Astronomy Workshop: “The Christmas Star”
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Location: UC Irvine Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center
401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Cost:
ABF Member: $25
Non-Member: $30
Student: $15
*Please note that as the Anza-Borrego Foundation is a non-profit organization, all program costs are used to support current and future education programs, including subsidized programs that seek to increase access to the outdoors.
Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to [email protected] with a two–three paragraph description about why you’d like to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.
Description:
Do you ever wonder what the stars looked like thousands of years ago or what may have been the “Christmas star?” In this astronomy presentation, you’ll explore an age-old mystery of what may have been the “Star” seen at the time of the birth of Christ. We’ll look at the science, history, folklore, and mythology related to this event in an attempt to understand what the “Star” may have been, who actually saw it and the importance of the date December 25th.
You’ll be taken on an adventure through some 2000 years of history using science in a method that may reveal the answer but may also raise more questions. Why is it that only “The Wise Men” saw the star? Why didn’t others see it too? If it wasn’t a star, then what was it? How does the Moon help to answer some of these questions and set a starting point for our search to begin? How do the Sun, planets and other astronomical objects fit into this complex story? Why is there only one text reference that tells us about the star?
Following this captivating presentation, you’ll get a chance to “be the scientist” yourself and collect data with your own eyes at a telescope! This event is perfect for the whole family!
Registration:
About the Instructor:
David White was born in Fontana, California and obtained a degree in Astronomy (Classical Newtonian / General Astronomy). Upon graduation he accepted a position at Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles under Dr. E.C. Krupp and Mr. John Mosley in the museum’s operations, planetarium programs, and outreach programs as the lead operator of The Traveling Telescope. In 1990, David became the Planetarium Director/Community Services Instructor at The Daniel B. Milliken Planetarium at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. In 1993, David established his own traveling astronomy program under a private label that school children coined for him (“Astronomy Man”) with the slogan: “Astronomy Man – bringing the science of astronomy down to Earth.”
David is the author of numerous planetarium show scripts, has been a guest speaker on various local radio programs, and was the featured guest on ABC channel 7 Eyewitness News 1990 “Reopening of the Milliken Planetarium”. In 2022, he discovered a 118-gram meteorite sample in Alabama which is most likely a portion of the larger “Walker County” 74.8-kg sample of 1832 and is one of only eighteen approved meteorites discovered in Alabama. He resides with his wife LaRee in Riverside.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation requests must be received seven days before the event if you wish to receive a refund. ABF may cancel a program due to inclement weather, road conditions, or low attendance with 24-hour notice if possible. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.
