Time:  6:00 PM-10:00 PM

Course Description: We will investigate the formation of black holes in our Milky Way Galaxy and discuss which stars should end up as black holes.  The properties of black holes in general will be explained.  Also, the role of the supermassive black holes that inhabit the centers of all galaxies will be explored, and the effects they could have on our solar system.   The course will be offered at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory, and viewing with the observatory’s telescopes will be possible at the end of the course (weather permitting).  Constellation identification with a powerful green laser will also be done (weather permitting).

Course Level:  I

Short-distance walks on maintained trails and/or indoor classroom sessions in accessible buildings

Brief Instructor Biography (additional information available at www.rmna.org):

Dr. Stephen Little earned a Ph.D. degree in astronomy from University of California, Los Angeles, and has taught at University of Colorado, Wellesley College and Bentley College.  Though he is retired from teaching, he (with Irene) does outreach activities in astronomy in Rocky Mountain National Park and at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory.  Steve and Irene have taught many seminars for RMNA.  His main field of research is in the area of stellar astronomy with emphasis on stellar evolution.

Dr. Irene Little earned a Ph.D. degree in astrophysics from Indiana University and has taught at University of Colorado, Boulder, and Wellesley College.  Irene is retired but active in astronomy outreach leading summer programs in observing in Rocky Mountain National Park and at the Estes Park Memorial Observatory.  Her major area of research has been in Red Giant stars (stars near the end of their lifetimes) and includes observation with some of the largest telescopes on earth and with satellite data. Irene (with Steve) is active in research in archaeo-astronomy (astronomy of ancient cultures). 

Tentative Course Schedule:

6:00 PM                        Meet at the Observatory

7:15 PM                        End Lecture 1

7:15-7:30 PM                Tour of observatory/ Break

7:30-9:15 PM                Lecture 2

9:15 PM                        Night Sky Observation

Expectations:  Professional conduct will be expected from participants at all times.  Individual ideas will be respected.  Except during course breaks, cellular phones, pagers, and personal entertainment devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom and during field sessions.

What to Bring:

     Binoculars (optional)              

     Planisphere (circular star chart, available at RMNA bookstore) highly recommended              

     Wear comfortable clothing; bring a heavy jacket and cap for evening observing.

     Notebook                              

     Pen/pencil

Note:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars recommends that participants for all courses dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.  Participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.

Teacher Recertification Credit:

Most seminars are eligible for teacher recertification credit through the Centennial Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES).  The fee is $25.00 per seminar (.5 unit) or $25.00 per series of threaded seminars (1.0 - 3.0 units).   A list of threaded seminars can be found online at www.rmna.org.  Participants must enroll in all seminars of a threaded series in order to qualify for the $25.00 multi-unit fee. Please be prepared to pay for this credit with a check, made payable to BOCES, on the first day of a seminar or on the final day of a threaded series of seminars.