Amateur Astronomers and HOU

Join the Amateur Astronomer Network

Dear astronomy enthusiast,

We want to explore with you a way in which we can collaborate. The Hands-On Universe Project (HOU) is a novel and innovative astronomy education program supported by the National Science Foundation. HOU enables students to investigate the universe while applying tools and concepts from science, math, and technology. High school teachers and students are provided with image processing tools, data in the form of CCD images, and the skills needed to conduct basic astronomy research. In analyzing this data, students throughout the United States, Sweden, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Senegal, and Australia are given the opportunity to explore astronomical projects together.

Hands-On Universe has experienced great success in past years. In 1994 two of our students from Oil City, Pennsylvania provided some of the earliest supernovae data on record with their images of SN 1994I in the Whirlpool Galaxy. In 1998 two of our students in Northfield, Massachusetts discovered Kuiper Belt Object 1998FS144 through the Hands-On Universe Asteroid Search. Although these have been our most prominent success stories, there are many day-to-day examples of students and teachers who have been turned on to astronomy through HOU as well.

At this point Hands-On Universe is working to establish one of the first global networks of robotic telescopes available to high schools. While this plan continues to go through its research and development phases, we are finding a strong need for new data and individuals who would be willing to work with teachers throughout the country to acquire this new data. It is for this reason that we are seeking your help.

Members of amateur astronomy organizations not only have a wealth of experience and equipment, but also the common goal of sharing the wonder of our universe with others. HOU is seeking the help of skilled amateur astronomers nationwide who would be willing to work with our teachers. Over the past seven years HOU has been training teachers in basic astronomy research skills. We would be asking that individual amateurs or groups work with these classroom teachers to provide CCD images, observing tips, and other astronomical resources. In return, Hands-On Universe will make its image processing software available, and provide access to our large image archive and other web resources.

Please pass this letter on to those in your organization who would be interested in becoming part of the Hands-On Universe Amateur Astronomer Education Outreach Network. Participating amateurs or professionals will be listed at our website, and contacted by teachers in their region for assistance. Any interested amateurs should contact Dr. Carl Pennypacker at (510) 486-7429 or send e-mail to Carl.

In addition, if you know of any teachers in your region who may be interested in HOU professional development programs, funded by National Science Foundation, please direct them to the information on our web site.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact Dr. Carl Pennypacker at (510) 486-7429 or send e-mail to Carl.

We look forward to having you as part of our astronomy education team.