Chuck Stuff

Other Websites
Transit of Venus Blog

http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/author/chuck-bueter/

Michiana-STEM Astro Blog

http://erc.nd.edu/blogs/astro/author/bueter/

Second LifeInthe Telling avatar for Second Life with telescope in front of Jupiter
(Second Life Name: Inthe Telling)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Astronomy%202009/169/220/24
From the visitor's map at Astronomy 2009 Island in Second Life, teleport to the Let There Be Night dome (it's overhead in the clouds). 
YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/survivalcrackers#p/u
A selection of Chuck's short videos, including YMCA AstroCamp; Why we have leap years; Galileo: "I'm just a rational guy"; and Turtle Hatch Activity. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/transitvenus
Videos that relate specifically to the transit of Venus and similar phenomena.
GLPA Papers, Posters, and Workshops: 1992-2011
misc/what-the-chuck/255-glpa-papers-posters-workshops-1992-2010
Papers, posters, and workshops, as PDF excerpts from Proceedings of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA); courtesy of the GLPA, with much thanks to Proceedings Editor Dale Smith.
Transit of Venus Calendar
misc/what-the-chuck/289-calendar
Talks and appearances preceding the 2012 transit of Venus.
Transit of Venus Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/108400462513165/
twitter logo
https://twitter.com/#!/nightwise
YouTube features transit of Venus videos
http://www.youtube.com/user/transitvenus

I=m e squared


I welcome your ideas, corrections, and contributions to this site. Thank you for sharing.

Contact Chuck Bueter

[November 2012: migrating emphasis to www.nightwise.org.]
 

Other Websites

Let There Be Night

Over 3,400 students measure sky glow above the community in one collective science experiment.  A team of students convey the results with a 3D model made from 35,000 LEGO® blocks.

Nightwise
Advocating for dark skies to improve personal safety, save money and energy, benefit the nocturnal kingdom, preserve the night sky, and improve quality of life.

Paper Plate Education
A large collection of hands-on activities (with emphasis on astronomy) that use simple and inexpensive paper plates to support lesson plans.

YMCA AstroCamp
A fun astronomy camp for kids, with emphasis on learning the night sky and using telescopes under dark skies. 

Penn-Harris-Madison Planetarium
The PHM Planetarium serves the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation in northern Indiana with regular school programs and public shows alike.  The facility contains the autographed picture of every U.S. astronaut who has flown in space, along with significant spaceflight pioneers from around the world.

   

Transit Writings

Chuck

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Blog posts (see latest entries at http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/author/chuck-bueter/)

Article: Going All Out For Venus
Article in the March 2012 issue of Planetarian, Journal of the International Planetarium Society, summarizes transit of Venus history, outlines related education outreach, and includes sidebars by other authors about Kepler mission and Sun-Earth Day events; written by Chuck Bueter.  Reprinted with permission of the International Planetarium Society (IPS).

Article: After the Transit-of-Venus Party is Over in the Spring 2012 issue of The Classroom Astronomer, proposes "history, science skills and other things using historical transits extend the transit to exoplanetary discoveries, and prepare for the more challenging but commoner, next Transit of...Mercury in 2016!" Math and science activities are relevant to the 2012 Transit of Venus, too.

Article: Don't Miss the Transit of Venus in 2012: It's Your Last Chance Until 2117
Dedicated to the transit of Venus, this newsletter issued by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) recounts historical expeditions while looking forward to Kepler Mission findings using the transit method; The Universe in the Classroom, No. 78, Fall 2011.

Paper: Build a Sun Funnel for Group Viewing of Sunspots and the Transit of Venus
Make a simple rear-screen projection device that allows a group of people to view the sun concurrently yet safely.  Step-by-step instructions with accompanying pictures supported a workshop at the 2011 Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) Annual Meeting in Baltimore, MD.  Co-authored with Richard Tresch Fienberg and Lou Mayo.

Article: Build a Sun Funnel
This simple and inexpensive device makes it easy for many people to observe the sun simultaneously; co-authored with Rick Fienberg; Astronomy Technology Today, Volume 5, Issue 5, September-October 2011, pp. 57-61.

Paper: Enthusiasm Flowing in the GLPA Watershed
The transit of Venus is a featured topic in the 2010 Armand Spitz Lecture at the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) 46th Annual Conference.

Podcast: The Celestial Alignment of 2012

Paper: Moved by a Rapid Transit
A summary of artwork generated in past centuries as well as the modern era that celebrates the transit of Venus.  Presented at the Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena (INSAP V) Conference
Chicago, IL; June 28, 2005.

Paper: Conquering Venus in Transit
Abstract: “Venus, vidi, vici,” or something like that. Events preceding June 8th prepare for the 2004 transit of Venus. Featured snippets include an art exhibit, teacher workshops, liaisons with troops deployed overseas, musical performances, community talks, an exhibit of artifacts, two busy websites, and a planetarium program. Local events in Mishawaka, IN, embraced the transit with overnight telescope viewing, live webcasts, media coverage, solar-filtered and H-alpha telescopes, Transit of Venus Sunrise Ale, and community spirit. See www.transitofvenus.org for images and resources.  From Proceedings of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association 2004 Annual Conference.

Paper: After Baby Food Jars
An admonition for planetarians and astronomy educators to embrace the transit of Venus for its educational outreach opportunities.  Written before the 2004 transit of Venus, but applicable to 2012 as well.

Poster: Transit of Venus: 2004 June 8
Poster introduces the 2004 transit of Venus at the Great Lakes Planetarium Association 2002 Annual Conference.
Conference.  (MP3 audio version)

Blog posts (see latest entries at http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/author/chuck-bueter/)

Read more: Transit Writings

 

GLPA Papers, Posters, Workshops: 1992-2012

Text and images of the following papers, posters, and workshops are by Chuck Bueter.  PDF excerpts from Proceedings of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) are courtesy of the GLPA, with much thanks to Proceedings Editor Dale Smith.

GLPA 2012- A Community Celebrates the Transit of Venus
Abstract: Astronomy educators and enthusiasts near the Michigan-Indiana border embraced the 2012 Transit of Venus as a community celebration. Among the diverse components were a planetarium program, a treasure hunt, a lecture series, a symphony performance, a newsletter, a motor coach tour, original videos, art exhibits, historical displays, public outreach events, Sun Funnel workshops, social media initiatives, related products by small businesses, multiple observing opportunities, and a time capsule.  This talk parallels the interactive prezi Transit of Venus Across the Sun at http://prezi.com/3tgyibho9g-w/transit-of-venus-across-the-sun/.

GLPA 2011-  __Days Until the 2012 Transit of Venus
Abstract: Prepare now for the 2012 transit of Venus.  As June 5, 2012, approaches, anticipate a surge of public interest in the last transit of Venus in our lifetimes.  Framed by the content at www.transitofvenus.org, this poster offers a brief historical perspective, will highlight abundant educational resources, and will suggest hands-on activities to bolster your transit of Venus planning.

GLPA Sun Funnel Workshp (Text)
Workshop prepares for the next transit of Venus on June 5, 2012, with emphasis on practicing safe observing techniques.  Each participant made a safe viewing device, dubbed a Sun Funnel, and was made aware of the times, places, and techniques to view this celestial alignment.

GLPA 2010 Spitz Lecture: Enthusiasm Flowing in the GLPA Watershed
The transit of Venus is a featured topic in the 2010 Armand Spitz Lecture at the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA) 46th Annual Conference.  (MP3 audio version)

GLPA 2009- A Collective Gaze at the Stars.pdf
Abstract: A planetarium serves its community by leading a vast yet genuine science experiment to quantify how much of the night sky has been lost. Thousands of students, teachers, and parents celebrate the 2009 International Year of Astronomy by conducting citizen-science after astronomical twilight, then build explanatory models out of gelatin and colored blocks. See www.LetThereBeNight.com for details.

GLPA 2007- Year(s) of Dark Skies.pdf
Abstract: The Year(s) of Dark Skies workshop introduces the 2009 International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) and U.S. programs that will address the theme “Dark Skies are a Universal Resource.” Several in-dome demonstrations illustrate glare, light trespass, and sky glow while allowing learners both to discover the dark sky issues and to propose action to minimize the impact of outdoor lighting. Workshop participants will simulate the Globe at Night program, a Cornerstone Project of the worldwide IYA2009 effort, and will get insight on using Sky Quality Meters available for free to successful applicants. Supporting material is at www.nightwise.org.

Read more: GLPA Papers, Posters, Workshops: 1992-2012

   

Calendar

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Calendar of EventsIn preparation for the 2012 transit of Venus, I participated in workshops, papers, posters and talks, listed below.  I also was a regular contributor to the Transit of Venus Project blog and the Transit of Venus Group on Facebook.  Regional TROVE events are at www.transitofvenus.org/trove.

  • June 5, Transit of Venus; begin at PHM DVT, then watch sunset at Warren Dunes State Park, MI, then celebrate ToV at The Livery microbrewery in Benton Harbor, MI.  For recap of June 5 events, see http://transitofvenus.nl/wp/2012/06/18/viewing-great-timing-difficult/

  • May 24, Thursday Lecture Series at the PHM Digital Video Theater, Mishawaka, IN,
    Experience the Transit of Venus

  • May 18-20, Michiana Star Party; Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, Cassopolis, MI;hosted by Michiana Astronomical Society

  • May 12, sungazing and activities at St. Patrick's County Park, South Bend, IN

  • May 2, at Yerkes Observatory for two program for educators (fee), Williams Bay, WI;

  • May 1, speaker at monthly program of the Naperville Astronomical Association, Naperville, IL;

  • April 28, South Bend, IN;
    AstroFest and TROVE Treasure Hunt; South Bend, IN

  • April 25 at 7:30 PM, speaker at Gunderson Auditorium, Achatz Hall of Science, University of Saint Francis, Ft Wayne, IN
    Transit of Venus: An Astronomical Alignment with Meaning

  • April 21, speaker by teleconference for Yerkes Observatory teacher workshop, Williams Bay, WI

  • April 16 at noon, speaker at Mishawaka Rotary Club at Riverview Terrace, 426 Lincolnway East, Mishawaka

  • April 13, speaker at monthly program of the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society, Kalamazoo, MI
    Great Lakes Treasure: TROVE

  • March 27-30, National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference, Indianapolis, IN.

    • Wednesday, March 28, ~9:00 a.m.
      Project IDEA Cornerstone Event (closed)

    • Thursday, March 29, 1:00–5:00 PM
      SC-4: Saving Energy, Saving Our Night Sky
      Omni Severin, Fisher Ballroom B
      Presenter(s): Constance E. Walker (National Optical Astronomy Observatory: Tucson, AZ); Robert T. Sparks (National Optical Astronomy Observatory: Tucson, AZ); Chuck Bueter (Nightwise.org: Granger, IN)

    • Friday, March 30, 5:00–6:00 PM
      NASA Sun-Earth Day: The Transit of Venus
      Indiana Convention Center, 207
      SESSION 9 (Phys) (Informal Education)
      Presenters: Troy Cline ( CLOAKING ), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; Chuck Bueter (Nightwise.org: Granger, IN)
      http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2012ind/

 

Links: Michiana Astronomy

Michiana Astronomical Society
http://www.michiana-astro.org

Michiana Astro Yahoo Group
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Michiana_Astro/       

Let There Be Night
http://www.lettherebenight.com

Science Projects and Ideas for Dark-Skies
http://www.lettherebenight.com/projects.html

Nightwise
http://www.nightwise.org

Paper Plate Education
http://analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate

Treasure: TROVE
www.transitofvenus.org/education/80-trove/301-trove

PHM Planetarium
http://old.transitofvenus.org/phm/index.htm

YMCA AstroCamp
http://analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplate/astrocamp.htm

Michiana STEM
http://www.michianastem.org

Pegasus Productions
http://pegasusproductions.net

Joshua Tree Museum
http://www.joshuatreemuseum.org

Encouraging Technology & Hands-On Science (ETHOS)
http://www.ethosinc.org/

Michiana Rocketry
http://www.michianarocketry.org/