A Destination Exploring Space

As part of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago, the Yerkes Observatory brings space exploration a little closer for those visiting Lake Geneva. The observatory is st on 77 acres of land in Southeast Wisconsin and offer laboratory space and telescopes for research and instruction. Free public tours are available on Saturdays, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy their discovery of astronomy and astrophysics.

One of the major goals of the Yerkes is to offer education to those with an interest in space. Their belief is they bridge the game between formal and informal education. Both professional astronomers and students enjoy the observatory, and this uniting of two different groups of people allows for an exciting blend of learning. They are able to create relationships, build programs, and share experiences with one another.

The museum blends lessons in physics, engineering, and astronomy. The programs engage learners in astronomy and give them a chance to learn about the science in a hands on manner with telescopes. They are also encouraged to study cosmological phenomena through the use of instruments. Another of these tools is the High-resolution Airborne Wide bandwidth Camera. This is a high tech piece of equipment being developed for NASA.

The University of Chicago is involved in the teaching efforts of Yerkes, and is the leading partner in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Wisconsin is an excellent place to look to the skies and begin your space exploration. With the advanced levels of these space telescopes students and teachers are able to research and conduct information learning experiments.

The Observatory has combined with the Science Museum in Tokyo and they have developed a Science Live show called Universe. The show occurs on Saturday afternoons in Japan when it is midnight in Wisconsin. This means Yerkes educators are able to chat via the Internet with students in Japan and share the Wisconsin skies with those on the other side of the globe.

Outreach programs are sponsored by the National Science Foundation Center and give students in the Chicago and Joliet areas a chance to get excited about science and astronomy. The SEE project works with students who are blind, visually or hearing impaired, or deaf to share the joy of science and discovery with them. These project occur during the school year and it gives scientists, grad students, and teachers a chance to work with a community of children who otherwise may not have an appreciate for the night sky.

Group tours are can be arranged with the observatory for those who are interested in planning field trips. The Yerkes Observatory is a magnificent tool for teaching space science to kids. It also provides a research facility to those who have already committed their academic pursuits to outer space. If you have an interest in space, or you know a child who might be excited by the exploration of space, contact the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. The night sky in Wisconsin is fascinating and this location provides a chance to share it with others who share your passion.