University Communications and Marketing
Look Beyond the Big Sky During Exploring Space Event
October 16, 2015
Contacts:
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269
Refreshments will be served and the event is free.
MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — You may not discover a new planet or life on Mars but the nighttime sky has endless wonders to enjoy by simply exploring it through a telescope.
On Wednesday and Thursday night the public is invited to do just that with MSUB Chancellor
Dr. Mark A. Nook, who holds master’s in astrophysics from Iowa State University, and
a doctorate in astronomy from UW-Madison.
Dr. Nook will provide several nightly lectures during the “Exploring Space Event”
that will include fascinating facts and history about the night sky from our own backyard.
Student Alex Shin said the free family friendly event is being held to raise awareness about the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.
The scholarship is authorized by the National Science Foundation, which encourages the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students and professionals to pursue teaching careers in elementary and secondary schools.
Shin, who organized the event, is a MSUB senior and math major who wants to become a math instructor after graduation.
“We hope people will come out and enjoy the ‘wow’ factor of the nighttime sky,” Shin said, adding that the school will have two telescopes that have the ability to track objects in the sky available for use. “Those telescopes are neat because we just have to set them up and they can track the moon or whatever you want to watch.”
This event is free to the public and refreshments will be served. Thirty minute lectures will begin in Library 148 at 7:15 p.m., 8p.m. and 8:45p.m. Following each lecture, the evening will progress to the West lawn outside the Liberal Arts Building. Parking is available on Normal Avenue.