Below are descriptions of the various RAC exhibits at 2012 Astronomy Days requiring volunteers:

Solar Observing:

Using a scope with a safe white light, H-alpha, or other filter and encourage passersby to observe the Sun.  Scopes without filters may observe distant objects in buildings but not the Sun.

RAC Table & Ask the Astronomer:

Meet and greet museum visitors who are interested in Astronomy.  Pass out club literature and answer general questions concerning astronomy, The Raleigh Astronomy Club, and locations of astronomy exhibits around the museum.  Also, there will be the “Ask the Astronomer Booth.”

Astrophotography:

Exhibit astrophotography photos taken by club members.  Explain how astrophotography photos are taken, processed and displayed.

Telescopes on Display (NCMNS):

Bring your scope and explain and demonstrate its capabilities to the crowd.

Telescopes on Display (NRC):

Show guests touring the NRC a view of a planet (actually a photograph of a planet hung inside the NRC).

Modeling the Cosmos:

Demonstrate to guest how the universe would model out if every star was a grain of sand.  Hands-on items include:

  • Two boards with a cubic inch of sand- showing how to calculate the number of grains therein.
  • A plastic “Star Jar”: asking viewers to guess how many grains of sand are inside.
  • A plastic disc showing the orbits of the planets out to Saturn (if the Sun were the size of a grain of sand).

Astronomy:Fact or Fiction:

Explore the fine line between astronomy facts and fiction with RAC’s own astronomical experts.- 2012 End of the World- Mars as Big as the Moon- Moon landings were faked. [This year, will be part of the RAC Table & Ask the Astronomer]

Age, Weight & Jumping on Other Planets!:

Using an excel spread sheet, demonstrate the age and weight of museum visitors. Then provide them with a printout to take home with them.   Also will provide examples of everyday objects and analogues of their weight on other planets.  Visitors can also see how high they could jump on other planets.

Exoplanets:

Visitors will learn about:

  • Known exo-planets and their characteristics.
  • Detection methods (radial velocity, light curves, Kepler
  • Amateur detection efforts
  • Have an opportunity to play will a Lego Orrery

Floaters:

Move from exhibit to exhibit as needed to cover gaps in the schedule or covering for others taking breaks.

Volunteering:

To volunteer, please complete the Astronomy Days Volunteer Registration form at the following link:

** Closed **

List of Volunteers:

As of 16-May-2012

** Closed **