Public Outreach
Outreach Program
Request an Event
Our outreach program is a non-funded program of volunteers from the Department of Astronomy. Graduate students and members of the Student Astronomical Society make up most of our volunteers, though faculty and researchers regularly participate as well. We gladly accept donations from those who wish to contribute to maintain the program, but there is never any charge for our programs.
We have excellent facilities on campus, or we can travel to your location. Demonstrations and hands-on experiences are included as much as possible, and we often have pictures of some of the latest astronomical discoveries. We are happy to work with youth or community groups as well as schools.
Request an event or more information by filling out this form or call the Astronomy Department at (734) 764-3440.
You may also want to check out the Exhibit Museum of Natural History's planetarium and special exhibits.
Coordinators
Outreach Program Topics
Below is a sample of some of the topics we have done programs on in the past. They are arranged in categories with the best environment, but most can be adapted to other location (e.g. we do have a portable telescope if you want to learn about telescopes without leaving school). Topics can be shortened or multiple topics covered depending on the time allowed. We always tailor the program to meet your needs or desires as closely as we can.
- Planetarium shows (evening only)
- The Earth, The Sun, and the Seasons
- Planetary motions
- The sky tonight
- Constellations
- Observatory Tour (viewing if weather permits)
- Telescopes and Light -- How we study the Universe
- The Sun and Solar Observing
- The Planets in our Solar System
- Topics that Travel Well:
- The Moon -- Phases, Tides, and Exploration
- Comparing Sizes and Distances in the Universe
- Comets, Asteroids, and dwarf planets
- Collisions in Space
- Stars, and Black Holes
- The Big Bang, Galaxies, and Cosmology
- Careers in Astronomy and Related Fields
- History of rockets, space exploration and model rocketry.
How to find us.
Contact information, maps and written directions to the department.
