museum

Introduction

I am an active observer of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) Solar Division, a globally coordinated network supporting solar monitoring efforts across professional and amateur domains. I submit sunspot and classification data, contributing to the computation of the American Relative Sunspot Number (Ra): a key solar activity index used by NASA, NOAA, academic research institutions and operational space weather centers worldwide.

The Sun is a G2V main-sequence yellow dwarf star that remains in a continuous state of transformation, offering a dynamic and fascinating target for solar observation. Sunspot groups evolve visibly as they traverse the solar disk from east to west, making each observing session unique. I use a 102mm f/10 refractor telescope equipped with a Baader white-light solar filter for observing the Sun. Features observed include sunspot groups, umbrae, penumbrae, and faculae. In scientific sketching, precision and observational accuracy take precedence over artistic interpretation.

Museum

The AAVSO Solar Division was invited by the Boston Museum of Science to participate in its 2003 Sun-Earth Day event, where one of my white-light solar observations was selected for exhibition alongside NASA’s March 6, 2003 SOHO spacecraft image, representing the contributions of both professional and amateur solar astronomers within the AAVSO. The comparative juxtaposition functioned as a temporal reference framework, illustrating the evolution of solar surface features over a two-day interval. Despite morphological changes in sunspot groupings due to active region dynamics, the underlying photospheric structure exhibited continuity..

I was given a private tour of the museum’s rooftop solar observatory which features two domes: one dedicated to solar research and the other to night-sky observation. Most telescopes were configured for H-alpha solar imaging, with one reserved for white-light observations. A live telescope feed from the observatory is relayed to a large display in the museum exhibit hall, enabling real-time solar monitoring for the public. During the visit, I had the opportunity to engage with professional solar astronomers from the AAVSO, Harvard and the museum’s observatory and planetarium teams.

Instrumentation: 102mm f/10 refractor, (manual, undriven)

Filter: Baader white-light

Magnification: 60x and 100x

AAVSO initials: DELS

Seeing Scale: AAVSO standard

Outreach

Youth & Public Astronomy Education (2001–2011)

Led hands-on astronomy workshops, public star parties, and STEM enrichment sessions across Connecticut, focusing on observational techniques, celestial navigation, solar and lunar sketching and telescope operation. Outreach initiatives included both structured programs and community-based engagement:

• Monthly Public Nights at Rolnick Observatory (Westport, CT)

• Connecticut Star Party (CSP) appearances, 2001–2008

• After-school enrichment programs in Fairfield, CT

• Classroom presentations with outdoor solar observing in multiple Connecticut school districts

• Girl Scouts Night Sky badge requirements

• Local church-based astronomy presentations with live solar observation

• Sidewalk astronomy sessions: hosting impromptu solar and lunar eclipse observing events in public areas, where neighbors and passersby were invited to view celestial events through telescopes.

These outreach efforts provided both structured instruction and spontaneous learning opportunities, making astronomy accessible to the public and fostering a sense of community through shared observation of the cosmos.

Enrichment Classes for K–12 Astronomy Outreach

When I lived in Fairfield, CT, the school PTA invited me to design and coordinate enrichment classes in observational astronomy. These hands-on sessions are ideal for K–12 students and can be adapted for classrooms, after-school programs or community groups. Below are sample modules I developed:

Observing the Sun and sunspot sketching

Did you know that our Sun is a yellow dwarf star that is in a continuous state of transformation? It can be one of the most interesting celestial objects to observe through a telescope! There is always something new to see as we observe the sunspot groups evolve during their westward journey across the Sun's disk. We will use a telescope fitted with a Baader white-light solar filter to safely observe the active regions on the Sun. Some of the features we will observe: sunspot groups, umbrae, penumbrae, faculae, and maybe even a rare white-light solar flare! Accuracy, rather than artistic talent, is all that's needed to sketch your observation of the Sun. 

Night sky orienteering: identifying stars and constellations

The night sky shines with countless stars. We'll learn how to locate Polaris (the North Star), identify constellations like Orion, and explore the asterism of the Big Dipper. Students will discover how star patterns resemble animals, people, and mythological figures — making sky navigation a fun and rewarding activity.

Observing Deep-sky Objects: Messier Catalog

Ever seen the Andromeda Galaxy or the Ring Nebula? These and other celestial wonders are part of the Messier Catalog: a list of galaxies, clusters, and nebulae visible through binoculars or telescopes. Students will tour the night sky, learn telescope operation, and explore the wonders of the Universe firsthand.

Observing the Moon and lunar sketching

Why are some regions of the Moon dark while others shine? Students will observe major lunar features such as craters, maria, highlands, ray systems, and mountain ranges. Sketching encourages observational precision — no art skills needed, just diagram what you see!

Equipment: Telescopes, eyepieces, filters, and their usage

Curious about buying a telescope or using one properly? Students will gain hands-on experience with refractors and Dobsonian reflectors, learning how to aim, align, focus, switch eyepieces, and use solar and lunar filters safely and effectively.

Recommended Supplies

Solar and lunar observers

• sketch pad or some plain white paper for your sketches

• 2A, 2B or HB pencils

• eraser

• a yellow colored pencil (solar sketches)

Night sky and Messier observers

• red beam flashlight

• planisphere (star wheel) if you have one

Dress for Night Sessions

• Wear layers and dress for 15º cooler than the predicted temperature for the night. 

• Wear insulated shoes, gloves, hat, and scarf in colder weather. 

Why Use a Red-Beam Flashlight?

To observe faint celestial objects, your eyes need about 30 minutes to fully adapt to darkness (dark adaptation). Exposure to white light instantly resets this process. A red light preserves night vision and keeps everyone observing effectively.

DIY Red Flashlight Tips

• Wrap a flashlight in 1–2 layers of red cellophane and secure with a rubber band

• Paint the lens with red nail polish

• Cut a circle from a red plastic report cover and place it under the lens