The library's
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!
Telescope Events Calendar (All events
using the telescope are
"weather permitting")
Saturday, October 12, 2013, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
International Observe the Moon Night
We'll have the library telescope and binoculars out
(weather permitting) to get a good look at our Moon. In years past,
we've also been able to spot several of Jupiter's moons! Free lunar fun
for the whole family! Location to be announced.
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.
(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,
September 22, 2012
3rd Annual International Observe the Moon Night Because this year's event fell during Batesville's
Apple Festival, we met at Liberty Park to look at the moon. Thirty-five
hardy souls, including several Boy Scouts, braved the cold and enjoyed
the view. We handed out participation certificates and other
information. Forgot the camera, so there are no photos this time.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Transit of
Venus
We waited out some serious cloud cover to spend about 60
total minutes viewing this rare alignment when the planet Venus passed
directly between Earth and the Sun. Seventy people of all ages got their
chance to see this remarkable event through our telescope.
In case you missed it, here's the Transit
of Venus webcast from
Mount Wilson Observatory in California:
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.
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.
