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Dudley Observatory
Supporting research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and the history of astronomy |
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Friends of Dudley Observatory Fall Appeal 
See yon star of
silv’ry ray; Dear Friend and Neighbor, As you scurry
towards the warmth of your home on these nippy evenings, take a moment to look
up. The bright stars of Orion and the Pleiades twinkle gaily in the eastern
sky, and Comet Swan is high overhead! The Dudley Observatory plays a unique role in public science education in the Capital Region -- we are the welcoming committee! We open the door, and let you glimpse new worlds. Astronomy is accessible and enjoyable, no matter what your age. It is splashy and in the news. It is challenging and romantic. It is pretty and mind-boggling. Now, you’re hooked! Friends like you enable us to put telescopes in the hands and homes of our Rising Star Interns - students who introduce hundreds of others to the pleasures of star gazing at free, public star parties. Friends of Dudley Observatory will receive: Ø Dudley Observations, our newsletter containing the calendar of events, news of all of our programs, and articles on recent activities Ø Invitations to participate in special events, such as exhibit openings and Friends’ Nights at local observatories and planetariums Ø Opportunities to meet leaders in astronomy at receptions held in connection with Dudley Observatory’s public outreach programs Ø Special viewings of our outstanding collection of rare astronomy books, including early editions of the works of Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler Of course, the greatest benefit of belonging is the knowledge that so many will be able to appreciate the wonders of the night sky because of your generosity. The Dudley Observatory was founded through the generosity of those who saw our Capital Region as an economic and intellectual center – the “Tech Valley” of its day. Chartered by the State of New York in 1852, Dudley Observatory is the oldest independent organization in the country supporting education and research in astronomy and the history of astronomy. Our library contains one of the world’s finest collections of historically significant astronomical texts, including rare books dating from 1492. As for the Dudley Observatory Archives, there are quite a few interesting stories lurking in our 150 years of historical records! We have enjoyed a great deal of success using inter-disciplinary projects to fire the imaginations of the young, nurture them through the early stages of career development, and instill a life-long enjoyment of science. For example: while conducting oral history interviews for our “Reflections” project, students glimpsed the passions and frustrations in the real lives of scientists, at the same time, preserving the history of the Observatory. Responses from the students let us know that the project had greatly exceeded our expectations: “The twinkle in his eye as he told the story was, in my opinion, the entire reason behind doing the interview, as it was one of the few things that we could never have found on the internet or read about in a text book,” So, as the sun sets on 2006, I hope you will show your support with a tax-deductible gift. Then, come and look through telescopes at the unbelievable rings of Saturn, the stark features of the moon, and the birth of stars amid the glowing gas and dark clouds of the Orion Nebula. Dudley Observatory, with the help of its Friends, has enabled many people to appreciate these experiences. Your tax-deductible contribution to the Friends of Dudley Observatory will insure that astronomy education and research programs will continue to play an important role in linking our area's glorious past with its exciting future as “Tech Valley". Come join us on this adventure! Clear Skies, Janie
Schwab
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Dudley Observatory |
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Copyright © 2007 Dudley Observatory. All Rights Reserved. |
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