The UofM Astronomy Public Outreach

I am serving as the Public Outreach Coordinator for the Department of Astronomy at the University of Minnesota as of June 2008. To complement our rigorous teaching curriculum and extensive research programs, the University of Minnesota Astronomy Department is heavily involved in various public outreach programs. Every Friday night during the academic school year we hold public viewings of the night sky on the roof of the Tate Laboratory of Physics. During the summer months we travel to various Minnesota State Parks to give a short presentation followed by telescope viewing as part of a program called Universe in the Park. If you are interested in learning about astronomy, these are excellent opportunities to do so, and our staff of graduate students is more than happy to answer your questions.

Along with these two programs, we also offer more personalized events (free of charge) to groups including schools, churches, Boy/Girl Scouts, rotary clubs, senior citizens, etc. In most cases, one or two graduate student volunteers will travel to your location. Events can consist of presentations (on the solar system, galaxies, formation of the Universe, careers in astronomy, etc), telescope viewing, hands-on demonstrations, or anything else that is feasible.

Each year, the Astronomy Department faculty and staff make over 60 public presentations on astronomy topics. To request a visit from an astronomer for a school or group, please contact me (Peter Mendygral, (612) 626-2275 or mendygral@astro.umn.edu). At times during the school year, the graduate students can be very busy, so please call at least one month in advance of your desired event. This will ensure that we have sufficient time to find a volunteer and organize the event.