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NEWS by Kelly Beatty
A White House Star Party?
Picture this: It's Saturday, April 4th, and all around the world astronomers are celebrating "100 Hours of Astronomy," a key component of the International Year of Astronomy. Evening twilight is descending on Washington, D.C., and on a grassy expanse somewhere in the U.S. Capitol, First Lady Michelle Obama is helping her daughters, Malia and Sasha, zero in on a fat, gibbous Moon using a telescope once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
If Audrey Fischer has her way, this Kodak Moment could really happen in a month's time. A Chicago-area amateur with passion and panache, Fischer has been speed-dialing her way through the federal phone book trying to drum up support for a star party at the White House.
She has a couple of things going for her. First, it is, after all, the International Year of Astronomy — there'll be no better opportunity any time soon. And Desiree Rodgers, the White House social secretary (in charge of events like the annual Easter Egg Roll), has stated that she's looking for fresh ideas to invite the public to the White House.
On the other hand, the White House doesn't exactly have an empty dance card for the coming months. Besides, both the Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Naval Observatory are already planning IYA events for April 4th. According to USNO spokesperson Geoff Chester, it's not inconceivable that the Obamas might stop by for a quick peek at Saturn or the Orion Nebula. After all, the official residence of the U.S. vice president is on the observatory's grounds.
But Fischer is still hoping for the undeniable symbolism that having an event at the White House itself would offer. (Trust me, the emails are flying among IYA and Washington officials right now.)
So what do you think? A good idea, a great idea, or pie in the sky?
There's plenty of room out in front to set up a few telescopes.
Dennis di Cicco
She has a couple of things going for her. First, it is, after all, the International Year of Astronomy — there'll be no better opportunity any time soon. And Desiree Rodgers, the White House social secretary (in charge of events like the annual Easter Egg Roll), has stated that she's looking for fresh ideas to invite the public to the White House.
On the other hand, the White House doesn't exactly have an empty dance card for the coming months. Besides, both the Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum and the U.S. Naval Observatory are already planning IYA events for April 4th. According to USNO spokesperson Geoff Chester, it's not inconceivable that the Obamas might stop by for a quick peek at Saturn or the Orion Nebula. After all, the official residence of the U.S. vice president is on the observatory's grounds.
But Fischer is still hoping for the undeniable symbolism that having an event at the White House itself would offer. (Trust me, the emails are flying among IYA and Washington officials right now.)
So what do you think? A good idea, a great idea, or pie in the sky?
Posted by Kelly Beatty, February 27, 2009
The following comments do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sky Publishing.
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By posting a comment, you agree to our Rules of Conduct and Terms of Use.
First comments (from 41)
Reach the stars from the White House
Posted by Carl Rollberg62@yahoo.com
February 27, 2009 At 12:50 PM PST
Having lived in Hyde Park, Kenwood and Englewood I would love to be part of that party. It is a great idea. Even if I can't be there, it would be a huge event. It won't happen without an effort, so please go for it. What a great idea!
White House Star Party
Posted by Susan Button
February 27, 2009 At 01:05 PM PST
This is a fantastic idea to promote IYA 2009 and show support for Astronomy and science in general. The President and his family as role models, showing their interest in science, would make a BIG statement! Just what we want in our country's First Family.
Susan Button, Past President of the International Planetarium Society (www.ips-planetarium.org)
White House Star Party
Posted by Bob Eramia
February 27, 2009 At 01:06 PM PST
Great idea! I would hope that the Obama's will get a view of Saturn with a high quality modern telescope, as well as Thomas Jefferson's. I wasn't much older than the Obama girls when I first viewed Saturn through a telescope about 50 years ago. I never forget that view.
White House Star Party
Posted by Paul Williams
February 27, 2009 At 01:21 PM PST
Politicization of science is never a good idea. Look at the "Man Made Global Warming" hype.
The country is so evenly split over the Obama election that it will further polarize the country. And those that adore him, still will.
White House Star Party
Posted by Gary Purinton
February 27, 2009 At 02:11 PM PST
The idea of the first family out on their lawn looking at the sky and pearing through a telescope is wonderful. However, knowing the skies in D.C., there is a good chance that the sky will be cloudy at that time of the year, and I'm not sure how nice the Orion Nebula would look from the light polluted skies of D.C. if it was visible at all. Would they be turning off all the lights illuminating the White House? However, the Vice President's yard would have some advantages. First, it would be easier to control the media access, and prevent photos of the disappointed looks of the participants from appearing in the next day's newspaper if the skies were cloudy. Second, the light pollution is slightly better contained there. Third, they could use the 26" refractor at the U.S. Naval Observatory, and have a really amazing viewing experience. Even if the sky was cloudy, they'd be impressed by the equipment and facilities.
WH Star Party
Posted by Cheryl
February 27, 2009 At 02:22 PM PST
How much is this going to cost the taxpayers???
As we've learned in recent days, the White House is eager to spend our money...and I just learned today that as a business owner the government is telling me I must pick up an even larger portion of the "stimulus package" than the tax hike I'm already getting hit with. Though it would be really cool to heighten awareness of astronomy and science in general, let the Obama's go to the Smithsonian or the Naval Observatory. I just can't afford any more special projects.
White House Star Party
Posted by jeff
February 27, 2009 At 02:58 PM PST
Much as I can not stand the administration's fiscal policies, I can't help but think the possibility of bringing newbies into the hobby or heighten awareness of Astronomy and light pollution more than makes up for my personal distaste for the man's (or woman's) fiscal policies. Science and in particular Astronomy, ought transcend that stuff. And after the last administration, almost ANY science at the White house be welcome indeed!!!
WH Star Party: Neat Idea, Needs Work
Posted by Elizabeth
February 27, 2009 At 04:00 PM PST
I think that the basic idea/intent is very admirable.
However, planning for a truly good event should have started some time ago and should not be hodgepodged together at the last minute. I think a really nice star party could be put together without it costing the taxpayer anything, but it would rely on lots of volunteers.
Has anyone talked to any of the other organizations (astronomy clubs/ planetariums, observatories) in the DC metro area to coordinate efforts? After all, you are planning a event in their region. I'm sure the clubs/museums in Chicago or Sky&Tel in Boston would not be thrilled if DC amateurs started organizing events in their region without consulting/inviting/including them in the planning...
A very successful proposal would have a clearly though out plan/agenda, would have coordinated/gotten the support of many of the local institutions, would have done the necessary/preliminary research of what is visible/observable on the proposed nights (one email mentioned connecting to Mauna Kea... really? They are 6-7? hours behind us and would still be in broad daylight!), would have alternate/other activities for children, would have a clearly thought out plan on who to include/invite, would have researched the locations (is the White House lawn really the best place, why not the Mall which has more space?)... how do you limit the number of volunteers...
Security??? On so many levels... That alone would take up several pages!
Many of the Clubs and institutions in the DC region already have extensive plans in place for IYA and 100 Hours of Astronomy. The Obamas have an open invitation to all of those!
Clear Skies!
Elizabeth
White House Star Party
Posted by Janet Sue Gagliardi
February 27, 2009 At 04:36 PM PST
I can't think of anything more exciting than the study of the stars,planets,galaxies,and all that goes with astronomy.
Malia and Sasha will love it!
White House Star Party
Posted by Bob Donovan
February 27, 2009 At 08:06 PM PST
What a great idea. It would be nice if the country can get away from the idea that everything is political and do something for the future of science and show the children the wonders that we see everytime we look through our telescopes.
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comments (41)