Come-and-Go Telescope Lessons Offered Jan. 20 at Science Museum Oklahoma
January 3, 2018
SMO Kirkpatrick Planetarium Director Tom Arnold, left, operates a telescope during the 2017 solar eclipse viewing event at Science Museum Oklahoma.
Oklahomans who received a telescope this holiday season — or who simply own a telescope and would like to better understand how to use it — are invited to learn the ins and outs of operating the instruments during an informal, come-and-go event set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 20 at Science Museum Oklahoma.
SMO’s Kirkpatrick Planetarium team and volunteers from the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club will be on hand to help familiarize both individuals and families with their telescopes throughout the morning and afternoon. The event will be held near the entrance to the museum’s planetarium and is included with general admission or membership.
“When a child expresses an interest in astronomy and is fortunate enough to get a telescope, it’s important that they — and the adults in their life — know how to use it properly to avoid dimming that spark of curiosity in any way,” said Tom Arnold, director of SMO’s Kirkpatrick Planetarium.
Participants should bring their telescopes to the museum located at 2020 Remington Place in Oklahoma City. Budding astronomers who do not own telescopes but would like more information about how to select or operate a telescope are welcome to attend with questions. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and no advance registration is required.
Science Museum Oklahoma is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Daily general admission is $15.95 for adults (ages 13 to 64) and $12.95 for children (ages 3 to 12) and seniors (65 and older). Annual memberships begin at $95.
For more information about the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club, visit www.okcastroclub.com.
For more information about Science Museum Oklahoma, call 405-602-3760 or visit www.sciencemuseumok.org.
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