Hanford Observatory

April, 2005
Photo credits: Tony George, Dale Ingram

April 16th's clouds curtailed sky viewing but failed to dampen the spirits of nearly 300 area residents who observed National Astronomy Day at the Robert and Elisabeth Moore Observatory and at LIGO Hanford Observatory. The two sites offered indoor programs while members of the Tri-City Astronomy Club (TCAC), telescopes poised for action, waited for the stubborn skies to clear.

Columbia Basin College Astronomy Instructor Tony George, pictured here under clearer skies than on April 16, provided tours of the Moore Observatory and its 16-inch Meade telescope. Visitors were able to observe the Dome's rotation mechanism in action along with the telescope's tracking controls and computerized image processing tools. The Observatory's clear-weather capabilities are evidenced by Tony's image of the moon's face and a recent noteworthy occultation measurement.

TCAC astronomer Steven Dart (above left) assisted with the Dome tours. A number of Club members shared their expertise, enthusiasm and equipment tips with visitors. Several telescopes were on display inside the Observatory. adding interest to the tours and leaving visitors and Club members wishing that the fine collection of instruments could be unleashed!

Activities at LIGO commenced at 7:00 PM with an auditorium talk by Tri-City Herald Astronomy Columnist Dr. Roy Gephart titled "Our Place in the Universe". Roy was followed by Ken Swanson of AASTA, speaking on "What's Out Tonight." AASTA is the Alliance for the Advancement of Science Through Astronomy, a group that continues to develop the Rattlesnake Mountain Observatory while contributing to local astronomy education efforts. An AASTA poster was on display in the LIGO visitor area. Other lobby displays were presented by CREHST (Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology) and TCAC. CREHST staff member Terry Andre and volunteer Kendal Smith engaged visitors of all ages with a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities. TCAC members Bobbie Rittman and Gina Piper dispensed astronomy literature and consultations at the Club's table along with snacks and beverages. Youngsters in the audience, undeterred by the cloudy weather, created their own short-lived solar systems in LIGO's gravity well exhibit.

LIGO Astrophysicist Greg Mendell set up the evening's sole outdoor telescope, which yielded interesting views of lights on the Hanford site but nothing in the celestial realm. The three sponsors will team up again on May 21 for "El Cielo en Mayo," a Spanish-language astronomy event at the Moore Observatory, and the Perseid Meteor shower will once again bloom in August. Clear skies, please!