TelescopeCaptain < Main

---+ Directions for Telescope Captain

The Telescope Captain is in charge of assuring the stargazing portion of the event goes well.

---++++++ General Responsibilities

   * Train Telescope Volunteers in how to use the telescopes a day or two before the event night
   * Plan and execute the telescope observing
   * Pick out the target objects and assign them to the Telescope Volunteers
   * Coordinate directly with the Lecture Captain before and during the event
   * Help set up all [[TelescopeResources][telescopes]] being used
   * Oversee the stargazing event, directing attendees, answering questions, and solving problems
   * Close the telescopes down at the end of the event and return telescopes to Erika's office (Cahill 147)
   * Answer attendee questions on astronomy, physics and science
   * Positively represent the University, the Department, and our profession

---++++++ Week Prior to the Lecture

   * Plan what targets will be observed. Use the [[ObservingResources][observational resources]] page for ideas. Is there a target that ties into the lecture topic?
   * Study [[ObservingResources][Observational Resources]] and know basic facts about the targets that will be observed: size, distance, age, phenomenon, etc.
   * Contact the Telescope Volunteers to set up telescope training, and remind them they signed up.
   * Plan telescope training for some evening a day or two prior to the Lecture Night

---++++++ Telescope Training (1+ day prior to Stargazing)
   * The plan for what is going to happen at the stargazing event
   * Where the [[TelescopeResources][telescopes]] are stored
   * How to move the telescopes to the field
   * How the telescopes work
   * How to point the telescopes at a desired target using the finder
   * How to focus the telescopes
   * How to find the right eyepiece for different targets
   * What targets you'll all observe at the stargazing event (see [[ObservingResources][Observational Resources]])
   * What roles each Telescope Volunteer will have: one person on each telescope, extra volunteers answering questions of attendees waiting in line
   * How to close up telescopes, turn off finder, put away
   * Advanced: How to use Intelliscope on 10" Dob to point at faint objects
   * Telescope Volunteers are expected to arrive at lecture start time to move and set up telescopes
   * Volunteers should study [[ObservingResources][Observational Resources]] and know basic facts about the targets they will observe: size, distance, age, phenomenon, etc.

---++++++ Day Prior to the Lecture (or earlier)

   * Look at the weather forecast. Will you be able to observe? Communicate with Lecture Captain so they know what to announce at the lecture.
   * Contact the Lecture Captain. Exchange phone numbers so that he/she can text message you can update them with an observing status during the lecture if necessary.
   * Make sure you have access to get telescopes from Erika's Office (Cahill 147)

---++++++ At Lecture start

   * Get badges, glow necklaces, and tally counter
   * Gather telescopes from Erika's office and move them to north athletic fields.
   * Bring eyepiece case along with any necessary filters, green laser pointer, barlows, etc.
   * Help Telescope Volunteers set up telescopes in the field so that they're pointed at the targets
   * Text message the Lecture Captain what the weather conditions are and if you�re going to observe (if uncertain)

---++++++ 30 Minutes after Lecture begins (NOT when the lecture ends)

   * Greet people who arrive at the field, answer questions and direct them to the three telescopes. Use tally counter to count how many visitors we get.

---++++++ Two Hours after Lecture

   * Thank the visitors for coming and announce that the event is over.
   * You and your volunteers should shutdown the telescopes.
   * Assure all Telrads are off, eyepieces put away, lens caps on, etc.
   * Help bring all of the carts, telescopes, and eyepiece cases back to Erika's Office (Cahill 147)
   * Leave badges and necklaces and tally counter in Erika's office.
   * Discuss with the Lecture Captain if there were any highlights, problems, suggestion for running more efficiently next time
   * Give Lecture Captain tally of how many attendees there were
   * If you are the last one into Erika's office. Lock the door!
This topic: Main > WebHome > EventOverview > TelescopeCaptain
Topic revision: r10 - 2017-05-05 - OutreachAdmin