Public Outreach
Michigan Astronomy Outreach Program
The department of Astronomy has a volunteer outreach program that runs open houses at our local facilities as well as providing in-reach (you come to us) and outreach programs. Programs are run by volunteers, most of whom are students, so it may be difficult to schedule an event during summer or outside Ann Arbor, but we do our best.
For more information or to set up an event with our outreach program, see the outreach page.
Open Houses
The Department's open house page has links all the open houses we know about, including open houses at the Peach Mountain Radio telescope and Detroit Observatory.
For information on the open houses at Angell Hall (on campus), see the SAS open house page at http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/sas/openhouse.html.
For the open houses at the McMath telescope Peach Mountain see http://www.umich.edu/~lowbrows/calendar/.
Astronomy Clubs
There are two clubs associated with the department.
The Student Astronomical Society (SAS) is primarily composed of undergraduates concentrating in astronomy. They have an office on the 10th floor of the Dennison building, run the Angell hall open houses, and provide tutoring for the introductory level classes. For more information, see http://www.astro.lsa.umich.edu/sas/
The Lowbrow Astronomers (Lowbrows) is a group of amateur astronomers with a very wide range of interests and experiences. They operate the McMath telescope at Peach mountain and have monthly meetings on campus. http://www.umich.edu/~lowbrows/
There are many other clubs in the area as well. Check out Astronomy in Michigan (http://astromichigan.org/) for a list of local clubs, observatories and planetaria and some of the events. You might also try some online astronomy club list pages at http://www.astronomyclubs.com or http://www.amsky.com/whitepages/#USA.
Special Programs
Michigan Math and Science Scholars
This program gives Michigan high school students the opportunity to learn about recent developments in science and technology through small classes taught by UM faculty. 2 week courses in astronomy are offered in July. Field trips and guest lectures by UM astrophysisists are part of the program. Check the MMSS website for details and application.
Other information
Dennison Mural Meanwhile More Light
Information of what's visible, and area open houses, planetaria, observatories and more is on The Stars Are Out Tonight page.
