Implementing Cosmic Shards Stargazing Cards into Astronomy Outreach Programs 

Presenter: Daniel Thomas Borden

Faculty Sponsor: DAVID AMIEL

School: Bristol Community College

Research Area: Astronomy, Cosmology, and Astrophysics

Session: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM, 163, C18

ABSTRACT

Cosmic Shards Stargazing Cards are from a 2024 Kickstarter campaign to promote the Messier Catalog of 110 Messier Objects in the night sky. The front side of each card explains the scientific names, common names, object type, season for viewing, a star chart, eyepiece view,. and a main image of the object. The back side of the card explains information about a Messier object including: coordinates, constellation, and background information. Key characteristics of a Messier object include: apparent magnitude, distance, apparent size, diameter, radial velocity, age, and number of stars. Observation tips of the Messier object include: difficulty level, best months to observe, recommended equipment, eyepiece magnification, recommended filters, and appearance. The cards are designed to be viewed in the dark with red light. The Messier Catalog introduces astronomy to the public where immediate engagement of the night sky can occur to observe the Messier Objects. The Cosmic Shards Stargazing Cards make the information the Messier Catalog introduces into a more interactive approach to learning about introductory astronomy topics. With the cards being organized by season, amateur astronomers can take the cards needed to plan an observing session and show the public what they will be looking at. Integrating these cards into astronomy outreach includes the use of cards during outreach sessions where members of the public can interact with them and look at what the cards show in a telescope. This combines what you learn in the classroom to what you learn looking at the night sky. 

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