Sky’s the limit for Helderberg observatory
— Photo by Mark Hohengasser
Observing the day star from east hill: Astronomer Ron Barnell points out a large sunspot group, each larger than the Earth, to Craig Angard, left, Susan Hawkes-Teeter, and Jon Kusler, behind, of the Game Farm Road task force.
To the Editor:
The newly formed board to oversee the Game Farm Road property — 350 acres owned by the town of Berne for parkland, recreation, and tourism — met recently to brainstorm basic themes for its planned uses. High on the list were ones that involved educational themes, with various diverse alternates, such as an historical museum, or a proposed astronomical observatory.
Below are some of the aspects of an observatory that I hope to see at the property.
The astronomical observatory, to be placed on the top of the property’s east hill, could be the most significant part of a facility that might be called the “Helderberg Earth & Sky Science Center.” Integrated within the center could be a division that studies the specialized geology of the region, and an associated atmospheric-meteorology department that could feature a live all-sky camera, for both day and night observing that would contribute to the daily recorded weather data.
Several large, research-grade telescopes in the observatory could be available for public viewing, along with a top-deck observing gallery that would enable visitors to see the fantastic skyline views in the daytime and view the celestial wonders in the night sky through binoculars
and small telescopes.
A most important aspect of the center would be the outreach to students of all grade groups, to have the rare opportunity to use the large telescopes in meaningful research projects, such as the search for exoplanets around other stars or searching for possible near-Earth asteroids that could one day impact the Earth.
An adjacent “Helderberg Sky-Theater” could enable visitors to experience a natural planetarium, with the real-nighttime sky as a backdrop, with a lecturer pointing out the seasonal celestial objects in the outdoor sky overhead with accompanying views through an adjacent telescope.
The special attraction of an observatory-science center could have a major impact for the town of Berne, in that it would be a draw for visitors from not just the local area, but from the Northeast and beyond, with associated financial and tourism benefits.
with several research telescopes to take advantage of the site's dark skies and open-skyline views. — Photo by Ron Barnell
The proposed Helderberg Earth & Sky Center would be a natural fit to take advantage of the elevation, dark skies, and open-sky views of the East Hill location.
A possible use could be the establishment of a Helderberg Observatory, part of a science center, with special telescopes to study the Sun and associated magnetic storms and flares that affect the Earth’s environment, and telescopes for both public viewing and student research on celestial objects in the night sky.
The East Hill location has many attributes — such as dark skies, protected surrounding forestlands, and open-sky views that would make it a highly desirable location for an astronomical observatory.
Ron Barnell
Schenectady
Editor’s note: Berne Supervisor Kevin Crosier said the board overseeing planning for the Game Farm Road property has yet to conduct further “visioning sessions” with residents before recommending uses for the land.
