Schools

The MetaQuizzical Cafe Presents: A Tribute to Sidewalk Astronomer John Lowry Dobson

The MetaQuizzical Cafe--a musical science and philosophy salon--is musical edutainment for those hungry for knowledge. Each unique event centers on the scientific or philosophical concept behind one of singer-songwriter Jim Ocean's original songs and is a spicy blend of live music, speaker interview and audience Q&A. A stimulating food-for-thought potluck concocted from the interplay between the audience, musicians, speakers, and host Jim Ocean.

Today's program is a tribute to sidewalk astronomer John Lowry Dobson featuring Allan Stern, an amateur astronomer with the Sonoma County Astronomical Society. The talk will include a biographical sketch of John Lowry Dobson and the founding of the Sidewalk Astronomy Organization as well as an exploration of the impact that viewing/contemplating the cosmos has on the lives of ordinary people.

Allan Stern has been interested in astronomy since the 1970's and has been actively pursuing his passion since the mid 80's following a 25-year career as Systems Engineer and Computer Systems Analyst with IBM. Over the years, Allan has offered his knowledge and energy to many organizations and projects including Starlab presentations, Stellafane star parties and conventions, Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), the Morrison Planetarium, SFAA (San Francisco Amateur Astronomers, TVS (Tri-Valley Stargazers) and EAS (East Bay Astronomy Society). He's done sidewalk astronomy with John Dobson, Starlabs for NASA space camp in Mountain View and now owns a business doing Starlabs for schools. At present, he is a member of the Sonoma County Astronomical Society and a docent at the Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO).

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Sonoma County Astronomical Society's membership consists of astronomy and science enthusiasts of all ages, both amateur and professional. The purpose of the club is to promote interest in astronomy and science, offer educational lectures, provide an experience of the wonders of the night sky to the Sonoma County public Encourage young people's interest in astronomy and science education with their "Striking Sparks" program.


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