GalileoScope Workshop and Night Viewing at Hobbs

Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area is offering a unique hands-on Astronomy workshop, Friday December 20, 2013 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the park’s visitor center on Hwy 12 just east of the Hwy 12/ War Eagle Road intersection.  Participants will build their own full-scale working model of the telescope used by Galileo 400 years ago.  The workshop is for those 10 years and up, and has proven to be an enriching family experience and pre-Christmas treat.
     The easy-to-understand workshop will be taught by Stuart Riley, PhD of Physics in Astronomy.  He has served as an officer with the Astronomical Society of Kansas City, and is now a member of the NWA Star Gazers.  According to Riley, “I enjoy outreach and teaching the public and interested students in searching and learning about the night skies, how to view with telescopes, and some theory on why astronomy, chemistry, physics, and nature are highly integrated.  More importantly, I enjoy the splendor of spending time under Arkansas night skies at Hobbs.”
     Night sky viewing will begin following the workshop if we have clear skies.  All participants are asked to bring:  a tripod for their Galileoscope, one folding chair per person, binoculars, and flashlights with the lenses covered either with red cloth or a red balloon.
Cost:  $35.00 + tax: Includes one Galileo Scope and complete instructions for up to
4 people in a group.  $5.00 additional for each person over the 4-person limit.  Workshop space is limited.  Call to make reservations.  479-789-5000