Public Night Schedule
Drake Municipal Observatory
2021 Lecture Series
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of:
The Drake University Municipal Observatory
100 years of Advancement in “Observational” Astronomy
November 5, 1921 saw the formal dedication of the Drake University Municipal Observatory. Besides being a research grade laboratory for the advancement of Astronomy, its function was, and still is, a place where the public is invited, (actually encouraged) to observe through this window to deep space. At the time of its construction it was the only Observatory that had regular public observing.
Dr. Daniel W. Morehouse, Astronomer, Physicist, and President of Drake University was the driving force behind the Observatory. His enthusiasm is still evident within the walls of this edifice in that research and public viewing continues into its second century.
The Spring Lecture Series
A Virtual Lecture Series Due to Covid 19
The Weekly Link Is Available at:
www.Drake.edu/observatory/publicnights
April 9 - 20th Century Begins Astronomical truths when Dan Morehouse arrived in Des Moines from Excelsior, MN
Apirl 16 - The Big Eyes Improve 100 years of improvements on the astronomical light bucket
April 23 - Seeing Beyond The Visible There is a lot more in space than what your eyes see
Apirl 30 - Physics Explains The Impossible Understanding Physics has pushed Astronomy higher than the stars
May 7 - Climbing Above The Goop We live at the bottom of a turbulent ocean of air. To get a clear picture we need to rise above it.
May 14 - Looking For Neighbors “It took Martian Engineers only two years to add to the extensive canal system”. (N.Y. Times - 1911)
To see previous programs on YouTube: Drake Observatory Herb Schwartz
The Lectures have been recorded and are on YouTube.
Search for: Drake Observatory Herb Schwartz
If you have questions or comments please e mail me at: Herbert.schwartz@drake.edu
