Hello everyone and welcome to the University of Maine at Presque Isle. If you are interested in astronomy, we have several treats for you in and around the Presque Isle area. The University Times runs this ongoing article about astronomy and the university has an astronomy club that works closely with the local Aroostook County Astronomy Club to provide educational opportunities and occasional observing nights throughout the year. Continue reading “Astronomy in Aroostook County”
Tag: Jim Stepp
Summer 2017
Hello everyone. It is time to get ready for the summer. After this winter, I am sure you are ready for warn summer nights. I know I am. Listed below are the events that will be happening in the skies above our heads this summer.
Probably the best way to keep up to date on astronomical events would be to join the UMPI/Aroostook County Astronomy Club’s Facebook page. This page will provide you with interesting astronomy articles and information on upcoming astronomical events and club activities. Continue reading “Summer 2017”
April 28 and 29 – International Astronomy Day events
Astronomy Day was first celebrated on California in 1973. It was developed as a program to share information about astronomy with the general public. In 1973, astronomy day was only held in the fall. Today, it is held in the fall and the spring.
This year’s Spring International Astronomy Day is scheduled for April 29. Throughout the world, thousands of people will have an opportunity to learn about astronomy and, weather permitting, look through telescopes at the sun and the nighttime sky. These events are sponsored by groups such as astronomy clubs, observatories, planetariums, libraries and other entities that promote astronomy and space science. Continue reading “April 28 and 29 – International Astronomy Day events”
Have a planet and a beer?
Recently a team of five Belgian scientists discovered a new planetary system. This was unusual for a couple of reasons. First, there were seven planets in this system; second, all of these planets were Earth sized; and third, three of these planets are in the habitable zone of the star and may be able to sustain life. Continue reading “Have a planet and a beer?”
The Big Solar Eclipse
On your mark, get set, go. It is time to start your planning. As of March 14, 2017, there are only 160 days left before the August 21, 2017, Great American Solar Eclipse. Continue reading “The Big Solar Eclipse”
Possible Visible Comets This Year
Comets are strange things. The classic definition is that they are icy snowballs traveling through space. As they get closer to the sun, they heat up and vent material into space and create a tail. Some of these tails are tens of millions of miles long. Continue reading “Possible Visible Comets This Year”
The End of The Semester
It’s hard to believe, but it is almost here: the end of the semester.
This point of the academic semester fills faculty, staff and students with fear and excitement. The fear comes from the fact that there is so much to get down before the end of the semester. The excitement comes from the fact that we will all get to have a well-deserved break.
Continue reading “The End of The Semester”
Winter Observing
December and January will bring several interesting items to observe, but if you wish to see them, remember to dress warmly. Northern Maine has a habit of being sub-freezing and even sub-zero during these months, so keeping warm will be important.
Continue reading “Winter Observing”
2016 Proposal to Raise the Student Activity Fee
The current student activities fee is $80 per semester for full-time students and $40 a semester for part-time students. This fee provides approximately $90,000 to the Student Government Association (SGA) to distribute to clubs and organizations. During the 2016-2017 budget request cycle, clubs and organizations requested nearly $190,000 in SGA funding, leaving nearly $100,000 worth of activities and programs unable to be funded. In order to be able to provide additional funds to the clubs and organizations, SGA would like to propose that the student activity fee be increased by $5 ($2.50 for part time). This increase would provide approximately $5,600 in additional funding per year. It is further proposed that the $5 ($2.50 for part time) increase occur during each of the next four years, ending with the fall of 2020. The actual fees structure would be as follows: Continue reading “2016 Proposal to Raise the Student Activity Fee”
Jim’s Journal The 2016 Election
Wow, after 16 months of campaigning the 2016 presidential election is finally over. When I listen to the voices of people around me, I hear fear and excitement; I hear sadness and happiness; I hear concern and hope. The feeling you have depends on your personal beliefs, who you voted for and what you want for the future. Continue reading “Jim’s Journal The 2016 Election”