Chicago Science Field Trips

Celebrate Astronomy Day with the Northwest Suburban Astronomers
and the Harper College Department of Physical Sciences
Saturday, April 26, 2025 Harper College Building Z

On April 26, 2025, the Northwest Suburban Astronomers and Harper College Department of Physical Sciences will host an evening of Astronomy for the general public at Harper College. We have programs designed for both young and seasoned astronomers.

Join us indoors from 5:30pm-9:00pm at building 'Z' Avante Center:
Informative hands-on exhibits on basic astronomy, beginner resources, telescope designs, DSLR astrophotography and deep sky imaging. Immerse yourself in presentations by Harper College and Palatine HS faculty and meet an ‘Analog Astronaut’. For the youngest astronomers, we'll have real meteorites to hold and 'make 'n take' space related crafts.

Join us outdoors from 8:00pm-10:00pm at building 'O' Harper College Observatory:
Look through a variety of telescopes set-up for both solar and evening observing (weather permitting).

https://www.nsaclub.org/astronomy-day

***** NOTE THAT REAL ID IS REQUIRED TO GAIN ACCESS TO FERMILAB *****

https://www.fnal.gov/pub/community/hours.html . <<<<< READ THIS!

## Obsessed by a Dream: Rolf Widerøe – History and Future of Accelerator Technology in the Context of a Giant

• April 29, 2026, 3:30 pm US/Central
• Norbert Holtkamp - Director, Fermilab

2027 marks the 100th anniversary of the invention of the first high-frequency linear accelerator (LINAC), which was built in Aachen. In 1927, Rolf Widerøe’s 27-page doctoral thesis opened new windows for science with the LINAC and the description of a circular accelerator that he had already invented in 1923 at the age of 21. The lecture begins with the fascinating but tragic life of a man and his family driven by science and progress. During World War II, Dr. Widerøe was faced with a question of conscience that is still relevant for many scientists today and is even more relevant now. It also determined much of his fate. As we follow Rolf Widerøe through most of the 20th century, the full breadth of the use of accelerators up to the present day is revealed. Technical facilities that accelerate subatomic particles to ever higher energies have been an integral part of science and research, as well as of medical and industrial applications for more than 100 years. The most modern applications repeatedly allow quantum leaps in science, which are discussed towards the end.

https://events.fnal.gov/colloquium/events/event/tbd-10/

# Karl G. Henize Observatory

## Drop by, look through a telescope, and prepare to be awed.

### Free Community Viewing Sessions

Henize Observatory at Harper College in Palatine contains one of the largest public telescopes in the Chicago area. They are once again open scheduled Friday nights for public observing. In addition to the large telescope in the dome, several smaller telescopes will be set up. Several astronomers will be there to give us a tour of the spring sky.

Usual targets include the moon, planets, nebula, star clusters, and galaxies.

Experience the wonder of the universe and the excitement of discovery. Not only can you observe objects near and far, but volunteers provide interpretation of what you're seeing. Observatory events are free and open to the community.

Tips for first time visitors:

• Admission is free, however we ask that you please sign in.
• Plan on staying about an hour. There are often lines for our telescopes.
• Visitors climb a 7-foot tall ladder to reach our main telescope. We also operate several telescopes at ground level.
• Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes. You may be standing in lines and climbing a ladder.
• Dress for the weather. The observatory is not heated and it can get chilly at night.
• There are no restrooms or water fountains at the observatory.
• We can't see anything if it is cloudy, but we may stay open just in case it clears up.
• The observatory will not be open in rain or inclement weather.

More information: https://www.harpercollege.edu/observatory/index.php

The observatory is isolated on the northeast part of the campus. Park in lot 8. I'll have my green laser pointer to point out any satellites visible that evening. I'll also have my little Seestar smart telescope. As a courtesy to others, no bright flashlights (use red if possible), flash photography, and please turn off car headlights in the area.

Spring 2026 Observing Dates:
April 25 (Astronomy Day) - 8-10 pm
May 1 - 8:30-10:00 pm
Our main targets for the Spring are Jupiter, Venus, the Pleaides, and the Moon (on the nights it is up which are April 25th and May 1st).