Martz-Kohl Observatory

6 days ago

REMINDER: This Saturday, October 16, 2021, starting at 7:00 PM at the observatory: Dr. Lynn Cominsky will present "Spacetime Symphony: Gravitational Waves and Black Holes" followed by videos and activities oriented around "International Observe the Moon Night." There will be 2 door prizes of NASA's graphic novel "First Woman" - about the first woman on the Moon and her trusty robot. The book is suitable for pre-teens and teens with an interest in Space or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Science). More info on the observatory website: martzobservatory.org/ Face masks are required at all times at the observatory. ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

6 days ago

Fascinating article about Nuns mapping 480,000+ stars with an associated list of resources and activities for all ages. Check out the post!More than a century after they mapped over 481,000 stars, four once nameless nuns were at long last recognized for their many years of hard work at advancing human understanding of the universe! Sisters Emilia Ponzoni, Regina Colombo, Concetta Finardi and Luigia Panceri were recruited by the Vatican to measure and map stars as part of one of the greatest scientific undertakings of the late 19th century -- the vast international effort to map the entire night sky and create a comprehensive star atlas called the Astrographic Catalogue. Although this photo of the nuns had appeared in books about the history of astronomy, the women's names were never known until just a few years ago when Father Sabino Maffeo, a Jesuit priest who works at the Vatican Observatory, discovered their identities while organizing papers in the archive.

This grand project to map the sky first began in April 1887 when 56 scientists from 19 countries decided to use the new discipline of astrophotography to create photographic plates of the stars. Twenty observatories around the world participated in analyzing the 22,000 glass plates -- and, in many countries, while male astronomers directed the programs, women did of the labor-intensive work of processing and cataloging the stars. One of the most famous groups was the young women hired by Harvard Observatory director Edward Charles Pickering -- known as the "Harvard Computers," the group included such now famous astronomers as Annie Jump Cannon, Henrietta Swan Leavitt, and Williamina Fleming. However, the vast majority of women who worked for years on the project at observatories around the world who were never recognized for their contributions to astronomy.

Ultimately, the project resulted in a 254-volume catalog of 4.6 million stars. Although it was ultimately only half completed -- astronomers stopping work on the initiative in 1962 -- the Astrographic Catalogue became the basis of the star reference system used today. And, as Erin Blakemore observes in Smithsonian, "Though the women didn’t end up counting all of the stars, perhaps one day history will do a better job of counting the women whose diligent work helped map out the starry skies."

For picture books about several of the extraordinary women involved in early star mapping work as "Harvard Computers," we highly recommend "She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer" (www.amightygirl.com/she-caught-the-light), “Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer" (www.amightygirl.com/look-up), and "Annie Jump Cannon, Astronomer" (www.amightygirl.com/annie-jump-cannon-astronomer), all for ages 5 to 9

For more children's books about women who helped unlock the mysteries of the skies, check out "Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars" (www.amightygirl.com/listening-to-the-stars), "Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer" (www.amightygirl.com/always-looking-up), "The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe" (www.amightygirl.com/the-stuff-between-the-stars), all for ages 5 to 9

For a fun activity book about female astronomers and astronauts which includes a variety of space-themed STEM projects, we recommend "Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts" for ages 8 to 11 at www.amightygirl.com/gutsy-girls-astronauts

For two fun dolls for aspiring young astronomers, we recommend the Astrophysicist Doll for ages 3 to 7 (www.amightygirl.com/astrophysicist-doll) and the Astronomer Lottie Doll for ages 3 to 8 (www.amightygirl.com/stargazer-lottie-doll)

And, to inspire kids of all ages with stories starring girls who love science, visit our blog post, "Ignite Her Curiosity: 60 Books Starring Science-Loving Mighty Girls," at www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=13914 ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

1 week ago

For observing Indigenous Peoples' Day, it’s uplifting to read about Mary Golda Ross. 👍 🔭Have you heard of Mary Golda Ross? Born in 1908, she was a member of the Cherokee Nation. A "hidden figure" of America's space age, she also helped author the 'NASA Planetary Flight Handbook Vol. III' about travel to Venus and Mars. On this Indigenous Peoples' Day, learn more about Ross: go.nasa.gov/2NJ8USN

Courtesy: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

3 weeks ago

Participate in the International Observe the Moon Night at the Martz-Kohl Observatory on Saturday, October 16, 2021. "Observe the Moon Night" is a worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our Moon and its connection to science, exploration, and human culture. This annual event connects scientists, educators and night sky enthusiasts from around the world.

This event will be held in-person at the Martz-Kohl Observatory and starts about 8:45pm. Activities will begin after a special presentation, "Spacetime Symphony: Gravitational Waves and Black Holes" by Dr. Lynn Cominsky from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Activities will include a tour of the observatory, videos about various aspects of the Moon: creation, composition, phases and myths/creation-stories as well as the showing and discussion of images of the Moon taken at the observatory.

For these two events, vaccinations and masks are required.

More info can be found at the Martz-Kohl Observatory website: martzobservatory.org

#ObserveTheMoon #Astronomy #SpaceNews ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

2 months ago

The Martz-Kohl Observatory has worked with local businesses, governments and government agencies to educate on the problem of light pollution and has suggested solutions. It has had great success in keeping skies dark near Frewsburg, NY. So, hats-off to Pittsburg, PA mayor William Peduto and the Division of Sustainability and Resilience for passing a new "Dark Sky" ordinance.

Dark Sky Lighting utilizes technology, lower color temperature lights and shielding to minimize the use of outdoor lighting to only that needed for comfort and safety. The new Pittsburg plan reduces unnecessary light pollution and glare that can come from public and private lighting areas.

Image from ozarksfirst.com. ... See MoreSee Less

Martz-Kohl Observatory

2 months ago

The observatory is open to the public on selected days and evenings. A visit makes a great Sunday drive or ride! Check out our open hours and/or make a group reservation on our website: martzobservatory.org/ ... See MoreSee Less