We were once asked, “What is the difference between the Sidewalk Astronomers and the national park ranger?” My answer is, “The Sidewalk Astronomer entertains the public using telescopes in the park, while the park ranger entertains the public with the rest of the park.” We have been told by so many people who travel to many parks during their vacation that “Finding the Sidewalk Astronomers in the national parks has been the highlight of our summer tour.” Others have said, “It’s not just the telescopes, its also the slide show you give in the evening.” Still other say, “It’s not even the slides show, but the talks you give on relativity and quantum mechanics”
Is there anything specific you would like to say about Crater Lake National Park in particular?
Yes, I would. Crater Lake is to the Cascade Range what Saturn is to the Solar System.
Foot notes:
- The Grand Canyon star party attracts amateur astronomers from all over the globe.
- This was between 1989 and 2002. Tanski went to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in 1988 and retired in 1996.
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