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The Kearney Earth and Natural Science Club

The Kearney High Earth and Natural Science Club is an opportunity for students and adults (parents, friends etc.) to apply their science interests.  Areas covered in the group will include astronomy, photography, and nature study (particularly Sandhill Cranes).  This group is not meant to replace other already existing groups in the Tri-City area.  We will  attend meetings of the Platte Valley Astronomical Observers (PVAO), Big Bend Audubon Society, as well as 2  Kearney area photo clubs.  It is hoped that members of our group will desire to join some of these other groups.  Indeed they are all actively seeking new members and offer a wealth of knowledge.  Oh, and they are very nice people too!

How do you join the Kearney Earth and Natural Science Club?  It's easy!  There are no dues, special equipment, or prior knowledge required in any of the interest areas covered in this group.  First send me,  Mark Urwiller, an e-mail  message at the link at the bottom of this page indicating your desire to join.  Please indicate what night or night's you could be available for club meetings or activities.  An organizational meeting will be set up in  September.  We will decide on a (weekly?) meeting time at that meeting.

How do we communicate club activities?  We have a listserv.  Once subscribed to the list, you will receive e-mails advising you of the group's activities.  Once you've signed up,  please be checking your e-mail regularly!  Due to Nebraska weather, some decisions dealing with astronomical observing may often be made at the last minute.  You can sign up for the club listserv at the link below.  All that's really needed is your e-mail and password - then click submit.  Within a day or so after subscribing you should receive a subscription confirmation request.  Click on the link within the message and follow any directions.  You should receive messages from that point on.  The listserv can be used for messages pertaining to astronomy, photography, birds or anything related to understanding and enjoyment of the outdoors.  Abuse of the listserv, i.e. inappropriate submissions or spamming will result in either being blocked from posting or removal from the list.

http://lists.esu10.org/mailman/listinfo/astronomy

Once you have subscribed to the list, you can post to it at any time by sending your e-mail to:

astronomy@lists.esu10.org

If you are not receiving messages soon and you gave me your address - see me!  There must be a problem with the address you gave me!  If you have Hotmail, check to see if your spam filter isn't blocking it!  This listserv is also shared with the  Platte Valley Astronomical  Observers ,the Kearney Photo Club.  The club will also share some activities with them.  It's also used by the KHS Physics II /Astronomy class in the spring.

Much of what members gain from this club will be determined by how much they put in - the opportunities are there. Perhaps the most important consideration in signing up for this club is your willingness to make it a priority. For students, school work comes first, but if you have a job consider trying to schedule around club meetings. Here is a list of what this club has to offer:
1) A complete observatory with several instruments for member use!  Not many clubs anywhere are this lucky!
2)  The observatory has 4 computers with wireless internet access and are networked within the building.
3) This club offers students the chance to apply their science studies at school to the field of astronomy, physics, mathematics,  and natural sciences and experience it first hand. Members can also help with public events at the observatory. This will help hone your own knowledge of astronomy - not to mention the good feeling of sharing it with others!
4) Other opportunities the club offers include photography/astrophotography, and occasional field trips. Members will be expected to help in the preparation in special activities. Your club sponsor is extremely busy and needs the help!                                                                                                                        

Club Sponsors/Observatory Staff/Adult Contributors

Mark Urwiller

- School Sponsor. I teach Physics and Physics II/Astronomy at Kearney High School. I have been in astronomy for over 40 years and am a former member of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. I am the owner and director of Seven Hills Observatory and can think of nothing more gratifying then seeing others extracting enjoyment from learning about the night sky!  I have also been observing and photographing birds for about 38 years.

Kay Wolfe

is assistant director of Seven Hills Observatory and has been a dedicated member of the club for over 20 years. She owns an 8" Dobsonian reflector and shares her equipment and knowledge with the students. She is a recreational therapist at Kearney's Good Samaritan Hospital.

Randy Heckman

is  professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Nebraska, Kearney. He gives wonderful programs on early techniques of measuring the earth's radius and diameter and Einstein's relativity.  Randy has an Astrophysics refractor.  You have to be on a waiting list just to order one! He also owns an 8" Orion Dobsonian reflector with "Sky Wizard" digitally encoded setting circles. Randy has his own observatory.  It features a 10" Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain Reflector which is remote controlled from an adjoining climate controlled room. His observatory is also complete with a SBIG CCD camera system for astrophotography. Randy has produced amazing photos of the night sky with his equipment.  We all learn a lot from him!

Jay Rasmussen

Jay has had an interest in astronomy since he was 10 (which is a long, long time :) Over the years he has pursued other interests such as amateur radio, photography, and motorcycle racing, but has always found at least a little time for astronomy. Along with his interest in astronomy, Jay brings an extensive background in mechanical and electrical engineering. He designs and fabricates all kinds of improvements for anything that is begging for a little help here at the observatory. He owns a Meade 4.5 inch Newtonian reflector, and a Meade 90mm Catadioptric reflector.  Jay  created a second binocular mount for student use here at the observatory. He has designed a special tripod as well. If anything needs fixed around the observatory - he's our man!

Dan Glomski

Dan is the former director of the J.M. McDonald Planetarium at Hastings Museum.  Dan's knowledge of the sky is extensive.  He has also become a  good birder.  Dan has a long way to drive, but we hope to have him around as much as possible!

Bill Dunn

Bill is retired, but for years he worked as assistant manager of the Lillian Annette Rowe Audubon Sanctuary south of Gibbon.  He is quite knowledgeable about the Platte River and nature in general.  In addition, Bill is a very good photographer.  His nature photos are gorgeous!  We will benefit by seeing his shots and learning more about photography from him.

Alice Rumery

Alice is also retired.  She was the head Lab Tech at Kearney Clinic before retiring.  Alice is a knowledgeable birder and if memory serves, she's pretty knowledgeable with her plant identification too.  Alice has been active with the NOU (Nebraska Ornithological Union) for years.  She is also a former president of the local Audubon Chapter.

Enhanced for Keep Looking Around!