) studying the collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter, and (2) imaging of Neptune's clouds. Uranus and Saturn will also be discussed, to place all four outer planets in context.
THROUGH THE EYES OF HUBBLE: A LOOK AT THE MAKING OF OUR LATEST PLANETARIUM SHOW Hughes James P. 1995 Abstract: A review of the planning, production and premiere of this program which was a co-production between The Buhl Planetarium and The Space Telescope Science Institute.
POSSIBLE SUN CALENDAR SITES IN SOUTHWEST Hunt, Jeffrey L. 1995 Abstract: Recently discovered sun calendar sites in the Southwest U. S. are explained.
AN EXPLORATION OF NOVELTY & APPRAISAL SYSTEMS GENERATED BY PLANETARIUM/MUSEUM PROGRAMS Hurd, David 1995 Abstract: Are planetarium/museum programs beneficial to cognitive development, motivation, and/or attitudinal changes? If so, why? This paper will explore various theories and how novelty stimulus and appraisal within individuals affects learning. Novelty and its relationship to curiosity will provide the background for arguing that novelty stimulus (if provided in the right context) is beneficial to learning. It can also be argued that excessive novelty is not conducive to learning.
An Astronauts View Jones, Dr. Thomas 1995 Abstract: A description of two flights aboard the Space Shuttle as part of Mission to Planet Earth, including living and working on the Shuttle and a variety of ecological studies of the Earth using both handheld photography and the new Space Radar Laboratory.
Astronomy Update 1995 Kaler, Dr. James 1995 Abstract: A review of astronomical discoveries during the past year, including the solar system, stars, and the Universe. Special emphasis is placed on Kuiper belt objects, on questions of star formation and the final stages of star life, and on the distant and early Universe
BASIC ASTRONOMY 101 Klinger, Art 1995 Abstract: Students who chart data on a daily/weekly basis on such items as azimuth of sunrise/sunset, altitute of noon Sun, changing phases (position) of the Moon, position of the planets both at sunrise and sunset and sundial (gnomon) activities throughout the school year can develop a keen understanding of the fundamental concepts of basic Astronomy. When these activities are followed up by classroom activities, true learning takes place.
BECOMING A PLANETARIUM DIRECTOR AT WARP SPEED! Laatsch Shawn 1995 Abstract: Recently I became the Director of the Arthur Storer Planetarium. I'll tell the story of how this happened and give some history of the planetarium including who Arthur Storer was.
TO BE NEAR...MIR Landis, Rob 1995 Abstract: The Mir space station has orbited the Earth for nearly a decade. The current mission (Atlantis, STS-74) is the second mission to hard dock with Mir. The seventh shuttle/Mir mission will have the first joint EVAs between Russian and American crews. The Mir/shuttle missions are the first phase towards the International Space Station.
WHERE HAVE ALL THE STAR SHOWS GONE? Lazich , Gary M. 1995 Abstract: An invitation to planetarium script writers and producers to follow the lead of Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman by assessing the impact of new technologies and creating programs for the heart as well as the mind.
TILT! Linton, David 1995 Abstract: What would our seasons be like if the Earth's axis were tilted by 90 degrees rather than 23.5 degrees? For (perhaps) the first time anywhere, you will now be able to experience such an "altered Earth"--through the magic of Digistar..
BACK TO THE BASICS Marshall, Jon 1995 Abstract: Some simple brute-force constellation outline projectors: Revisiting an old idea that still works, especially for those planetariums with "zero or less" budgets.
OF STAR BALLS AND SPACE STUFF McCall, Kristine K. 1995 Abstract: My interest in astronomy and space explorations is not confined to the planetarium. You might be surprised at some of the unusual manifestations of star stuff in my collection.
TENNESSEE SKY OBSERVERS GUIDE Mendonsa, Sharon 1995 Abstract: Take a look and share your suggestions for a project developed for teachers in Tennessee. The goal is to provide easy access to astronomy information specific to our area and give teachers fun activities to use in the classroom.
COMING ATTRACTIONS: PREVIEWS OF 1996'S BEST SKY SIGHTS Nerdahl, Rodney M. 1995 Abstract: Using computer-generated illustrations created for a regional nature calendar, the author will show how some of the 1996's best naked-eye sky events will look-including Mercury's most favorable apparitions; eye-catching conjunctions of the Moon with Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn; and the total lunar eclipses of April 3 and Sept. 26. A handout summarizing major 1996 sky events will be available.
ASTRONOMY ACTIVITIES FOR IMAGE SOFTWARE Orloff, Wes 1995 Abstract: "Image" is public domain software for the Macintosh that you can use to accurately analyze scanned, digitized or downloaded pictures. After calibrating "Image" with a known quantity such as planet diameter, crater dimensions, or gray scale saturation, you can accurately measure linear distances, areas, crop densities, velocity and more. Several astronomy applications will be demonstrated. Participants may copy the program or buy $2.00 disk sets already prepared.
QUICK TIME IN THE DOMES Pareis, Alan 1995 Abstract: The Adler beams simple computer movies from the Observatory to the Sky Theater as an illustrative supplement for real time telescope images.
HORIZON ASTRONOMY WITH A CAMERA Pirko, Richard 1995 Abstract: A simple multiple exposure with any old camera will preserve and share the easiest astronomical observations of all, the rotation and revolution of the Earth.
IPS MOBILE NETWORK UPDATE Reynolds, Susan 1995 Abstract: National and (especially) international concerns and events will be discussed as they relate to portable planetaria and their users.
Once Around with Saturn Robert C. Elliot 1995 Abstract: A retrospective of the author's thirty years as a planetarian, incuding his first GLPA meeting, the contributions of his "heroes" th the profession, his most memorable programs, and a plea to keep the inspiration of the night sky as part of our programs.
REACHING OUT TO NON-TRADITIONAL AUDIENCES Schafer, Sheldon 1995 Abstract: This paper will describe how Peoria's Community Solar System model has been used to reach joggers, golfers, runners, motorcyclists and bicycle riders. The elements of organizing a bicycle ride will be discussed.
AUTOMATING A SPITZ A1 Schaffer, Stephen A. 1995 Abstract: A brief look at how I converted a hand-cranked Spitz A1 into a computer-controlled system.
SOMETHING NEW UNDER THE SUN Schindewolf, Mary J. 1995 Abstract: With the unfortunate passing of Dolores Kurek, Copernicus Planetarium has a new coordinator. Starting from scratch, I am now fighting many uphill battles for more time and money and to re-establish a lost audience.
SACRED SOIL: DENMARK'S POST RENAISSANCE OBSERVATORIES Smith, Dale W. 1995 Abstract: Three Danish observatories contributed to the advance of astronomy in the years near 1600. At Uraniborg, Tycho made the observations of Mars that Kepler used to discover that planetary orbits are elliptical. Near Copenhagen, Ole Rømer used observations of eclipses of Jupiter's satellites to make the first successful measurement of the speed of light. The Round Tower Observatory in Copenhagen, built in 1642, still maintains an active public program. In August I visited all three sites and describe them in this paper.
SKY EVENTS PREVIEW 1995-96 Victor, Robert C. 1995 Abstract: The current evening apparition of Venus includes a very compact twilight gathering with Jupiter and Mars in mid-November 1995 and a striking dark-sky pairing with Saturn in early February 1996. We'll preview the two very different total lunar eclipses of 1996 (April 3 and Sept. 26) and take a yearly autumnal look at Jupiter and Saturn as they approach their one-in-20-years "Great Conjunction" in 2000.
SOUND ADVICE Webb, Mark 1995 Abstract: The Adler has acquired a new Sky Theater sound system as a donation with sound directional control.
LIVE FROM THE STRATOSPHERE Whitt, April 1995 Abstract: The Kuiper Airborne Observatory carries students and staff from the CARA program to the edge of the sky. Satellite links with the ground allowed interaction between students and researchers.

 

 
 
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