"Down-to-Earth Astronomy"
Down-to-Earth Astronomy offers three separate talks.  All three include interesting objects and
demonstrations, and beautiful slides of planets, nebulae, galaxies and astronomical instruments. 
Weather permitting, after the talks a precision telescope can be set up outdoors for safe solar
observing during daylight hours, or lunar and planetary observing after dark. 

Subjects include:

“How Big is Big, How Far is Far”  A lively participatory talk about sizes and distances of things in
astronomy.  Using common objects, the audience helps build scale models of the earth, moon, sun,
solar system and other stars to grasp the vastness of the universe in a much better way than just hearing
large numbers.  Handle a real meteorite.  Suitable for children age five to  adult, any size group.

“Watch for Falling Rocks: Comet and Asteroid Collisions with the Earth” An illustrated talk about
the nature of asteroids and comets, the effects of collisions with the earth, and what can be done about
them.  There is great public interest in this little-understood force of nature that has profoundly influenced
the  course of life on Earth.  Real meteorite to examine.  Suitable for  teens and adults, any size group.

“How to Get Into Amateur Astronomy” Using the naked eye, binoculars and telescopes to enjoy the
sky,  what to look for and to avoid in buying an instrument, resources such as books, periodicals, and
clubs.  Suitable for adults and older teens, any size group.

Richard Wade, M.A.,    Phone: 661 254-2370     Email: wade.richard@ca.rr.com

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