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Frequently Asked Questions 1) Does the Museum have a planetarium?
No. A planetarium is an indoor room where an audience is seated while images of space are projected onto a domed ceiling. Our Museum has an outdoor rooftop observatory which contains an 8-inch refracting telescope. 2) When is the Museum’s observatory open?
The Kellogg Observatory is open for major astronomy happenings (such as eclipses) and for special museum events. Check the Museum’s homepage for a schedule of upcoming events at www.buffalomuseumofscience.org 3) Are there other observatories to visit in Western New York?
Yes. The Buffalo Astronomical Association is a Buffalo Museum of Science affiliate organization which maintains two observatories. One is located at the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in North Java, New York. Public nights run from April through October on the first and third Saturdays of the month. The Remick Observatory is located at Lockport High School, 250 Lincoln Avenue, Lockport, New York. Public nights run from May through September on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Special group visits may be arranged. Check the BAA website for schedules and directions at www.buffaloastronomy.com or call the BAA at 716-629-3098. 4) Where can I visit a planetarium?
There are two in Western New York. The Ferguson Planetarium is located on the Buffalo State College campus. For information, visit their website, http://www.fergusonplanetarium.net/ or call them at (716) 878-4911. The Williamsville Space Lab Planetarium is located at Williamsville North High School, Hopkins and Dodge Roads in East Amherst, New York. To schedule a visit call (716) 626-8523 or visit their website at http://www.williamsvillek12.org/planetarium 5) What kind of telescope should I buy?
For both adults and children, it is best to start out simply. Invest in a good pair of binoculars (size 7 x 50 is best for astronomy) to learn your way around the sky. Do not buy a telescope based on magnification. The width of the telescope mirror/lens is the key. The wider the tube is on the telescope, the more light it collects and the more you can see. Avoid toy store telescopes. Stay with reputable optical companies such as Meade or Celestron. You can find beginner astronomy tips and telescope retailers at these websites:
Astronomy Magazine http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ps&id=6
Beginners Guide to Astronomy
http://beginnersguide.com/astronomy/astronomy-equipment/ 6) Who should I call if I see strange lights in the night sky?
Generally most “strange” bright or flashing lights observed at night are related to human activity such as transmitter towers, airplanes or satellites. Sometimes very bright meteors called fireballs are seen streaking across the sky, or the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis) may appear as colored ribbons of light flashing overhead. You can check astronomical happenings at the Space.com website calendar:
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/sky_calendar.html 7) When is Mars going to appear as big as a full moon?
Never. This is an unfortunate internet hoax that has been circulating since 2003. You can read the true story at these websites:
Snopes – Rumor Has It http://www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp
NASA http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/07jul_marshoax.htm 8) Can I buy a star and name the star for someone?
Sorry, you cannot. The International Astronomical Union is in charge of naming all objects in space. Companies purporting to “name a star” after someone only maintain meaningless records that have no scientific validity. Read about how objects in space are actually named at this website: http://www.iau.org/BUYING_STAR_NAMES.244.0.html 9) Is astrology the same thing as astronomy?
No. Astrology involves horoscopes and the study of planetary and star positions in the belief that these positions influence life on earth. Astronomy is the scientific study of all objects in the universe. Two other terms often confused are cosmology (study of the origin of the universe) and cosmetology (study of beauty treatments).
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