Mt. Tam Astronomy Night - Heavenly Vision: Galileo's Telescopes and Observations - Hosted by Friends of Mt. Tam
Featuring: Alan Agrawal, Mount Diablo Astronomical Society
Host: Friends of Mt. Tam
Galileo Galilei developed a new method for reliably comprehending the world around us and, accordingly, has been called the father of modern science. We will learn how Galileo’s celestial observations dramatically changed our understanding of the universe and our place in it.
Alan Agrawal is a physician who specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases in the field of rheumatology. He is also an avid amateur astronomer and independent historian on the development of the telescope. He designs and builds telescopes and eyepieces, enjoys deep sky observing with his 0.6 meter telescope, is interested in the testing of optics and currently in the process of building an interferometer. He is an active member of the Antique Telescope Society and the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society, and just recently joined the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. He has given previous talks on Galileo’s telescopes, the history of sky charts, and the life and work of Joseph von Fraunhofer.
SPECIAL PLEA-This program is on a holiday weekend, and many of our faithful volunteers will not be able to attend. If you plan to come and are willing to give a hand, please contact either Sarah Sinkie (ssinkie@gmail.com) or Tinka Ross (tinkaross@comcast.net).
Meeting Location: Parking is free but limited at the Rock Spring parking lot. Please try to carpool. Directions here. The amphitheater is a short walk from the parking lot. Dress warmly, and bring blankets, cushions and a flashlight. along with food and beverage of your choice. Astronomy programs are held monthly from April through October. More program information.
The Mt Tam Astronomy Programs are sponsored by Mt Tamalpais State Park, organized by the Friends of Mt Tam and Wonderfest the Bay Area Beacon of Science and are followed by star parties in the Rock Spring parking lot by the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers.
The evenings are FREE and open to the general public. Families and youth groups are encouraged to attend. Please:
Note: If you missed our April program on the total solar eclipse of Aug 21, Wonderfest has posted a video of the eclipse prepared by our speaker, Dr. Alex Filippenco of UC Berkeley. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8BctiOMwJI> If you plan to observe the eclipse, either the totality along the eclipse path or the partial right here at home, protect your eyes! We will have eclipse glasses on sale for $2 at the July 1 and July 29 programs. Also check out our Tee-shirts, Sweatshirts and Beanies with the Mt Tam Astronomy logo and other items for sale.
