Saturday’s Window to the Universe for March 24, 2018
We would like to remind everyone there is a new lecture start time of 7:30pm for Window to the Universe.
This month’s talk features our Earth’s moon with a very special lecture by Mr. Robert Reeves, an eminent lunar expert and photographer. Mr. Reeves has written over 250 articles on astronomy topics and three books about celestial photography. Don’t miss this exciting lecture! Reeves’ photos are admired world-wide. For details consult his web page www.robertreeves.com
Check this link for more details about March’s Window to the Universe Event.
Pre-talk dinner with Robert Reeves:
We will hold a no-host dinner for Mr. Reeves at a local restaurant prior to the talk . Contact Tom Schleif before Tuesday March 20 at 262 237-0152 if you wish to attend.
Planetarium and Telescope Program for Taylor Observatory at our March Event
We’ll continue our tour through the winter/spring constellations with Taylor Board member Eduardo Alatorre describing one or two constellations in detail. Visitors can then view these constellations outside, and, weather permitting, and observe associated deep sky objects. And of course we’ll be featuring the moon, which is well placed in the sky after the lecture and about half full.
Status of the new Teeter Dobsonian Telescope
We are still waiting delivery of the 18″ Dobsonian telescope from Teeter Telescopes in New Jersey. Winter storms in the east have delayed star-testing for the new scope. Stay tuned, and keep an eye on our facebook page “Friends of Taylor Observatory” for updates.
The Charles W. Nieman Star Deck
As mentioned in last month’s update, the Lake County Board of Education voted to name our new outdoor observation platform, at Taylor Observatory, the Charles W. Nieman Star Deck, in recognition of Mr. Nieman’s substantial bequeathal to Taylor Observatory. We are in the process of constructing a light-shielding fence between the parking lot and the Stardeck. With good weather, we’ll use the Star deck for telescope observing after Mr. Reeves’ lecture.
A Reminder
FOTO’s primary goal is fundraising. Typically, planetarium shows cost $3,000-$5,000. When we bring in an expert from outside the Northern California, there are expenses. Donations are thus always welcome, with the reminder that our primary mission is to provide an outstanding educational observatory resource for Lake County’s K-12 students. Last year, we adopted the new policy that Lake County K-12 students have free admission to monthly Windows events.
FOTO is a 501 c 3 CA Corporation
Our New Website
Barbara McIntyre, former Taylor Observatory coordinator, has designed an excellent web site in support of Friends of Taylor. Be sure to have a look! www.friendsoftaylor.org Our Homepage has a convenient PayPal donation button or visit our Join/Support Page and think about how you can be part of this Mission!
For our Dark Sky Certification Initiative, please visit and like our Facebook Group page: “Dark Skies – Lake County CA.”
We are seeking to promote Lake County tourism with astro-tourism visits and to preserve our wonderful dark skies for future generations of Lake County CA students. We are seeking volunteers for this effort — let us know your interest and skills (haddon.bill@gmail.com)