2009.03.05 23:42:43

Shahin Jafarzadeh

If an amateur or professional astronomer is willing to organize a public outreach activity, there is not necessarily a need to have any kind of astronomical instruments such as a telescope!
Following my previous post, it is important to have a clear sky independent observing plan. BUT even in the case of not having a telescope, there are still many activities which can be done during the "100 Hours of Astronomy" event. There are several ideas which are not dependent on having any kind of astronomical instruments. INSTEAD, the most important and necessary thing is a person who takes an interest in doing such activities. If so, the following few examples and the ones posted in the "New Ideas" section of this website's forum can be followed.

Making paper models: Making paper models of various astronomical instruments like space telescopes or satellites gives people an up-close look at their structures. Using very simple tools such as scissors or cutters, glue or sticky tape and paper, you will be able to mount your exhibition of astronomical equipment models. There are several easy-to-find resources for such models from which you can download the printable materials; then just print, cut, fold and glue them following their detailed instructions on how to make them.
For instance, the scale paper models and the instructions for some examples can be found at the following links:

• ESA science models: containing Gaia, Integral, Mars Express and SOHO
• NASA's Hubble Space Telescope
• NASA Great Observatories: such as the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory
• International Space Station

In addition, making several other models like a scale model of the solar system's planets can give people a unique opportunity to compare the planets' sizes while we can give more information about them. For doing such a model, we need to compute the scale sizes of the planets, for example in relation to Jupiter, and then find a creative way to make those different size balls! I remember once my students took a small ball and then covered it with paper cups! Then, by putting the paper cups on top of each other they increased the radius of the ball layer by layer until it reached the computed size.

Constellation umbrella: Planetariums are one of the best places for showing people the features of the night sky and hopefully there will be many of them giving great shows to the public during the 100 Hours of Astronomy. BUT why don't we make our own simple planetarium?
HOW? Look at these pictures:

It is a great idea! Isn't it? It was the International Astronomy Day 2006 in Tehran, Iran where the students surprised me with such a creative idea! They had painted the constellations of the northern hemisphere on eight equal pie-shape pieces and then put them all together to make an umbrella-shaped hemisphere. Then it was hung from the trees by several strings and using a flashlight, the constellations were shown to the people who were curious to see what was under that huge umbrella!

Attracting interest: It can be a good idea to try to get people's attention by making some simple objects. Preparing good posters, hats or t-shirts are some examples which can attract  curious looks of passers-by to come closer and see what is happening around you.
BUT why do we need to do so?
Here is the answer: If we don't have a telescope or something similar which normally attracts people, they might pass you as they do for many other stands in public places. Even if you don't have access or don't want to buy something, you can easily make them with very simple materials which you may have access to; such as making paper hats and painting them!

Now, let's continue to share more ideas in "100 Hours of Astronomy" forum, in the "New Ideas" section.