Science

WHAT IF NIGHT?

Astronomy, Book Reviews, Dark Sky Preservation, Science, Stargazing /

WHAT IF NIGHT? Is a wonderful way to introduce small children to the value of the dark night sky.

Paul Bogard’s book is a very gentle and soothing exploration of the importance of the night for nocturnal animals and for human health.

Children will learn many things and be delighted by the nighttime adventures of Bogard’s main characters, a little girl and her faithful canine companion.

Children will also learn simple things they can do to help preserve nighttime darkness. Highly recommended.

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SMALL HANDS CAN HELP! MINNESOTA

Book Reviews, Dark Sky Preservation, Science /

SMALL HANDS CAN HELP! MINNESOTA is a treasure for those wanting to “…bring families outdoors and foster a love of all things Earth friendly “.
The natural world in Minnesota is explored in this book through eight “indicator species “whose presence or absence gives valuable information on the health of Minnesota’s ecosystem.
The book presents a wealth of information in multiple ways — through detailed information, poetry, QR codes, beautiful artwork and graphics. Highly recommended for the entire family.

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Celebrate and Preserve our Starry Night Skies

Astronomy, Health, Science, Stargazing /

Dark night skies enable us to see the beautiful starry sky above us. However, light pollution and sky glow have become significant problems worldwide, reducing the number of stars that we are able to see. Light pollution also poses dangers to human health and the balance of nocturnal habitats and ecosystems.

Learn what you can do as an individual to rid your neighborhood of light pollution and support the return of dark skies.

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Review of The Girl Who Named PLUTO: The Story of Venetia Burney

Astronomy, Book Reviews, History, Science /

In 1930 the Lowell Observatory in the United States discovered a ninth planet, Planet X. A search began for a name for the planet.

In Oxford, England, eleven year old, Venetia Burney learned of the existence of the new planet when her grandfather, Falconer Madan, read a newspaper article announcing the discovery of Planet X.

Venetia was interested in astronomy and also Greek and Roman mythology. She suggested to her grandfather that the planet could be named PLUTO. Her grandfather immediately wrote to a friend at the British Royal Astronomical Society who sent Venetia’s suggestion to astronomers at Lowell Observatory. The astronomers unanimously voted in favor of Venetia’s suggested name. Venetia became the only child to ever name a planet.

This is warm hearted and historically accurate story showing what one individual, a young girl, can do by following her imagination and enthusiasm.

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