Telescopes in Libraries with Nicholos Wethington
Did you know that you can check out a telescope just like a book from your local library in Montana? The University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area has been working with public libraries across the state to get a telescope in circulation to check out just like a book in each and every one! Learn more about Big Sky, Bigger Dreams: Telescopes for All Montana Libraries, a NASA-funded project that brings user-friendly telescopes to allow everyone in Big Sky Country to enjoy the night sky. You'll learn about what the telescope can see, how to use it, and what to look for in the night sky. The presentation will also include a reading of constellation lore from the book, Star Stories: Constellation Tales from Around the World, which is also available at every library that has a telescope in circulation through a separate spectrUM project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Nick Wethington is the Associate Director of Library Telescope Programs for the University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area, and has been working to connect libraries with astronomy resources since moving to Missoula in 2013. A lifelong amateur astronomer, he's the co-president of the Western Montana Astronomical Association, former coordinator for the University of Montana's Blue Mountain Observatory. He's also the founder and owner of MechaNickal Wonders, LLC, a small-scale exhibit fabrication company.
