Amateur astronomers present: light years within reach

Exhibition of telescopes and star photographs in the Keller Science Garden at the Weizmann Institute

Astronomy is one of the most "democratic" fields of science: amateur astronomers, of all ages, equipped with simple means of observation, can share spectacular discoveries with scientists equipped with the most advanced technology. The excitement of seeing exploding stars, receding galaxies and fading suns is shared by young boys and the winners of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics.

A new exhibition, which will open in the Keller Science Garden at the Weizmann Institute of Science, presents the activities of amateur astronomers in Israel, which includes documentation of astronomical observations throughout the country, pictures of galaxies, star clusters and other celestial bodies, illustrations and drawings, and even improvised telescopes built by Amateur astronomers.

The exhibition will open on Sunday, October 16, the holiday of Sukkot, in the pavilion of the changing exhibitions in the Science Garden named after Klor. On Thursday, October 27, at 18:30 p.m., there will be a conversation with the curator of the exhibition, Eden Orion, at the Science Garden, followed by an astronomical observation using the improvised telescopes displayed in the exhibition.

On October 18-17, the exhibition will be presented as part of the science festival of the Weizmann Institute of Science - a lively celebration of science, music, culture and technology, which includes dozens of activities: displays, competitions, shows, workshops, observations, exhibitions, tours, lectures and demonstrations intended for children, Youth and adults who want to better understand the world and learn about the technologies and inventions that will shape the future - in an experiential and fun way.

The Science Garden operates within the framework of the Davidson Institute for Science Education, the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science, which organizes the science festival.