Reaching Out From

The Mountainto

p

Reaching Out From

The Mountainto

p

Doug Isbell

PAEO Manager

“A WIYN-WIN Initiative”

“A WIYN-WIN Initiative”

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NOAOWho Are We?

NOAOWho Are We?

• NSF Funded, Founded in 1982

• KPNO, CTIO, Gemini

• PAEO: EO, PO, and Public Informationmultiplier effect

• Work Closely with STScI, JPL, UA,and more . . . Including WIYN

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Why Do Outreach?

Why Do Outreach?

• Most basic output is improved knowledge

• NOT doing the job if you stop short of trying to tell story

Astronomy = Unique Opportunity + Fundamental Astronomy = Unique Opportunity + Fundamental ResponsibilityResponsibility

Astronomy = Unique Opportunity + Fundamental Astronomy = Unique Opportunity + Fundamental ResponsibilityResponsibility

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Why Do Outreach?

Why Do Outreach?

• Precarious decrease in visibility vs. spin-off sciences

• Loss of interest from public and policy makers

• “Working in a vacuum ” – not much fun and don’t live very long

FlipsideFlipsideFlipsideFlipside

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NSF Core Strategy #2NSF Core Strategy #2

Integrating Research & EducationIntegrating Research & EducationIntegrating Research & EducationIntegrating Research & Education

NSF invests in activities that integrate research and education, and that develop reward systems that support teaching,

mentoring and outreach.  Effective integration of research and education at all

levels infuses learning with the excitement of discovery.  Joining together research and

education also assures that the findings and methods of research are quickly and

effectively communicated in a broader context and to a larger audience.

NSF invests in activities that integrate research and education, and that develop reward systems that support teaching,

mentoring and outreach.  Effective integration of research and education at all

levels infuses learning with the excitement of discovery.  Joining together research and

education also assures that the findings and methods of research are quickly and

effectively communicated in a broader context and to a larger audience.

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Public FundingPublic Funding

• Taxpayers deserve a visible ROI– Again, a basic element of daily operations– Astronomer performance plans– Hope it is respected in university hiring and

promotion process

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Pride & ExcitementPride & Excitement

• Because we want to

• “ . . . a common picture of reality . . .”

• Are you in the wrong business?!?

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Outreach DefinitionOutreach Definition

EducationalEducational

K-12, college, grad, teachers, Standards-based, formal classrooms, TLRBSE, TLRBSE, Project ASTRO, RET, REUProject ASTRO, RET, REU

Public OutreachPublic OutreachVisitor center, public programs, telescope viewing

Public InformationPublic InformationE-mails, letters, phone calls, speaker requests

Media Media Print, television, home pages, webcasting . . .

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• Educational Outreach & WIYN 3.5 Meter– Used by approximately 30 grad students/yr– Summer 2001 undergrads

helped with Tip/Tilt hardware,guide star software

– Other undergrad effortslike Bailyn classroom teaching

What Have You Done?What Have You Done?

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What Have You Done?What Have You Done?

• TLRBSE expanding to 3.5 meter in December (Gallagher & Jacoby), enable search of more distant galaxies

• Local Tucson H.S. studentintern (observing helpto Mac/PC docs)

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WIYN 0.9 MeterWIYN 0.9 Meter

• Opened March 1960, First major KPNO telescope

• Sister opened in 1966

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• Combined best of both in 1990to clear WIYN space

• New vents & observer amenities• Renowned for Wide Field of View

(5x Moon) & other “pretty pictures”

WIYN 0.9 MeterWIYN 0.9 Meter

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Educational Outreach & WIYN 0.9 meter

Educational Outreach & WIYN 0.9 meter

• Used for Research Based Science Education (RBSE) since 1997

• More than 100 novae identified in Local Group

• Trained nearly 60 teachers

• Very popular with educators & media

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WIYN 0.9 meter & The FutureWIYN 0.9 meter & The Future

• Each teachers mentors 3 others + Distance Learning

• Educational outreach a fundamental rationale for WIYN acquisition

• Vibrant place for undergrad“mistakes” = learning

• Personal favorite of many astronomers• “Gotta Wear Shades”

• TLRBSE 5yrs - $1.8 millionTLRBSE 5yrs - $1.8 million• TLRBSE 5yrs - $1.8 millionTLRBSE 5yrs - $1.8 million

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Public Outreach & MediaPublic Outreach & Media

• KP Visitor Center exhibit

• Walking tour – new audio kiosk

• News & Imagery 

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BrainstormingBrainstorming

• What is unique about WIYN? What does it do better than anyone else?– Best seeing and most modern on Kitt Peak– Remote observing capability– On-site KPNO infrastructure

• What is the valued-added for involving WIYN in any outreach effort?

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How to Pay for New Outreach Initiatives

How to Pay for New Outreach Initiatives

• NSF: – Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships –

includes EO requirement– MPS internships for Public Science Education –

internships for teachers– Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – offer

one position for WIYN-related science and outreach

• University programs adapted for WIYN• Private fundraising

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What Else Could WIYN Do?What Else Could WIYN Do?

• Participate in TLRBSE• “Clone” the ASTRO program or send partners

(paid) to us• Help WIYN become part of KP tours• Improve WIYN presence in the KPVC exhibits –

like CCD primer• Sponsor a “WIYN” night or similar on the

mountain

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What Else Could WIYN Do?What Else Could WIYN Do?

• Articles or research reports in alumni magazines

• Provide more news & images to us and your news offices – textbooks

• AAS news & exhibit area

• Webcasting & improved web presentation

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There is much going on and many different ways

to reach people

There is much going on and many different ways

to reach people

Best Part about astronomy –

fresh “eyes” always coming along

Best Part about astronomy –

fresh “eyes” always coming along

Always more to learn, and Always more to learn, and always a fresh chance to get always a fresh chance to get

inspired to do some new inspired to do some new outreach and touch some new outreach and touch some new

minds.minds.