New Suffolk Waterfront: Outreach Astronomy Program

At the Galley Ho in New Suffolk, NY, Steve Bellavia presented a power point on Astronomy to visitors and explored various topics in astronomy and astrophotography, Long Island’s current role in the field of Astronomy and the phenomenon of exploding stars (including photographs of the Supernova that occurred June 2nd in the Galaxy M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy). Several telescopes were set up by David van Poppering, Steve Bellavia and David Barnett. David Barnett demonstrated his new Video Cam setup where everyone can see what the telescope sees in real time! Great job guys!

Osprey Pole & Catamarans

The Galley Ho

Steve Bellavia

David van Poppering

David Barnett's new Video Scope equipment mounted on his telescope

"Evening Under the Stars"

Tom Madigan hosted the second annual "Evening Under the Stars" at Patchogue's scenic Shorefront Park, overlooking Patchogue Bay. Although the weather did not cooperate Tom did a great presentation on the night sky. David Barnett, Steve Bellavia, Bill Crispino and Justine Haupt were on hand to talk about and/or demonstrate their telescopes to visitors and of course I was also there!

Tom Madigan

Dave Barnett & Steve Bellavia setting up telescope for visitors

Steve Bellavia & David Barnett

 

Steve Bellavia demonstrating his telescope to visitors

Custer Observatory Hosts Cub Scouts & Girl Scouts for Astronomy Program

Steve Bellavia and David Barnett did a great program on Astronomy at the Custer Observatory for the Cub and Girl Scouts last night. Steve Bellavia and Dave Barnett presented complimentary Power Points and  finished the program with a tour of the shed and radio room.   After the presentation the scouts enjoyed cookies, pretzels and hot chocolate. Check out Custer's Website for upcoming programs www.custerobservatory.org.

Dave Barnett talks Astronomy with the Girl Scouts

Steve Bellavia shows the Boy Scouts Custer's Antique Telescopes

Boy Scouts enjoy a snack

Boy Scouts enjoy a snack

Custer Observatory Hosts Scout & School Groups for Tours & Programs

Steve Bellavia and David Barnett did a great program on Astronomy at the Custer Observatory for Camp Quinnepet. Dave B. presented a Power Point with many of the images he photographed himself of the night sky with his camera and a telescope. Steve Bellavia also presented a Power Point on the history of Custer, how a telescope works and the variety of telescopes that can be used for stargazing. After the presentation the students got to go outside to look at a giant pair of binoculars and up to the dome to see Custer's large 25 inch Obsession Telescope.

David Barnett explains and shows how Custer's Dome works.

Steve Bellevia explains how the dome telescope works.