An Empty Full Moon: Contemplate the Cosmos at McCormick Observatory

600 McCormick Road,Charlottesville VA 22904

09 September, 2022

Description

Join us for this fun evening as we consider the cosmos, the moon, and perhaps even ourselves. We’ll start with a brief contemplative practice for everyone led by John Bultman (CSC Yoga Program Manager) then we’ll explore the cosmos through the lens of the historic 26-inch McCormick Refractor telescope guided by Ed Murphy (UVA Astronomy professor). John BultmanJohn Bultman is the Ashtanga Yoga Program Manager for the Contemplative Sciences Center where he manages the Ashtanga Mysore Yoga program and teaches classes. He is one of 25 ashtanga teachers worldwide to be certified by Sharath Jois, Director of Sharath Yoga Centre in Mysore, India. Drawing from the variety of contemplative traditions as well as internal insights he has experienced throughout his life, John teaches the Ashtanga vinyasa method of yoga that he learned from his teachers. He has kept a daily Ashtanga practice for over 14 years and has been interested in science and yoga his entire life. John humbly hopes to share this practice with the the same knowledge, strength, love, and humor as his teachers continue to share with him. Ed MurphyDr. Edward M. Murphy is Associate Professor, General Faculty at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He earned his bachelor's degree in Astronomy from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Virginia in 1996. Professor Murphy was a postdoctoral fellow and an associate research scientist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he worked on NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). In 2000 he joined the faculty at the University of Virginia, where he teaches courses on introductory astronomy and intelligent life in the universe to undergraduates, as well as seminars on how to teach astronomy to graduate students. He also offers evening classes for the local community at the historical Leander McCormick Observatory. Dr. Murphy gives astronomy talks, appears regularly on local radio, and leads professional development workshops for teachers. He has also worked with the Science Museum of Virginia to develop planetarium shows and exhibits. Accessibility WHEELCHAIRS: McCormick Observatory is NOT wheelchair accessible. There are 3 steps leading into the building, and there are small steps throughout the building.RESTROOMS: The only restrooms in the Observatory are down a long set of stairs, which may not be accessible for some guests. There is a handrail for support, but there are no additional accessibility aids.TEMPERATURE OF THE DOME ROOM: The dome room of the observatory is NOT climate controlled. Whatever the temperature is outside will most likely be the temperature in the dome room.NOISE IN THE DOME ROOM: The dome room is a very large space where sounds can echo at high volumes, and words can be difficult to hear. The dome moves on motors that can become very loud. We suggest visitors who are hearing impaired or sensitive to loud noises to bring assistive devices.Please also note the below policies at the Observatory: FOOD AND DRINK: The observatory is a historical site, and we ask that you do not bring food or drink into the building other than water. If a visitor MUST bring a snack for health reasons, we ask that it is kept in a sealed container. NO ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED AT ANY TIME, inside nor outside the building.SMARTPHONE USAGE: For the benefit of all our guests, we ask that smartphones are kept put away in the dome room or in the small observatory . The screen light affects viewer's night vision when looking through the telescope and navigating in these low-light environments.NIGHT VISIBILTY: To limit light pollution in the area, there are no street lights along the road leading to the Observatory. Along with the trees, it might be difficult to see while driving. Please be mindful as you arrive and leave the observatory.Learn MoreUVA Astronomy: www.astronomy.as.virginia.edu UVA Contemplative Sciences Center: www.csc.virginia.edu For questions about this event, please contact John Bultman: [email protected]. Questions about the Observatory can be directed to 434-924-7494 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.