1. A Free Astronomy Event

2. Free community event where participants (all ages) get to enjoy the fantastic experience of viewing the night (and day) sky and all of it's wonders through the lens of a telescope. Presentation on astrophotography and all the wonders of the sky (nebulas, planets, comets, clusters, etc.). Use of reflector telescope, H-Alpha Solar Scope and ultra wide field military binoculars. Schedule: 3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. solar viewing 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Astro Photography presentation 7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. moon, comet, stars and more viewing What is it?

3. Budget: $0 Facility-Teen Center (City owned) Equipment- projector and screen, chairs (City owned) Instructor- Volunteer from local astronomy club, brings all telescopes If you don’t own all of the above, we have had chairs donated in the past. It is also possible to skip the power point presentation and just host the entire event outside (in a park you own) with the telescope portion. Just the Facts

4. When and Why Why would instructors work for you for free to host this event? To inspire youth in the field of science. For the love of teaching. “When I open someone’s eyes to something (celestial), and they are overwhelmed and excited, that makes me happy.”- Dennis Young, Sirius Lookers Sedona Astronomy Club “This busy world of work, school, texting and apps has people looking down and not up. Taking our telescopes out the public shows them that there are ways to entertain themselves while educating them as well.”- J. D Maddy, Astronomers of the Verde Valley Members of Night Sky Network get free promotional material for hosting events. When is this event appropriate? Leave the date up to the Astronomy Club. They know when the night sky will be best for viewing based on the moon, weather and any other factors. Organize around Earth Day if you are able to. Incorporate with a special event you are already hosting.

5. Participants: Ages have ranged from 4 years old to 85 years old. Base your age range on the type of presentation. Little kids are not appropriate for a long PowerPoint presentation. All demographics enjoy this. Some people even bring telescopes they have never used before and are shown how. Getting the word out: All typical forms of advertising: school flyers, Facebook, news releases, websites. Invite reporter and photographer Let the astronomy club help with advertising. Who and How

6. Rachel Murdoch (928) 203-5011 rmurdoch@sedonaaz.gov