Schenectady

When astronomers peer through their telescopes into the dark night sky during a Dudley Observatory Hilltown Star Party, they know the truth is out there.

Amateur stargazers of all ages gather monthly in an open field at the Octagon Barn in Delanson, a rural site with limited light pollution, to navigate the constellations with a professional astronomer.

The star parties are part of programming offered by the observatory, which was founded in 1852 and is the oldest independent organization in the country supporting research on astronomy and its history.

The nonprofit uses astronomy to promote science education, with an emphasis on early career development in the sciences and technology. It offers many space-themed programs and educational outreach through Starlab a portable, inflatable planetarium dome.

"The kids are thrilled by it," said Elissa Kane, Dudley's interim executive director. "Just like dinosaurs, astronomy is often their first exposure to real science, which they have their own curiosity about because of stories like 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek.' It's all very compelling."

The observatory was one of six local organizations this fall to receive assistance through the Times Union Hope Fund, which raises money to help pay for after-school and summer-camp programs for at-risk and poor children in the Capital Region.

This season, the fund awarded $27,500 that in most cases allowed kids to attend programs for free.

Grants were also distributed to the Capital District Community Gardens Produce Project, Electronic Body Arts Inc. Dance Kids, Park Playhouse Inc. Workshop, Siena College Educating Dynamic Girl Entrepreneurs, and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center Inc.

The observatory in Schenectady, which moved its operation to miSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science) at 15 Nott Terrace Heights, received $2,500, with additional funding provided by Stewart's Shops.

Read more from the original source:

Astronomy program is out of this world