Starry, starry nights at the National Science Centre
The NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre (NSC) launched on
Friday 25th January 2008, its very own Astronomy Club. The
place of choice for viewing informative star shows in its Planetarium, NSC
has now broadened its offering in the field of astronomy through the
establishment of this Club. The Club promises high quality
‘edu-tainment’ that visitors have come to expect from NSC, i.e. education
for all ages using fun and interactive programmes. Astronomy
buffs as well as ‘newbies’ to the field are welcome to join the Club to
learn more about the stars, the sky and our universe. Monthly
telescope viewings, workshops, lectures and the showing of astronomy DVDs
are some of the activities that members can look forward to enjoying.
The Club will also be establishing linkages
with existing school astronomy groups.
 The Astronomy Club
joins NSC’s Science Club and Robotics Club as another avenue for the public
to participate in the Centre’s “Science For All” outreach mission.
The formal launch of the Astronomy Club
featured an address by Mr. Derek Cornwall of CARINA – the Caribbean
Institute of Astronomy. Mr. Cornwall
pledged the support of his institution for the new club, and he encouraged
parents in the audience to take part in the activities with their children
and to support the conduct of astronomy activities at their homes.
At the end of the formalities, visitors
viewed displays on phases of the moon, and browsed through the literature
available at the NSC’s library on astronomy. They
were also treated, in the Planetarium, to a presentation on the
constellations visible in the night sky at this time of year.
The crowning event for the evening began as darkness
fell, with a star-gazing exercise in the forecourt of the NSC.
Here, visitors christened NSC’s new
telescope, Sky Scout devices and high powered binoculars.
There were many ‘oohs'
and ‘aahs’ expressed by the star-gazers who were very impressed by the Sky
Scout in particular. This device enables
users to immediately identify stellar objects by the press of a button.
NSC technical support staff led by Mrs. Sharon Hope-Bello
assisted the excited group in locating and viewing well-known planets and
constellations, such as Mars, Orion’s belt, the Seven Sisters and Taurus.
So if you want to know more about the heavenly bodies swirling above us, why
not come and share in the out-of-this-world fun experience at the National
Science Centre? For further information on
the Club, including how you can become a member, contact Mrs. Sharon
Hope-Bello at 642-6112/642-9371 or at
sbello@niherst.gov.tt. Sign up for
membership today and begin your journey to the stars!
Astronomy Club application form for Membership
Please note there is an annual member ship fee of one hundred dollars
($100.00). Written:
January 2008 |
