Astronomy Night 2006

The Second Annual Astronomy Night was another huge success! Held on March 31, over 900 people attended the event! Thanks to the many students, parents, staff, faculty and administrators who volunteered their time on a Friday night to assist. The event was coordinated by the District Director of Science Janice Yale along with a committee of dedicated teachers- Jessica Simon, Chris Pollatos, Stephen Carroll, Dave Wettengel, Dan Zabel, Jeanna Novelli, Jennifer Dee, Susan Scigliobaglio, Anita Vultaggio, Joseph Inghliterra, Michael McDonough, Carolyn Saur, Barbara Cataldi, Stephanie Peace, Susan McCarvey, Deborah Deasy, Emily Russo, Nancy Reich and Stephen Franzke.

Although catching moonbeams in a jar was not one of it's many workshops, district family members agreed it was definitely a heavenly night. With the moon between the new and first quarter phase, the darkened night was perfect for observing the stars and planets in the northern hemisphere's sky. Saturn and Jupiter were clearly visible through several of the telescopes set up on the high school football field. Viewing the most majestic ringed planet was a real crowd pleaser. "Saturn was really an extraordinary sight," noted Nick S. while stargazing with his son Matthew. "Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. An extraordinary experience."

Guided by volunteer students, teachers and parents, more than 900 Astronomy Night participants anxiously moved through the high school halls and took part in numerous workshops. Many of the sessions focused on coupling educational information with amusement. One particular workshop, titled "Out of this World," featured links to N.A.S.A. and several educational gaming sites. Room after room offered occasion to discover new ways to explore the galaxy and beyond. The second annual Bethpage Astronomy Night offered something for everyone in astronomical proportions.

It was an awesome evening!