The LodeStar Astronomy Center has received a $5,000 grant from the Boeing Company in support of "Sunspotting," LodeStar's solar viewing program. The Boeing funding will be used to upgrade the program to "Super Sunspotting," with the creation of full-dome digital animations of the sun for LodeStar's planetarium, as well as the acquisition of telescope accessories to improve the public's viewing experience in LodeStar's observatory.
A start-up grant from Boeing in 2002 funded the creation of the Sunspotting program.
"Boeing has been a great supporter of LodeStar's educational programs since we opened our doors. Our solar observing program is very successful in inspiring and educating our visitors about astronomy and nature. This grant will allow us to increase quantity and quality of the learning activities," said LodeStar director David Beining.
The LodeStar Astronomy Center, located at 1801 Mountain Road N.W. in Old Town Albuquerque, is a University of New Mexico project in partnership with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science.
LodeStar's observatory is open for the Sunspotting program on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunspotting is included with admission to any LodeStar or Museum venue. For
information, call 841-5955 or visit: www.lodestar.unm.edu.