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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2015)
Wednesday, July 1, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 27 View the grandeur of the universe at observatory By ron thorkildson Correspondent Despite the increas- ing number of people who choose to make Central Oregon their home, the night skies here, at least for now, remain relatively dark. This is good news for those seek- ing the awe-inspiring sights of celestial objects that can only be witnessed from truly dark skies. And one of the best facilities for viewing the grandeur of our universe is the Oregon Observatory located at Sunriver Resort south of Bend. Operating in conjunc- tion with the Sunriver Nature Center, the Oregon Observatory is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring present and future generations to understand and cherish the night sky and the wonders that lie within. With a knowledgeable staff and outstanding equipment, they pull it off superbly. The Oregon Observatory has one of the largest collec- tions of telescopes for pub- lic use in the country. They range in size from the giant 30-inch instrument, which is housed in its own building with a roll-off roof, to a high- quality four-inch planetary scope. The size refers the telescope’s aperture, or diam- eter of its light-collecting lens or mirror. Larger apertures produce brighter images. But what can visitors expect to see when they get there? It turns out that the summer night sky is filled with some of the finest examples of various types of celestial objects, that include: diffuse nebulae (clouds of dust and gas floating in space where new stars are being born), planetary nebulae (old stars that have ejected their outer atmospheres into rings or shells), open star clus- ters (collections of young, bright stars), globular clus- ters (densely packed balls of very old stars), far-off galax- ies, and Albireo, generally regarded as the best, most colorful double star in the entire sky. When asked why visitors should travel to Sunriver to look into the night sky, obser- vatory staff member (and Sisters High School graduate) Grant Tandy explained, “Not only do we offer a unique educational and viewing experience for those inter- ested in astronomy, we also strive to build a stronger con- nection between our guests and the natural world.” Tandy grew up in Sisters and still remembers being inspired to take up astron- omy as a hobby when he was a student in Rima Givot’s astronomy class in high school, and by attending a few of the Stars over Sisters star watches put on by the Sisters Astronomy Club. Tandy also helps out with an outreach program, where from noon to 2 p.m. on Mondays the Oregon Observatory sets up two solar telescopes in front of the Strictly Organic Coffee shop at the Old Mill District in Bend. In addition, Oregon Observatory representatives attend various star parties throughout the Northwest. Another astronomy expert on staff at the Oregon Observatory from the Sisters area is Lynn Carroll. He is also an active member of the Sisters Astronomy Club. Not comfortable resting on its laurels for very long, the Oregon Observatory has expansion plans. The high- est priority item on the list is to erect another roll-off roof building to house addi- tional telescopes and dis- plays. Increasing the size of its parking lot and building a planetarium are also on the wish list. Fundraising will likely begin next year. The observatory is cur- rently operating on its sum- mer schedule, which will continue until September 1. It is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, 9 to 11 p.m. for nighttime view- ing. The cost is $8 for adults, $6 for children 2 through 12 years of age. A typical eve- ning under the stars includes an astronomy-related presen- tation, a constellation tour using green laser pointers and, of course, spectacular views through top-quality telescopes. Solar viewing, which is free, takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. using telescopes fitted with special filters to reveal features on the sun. Besides welcoming indi- viduals and families on a nightly basis, the Oregon Observatory can also accom- modate larger groups of peo- ple by conducting private star parties. The rent for private parties includes a knowledge- able staff on hand to position telescopes on some of the YOGA CLASSES 7 DAYS A WEEK! 352 E. Hood Ave., Ste. E ACUPUNCTURE • HERBOLOGY • MASSAGE NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING I WANT YOU! Jeff, Theresa, Ann, Jamie, Shiela, Terri, Shanntyl, Brittany 152 E. Main Ave. / 541-549-8771 SISTERS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Kalin Emrich & Katie Crabb 541-549-2882 Brace Yourself for Summer! $300 Discount For the month of July when you start a comprehensive treatment program! Not valid with any other offer. New Patients Only. 410 E. Cascade Ave., , Sisters 521T523T1523 (to look this good) 164 N. Elm St., Sisters 541.390.5678 | www.lifeloveyoga.com Door & Opener Tune-Up - $89 541-382-0410 Sisters Acupuncture Center SPIRIT MTN/CHINOOK WINDS CASINO TOUR JULY 22-23 | $185 ppdo Don’t miss this very popular and requested tour! Spend one night at Spirit Mtn. In Grand Ronde! Receive one breakfast, food credits and slot play! TOPAZ LODGE Residential • Commercial 541-815-1523 high desert can cool off quickly, even in the middle of summer. Bringing along some insect repellent would also be a good idea. For more informa- tion regarding the Oregon Observatory, refer to its w e b s i t e , w w w. o r e g o n observatory.org or find them on Facebook. Julia WielandTSmith Wieland Smith L L.Ac., Ac LMT Greg Wieland L.Ac. Happy 4th of July from Sales • Service • Installation CCB#151832 most exciting objects our skies have to offer. As the New Horizons spacecraft makes its closest approach to Pluto on the eve- ning of July 14, the observa- tory will put on a Pluto party to include presentations about the distant dwarf planet, along with a live video feed from NASA. If you go to the observa- tory for night viewing, dress warmly. Central Oregon’s DROP-IN PUBLIC SISTERS GARAGE DOORS Dale Lester photo provided oregon observatory staff conduct observing sessions six nights a week, tuesday through sunday 9 to 11 p.m., during the summer months. Smile by Cassie and The Brace Place! CentralOregonBracePlace.com Thrift Store ReStore 4th of July is EVERYTHING IN THE STORE around the corner! WITH A YELLOW TAG IS Don’t forget our upcycle show on July 4th at Hop & Brew! 50% OFF 541-549-1740 541-549-1621 to It’s tim B e IG! save 141 W. Main Ave., Sisters 254 W. 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