Directions for Telescope Volunteer

General Responsibilities

• To setup, operate, and close down the telescopes at the stargazing event
• Answer attendee questions on astronomy, physics and science
• Positively represent the University, the Department, and our profession

One or Two Days Prior to Event

• If you haven't acted as a Telescope Volunteer before, attend the telescope training session a day or two before the event that your Telescope Captain offers
• If you have acted as a Telescope Volunteer before, and you're comfortable operating and targeting the telescope, you may skip training
• Your Telescope Captain will contact you and tell you your telescope assignment and target
• Study the Observational Resources page and know basic facts about the targets you will observe: size, distance, age, phenomenon, etc.
• Note: If there is bad weather, your roof captain may offer you the option of not attending. Do not assume it is canceled due to clouds.

Night of Lecture

• Arrive at Cahill at 30 minutes prior to Lecture start time
• Help move the telescopes out to the field and set them up to point at the assigned targets
• Operate the telescope to which you've been assigned, keep it pointed at your target, and answer questions about it to the public
• At the end of the night, close the fields and return telescopes to Erika's office (Cahill 147)