As Dr. Vladimir Strelnitski brings the ring around Saturn into perfect focus, he discusses the research projects he and his interns will cover this summer. As director of astronomy at the Maria Mitchell Association, Dr. Strelnitski has some pretty cosmic goals.
With the help of the observatories new 1,500 lbs research telescope, Dr. Strelinski plans on “monitoring the variability of galactic nuclei (quasars), observing transits of extra solar planets, and monitoring a unique ‘star-laser’ (MWC349). In fact, one of the six interns, Naama Dror, will play a critical role in monitoring the “star-laser.” Entering her sophomore year at the University of California at Berkeley, she’s creating a computer program that models the radio observations of this star. Another student will measure the “supersonic turbulence in interstellar space.” How about that for a college student’s summer on Nantucket?The open night program at the Loines Observatory will be held regularly Fridays at 9 pm. Starting June 13th, the open nights will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the remainder of the summer season. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child for Maria Mitchell Association members and $10 per adults and $6 per child for non-members.So stop by, discuss the stars, and see one of the island’s hidden treasures.
Photo Gallery
Video
The Maria Mitchell Association's Loines Observatory houses a new 1,500 lb. research telescope. Dr. Vladimir Strelnitski explains how this will help with research.
The new telescope at Maria Mitchell Oservatory
Thank you for presenting this video and the photos already taken through the new telescope! Having been born under the Nantucket sky and gazing at it all my life, I am thrilled for Nantucket and the Maria Mitchell Association to have the expanding opportunities provided. It was good to hear Vladimir Strelnitski talk about what new adventures in astronomy await the island! I can't wait for my next trip home to look further into space...
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