Advanced Astronomy Camp on Mt. Lemmon

ADVANCED CAMP - (Offered for students 14-18 years old). This Camp is for students who have completed either Algebra II or Geometry and have an interest in astronomy. Students are housed on Mt. Lemmon Observatory for seven nights and eight days to allow maximum time on the telescopes. Students form and complete one or more research projects to present to the entire camp on the last night of camp. Research activities include astronomical photography, spectroscopy, electronic photometry, and CCD imaging for studies involving variable stars, spectral classification, asteroid orbit determination, etc. An overnight trip to the Large Binocular Telescope is also expected. This summer we plan to use the SMT radio telescope of the Arizona Radio Observatory, the 24- and 32-inch telescopes on Mt. Lemmon, and Steward Observatory's 61-inch telescope for optical spectroscopy. We also expect to do many daytime experiments in solar observing. Students sleep in the astronomers' dormitories along with the adult counselors and Director. Responsibility and teamwork are vital parts of the camp experience. Students and adult leaders also work together in teams to prepare meals, clean the facilities, and to compete against other teams in some of the many science projects. Tuition ($975 for Beginning Camp; $995 for Advanced Camp) includes lodging, meals, transportation in Tucson, and all materials. Partial tuition scholarships are available and based on financial need. These scholarships come from former adult campers, from NASA Space Grant programs at The University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University, and from the Dudley Observatory in Schenectady, New York. Application process includes: application, essay, letter of recommendation.