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The Clicker

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • November 30, 2015

Instead of moving to the Library for the heat this year, I can’t. It’s going to be a bit of a job site with some of the work it’s going to have to become a lab/classroom. It won’t look too different however!


So, that said, I needed to find a new home for the winter. I will miss my view of Mitchell House and the Observatory as I sit at the original library desk but now I will be in the Observatory – or at least the 1987 seminar room. So now I will be looking back at the Library building instead. A new view.


So anyway, I was over there cleaning off the desk and cleaning out one drawer of probably 20 years worth of office supply debris and what did I come across? The clicker! And I really did exclaim out loud “Oh look, the clicker!” For the tow of you who read this (haha), this clicker was used at open nights all through my youth (and perhaps Vladimir used it too, I don’t remember). But I noted its use by Lee Belserene the MMA’s Director of Astronomy in the 1970s and 1980s. She used to let my brother click us in when we arrived for an open night – I think she had a soft spot for him. I had written a short piece about her a few years ago. So nevertheless, I was very excited to see it and maybe I was exclaiming to her or to Maria, who knows what was going on in my unconscious. But now, for the winter anyway, I will look at it as it sits over my winter desk. I will have to introduce it to our new Director of Astronomy who starts in January – Regina Jorgenson – she may have met it before too when she worked with Vladimir but maybe not. We will find out!


JNLF

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NANTUCKET, MA—In celebration of 2025 International Dark Sky Week, the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Nantucket Lights, and the Maria Mitchell Association invite the community to an unforgettable evening of stargazing at Altar Rock in the Middle Moors. This free, family-friendly event, set for April 23, 2025, provides a rare opportunity to experience Nantucket at night and gain a deeper appreciation for the environmental significance of dark skies and how to preserve them.  Guided by expert stargazers, attendees will explore the night sky — all its constellations and celestial wonders — in a pristine, low-light environment. This collaborative community event presents an ideal opportunity to connect with nature, engage with like-minded individuals, and be inspired by the beauty of the night. Advance registration is strongly encouraged for weather-related updates. Event Details: • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 • Rain/Cloud Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025 • Time: 8:00PM – 9:30PM • Location: Altar Rock, Middle Moors, Nantucket • Parking: Free parking will be available along Altar Rock Road, with volunteers on hand to guide attendees to the event site. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. • Registration link: http://support.nantucketconservation.org/site/Calendar?id=101941&view=Detail • Open to all ages. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, children must be accompanied by at least one adult. • Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for current weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear, as the event will involve a short walk up to Altar Rock. For added comfort, we recommend bringing blankets or chairs. About International Dark Sky Week: International Dark Sky Week is a global initiative of DarkSky International to celebrate the dark and natural night sky, raise awareness about light pollution, and promote the use of environmentally responsible outdoor lighting during the week of the new moon in April each year. About the Nantucket Conservation Foundation: The Nantucket Conservation Foundation owns, protects, and stewards over 9,000 acres of land and coastal shoreline, conserves Nantucket’s rare and significant natural resources, and engages in impactful ecological research to inform resource management and further our knowledge of Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and species. Through conservation, education, and stewardship, the Foundation aims to maintain Nantucket’s unique ecosystems and natural beauty for future generations. About Nantucket Lights: Nantucket Lights is an all-volunteer citizen advocacy group committed to preserving and protecting Nantucket’s nighttime environment and heritage of dark skies by raising awareness about light pollution on the island and advocating for environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. About the Maria Mitchell Association: The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first female professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages. ###
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