THE USM SOUTHWORTH PLANETARIUM
207-780-4249 www.usm.maine.edu/planet
TELESCOPE WORKSHOP
December 2, 2009
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
at the Southworth Planetarium
“Telescope,” according to Ambrose Bierce in his work “The Devil’s Dictionary,” is defined as “A device having a relation to the eye similar to that of the telephone to the ear, enabling distant objects to plague us with a multitude of needless details. Luckily it is unprovided with a bell summoning us to the sacrifice.”
Well.
Be they adored or detested; fear or revered, the telescope is one of the most magnificent, but intimidating tools that astronomy has ever foisted upon the populace. They are used by professionals and recreational users alike to scan the heavens and discover the astonishing array of galaxies, worlds, clusters, nebulae and various sundry objects scattered around the void.
Telescopes are also often used as doorstops, ash trays, paperweights, mousetraps, jewelry containers, and as exhibits demonstrating why “my hopeless husband shouldn’t be allowed to lay his hands on any mechanical device more complicated than a door knob. Dimwit!”
It is for this reason that the Southworth Planetarium, Greater Portland Astronomical Society, and the Southern Maine Astronomers are joining forces to conduct a telescope workshop just in time for the holidays.
Who would benefit from this workshop (apart from us, of course)?
If you:
- Have a telescope and it has been a useless eyesore since it was ripped out of the package
- Want to buy a telescope but have no idea what to purchase.
- Have always been interested in telescopes, but were a bit afraid of them because of all the knobs, screws, mirrors, lenses, and computerized accessories.
- Want to buy a telescope for that relative or friend for whom you harbor an genuine affection despite their professed love of astronomy.
Bring your telescope.
Bring your questions.
Bring your curiosity
to the Planetarium’s Telescope Workshop.
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
We’ll show you how to put your telescope together. We’ll show you how it works and how you can use it to scan the skies.
Trust us when we tell you that we live in a Universe of amazing sights, sounds and sensations. (Of course, most telescopes are designed to only help you with the sights.)
The cost is $8.00 per person.
Call us at 207-780-4249
or e-mail us at egleason@usm.maine.edu
to register or for more information.
Walk-ins are allowed.
