Batesville Memorial Public Library
Astronomy @ the Library

 
 

Batesville Memorial Public Library
131 North Walnut Street
Batesville, IN 47006

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CURRENT MOON


International Year of Astronomy 2009

Our Telescope

BMPL Director Mike Kruse with the telescopeAs 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


The 40 "Galileos" at the Cincinnati Observatory, 9/11/09
(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.


Star Parties and Other Events

Star PartyThe library's Star Parties 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 are "weather permitting")
Friday, July 2, 2010 
Join us for a Sun & Star Party
at the Ripley County Fairgrounds in Osgood, Indiana.  Starting at 4:00 PM we'll be at the fairgrounds to do some safe Sun viewing, then hang around for fireworks and some night sky viewing.

4th Annual International Sidewalk Astronomy Night

International Year of Astronomy 2009

Special Events:

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.
Viewing the moon outside the library   Viewing the moon after the concert
International Sidewalk Astronomy Night, March 20, 2010Saturday, 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.


Library director Mike Kruse reveals the first of two galaxy images. Detroit's Divas of the Blues performed. Phil Hale played with the center of the galaxy behind him.
 

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


Links

Sky Maps, Charts & Info
Skymaps.com
Sky-Map.org
AstroViewer
The Night Sky This Week
Amazing Space: Tonight's Sky
Heavens Above
Messier Objects
Moon Information Resource and Guide
Satellite Sighting Info for Batesville, IN

Organizations and Facilities
Cincinnati Observatory
Cincinnati Astronomical Society
Indiana Astronomical Society
Indiana Space Grant Consortium
Wolff Planetarium Cincinnati
Pike Planetarium Indianapolis
International Dark Sky Association
International Dark Sky Week
Night Sky Network
Global Astronomy Month

     

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