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June 24, 2008 - When she was
younger, Caitlin McKinley would sneak out of bed to go
outside and observe the night sky.
“It always makes me feel that no matter where someone is,
somewhere else there’s a person looking up at those same
stars—that brief moment connecting us,” said the Duanesburg
High School freshman.
McKinley has always been fascinated with stars, which is why
she applied to the Dudley Observatory’s Rising Star
Internship Program—open to sixth- through tenth-grade
students in Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer,
Saratoga, Schenectady and Washington counties. Founded in
1852, the Dudley Observatory, located in Schenectady, is the
oldest independent organization in the United States
dedicated to supporting astronomical research and education
and the history or astronomy.
McKinley was one of only ten students selected to
participate in this year’s program, which will provide her
the opportunity to learn more about amateur astronomy and to
participate in star parties, among other things.
“I think this program is great, not only because it offers
the chance to learn more about the stars, but it offers the
opportunity to help others as well,” said McKinley.
This summer, she will attend star parties with the Albany
Area Amateur Astronomers, learning how to locate interesting
objects in the sky and sharing her passion for star gazing
with others.
For the duration of the year-long internship, each student
will be provided a telescope and be required to keep a log
book detailing their progress. Once the summer training is
completed, each student will be required to host at least
four star parties for schools and other community groups, as
well as participate in a minimum of two Dudley-sponsored
astronomy events.
Upon successful completion of the program requirements,
students will be awarded with a telescope to keep, as well as the knowledge and experience to
enjoy astronomy as a life-long quest.
“This is a fantastic opportunity,” said high school science
teacher Marcy McKinley, who is also Caitlin’s mother. “I am
thrilled at the idea of having star parties. This is a great
asset for the both the school and community.”
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