Big Full Moon Tonight, Chabot Space and Science Center this weekend

Take a moonlight stroll

Tonight's the night for a moonlight stroll. I was just reading this article about why tonight's full moon will create an illusion of being unusually large. So check it out. And if it inspires you to seek out more stargazing and such, check out the events at Chabot's Space and Science Center this weekend. Here's some info from their press release:

On Friday, June 20th at 10:00am, we are holding a ceremony dedicating a marker in the spot where the original Oakland Observatory stood. The location is Lafayette Square in downtown Oakland, at 11th and Jefferson Streets. The marker reads something to the effect of “on this spot in 1883, a telescope and observatory donated by Anthony Chabot was built for the people of the city of Oakland.” The original observatory was called “Oakland Observatory” but everyone knew it as the “Chabot Observatory.” The name was officially changed after his death in 1888.
 
Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums’ representatives will also declare the day “Chabot Space & Science Center Day in Oakland.” Golden State Warrior great Al Attles and his wife, a retired Oakland School District teacher will be on hand, as well as many other area dignitaries. At 11am, local Olympians Marilyn King, Pamela Jiles, and Eddie Hart will then take part in a ceremonial torch run from the original site to our current location. Our Exec. Director/CEO Alexander Zwissler will run the final leg from the Mountain Blvd Chabot site (1915-1999) to our current site on Skyline Blvd. (Map of the 10.5 mile torch run available on Chabot’s web site at www.chabotspace.org/125th/pregame.asp <http://www.chabotspace.org/125th/pregame.asp> )
 
On Saturday, June 21st, from 10am-6pm, Chabot will host the “Chabot Space Games,” a family, science-themed competition for kids. Games include Mars Drop Challenge, where teams will build Mars Landers with material provided, Space Bingo, Moon Missions in our Challenger Learning Center, Solar Car Racing and much more. Chabot will be open, free of charge, for the entire day on Saturday, June 21, from 10am-10pm. Bill Nye The Science Guy will be here to add to the science-friendly theme.
 
As you may know, in 1883, wealthy hydraulic engineer Anthony Chabot purchased and donated an 8-inch refracting telescope to the people and students of the city of Oakland. We still use that telescope, named “Leah,” each weekend at Chabot Space & Science Center. The telescope opened to the public in November of 1883, but construction began in May, 1883.  An estimated 10,000 people looked at Halley’s Comet in 1910 through the telescope. The telescope remained in downtown Oakland until 1915, when it was moved to Mountain Blvd, to avoid growing light pollution in Oakland’s downtown.
 
The history of Anthony Chabot is fascinating. He left his farm home in Canada at age 16 with little money to his name. When he died, he was one of the wealthiest and most philanthropic man on the West Coast.  He had a life-long fascination with moving water around. He invented ways to mine gold using water, then developed water delivery systems for San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Vallejo and other municipalities. His family also started a cranberry bog in Washington state. I’ve been in touch with his ancestors, who are still living in Washington. Unfortunately, the ancestors won’t be able to attend, but they’ve sent a congratulatory message to be read at the ceremony Friday. I can put you in touch with Chabot’s ancestors if you wish.
 
Anthony Chabot also donated money for a women’s shelter home in Oakland, a day-care center, a hospital, a veteran’s home in Yountville, and several individuals who went unnoticed because there was no income tax or reporting practices at the time. With so many locations named after Anthony Chabot, it’s interesting to learn about him. He was a tireless worker, philanthropist, naturalized citizen who could provide an example of Oakland’s better times. 
 

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