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reach for the stars
W E S T E R N N E V A D A C O L L E G E
JACK C. DAVIS OBSERVAT RY
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in the beginning . . .
Wishing on a Star . . .The Jack C. Davis Observatory at Western
Nevada College in Carson City is a premier place in northern Nevada
to get up close and personal with the moon, stars and planets. With
both interior and exterior telescopes, and perched on the eastern
edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Davis Observatory is the
place to be forastronomical happenings, planetary walks, and
informative classes that keep students, scientists and the
community on the edge of the latest technological advances.
. . . Dreams Can Come TrueIt took the vision of WNC faculty, the
work of community volunteers, and the generous donations of
individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations to create the
Jack C. Davis Observatory. Named for the founding president of
Western Nevada College, the Davis Observatorys First Light on May
15, 2003, featured a lecture by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second
man to walk on the Moon, and visits by hundreds of well-wishers.
Thanks to all for making the dream a reality.
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A Galaxy of OpportunityExpand Your HorizonsThe 2,800-square-foot
observatory features 16-inch, 14-inch and 10-inch telescopes.One is
equipped with a spectrograph which collects data from the stars.
Outside the observatory is a fourth telescope located in a
robo-dome, that is used to study the sun, including solar
prominences that are emitted from the edges of sunspots. All
telescopes have cameras and are connected to a large overhead
screen, allowing entire classes and groups to view the stars or
planets simultaneously.
Party With the StarsThe Davis Observatory is open to the public
on Saturday evenings year round. The Western Nevada Astronomical
Society regularly hosts Star Parties from dusk until 11 p.m. WNAS
may schedule additional parties for astronomical events such as
solar or lunar eclipses, or meteor showers.
Take a Walk Through the Solar SystemThe quarter-mile-long
Planetary Walkway connects the main WNC campus with the
observatory. Sandstone sculptures created by artistic inmates at
the Nevada State Prisons old quarry line the path. The stones
feature carved images of the planets, along with information about
each planet and a dedication to the donors.
Check the WeatherA Campbell Scientific research-grade weather
station sits outside the observatory. The solar-powered instrument
collects weather data that is sent to Desert Research Institute,
Reno, where it is analyzed and published online:
www.wnc.edu/observatory/weather/
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looking ahead. . .
A Place of Higher LearningWNC offers a regular schedule of
astronomy courses. Classes which may be offered in a semester
include: AST 100 White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars & Black Holes AST
105 Astronomy Lab (Observational) AST 109 Planetary Astronomy AST
110 Stellar Astronomy AST 115 Birth of Astrophysics AST 120
Astrobiology AST 190 Projects in Observational Astronomy AST 198
Special Topics in Astronomy AST 299 Directed Study These courses
can be used for elective university transfer or for students
interested in individually designed research projects. Students and
K-12 educators may opt to learn about astrophotography,
spectroscopy, photometry, or how to operate a variety of optical
telescopes and systems.
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and be part of the future . . .
Attend a Star Party- Saturday night after dusk. Check weather on
the Observatory Weather Station - www.wnc.edu/observatory/weather/
Join the Western Nevada Astronomical Society. Go for a stroll along
the Planetary Walkway. Volunteer at a Star Party or special event.
Take an astronomy class at WNC - www.wnc.edu See observatory web
cam - www.wnc.edu/observatory/
WESTERN NEVADA ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETYFormed by a group of amateur
astronomers in 2002, WNAS is dedicated to supporting the
astronomical community through education, social functions and
service. The WNAS is central to the operation of the programs and
facilities of the observatory. Members conduct seminars and provide
one-on-one training for novices.WNAS web site:
www.wnas-astronomy.info/
WHAT I LEARNED:
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Get Involved!Become involved at the Jack C. Davis
Observatory:
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Davis Observatory
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WNC HIGH TECH CENTER
TO MINDEN/ GARDNERVILLE
Contact UsJack C. Davis Observatory
2699 Van Patten Avenue, Carson City, Nevada (northwest end of
the WNC Carson City campus)
Professor Robert Collier,
[email protected]
