1. Reaching Out From The Mountaintop Doug Isbell PAEO Manager “A WIYN-WIN Initiative ”

2. 2 NOAO Who Are We? NSF Funded, Founded in 1982 KPNO, CTIO, Gemini PAEO: EO, PO, and Public Information multiplier effect Work Closely with STScI, JPL, UA, and more... Including WIYN

3. 3 Why Do Outreach? Most basic output is improved knowledge NOT doing the job if you stop short of trying to tell story Astronomy = Unique Opportunity + Fundamental Responsibility

4. 4 Why Do Outreach? Precarious decrease in visibility vs. spin-off sciences Loss of interest from public and policy makers “Working in a vacuum ” – not much fun and don’t live very long Flipside

5. 5 NSF Core Strategy #2 Integrating Research & Education NSF invests in activities that integrate research and education, and that develop reward systems that support teaching, mentoring and outreach. Effective integration of research and education at all levels infuses learning with the excitement of discovery. Joining together research and education also assures that the findings and methods of research are quickly and effectively communicated in a broader context and to a larger audience. NSF invests in activities that integrate research and education, and that develop reward systems that support teaching, mentoring and outreach. Effective integration of research and education at all levels infuses learning with the excitement of discovery. Joining together research and education also assures that the findings and methods of research are quickly and effectively communicated in a broader context and to a larger audience.

6. 6 Public Funding Taxpayers deserve a visible ROI –Again, a basic element of daily operations –Astronomer performance plans –Hope it is respected in university hiring and promotion process

7. 7 Pride & Excitement Because we want to “... a common picture of reality...” Are you in the wrong business?!?

8. 8 Outreach Definition Educational TLRBSE, Project ASTRO, RET, REU K-12, college, grad, teachers, Standards-based, formal classrooms, TLRBSE, Project ASTRO, RET, REU Public Outreach Visitor center, public programs, telescope viewing Public Information E-mails, letters, phone calls, speaker requests Media Print, television, home pages, webcasting...

9. 9 Educational Outreach & WIYN 3.5 Meter –Used by approximately 30 grad students/yr –Summer 2001 undergrads helped with Tip/Tilt hardware, guide star software –Other undergrad efforts like Bailyn classroom teaching What Have You Done?

10. 10 What Have You Done? TLRBSE expanding to 3.5 meter in December (Gallagher & Jacoby), enable search of more distant galaxies Local Tucson H.S. student intern (observing help to Mac/PC docs)

11. 11 WIYN 0.9 Meter Opened March 1960, First major KPNO telescope Sister opened in 1966

12. 12 Combined best of both in 1990 to clear WIYN space New vents & observer amenities Renowned for Wide Field of View (5x Moon) & other “pretty pictures” WIYN 0.9 Meter

14. 14 Educational Outreach & WIYN 0.9 meter Used for Research Based Science Education (RBSE) since 1997 More than 100 novae identified in Local Group Trained nearly 60 teachers Very popular with educators & media

15. 15 WIYN 0.9 meter & The Future Each teachers mentors 3 others + Distance Learning Educational outreach a fundamental rationale for WIYN acquisition Vibrant place for undergrad “mistakes” = learning Personal favorite of many astronomers “Gotta Wear Shades” TLRBSE 5yrs - $1.8 million TLRBSE 5yrs - $1.8 million

16. 16 Public Outreach & Media KP Visitor Center exhibit Walking tour – new audio kiosk News & Imagery

17. 17 Brainstorming What is unique about WIYN? What does it do better than anyone else? –Best seeing and most modern on Kitt Peak –Remote observing capability –On-site KPNO infrastructure What is the valued-added for involving WIYN in any outreach effort?

18. 18 How to Pay for New Outreach Initiatives NSF: –Astronomy & Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships – includes EO requirement –MPS internships for Public Science Education – internships for teachers –Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) – offer one position for WIYN-related science and outreach University programs adapted for WIYN Private fundraising

19. 19 What Else Could WIYN Do? Participate in TLRBSE “Clone” the ASTRO program or send partners (paid) to us Help WIYN become part of KP tours Improve WIYN presence in the KPVC exhibits – like CCD primer Sponsor a “WIYN” night or similar on the mountain

20. 20 What Else Could WIYN Do? Articles or research reports in alumni magazines Provide more news & images to us and your news offices – textbooks AAS news & exhibit area Webcasting & improved web presentation

21. 21 There is much going on and many different ways to reach people Best Part about astronomy – fresh “eyes” always coming along Best Part about astronomy – fresh “eyes” always coming along

22. Always more to learn, and always a fresh chance to get inspired to do some new outreach and touch some new minds.