Outreach

Since they first stepped out of the proverbial cave, humans have always been intrigued by the beauty and wonder of the night sky and the almost infinite possibilities of space.

Congress established the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant) with Title II of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 1988. The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, through the designation of Space Grant consortia and the establishment of Space Grant programs and fellowships, was designed to broaden the base of universities and individuals contributing to and benefiting from aerospace science and technology and ultimately contribute to the development and utilization of space resources.

The Cornell Astronomical Society (CAS) runs the public viewing nights at the Fuertes Observatory. We are typically open every clear Friday night during the semester from 8:00 PM until midnight, if sky conditions permit. On occasion we may open early. To find out if the observatory is currently open, call (607) 255-3557 for the prerecorded message. Check our observing page for the latest forecast and a list of likely targets.

The CRSR Education & Public Outreach (EPO) Program strives to engage people's imagination, strengthen the understanding of science, and inspire the next generation of explorers through the unique character of space sciences. We provide support and resources to K-12 teachers, students, and informal educators. Faculty, graduate students, professional researchers, teachers, and volunteers develop and present workshops, talks, displays, lessons, and activities; and serve as mentors and advisers - to help link the research we do to the classroom and other educational settings.

The Spacecraft Imaging Facility, located on the third floor of the Space Sciences building on the Cornell Campus, provides the image processing and archival facilities needed for maintaining and cataloging the visual data collected by the US Space Program. The facility is open to the public and encourages group tours.

In 1992 the Department officially inaugurated a group called "Friends of Astronomy" composed mostly of Cornell alumni and friends. This has been a very happy experience with significant interaction between the Department and the "Friends."