outreach

The Trapezium, BM Orionis, and Young Stellar Objects

Just over one year ago, a small spacecraft called MOST began a month-long observing run on one of the most spectacular objects in Earth's skies, the beautiful Trapezium region at the heart of the Orion Nebula, M42.  My collaborators and I applied for and received this observing time to survey variability in this young stellar cluster -- partly to study the eclipsing binary BM Ori (theta 01 Orionis B), but also to survey as many young stars that we were able to using the unique capabilities of MOST.  Since then, I along with my collaborators -- our Director Arne H

AAVSO Receives National Science Foundation Award

The AAVSO has been awarded a new grant from the National Science Foundation. This one is for 3 years and ~$660,000. As with Citizen Sky, it is from their Informal Science Education program. It is titled "Two Eyes, 3D: Studying Stereoscopic Representations in Informal Settings". Aaron Price is the PI with Co-PIs from Tufts University (Dr.

Star Parties and Astronomical Events in 2011

We are planning an all out blitz on star parties and astronomy functions for our centennial year. We are sending speakers from the staff to give talks at Stellafane, ALCon 2011, Texas Star Party, Nebraska Star Party, Table Mountain Star Party and NEAIC, the Northeast Astro Imaging Conference. We are also in discussions to send representatives to the Black Forest and Connecticut star parties.