Alachua Astronomy Club: Astronomy Day--Starry Night 2001

When	Saturday April 28, 2001	6:00 – 10:00 p.m. EDT	Map
	(Rain Date Sunday, April 29)
Where	Martha Manson Academy, Gainesville, Florida off Tower Road (between Newbery & Archer Roads) at SW 14 Ave. See Map.
Admission	Free to the Public
Activities	Telescope Alley!	Telescopes of many makes and sizes for your viewing Educate yourself about telescopes before you buy!
	Telescope Workshop	(or bring your own telescope for a hands-on experience) Own or recently bought a telescope but don't know how to use it? Want to learn more about how to use a telescope and how telescope's operate? Come to the telescope workshop Bring your own scope for a hands-on experience Or just come even if you don't bring a telescope!
	Astronomy Activities and Demonstrations	(multimedia, astro software, CCD imaging, kids rockets and more)
	Starry Music
	Hayrides ($1.00) (Six & under free)	Narrated Solar System Rides (Learn about the solar system!))
Concession Stand	Refreshments	Hayride and concession proceeds benefit Alachua Astronomy Club's community projects including the Gainesville Solar Walk
	Astro Merchandise
For More Info	Contact Mike Toomey at (352) 528-3476 or E-Mail asterism@worldnet.att.net
The Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc. Extends Thanks to Martha Manson Academy and Oak Hall School For Generously Hosting Astronomy Day 2001

The Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc. (AAC) is sponsoring Alachua Astronomy Day at Martha Manson Academy on April 28, 2001. The event will run from about 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for the following evening. Activities will include hayrides, presentations, displays and games. AAC members will display over a dozen telescopes of all makes and sizes for public viewing. Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescopes and receive hands-on training at the Telescope Workshop. (Here is a chance to learn how to use the telescope you own but really never knew how to use!)This event is free to the public.

Formed in 1987 and incorporated in 1999, the Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc. is a publicly supported, not for profit, public organization and is exempt from federal income tax under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code. The AAC is a member of the Astronomical League and the International Dark Sky Association. All members and officers participate voluntarily.

The AAC provides educational support to thousands of students and adults throughout the year through its many community programs. AAC members visit schools and other organizations throughout the region, do "sidewalk astronomy" and host public star parties including those at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens' Moonlight Walks in fall and spring.

Annually, AAC members engage thousands of residents throughout Alachua and neighboring counties with "star parties," particularly at schools. Astronomy Day (formerly Alachua Astronomy Day) is in its third year. The club's April 28 event coincides with International Astronomy Day and with Sun-Earth Day. More information about Astronomy Day can be found at the Astronomical League web site.

The Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc. is also playing a key role in the construction of the Gainesville Solar Walk. Money raised during Alachua Astronomy Day will help fund this unique project (see below).

During late 1998, the Alachua Astronomy Club and the Gainesville City Commission began work to bring back the "Solar System." This time, the Solar Walk will use permanent, artistic models. The Arts in Public Places Trust of the City of Gainesville has selected former UF student and Tarpon Springs artist, Elizabeth Indianos, to design and build this unique project. (Using design concepts by the AAC, Ms. Indianos recently completed several "supergraphics" for the lobby of the new Royal Park 16 Stadium Theater in Gainesville.)

The AAC has raised $23,500 for the new Solar Walk on NW 8 Avenue in Gainesville. In addition, the City of Gainesville has contributed $5,000. The Solar Walk will consist of ten monuments, each representing one of the nine planets and the Sun. The monuments, fashioned by artist Elizabeth Indianos, will be distributed along a nearly one mile corridor between NW 34 Street and NW 22 Street. Visitors will be able to understand the dimensions of the Solar System in a single glance. An additional $10,000 is necessary to complete the fund raising. Construction of the Solar Walk is scheduled for summer 2001.

	Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc.	Member Astronomical League	Member International Dark-Sky Association
	A Special Public Event	Member Astronomical League	Member International Dark-Sky Association
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Look through ours or bring your own!	Don't know how to use the 'scope you got for Xmas? . . . Bring it to Astronomy Day! Want to buy a telescope but don't know what to buy? . . . Come to Astronomy Day! Never looked through a telescope? . . . Look through our 'scopes at Astronomy Day! Want to talk about astronomy? . . . Meet us for Astronomy Day!	What will I see? (Click me!)
	Entertainment for All Ages (Additional Details at End)

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