Free Astronomy Magazine March-April 2020

17 MARCH-APRIL 2020 ! dome, but instead make themselves and their equipment available to the community. It is the nature of the hobby to constantly improve on aspects you enjoy the most. Some take the extra step of allowing the public to benefit from their efforts. You can absolutely make a lasting contribution to amateur astronomy in your area simply by the fact that you know more than others about *some* aspect of astronomy. In CNY, this has happened by way of local libraries, where long rela- tionships give the libraries and clubs well-attended opportunities to promote amateur astronomy. A social media presence or a simple email is enough to make introduc- tions and start you on your out- reach path. There are likely STEM organizations in your area that would be delighted to host a lec- ture or observing session. You might even be fortunate enough to have something like the Technology Alliance of CNY, an “organization or organizations” where many STEM groups keep in con- tact through lectures, a large email list, and a monthly youth version of Café Scientifique. Add to the solution Preserving the nighttime sky, keeping the community growing, and giving inter- ested people a place to go to encourage their astro- nomical pursuits is vital to preserving the hobby and the nighttime sky. If there are things that you have found to work, do not keep them to yourself! Consider adding to the discussion on this issue’s Facebook an- nouncement. M arty Pepe of the Astr Section, Rochester Academy of Science, demonstrating his DishTV solar observing rig at a NEAF Solar Star Party. his supernova website. He also pres- ents to local clubs a special “Year In Space” lecture – a collection of sights from the previous year that he narrates with context and a clear sense of enjoyment. He has found an excellent balance of internet give-and-take – using web sources for his lectures while maintaining a go-to website for the most impres- sive of stellar phenomena. CNY Observers co-founder Larry Slosberg has perfected timing and location – bringing his trusty New Moon Telescope Dobsonian to a local ice cream shop to thrill young and old alike with views of the Moon and bright planets. With kind permission from the owners and a stack of napkins close by, one can only imagine how many leave in- spired to learn more. The common thread is outreach – they could all be observing in a