Astrofest Workshops
Astrophotography Workshop 1: Astrophotography via the Internet
Astrophotography Workshop 2: Image Processing
James Cuca, Astrophotographer
Jim Cuca is Treasurer of the Chicago Astronomical Society. He has been active in astrophotography for the past 5 years. His images have won several star party awards and have been published in the “Reflector” and the “Observer.”
To see Jim’s work, visit his website.
Telescope Workshop 1: Telescope Making Basics
Telescope Workshop 2: Adapting Your Telescope to Your Needs
Dan Joyce, Master Optician
Dan Joyce is a master optician and an instructor at the Cernan Space Center at Triton College. Dan is the astronomy consultant to Tom Skilling of WGN television and the Chicago Tribune. He is also director of optical quality for the amateur space station telescope.
Dan will describe and demonstrate the processes needed to construct and customize a Newtonian telescope.
Reach for the Stars! Astronomy Education for IYA Workshops for Teachers & Mentors
John Dykla, Ph.D
Ed Wiley, Ph.D
Audrey Fischer & Jessi Kingan of StarPals
Suitable for teachers, scout leaders, or amateur astronomers who are in a position to mentor children, this hands-on workshop will provide ideas for activities for the International Year of Astronomy in 2009.
New technology, including robotic telescopes, videoconferencing, and online classrooms are expanding the possibilities for astronomy education like never before. The sky is not the limit! The goal is to inspire students by providing opportunities in which students can take on the role of research scientist. Our goal is to connect both individual students and astronomy classes or clubs with astronomer mentors and with international partners.
We will provide the training and resources with which to complete these projects, including online resources. Throughout all this, the goal is to make sure that astronomy, and science as a whole, are viewed as both fun and relevant. Workshop will help guide towards understanding the “big picture” (why do stars have different colors, why heaviest stars burn out fastest, why certain kinds of stars are common and others rare, etc.).