The Challenger Learning Centers 40/ 400 Family Star Party At the Daly Ranch July 10, 2009 - North of the airport, Gillette, Wyoming
By By Black Hills Today staff writer Kathy L. Swensen
Fund Raiser Star Party NASA CLC - Gillette, Wyoming
NASA Challenger Learning Center Fundraising Star Party – Gillette, Wyoming
To commemorate the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first telescope, and the 40th anniversary of the First Lunar Landing, the Challenger Learning Center’s Board of Directors has set this event as area fundraiser toward the construction of a new Challenger Learning Center (CLC) in Gillette, Wyoming. According to Toni Brown-Kemerling, CLC Board Member, our Great Plains Region citizens should know that from Pioneer Ranchers to Pioneers in Space, we have 20 NASA Astronauts; 2 from Montana, 3 or 4 from South Dakota; 2 from North Dakota; the rest in the surrounding Great Plains Region states.
The International Year of Astronomy (IYA) www.astronomy2009.us; the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations have proclaimed 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy to spread awareness of astronomy’s contributions to society and culture, stimulate young people’s interest in science, portray astronomy as a global peaceful endeavor, and nourish a scientific outlook in society. The Year was declared by the 62nd General Assembly of the UN.
In 2009 we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first observations of the universe through a Telescope. To Celebrate the upgrading of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) readers can check out these websites: www.nasa.gov/Apollo; and, www.nasa.gov/hubble.
The Smithsonian Institution Secretary, Wayne Clough, talked about the new Magellan Telescope being built in South America in a C-SPAN taped speech at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, last Wednesday, July 1, 2009. Wayne Clough’s focus with the many topics discussed, was how the Smithsonian is using new technology tools in support of the Institution’s 163-year-old mission: the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” BlackhillsToday.com is also dedicated to this mission, especially for our Upper Midwest and Great Plaines Regional population.
Local amateur astronomers can attend this event which takes place at the Daly Ranch North of the Gillette, Wyoming Airport off Hwy 14 – 16, on July 10, 2009. Attendees will need to purchase tickets at the Bicycle Shop, Powder River Office Supply, Universal Athletic Service, and from CLC Board members. Attendees will need to bring their own chairs & blankets, flashlights, binoculars, & personal telescopes (no power available).
Viewing will start at 9 PM under darkening skies. Local astronomers Nello Williams and Bill Woodward will assist attendees with the big telescopes. Gillette, Wyoming NASA Challenger Learning Center Board is planning more fundraising events for local and regional citizens. For information, there is a website www.wyochallenger.org.
Brian Ewenson, NASA consultant for all the Challenger Learning Centers has been working closely with the Gillette, Wyoming CLC Board to help them bring this $3.5 million project into reality by year 2010-2011. Paul Zeleski, Teacher and Director of the Gillette Schools Planetarium is also a primary participant in planning and coordinating area school curiculums toward higher standards in math, science, astronomy, and technology.
BlackhillsPortal.com and BlackhillsToday.com is dedicated to bringing science, mathematics, engineering, technology, and energy information to the Great Plains and Upper Midwest Region of the USA on behalf of the education of our children, advancing state of the art computer science technology, and innovative media awareness to its clients, visitors, and to encourage area experts to publish information through us to the world. BlackHillsToday.com invites you to Google this term: “community portal.” You will see that we are the fastest growing portal at #4, right after #1 – Wikipedia; #2 – San Antonio; #3 – Microsoft Sharepoint. Contact us for more information at - blackhillstoday@gmail.com.
