Custer Observatory Program "Space Shuttle: End of an Era"

Paul Stengel's program on the "Space Shuttle: End of an Era" was one of the best programs I've seen at Custer Observatory. Paul is a "32-year veteran high school science teacher and taught for 22 years at Shoreham-Wading River High School.  Throughout his career, Paul has presented science programs with physics and aerospace themes to students, teachers, professional organizations and civic groups.  Paul’s efforts in the classroom have been recognized with awards such as “Science Teacher of the Year,” an "Excellence in Science Teaching Award" by the Science Teachers Association of New York State. In addition, Paul was a NYS Finalist in NASA’s Teacher in Space Project.  Since his retirement 12 years ago, Paul has maintained his commitment to science education as Curriculum Consultant for NOVA’s “Einstein’s Big Idea”, Solar System Ambassador for NASA/JPL, Chandra X-Ray Satellite Teacher Resource Agent, and more recently, as a participant in Chautauqua Program Short Courses in Astronomy, Energy Sustainability and Climate Change. At present, he teaches a summer program in physics and aerospace to minority high school students at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He is also an active member of the Southampton Town Kiwanis Club since 1980 where he has served as President on three occasions."

Steve Bellavia introduced his colleague from Brookhaven National Lab to the audience at Custer. Paul Stengel's detailed explanation and demonstration on a model Space Shuttle of everything that happens just minutes and seconds before a Space Shuttle Launch was very informative and the closest explanation you can hear without being there. Hearing his description of what happens before a Launch would have made watching the Space Shuttle take off more meaningful.

Paul demonstrates the heat-shielding properties of a Space Shuttle Tile

 Paul described the Space Shuttle as "the most complex flying machine ever made, the Space Shuttle has reached its 30th birthday and the end of its mission. It was designed in the 60’s, built in the 70’s, launched in the 80’s, the Shuttle legacy includes remarkable achievements – and glaring failures. He explained how it got into space? What it was like to be in orbit? How does it get back home? Were Challenger and Columbia tragedies avoidable? How will the cancellation of the Constellation program impact the future of NASA and the  US manned space program?"  In this lecture, Paul answered all these questions and more. It was a program not to be missed! 

 

Photos from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida showing the relative size of some of NASA's rockets and engines. The Rocket Garden has grown significantly since these photos were taken.

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

New Coronado Solar Telescope for Custer Observatory

The Custer Observatory recently acquired a new Solarscope for use with programs at the Custer Observatory. This is a very specialized telescope fitted with the correct filters that allows someone to look safely at the sun without damaging their retinas.

Steve Bellavia took this photo of the sun through a special telescope used to look at the sun. I enhanced the colors to bring out some of the details that weren't as visible. Notice the small solar prominence at the bottom edge of the sun. About 10 of our Earth's would fit into that prominence!

Warning: Never look at the sun directly or with any equipment not approved for sun viewing. Using anything other then a Solarscope fitted with the correct filters could result in permanent blindness!

 

Scout Program at Custer Observatory - April 30, 2011

Steve Bellevia sets up Custer Observatory's new Coronado Solarscope to look at the Sun!

David Van Poppering & Steve Bellavia with Boy Scout

David Van Poppering & Steve Bellavia with Scout Troop 888

David Van Poppering focusing Solarscope for Webelos

The Sun was playing hide and seek all day!

Custer's Dome and Radio Dish in the background

Boy Scouts, Webelos & Cub Scouts

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.