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Lucile Miller ObservatoryInformation and Astronomy Resources for EducatorsE-mail Us Here |
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The Sky Is Waiting for Your Class at Lucile Miller Observatory
The Lucile Miller Observatory is once again open and available for school groups. The observatory is part of the Catawba County School System and is located on the campus of Maiden High School just West of downtown Maiden. The facilities can be reserved for your class: from Kindergarten to High School Seniors and beyond!
Click here for directions to the observatory and a map
Do your students need extra credit? Tell them about our free public observing nights on the first Friday of each month. We will gladly provide them with a Proof of Visit slip.
The staff at the Lucile Miller Observatory will custom tailor an astronomy slide, video, Internet, and observing program appropriate to the age and interests of your students. Afterwards, the fine selection of optical and radio telescopes will be at your disposal. Staff members will guide your students through the wonders of the heavens and answer their questions. We will take them out of the textbook and let them experience real astronomy with real telescopes.
Lucile Miller Observatory has over twelve fine telescopes including the fourth largest telescope in North Carolina - a 25 inch Dobsonian. Waiting lines are short and the variety of objects to view are great. We also have access to digital and video imaging systems and a safe solar filters. Older students can explore radio astronomy with our radio telescopes.
With advance notice, we can present programs on:
- Astrometry - calculating positions of asteroids, comets and other moving sky objects
- Digital Imaging and image processing
- Optical Systems - The physics and math of lenses and mirrors
- Spectroscopy - Chemical composition and classification of stars and light sources
- Radio Astronomy - Examining the natural emissions of sky objects in the radio spectrum
You may reserve Tuesday Evenings with a rain date of Wednesday (if these days won't work, we will consider any other date not already taken. Please see the Master Calendar for available days.)
The observatory will be able to present your class an interesting program regardless of the weather. Only the actual observing with the telescopes demands a clear sky. We cannot operate if the school is closed due to snow. Depending of the availability of the observatory staff, star gazes and talks at your school may be possible.
THE BEST PART - IT'S ALL FREE!!!
To reserve a night for your class, call Mr. Tom Curtis (704) 735-7643, e-mail visitlmo@catawbasky.org or Contact a club officer at info@catawbasky.org for more information
Teacher Resource Links
Gather the students and come on down! We'll see you under the stars!
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