Observatory

A fascinating and colorful exhibition of space photography is on display in Carson City at the Western Nevada College Main Art Gallery through August. 23. The collection contains several dozen large photographs of Earth’s moon, planets in our Solar System and their moons, and colorful nebulae.

A photograph of the Observatory under the night sky, taken over a 40-minute duration, offers a fascinating look at the movement of stars in the night sky.

Western Nevada College held a unique Multi-faith Baccalaureate Service on May 20 in Carson City, the first in its 41 plus years of existence.

According to religious statesman Rajan Zed, co-organizer of this Service along with Douglas Diversity Student Club of WNC; faith leaders belonging to Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i and Native American traditions blessed the graduates with their respective prayers in this Service. Dance and music also formed part of this ceremony and a representative of non-believers also addressed the Service.

CARSON CITY — For the fourth consecutive year, Western Nevada College will graduate its largest class in history. The class of 2013 is 505 students strong, with 530 degrees and certificates being issued.

Four students will receive Bachelor of Technology degrees in construction management, and three students will graduate with bachelor’s degrees as part of WNC’s teacher preparation partnership with Nevada State College. The graduates span 60 years, from the youngest at age 17 and the eldest at 77.

A research group will use Carson City volunteers to help measure Pluto early Saturday morning at the Jack C. Davis Observatory.

The Research and Education Cooperative Occultation Network, a citizen science research project exploring the outer solar system, is conducing a campaign to measure Pluto just before 1:30 a.m.

More than a decade ago, a Western Nevada College physics professor’s dream, a desire by college students to learn about astronomy, and the Carson City community's willingness to help make dreams come true, all converged to create the Jack C. Davis Observatory.

Now, WNC and the observatory staff and volunteers have planned a stellar celebration from May 2-15 to commemorate 10 years of science and discovery in Nevada’s capital city.

Two free lectures by science experts - one about the violent geologic history of Lake Tahoe, another concerning global warming, will highlight the many free activities at Western Nevada College during Earth Week, April 22-27.
Renewable energy exhibits, an organic gardening lecture, alternative fuel vehicles and a tree planting ceremony will also be featured.

“Many diverse and interesting activities will be offered,” said Valerie Andersen, WNC public service librarian and college Earth Week event coordinator. Students, faculty and the public are invited to attend.

Want a front row seat to the universe? Free weekly ‘Star Parties’ take place on most Saturday evenings at the Jack C. Davis Observatory on the Western Nevada College Carson City campus. Guests are encouraged to peer through telescopes at the night sky and visit with observatory volunteers, who are happy to answer questions.

On many evenings, slide lectures are offered by Michael Thomas, on a wide variety of astronomy-related topics. Doors open at 6 p.m., and lectures begin at 6:30 p.m.

Curiosity reaches across the universe most Saturday evenings at Western Nevada College's Jack C. Davis Observatory.

Join in tonight for the downtown beer crawl at 6 pm. The cost is 10$ for a mug at the Carson Nugget. you may as well stay downtown afterwards: live music at Plan b, Carson Nugget, and Carson Station and a DJ at Jimmy Gs.
the Bowling Blast-off is still going on for hours at Carson Lanes, Notch 8 is playing at the Feisty Goat, or head up to the WNC Observatory before 8 for info on Aliens in the Movies.

George Washington, American Hero

CARSON CITY, NEVADA-Carson City Library and the Carson City Historical Society will present Michael Thomas on Wednesday, February 22nd. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. This program will examine the life of the Father of our Country, George Washington. It is the story of a gentleman farmer who was moved to action and service for his country when he was needed most. His life demonstrated the true meaning of the phrase “Duty, Honor, Country.”

Michael Thomas, president of the Western Nevada Astronomical Society, will speak this Saturday at the Jack C. Davis Observatory of Western Nevada College on "Galileo the Astronomer."

The program begins at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7:30 so visitors can look over the facility. After the discussion of Galileo guests can enjoy star watching through the Society's many fine telescopes and visit the main viewing room with the major telescopes used by astronomers.

The programs at the observatory are free and take place most Saturdays year round.

Mike Thomas presents his newest slide-show lecture, which covers the story of this magnificent ship, from it's construction to it's tragic first voyage. More than that, the presentation speaks of the courage of the people involved in this famous event. Learn about the reasons for the sinking, and see many images of the Titanic in it's deep ocean grave.

Observatory doors open at 7:30 pm. Lectures begin at 8:00 pm

This popular slide-show lecture by Mike Thomas covers the major asteroid strikes of the past, and the possibility of future collisions. The program also speaks to the chances of a life extinction asteroid event coming our way. Should we get ready to run for our lives? Find out.

Observatory doors open at 7:30 pm. Lectures begin at 8:00 pm

The story of the Trojan War is one of history's greatest tales. Mike Thomas leads you through "Homer's lliad," an exciting blend of mighty gods and mythical warriors. The slide-show lecture includes many wonderful images blended with well researched narrative. It also speaks to the ongoing question of fact or fiction.

Observatory doors open at 7:30 pm. Lectures begin at 8:00 pm

Don't miss this signature lecture of the Jack C. Davis Observatory. Mike Thomas will take you on a trip from the Sun, outward through the plantes, to deep space objects in our galaxy,and on to infinity. The topics cover many amazing facts, and astonishing Hubble Space Telescope images.

This lecture by Mike Thomas covers the life and accomplishments of this complex genius on June 4 at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College. Leonardo was the acknowledged expert of him time in a wide variety of disciplines, from Science to the Arts. The presentation includes many images of Leonardo da Vinci's work.

By Mike Wolterbeek
RENO, Nev. – A new era of stargazing is beginning in Northern Nevada with the completion of the MacLean Observatory astronomy complex at the Redfield Campus of the University of Nevada, Reno.

“The gift of the MacLean telescope and dome in 2008 set a series of events in motion that has enabled us to build the complex and expand astronomy programs for the university, the community and for K-12 students,” Jeff Thompson, dean of the College of Science, said.

Plated dinner, dessert & no-host bar. $100 per person or $800 tables of 8.
To benefit Wildcats Athletics, Jack C. Davis Observatory, Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company, and Fallon Campus scholarships.

This week's Star Party at the Jack C. Davis Observatory on the campus of Western Nevada College will feature a slide show and lecture presented by Mike Thomas. The topic is "Alexander the Great" and the discussion will be about the young Greek king who goes on to conquer the known world in the 3rd Century BC.
The observatory opens at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission to the public. Please remember that the observatory will not open if it is snowing or there is snow on the roads.

Mike Thomas will present a silde-show lecture, "The Hubble Space Telescope." This presentation is the story of the space telescope
and the amazing images it has provided. It is aslo the story of the scientific discoveries that have come from the twenty years it has been in space.
The Observatory opens at 6p.m. and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. Free admission to the public. Please remember that the Observatory will not open if it is snowing or there is snow on the roads.

Mike Thomas will present a slide-show lecture, " Lord Horatio Nelson, Admiral of the Seas" about the life of the most famous naval hero in history. The story goes from his life as a boy in the English countryside to his historic victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. It is the tale of a true hero, whose name lives on as the defender of his country, and as the role model for all men who set off for a life on the sea.

Jack C. Davis Observatory opens at 6 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. Free admission to the public. Please remember that the Observatory

This slide-show lecture by Mike Thomas is about the 18th Century Astronomer Charles Messier,who compiled a catalog of 110 objects, including Galaxies, Nebulas, and Star Clusters. Every year
astronomers try to locate and observe as many of these celestail wonders as possible.

If the sky is clear or partly clear this Saturday, March 5th, the observatory staff & volunteers will be attempting to make observations on as many of these targets as is practical. The Observatory will NOT open if it is snowing or if there is snow on the road ways. For details call 445-3000.

The Jack C. Davis Observatory at the Western Nevada College campus will host its Saturday Star Party. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Host Mike Thomas's popular slide-show lecture begins at 7:30 PM. This week's features is called "The Legend of King Arthur: The Once and Future King."
The presentation, which is filled with beautiful images, takes you on a journey through this classic historical tale of myth and fact, and addresses the question: how much of the Authurian Legend is true?

The Star Party at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western Nevada College in Carson City will be held on Saturday and will feature a lecture entitled "Infinity and Beyond" by Mike Thomas. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the lecture to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Western Nevada College invites the public to a free viewing of the eclipse at the Jack C. Davis Observatory tonight beginning at 9 p.m. The dimming of the Moon begins at 9:27 p.m. and a subtle red glow will develop as the shadow of the Earth on the Moon gets darker.
The Earth will cast its shadow and totally engulf the Moon from 11:41 p.m. to 12:53 a.m. PST.
The lunar eclipse will be easily viewed with the naked eye, and volunteer members of the Western Nevada Astronomical Society (WNAS) will be available to answer any questions about the eclipse.

The Carson City Shade Tree Council will be hosting its annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 30, 2010. The celebration will be held in the park across from the State Library on the corner of Stewart and Musser Streets and will begin at 5:30 p.m. and is scheduled to last an hour.

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