[SJAA-announce] Fw: [AANC Contacts] New PBS Special on Astronomy & InteractiveEducational Web Site

[Bob & Brenda Havner]

New PBS Special on Astronomy & Interactive Educational Web Site
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"Seeing in the Dark," a dramatic new PBS special by award-winning
journalist and author Timothy Ferris, premieres at 8 pm September 19th
on most PBS stations (check local listings for exact dates and times.)
It explores the delights and rewards of amateur astronomy and
chronicles the contributions that amateurs are making to the science
and art of astronomy. The program was produced in state-of-the-art
high definition and features beautiful images and animations that range
from the planets to depths of space.

Accompanying the show is a new interactive web site which is now
ready for visitors:
http://www.pbs.org/seeinginthedark/

Among the many things you can do at the web site are:

1. view or print "Your Sky Tonight", a chart of any part of the sky,
showing planets, stars, and deep space objects, as seen from
any location and time you wish to set

2. watch introductory "how-to-videos" with Timothy Ferris on getting
started with the hobby of astronomy

3. take a photo of any object in the northern sky using the Seeing in
the Dark Internet Telescope and have it sent to you by e-mail (restricted
to students)

4. read more about the astronomers featured in the show and get
basic background information about the astronomy it covers (including
such topics as planets around other stars, the exploration of Mars,
and how light serves as a cosmic time machine)

5. explore a series of class-room tested, hands-on activities for students
in grades 2 through 12, ready for teachers to use (even if they don't
have a strong background in astronomy)

6. browse through a gallery of beautiful color images of the cosmos,
taken by the astronomical photographers who contributed to the show

7. find a star whose light left on its journey toward us in the year you
were born

8. discover some fun projects and games for families who want to do
astronomy together (both indoors and outdoors)

9. watch the amazing special effects videos from Seeing in the Dark on
your computer

10. browse through links to some of the best web sites for learning
more about astronomy, and finding an astronomy club near you.

(The web site was made possible through support from the National
Science Foundation.)



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