Opening the Dome

So the first night of my "learning experience" was a success. I met Art, the man who I had been emailing with and he was an amazing teacher. I learned how to use the camera (a digital DSLR) and how to take it apart, and put it back together. It seemed easy, but then I had to do it in the dark. This happened when we went out to the domes. He taught me how to open the dome, (with a huge crank) and how to prepare the telescope we'd be using. Unfortunately, it had started to rain which put my first photography class on hold. However, I still learned how to attach the DSLR to the telescope, and how to use the telescope. The feeling of being in a real observatory without any other people except my teachers were amazing. I got to see what being an astronomer really feels like. I came out after about two hours, having had the experience of a lifetime- and I haven't even started yet.

Kopernik

My search for help and a mentor quickly led me to Kopernik, a local observatory about 2 hours away. I went during a public program and learned about Jupitar. After the program I sought out the manager of the observatory. His name was Roy, and he was more than happy to help me. He took my email and within a day sent me a list of contacts to local astronomers and astrophotographers that could be willing to help me. After emailing with one of them about a week we decided to meet up so he could teach me the basics. After getting lost for about an hour (driving in the dark isn't fun apparently) we got to Kopernik. I am going to be learning how to use the equipment, and how to set the telescope up. I'll tell you guys about it later!

Past the Horizon: The project

Hey, I'm Francesca. I am currently in 8th grade, and nearing the end of my middle school years. In order to graduate into high school all 8th graders must complete and "8th grade project." A project designed and executed by us. As a kid I always loved to star gaze, and I was always interested in the planets. When this opportunity to explore something new came along, I leaped at the chance. After months of thinking of what to do with my interest in astronomy, I came to a website. It had info on something called astrophotography. And I fell in love with the idea.

Astrophotograpy is when you attach a DSLR camera to a high end telescope and take pictures from there. The telescope eye piece allows you to take close-up picture of things such as mars, jupitar, and the moon. I want to create a photobook with pictures taken by me. The only problem was getting equipment, as well as mentoring as the technology took a lot of experience to work. So I set out to find someone to help me.
This search led me to kopernik Observatory.