Dyer Observatory Field Trip

We will learn about space and telescopes at the Dyer Observatory.   Some of their programs are weather dependent, but our content will be some of what is listed below.   Dyer only allows children 3rd grade and up to attend field trips.  There is a $6 charge for all attendees.   

Seyfert Telescope Tour - 25 mins

Dyer Observatory has four telescope installations, three of which are mounted in domes on top of the observatory and are still actively used for observation.  Students will tour Dyer’s largest telescope, the Seyfert Telescope, and gain an understanding of its history, how it functions, how it compares to other observatory telescopes, and what it has been used to observe and study.

Telescopic Observation of Venus (Weather and Venus Permitting) - 20 mins

We can use the Seyfert Telescope to view Venus if it is far enough from the Sun to be viewed safely.  This gives students an opportunity to see that some of other planets go through phases like the Moon.  We will also discuss what causes the phases and why this phenomenon was used as evidence that the Sun is actually the center of the solar system rather than the Earth.

Solar Observation (Weather Permitting) - 30 mins

Observe the Sun through solar glasses as well as our hydrogen-alpha solar telescope to see the solar chromosphere, sunspots, prominences, and filaments.  Students will also be shown a live view of the Sun beforehand and the Sun’s observable features will be discussed.  Images and movies from space-based solar observatories showing solar and solar-related activity will also be presented with narration.

Finding Things in the Night Sky / Star Wheels - 45 mins

Using the planetarium software Stellarium, we will discuss how objects in the sky move with respect to one’s location.  We will also discuss how to find certain objects such as planets and constellations.  Students will also construct their own star wheels with provided paper and be instructed on how to use them to find celestial objects on their own.