A Research Experience in Astronomy for High School Students

updated link for essay questions: http://astronomycamp.org/essay.html

The purpose of the Hessberg Astronomy Campership is to provide an unusual opportunity to high school sophomores or juniors in the Capital District of New York to participate in a week-long research experience in astronomy at the Advanced Astronomy Camp in Tucson, Arizona.

This annual Award pays registration, travel and living costs for high school students, from a public or private high school in the Capitol District, to attend the Advanced Astronomy Camp in Tucson, Arizona, sponsored by the University of Arizona Alumni Association. The exact dates are specified by the sponsor to take advantage of dark skies, but generally occur in late June or early July. The dates may conflict with school activities.

Students are housed in the astronomers' dormitories on Mt. Lemmon, near Tucson, and work with the 40" and 60" telescopes on Mt. Lemmon as well as the 16" Schmidt and 61" telescopes on Mt. Bigelow. They participate in various hands-on astronomical projects under the general supervision of astronomer Dr. Donald W. McCarthy, Jr. and his colleagues from Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. In addition, campers attend lectures by local and visiting astronomers on current astronomical research. List of former winners

Qualifications

• Sophomore or Junior in the 2003-2004 academic year
• Attends high school in Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady or Washington Counties in New York State
• Must have completed algebra II, geometry or the equivalent

Nomination Procedure:

The nominee will be selected by his/her school and should not apply directly. There is no longer a limit on the number of nominees per high school. Each nominee must complete an application form as well as a 800-word essay on a topic chosen by the Astronomy Camp. The essay by the student as well as the academic and extracurricular records should be used in selecting each school's candidate.

Nomination for the Hessberg Campership can ONLY be made by the school. Students may not apply individually.

Each nominee must submit:

* An essay of at least 800 words on a topic chosen by the Astronomy Camp

See http://astronomycamp.org/essay.html for this year's topics.

* A confidential letter of recommendation from a science or math teacher

 * A copy of Dudley Observatory's Application for Award form ( PDF version )

Selection Procedure:

Judging among the nominees will be by the Education Awards Committee of the Board of Trustees of Dudley Observatory. The results will be announced by mid-April.

Information:

Students should contact the school science or math teacher for forms and information.
Teachers and principals may contact the Dudley Observatory.

Dudley Observatory
107 Nott Terrace, Suite 201
Schenectady, New York 12308
(518) 382-7583    
info@dudleyobservatory.org