To educate those interested in astronomy who might not have access to the proper equipment, the Tzec Maun Foundation provides free access to telescopes at observatories in New Mexico and Western Australia. That access allows students to directly control telescopes and cameras at both sites in real time using a web browser.

Currently, high school science students and astronomy club members have access to 10 hours per month on the Anglo Australian Telescope.

Bob Moore, an amateur astronomy enthusiast, sequestered time Thurs., Dec. 17 for astronomy club members and science students in Mr. David Watson and Mr. Richard Furst’s classes to access the Anglo Australian Telescope.

Mr. Moore is also the father of ninth grade student Caroline Moore, who was honored by President Obama at the White House “Night of Astronomy” event Oct. 7 for her discovery of a Supernova last Fall. As part of a research team based in Atlanta, Caroline is one of 28 people worldwide looking for subtle changes in images of the night sky taken by the team’s telescopes and may be the youngest person ever to have discovered a supernova.

A student views the spectrum of light through a spectrascope.

Unfortunately, and due to unforeseen events, the telescope was unavailable that morning as it had been dismantled for an observatory move. Instead, Mr. Moore was able to take students on a “virtual tour” of the galaxy by accessing friend and Finnish astro photographer J-P Metsavainio’s web site, www.astroanarchy.blogspot.com.

Mr. Watson said interest in astronomy among the student population is growing incredibly. Soon students will have the ability to login to the Australian Observatory, do research, observe and study. The hope is that Warwick students can be included in scientific research papers in the future – the data they collect will be published. This will be a great addition to high school resumes and college applications.

The astronomy club, which boasts 23 student members, is new this year. Among students learning how to use the telescope are athletes and those new to the district. As the astronomy club grows, middle and elementary school students will learn how to use the telescopes as well. Elementary school students could also have access to the telescopes as early as next spring.

Mr. Watson said he hopes young astronomy enthusiasts will be able to conduct research tied into the science curriculum.

According to Dr. Bryant, the school district has purchased two used telescopes from a member of Mr. Moore’s astronomy club. In addition, an existing telescope at the high school is being repaired and the high school is looking to acquire one more. This will greatly expand the equipment currently available to students.