SUNY Potsdam Offers Free Planetarium Shows and Seismology Workshops Again This Spring
Dr. Frank Revetta Leads Free Educational Sessions at SUNY Potsdam Again This Semester
Potsdam, NY (01/16/2019) — SUNY Potsdam Geology Professor Emeritus Dr. Frank Revetta, Hon. '05, will offer two free educational series again this spring -- including his popular planetarium shows and a series of seismology workshops.
This is the 55th year that Dr. Revetta has led planetarium shows and taught seismology at the College. In recognition of his dedicated service, SUNY Potsdam dedicated the planetarium in his honor last year.
"Astronomy is the oldest science, and it's really something that most people have an interest in. You know, I often wonder about what's out there. That's just normal. When people come to a planetarium show, I think they already have an interest and I just make it more so. I consider it to be the best instrument up here for teaching," he said.
Planetarium shows are held every Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m., in the Dr. Frank A. Revetta Planetarium, located in the basement of Stowell Hall. Each show lasts about 45 minutes, and guests of all ages are welcome.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, because once the show begins, the door is locked. Please note that no food or drink are allowed in the planetarium and, as darkness is required, cell phones cannot be used during the show. Free parking is available in Lot 6, near Kellas Hall.
The Spring 2019 planetarium show schedule is as follows:
- Jan. 31: "Circumpolar Constellations"
- Feb. 7: "North Star (Polaris)"
- Feb. 14: "Spring & Summer Constellations"
- Feb. 21: "Winter Constellations"
- Feb. 28: "Brightest Stars"
- March 7: "Worldwide Constellations"
- March 14: "How Astronomers Locate Stars"
- March 21: "Solstices & Equinoxes"
- March 28: "The Sun's Path"
- April 4: "The Seasons"
- April 11: "Constellations of the Zodiac"
- April 18: "Using the Big Dipper to Locate Constellations"
- April 25: "The Sky this Week"
- May 2: "Stories of Constellations"
- May 9: "Southern Constellations"
- May 16: "Mathematics of Astronomy"
- May 23: "How to Use a Star Finder"
- May 30: "Motions in the Heavens"
- June 6: "Life at the North and South Poles"
- June 13: "Life at the Equator"
Seismology workshops will be held on Thursdays at 3 p.m., in Stowell Hall Room 131. The workshops will consist of hands-on activities dealing with the use of real seismic equipment and seismograms of local and distant earthquakes.
The class size is limited to 10 people, so participants are urged to arrive early. Parking is also available in Lot 6.
The Spring 2019 seismology workshop schedule is as follows:
- Feb. 7: "Plate Tectonic Theory and Basic Principles"
- Feb. 21: "Are Earthquakes a Hazard in Northern New York? Papers on Massena, Goodnow and AuSable Quakes"
- March 7: "How Do We Detect Earthquakes? Vertical, Horizontal and Three-Component Seismometers"
- March 21: "Local Earthquakes: Western Quebec Seismic Zone"
- April 4: "Travel-Time Curves and Earth's Interior"
- April 18: "Northridge Earthquake"
- May 2: "Lomo Prieta Earthquake"
- May 16: "Sea of Japan Earthquake"
In addition to the scheduled sessions, Revetta also offers planetarium shows for groups of five people or more at your convenience. For more information about the planetarium shows and seismology workshops, please contact Revetta at (315) 267-3441 or revettfa@potsdam.edu.
To learn more about SUNY Potsdam's Department of Geology, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/Geology.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit http://www.potsdam.edu.
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SUNY Potsdam dedicated the College’s planetarium in honor of Professor Emeritus Dr. Frank A. Revetta last year (pictured). Dr. Revetta will offer free planetarium shows and seismology workshops again this semester.