Astronomy @ the Batesville (IN) Memorial Public Library

131 North Walnut Street
Batesville, IN 47006

Contact

CURRENT MOON

Star Parties and Scope Events

Star Party The library's Star Parties and Scope Events are all-ages events that take place if the skies are clear enough to view. The public is invited to bring their telescopes and /or binoculars, or just come to take a look!

Star Party & Scope Events Calendar (All Star Parties and Events using the telescope are "weather permitting")
	Check back later to see our next scheduled sky event.

About Our Telescope

As part of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, Batesville Memorial Public Library Director, Mike Kruse, was one of the "40 Galileos" in the Cincinnati Observatory's 2009 40 Galileos: Starry Messenger Project. Following some training at the observatory, and after completing some public programs, we were awarded our Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian telescope on September 11, 2009. We are now able to host star parties and other educational and fun programs at the library and around our area. (Right photo) Library Director, Mike Kruse, with our telescope.

Here is an article about the 40 Galileos Project from Astronomy Magazine's online edition:
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=840

And another Astronomy Magazine article, an update on the project:
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8708

One more Astronomy Magazine article by Outreach Astronomer, Dean Regas:
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=9450

(Left photo) The 40 "Galileos" were awarded their telescopes at the Cincinnati Observatory Center on September 11, 2009.

Many thanks to our wonderful Friends of the Library for purchasing these telescope accessories: A solar filter, a star map, assorted color and polarized filters, a carrying case for the scope and other items.

Moon Viewing Kit

In September, 2011, our library was granted, from the Lunar and Planetary Institute, a Moon Viewing Kit in time for the 2011 International Observe the Moon Night event. The kit includes binoculars, a tripod, children's books about the Moon, and other useful items in a tote designed for circulation to families and individuals. Our thanks to the LPI organization for this gift to the community.

Past Special Events:

Saturday, October 8, 2011
2nd Annual International Observe the Moon Night
The second annual International Observe the Moon Night saw clear skies and another group of enthusiastic viewers in the Village Square, downtown Batesville. Once again, we saw our moon up close and got a peek at Jupiter and three visible moons. We featured our Dobsonian telescope from the Cincinnati Observatory and our new binoculars and tripod from the Lunar and Planetary Institute.

Intl Observe the Moon Night, Batesville, IN 10-8-11

Monday, September 20, 2010
Star Party at Morgan's Canoe Livery
We traveled with the scope to Brookville, Indiana, to help Leo Sack of the Cincinnati Observatory Center present a program to sixty-one 7th and 8th graders from Clark Montessori School in Cincinnati. Clear skies, so we observed Jupiter and 4 of its moons and our own moon as well.

Saturday, September 18, 2010
International Observe the Moon Night
We observed the first annual International Observe the Moon Night in Batesville's Village Square by viewing our moon, plus Jupiter and its four visible moons. 52 people from Batesville, Greensburg, Shelbyville and Indianapolis came to get a close up look, even though we had partly cloudy skies for the last hour or so.

Friday, July 2, 2010
Ripley County Chamber Night at Osgood, IN
We took the scope to the Ripley County Fairgrounds for some sun and star gazing. Lots of fun, but no camera, so you'll have to imagine it. Thanks to Chamber Director Amy Thomas for letting us share the views.

Saturday, April 17, 2010
After Hours Concert post-concert observations
We celebrated the end of National Library Week with an outstanding jazz concert by Mark Buselli, Frank Puzzullo, Andy Fusco, Bob Bowman and Joel Spencer. Then we set up the scope just outside the library and enjoyed viewing the night sky.

Saturday, March 20, 2010
International Sidewalk Astronomy Night
We observed the 4th annual ISAN by observing the night sky with our Dobsonian telescope in the Village Square, downtown Batesville. Plus - we saw the International Space Station as it passed by.

November 14, 2009
Great Observatories IYA Image Unveiling
Batesville Memorial Public Library
The BMPL was a participant in this International Year of Astronomy event. Immediately following the unveiling, the audience was treated to a concert by Detroit's Divas of the Blues with RJ's Rhythm Rockers.

We will also feature occasional Astronomy Programs at the library (and possibly elsewhere). Check back later for more information.

Batesville Memorial Public Library
Astronomy @ the Library

Star Parties and Scope Events

About Our Telescope

Links

Batesville Memorial Public Library Astronomy @ the Library

Star Parties and Scope Events

About Our Telescope

Links

Batesville Memorial Public Library
Astronomy @ the Library