Curie Elementary Telescope Program

School Point of Contact:  Chelsea Cochrane

At the January 10 PTA Science Committee meeting, a consensus seemed to support the purchase of the computerized 6 inch scope (Orion's Starblast 6i)

We have a vendor preparing a quote for $500.00 worth of equipment, including the Starblast 6i.

Curie's Annual Stargazing Night, Feb 3

In addition to the "generic" winter sky highlights (the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Double Cluster, etc), an interesting event will be taking place while the scopes will be gazing skywards:  Jupiter's moon Europa will be transiting Jupiter's disc and at 7:30 Europa's shadow will start to creep across Jupiter's disc.  Generally, both Europa and its shadow should be visible.  The major variable here is how close to the horizon Jupiter will be at 7:30 pm.  The shadow will more than likely be visible; Europa itself might be hard for little eyes to pick out.

Here's a picture and a simulation:

click for larger picture

click here for a Quicktime Movie

I've prepared a flyer that might attract a few more attendees.  It's available here.  Feel free to edit it.  

Special thanks to Billy Bellefleur of Bentley Systems for designating his 2010 grant money to Curie Elementary School.