- Maria Mitchell Observatory
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Loines Observatory of the Maria Mitchell Association
The Maria Mitchell Observatory in Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA, was founded in 1908 and named in honor of American astronomer Maria Mitchell. It is a major component of the Maria Mitchell Association. The Observatory actually consists of two observatories - the main Maria Mitchell Observatory near downtown Nantucket and the Loines Observatory about a kilometer west of town.
The observatory has extensive public education programs and sponsors research by undergraduate students, funded by the National Science Foundation. It also houses a large collection of glass photographic plates, recording sky observations from 1910 to 1995.
Staff
Vladimir Strelnitski, an active member of the International Astronomical Union, is the current Director of the Observatories (chief astronomer) of the Maria Mitchell Observatory.[1][2][3] He has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles about astronomy.[4] One of his research interests is the astrophysical maser.[5] However, he also participates in a wide range of other research, from the monitoring of extrasolar planets, data reduction software writing, to variable star research. His mentoring at the observatories has won national recognition for the education of women astronomers.[6] Strelnitski is also a nationally ranked master's athlete.[7]
References
- ^ Tracy Hampton, "Maria Mitchell Observatory," Interview of Vladimir Strelnitski, 2009, found at WGBH website. Accessed September 2, 2009.
- ^ Photograph of Vladimir Strelnitski from the Pisgah Institute website. Accessed September 2, 2009.
- ^ Vladimir Strelnitski listing at the International Astronomical Union website. Accessed September 2, 2009.
- ^ Google Scholar search for Vladimir Strelnitski. Accessed September 2, 2009.
- ^ Masers, Lasers and the Interstellar Medium, Vladimir Strelnitski 1997, Astrophysics and Space Science, vol. 252, pp. 279-287
- ^ Peter B. Brace, "Maria Mitchell's astronomy program gets presidential award," Nantucket Independent, July 15, 2009, found at Nantucket Independent website. Accessed September 2, 2009.
- ^ Masters' Rankings website. Accessed September 2, 2009.
External links
- Maria Mitchell Association
- Nantucket Island Clear Sky Clock Forecasts of observing conditions covering MMA's observatories.
Coordinates: 41°16′48″N 70°06′18″W / 41.28000°N 70.10500°W
Categories:- Astronomical observatories in Massachusetts
- Buildings and structures in Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Visitor attractions in Nantucket County, Massachusetts
- Astronomical observatory stubs
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