At least one child viewing the transit of Venus through smoked glass in 1882. A front page illustration from Harper's Weekly: A Journal of Civilization. After a painting by John G. Brown (British/American, 1831-1913).

Envisaging the functions of the astronomy center

The view from the observation level ... It is important to begin by imagining the awe-inspiring 360° view of the horizon one will have day and night from the observation level of the astronomy center, looking discreetly down over the tallest trees of the peninsula, with wide sweeping views south over the Gulf of Maine, up for a dark sky view of our Milky Way Galaxy, and north in winter for hoped-for views of the Aurora Borealis.

The observation level will be worth a visit any time of day, any day of the year, and, to some extent, under any weather conditions. Imagine, for example, looking out during a raging blizzard or out during a driving rainstorm, with the option to retreat to a lower level warm room which offers a sheltered view and a warm beverage.

Daylight views from sunrise to sunset, watching the passing of clouds and changing weather patterns, will offer many hours of pleasant viewings.

Night-time views from sunset to sunrise of our Milky Way Galaxy and of the passing of our Moon are, of course, the primary justification for the construction of the astronomy center.

Regardless of when and under whatever conditions someone experiences the view from the observation level, the interest among all visitors of all ages in astronomy, in science, and in dark skies will surely naturally grow over time with repeat visits. The institute is thus well positioned to develop an astronomy center that will be universally fascinating to everyone who visits it, whenever they do so.

Equal accessiblity for all individuals to all levels of the astronomy center is a priority. This will mean a special fundraising campaign for the installation of an elevator that meets the needs of those who depend upon ADH requirements.

The key focus of teaching programs on the observation level will be dramatic dark sky views of our Milky Way galaxy. Guests new to astronomy will begin by learning how constellations seemingly orbit around us over the year. A high-powered laser pointer can outline constellations and point out stars, planets, and galaxies, etc.

Learning opportunities in the lower levels ... In support of experiences on the observation level, lower levels will offer introductory through advanced classes, serve as a meeting place for astronomy self-study groups, provide space for astronomers in our visiting scholars-in residence program, and offer mentoring opportunities within the center involving access to the institute’s on-site programmable telescope and to globally remote telescopes.

A meteorite collection in the lowest level ... The institute is making fine progress with building a teaching collection of meteorites. The collection will serve as a focal point around which programs can be planned during times of year when there are meteor showers.

A planetarium ... It will be good to begin planning for a planetarium, since it can provide weather-independent general-interest presentations. It can also serve as a fascinating classroom teaching tool, since planetarium software programs allow interactive use during seminars and lectures. A planetarium will need to be a separate campaign effort.

Funding and public access ... The astronomy center will be partially funded by ticketed general admission and by scheduled seminars, classes, and viewings programs on the observation level. Members of the Friends of Astronomy will receive discounts and will have a card-accessed special member's room.

The architectural design ... We welcome involvement to help envisage the scale and design of the fine art museum wing. We will be sharing architectural designs options, with the goal of seeking ongoing comments as plans keep evolving.

A parallel campaign ... Our campaign for the fine art museum wing of the cultural and events center is running in parallel with our campaign for the natural history sciences, which will fund a residential wing, making it possible for museum guests to stay overnight and linger at Eagle Hill.