CURRENT NEWS:

Buhl Planetarium / Friends of the Zeiss

Astronomy, Space, and other Sciences

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Buhl Planetarium/Friends of the Zeiss-Related News

Current Buhl Planetarium/Friends of the Zeiss Related On-going Issues

Current Buhl Planetarium/Friends of the Zeiss Related News

Newly-Created Web Pages on History of Buhl Planetarium and Friends of the Zeiss Web Sites

"Update" Year-End Report for 2008 December: Buhl Planetarium and Carnegie Library

News Archives

Current Buhl Planetarium/Friends of the Zeiss-Related Issues

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Walsh, Glenn A. "Zeiss to be Reassembled: Science Center Announcement." News Release.
Friends of the Zeiss 2009 Aug. 18.
Friends of the Zeiss statement regarding Carnegie Science Center announcement
that historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector would be reassembled as exhibit, to be
displayed in Carnegie Science Center atrium by late 2010.

Huge Robot Exhibit To Prevent Display of Zeiss II Planetarium Projector

In 2002, Science Center officials had promised the City of Pittsburgh that some of this
second floor space, near the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium (now also known as the
Buhl Digital Dome), would be used for a "Final Frontier" exhibit, which would include
display of the historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projecctor,
the oldest, operable major planetarium projector in the world prior to its 2002
October dismantling. Also included in the "Final Frontier" exhibit was to be another original
Buhl Planetarium artifact, the large Mercator's Projection Map of the World, which was considered
the world's largest such map when first installed at the 1939-1940 World's Fair in
New York City.

The "Final Frontier" exhibit, which was not supposed to be dependent on the
proposed $90 million expansion project which was cancelled in May of 2003, has never
been developed. Nor has there been any word about the future of this proposed exhibit,
which was a major reason why the City of Pittsburgh permitted the Science Center to
remove the Zeiss II Planetarium Projecctor and the large
Mercator's Projection Map of the World from the original Buhl Planetarium building.
Now it seems this large, new, permanent robotics exhibit will preclude the ability to
install the "Final Frontier" exhibit next to the
Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium.

Friends of the Zeiss has always contended that the best place for the historic
Buhl Planetarium artifacts is the original Buhl Planetarium building, the only place
(due to custom-construction of the building) where the Zeiss II Planetarium Projecctor and the
10-inch Siderostat-type Refractor Telescope can be fully unitlized
to teach science to children visiting the Children's Museum.

* "Zeiss projector restoration."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2002 Dec. 30.
Regarding proposed "Final Frontier" exhibit.

McCoy, Adrian. "Science Center's 'roboworld' displays real and famous robots in traveling exhibit."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 June 14.

Baillie, Ronald J. and Ann M. Metzger.
"Robots R Us, Robotics play a key role in Pittsburgh's present and future." Op-Ed.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 June 10.
Ronald J. Baillie and Ann M. Metzger are co-directors of The Carnegie Science Center.

Machosky, Michael. "Carnegie Science Center adds Roboworld to permanent exhibits."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 June 10.

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Address. Pittsburgh City Council. 2008 April 29.
Prepared Text *** Large-Print Version

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Address. Board of Directors, Allegheny Regional Asset District. 2008 April 28.
Prepared Text *** Large-Print Version

* Graham, Francis. " Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Letter. To City and County Public Officials. 2008 April 24.

* "CMU'S ROBOT HALL OF FAME."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 April 19.
* Templeton,, David. "Robots coming to life in 2009 exhibit."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 April 10.
* Houser, Mark. "Roboworld could cement 'Burgh as robotics capital."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 10.
* Houser, Mark. "Robot exhibit coming to Carnegie Science Center."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review On-Line 2008 April 9.
* "Carnegie Science Center will open comprehensive robotics exhibition."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 7.
* Houser, Mark. "CMU at forefront in building thinking machines."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 6.
* "What is artificial intelligence?."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 6.
* "Will A.I. work lead to robots taking over the world?"
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 6.
* Houser, Mark. "Robots do a little networking."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 9.

* NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis Mission STS-122 Updates Click Here --
Mission STS-122 commanded by Pittsburgh-area native Stephen N. Frick, who was inspired by
Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.

* Walsh, Glenn A. Letters-to-the-Editor:
"About my views." (Last letter of six letters on web page)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 March 29.
Response to letter-to-the-editor personal attack,
regarding both Carnegie Library and Buhl Planetarium,
published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2008 January 1.
Original, more detailed response was e-mailed to the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2008 January 5.

* Demko, David and Kimmel, Joan. "Belated opposition," Letters-to-the-Editor
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 Jan. 1
(Fifth letter of seven on web page)
Glenn A. Walsh Reply (to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by electronic mail)
to Personal Attack in "Belated opposition" Letter-to-the-Editor,
Regarding BOTH Carnegie Library and Buhl Planetarium.

* 2007 Sept. 21 - PAT will purchase and raze Carnegie Science Center
warehouse where historic Buhl Planetarium artifacts are currently in storage.

Also, housed, in this warehouse building, are several historic pieces of equipment
and artifacts from Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular
Science, including the Zeiss II Planetarium Projector, the oldest operable major
planetarium projector in the world !!!

* 2007 Dec. 27 - NOTICE:
Pittsburgh City Council votes to allow abandonment of America's first publicly-funded
Carnegie Library, Allegheny Regional Branch, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
(formerly Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny), next-door to Pittsburgh's original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.

* Latest news on construction of subway link to serve Pittsburgh's Lower North Side
(where industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie grew-up),
including original Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny (nation's first
publicly-funded Carnegie Library), Carnegie Hall (world's first Carnegie Hall),
and original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.
Also:
* News Regarding Pittsburgh Public Transit Agency's (PAT) Service Cuts Effective 2007 June 17,
Fare Increase Effective 2008 January 1.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Zeiss to be Reassembled: Science Center Announcement." News Release.
Friends of the Zeiss 2009 Aug. 18.
Friends of the Zeiss statement regarding Carnegie Science Center announcement
that historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector would be reassembled as exhibit, to be
displayed in Carnegie Science Center atrium by late 2010.

Shalaway, Scott. "Volunteers wanted for Lost Ladybug Project." Column.
Charleston Gazette 2009 Aug. 8.;
Article mentions new Citizen Science web page
on the History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site.

Shalaway, Scott. "Get Into Nature: Citizen Science and the Lost Ladybug Project." Column.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 Aug. 2.;
Article mentions new Citizen Science web page
on the History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site.

Olson, Thomas and Kim Leonard.
"Pittsburgh Opera joins city's 'green' renaissance with renovated building."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 July 21: A1.
Leonard, Kim and Thomas Olsen. "Pittsburgh Opera building to go green."
Pittsburgh Trib p.m. 2009 July 21: 4.
Articles included listing of "Green Geezers,"
seven buildings constructed before World War II, which have been rehabilitated to
obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
The youngest building, of the seven listed, is the original
Buhl Planetarium building (built in 1939), now operated as part of the Children's
Museum of Pittsburgh. By year's end, it is expected that the Pittsburgh Opera's
Strip District building (Liberty Avenue and 25th Street--where, originally,
George Westinghouse first built railroad locomotive air-brakes) will join this list.

Walsh, Glenn A. "The Historic Mission of Apollo 11
Man Walks on the Moon for the First Time
A Personal Remembrance From 40 Years Ago."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 July 20.
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/bio/Apolloremembrance.htm >.

Erdley, Debra. "Pittsburgh pegs zoo, Aviary, Phipps' free water use at $500,000."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 June 24.
1939 newspaper reports indicate that City Council considered providing free water
service to the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science which was
officially dedicated 1939 October 24. Apparently, this proposal never came to fruition;
Buhl Planetarium never enjoyed free water service.

French, Sue. "As the Crow Flies." Column: Deep Sky Wonders.
Sky and Telescope Magazine 2009 May: 48.
Former Buhl Planetarium Floor Manager and South Hills Backyard Astronomers club founder
Eric G. Canali cited for asterism "Canali" (a.k.a. "Canali's Cluster").
The following is an excerpt from page 49 of the magazine column:
* Next, soar 1.1 degrees west-southwest from M104 to the multi-
ple star Struve 1659. In my 105-mm scope at 47x,
I see a 5-minute isosceles triangle of stars with a smaller isos-
celes triangle centered inside it. My 10-inch scope shows
color in all but the dimmist of the six stars. In order of
decreasing brightness, I see them as yellow-white, deep
yellow, pale yellow, yellow, and gold.
* I was first introduced to this sextuplet by John Wag-
oner in the 1980s at the Texas Star Party. He dubbed
the group Stargate, because it reminded him of the
hyperspace stargate used by the hero Buck Rogers in the
1979-1981 television series. Wagoner created and ran the
Astronomical League's Bulletin Board Service, which he
named Stargate. Not surprisingly, others have discovered
this group as well. Australian amateur Perry Vlahos wrote
to tell me he knows these stars as the Double Triangle,
and the book Star Clusters (Brent A. Archinal and Steven
J. Hynes; Willmann-Bell, 2003) lists it as Canali -- named
for Pennsylvania amateur Eric Canali, who calls it "that
pretty little triangle-asterism-thingy."
For a short time in 1939 and 1940, Sky and Telescope predecessor magazine,
The Sky, was co-published by Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and
Institute of Popular Science and New York City's original Hayden Planetarium.

Baltimore, Chris. "Obama quizzes astronauts about life in space."
Yahoo/Reuters 2009 March 24.
U.S. President Barack Obama, along with several Washington-area school children,
quizzed several astronauts in orbit aboard the International Space Station, including
Mike Fincke, who credits Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium for his interest in
becoming an astronaut.

Howell, Donna. "John Brashear Kept His Goals In Sharp Focus."
Investor's Business Daily 2009 March 5: A3.
< http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ >. Posted 2009 March 4. Viewed 2009 March 5.
(Reprint of 2006 Oct. 18 article)
Howell, Donna. "John Brashear Kept His Goals In Sharp Focus."
Investor's Business Daily 2006 Oct. 18: A3.
(Donna Howell, Technology Reporter, Investor's Business Daily)
Friends of the Zeiss Project Director Glenn A. Walsh is extensively
quoted in this national business newspaper article, regarding the life of
famous 19th century astronomer and lens maker John A. Brashear,
who was a confidant of Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick.

Science/nature traveling exhibit in Buhl Planetarium's Hall of the Universe --
"Exploring Trees Inside and Out," sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and
Doubletree Hotels, exhibited 2009 Feb. 6 to May 17 in the Hall of the Universe exhibit
gallery of Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science building,
now known as the traveling exhibits gallery of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh:
O'Driscoll, Bill. "Taking It Outside."
Pittsburgh City Paper 2009 Feb. 26.
"Falling leaves in February at Children's Museum exhibit."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 Feb. 7.
Gormly, Kellie B. "Get to know nature inside out at Children's Museum."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 Feb. 5.

Lowry, Patricia. "City's Friendship Quilt back for show."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 Jan. 24.
Great Pittsburgh Friendship Quilt, created at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium in 1988,
found in basement of Carnegie Science Center's original
SportsWorks/warehouse building, after being unseen for 20 years.
Quilt includes quilt strip dedicated to original Buhl Planetarium Observatory.

Belko, Mark. "Buhl Building signs its first tenant."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 Dec. 4.
"Panel OKs Buhl Building restoration."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 Nov. 6.
Belko, Mark. "Buhl Building rehab unveiled."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 Oct. 24.
2008 Oct. 24 is also 69th anniversary of Pittsburgh's original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, constructed by
the Buhl Foundation after the death of Henry Buhl, Jr.
Lowry, Patricia. "Buhl Building ready for its closeup."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 July 4.
Six-floor office building at 200 Fifth Avenue (corner of Fifth Avenue and
Market Street, Downtown), purchased by Henry Buhl, Jr. in 1923 (built
ten years earlier), whose Buhl Foundation built Buhl Planetarium in 1939.

"Space tourist returns from $30M orbital trip."
CNN 2008 Oct. 24.
"Expedition 17 Crew Returns From International Space Station."
NASA 2008 Oct. 23.
Walsh, Glenn. "Fw: New Crew Blasts Off for International Space Station." E-Mail List Message.
South Hills Backyard Astronomers 2008 Oct. 13.
Crew includes Richard Garriott, son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott
(first son of a former U.S. astronaut to fly into space), and NASA veteran
astronaut E. Michael Fincke, who credits Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium
for his interest in becoming an astronaut. Buhl Planetarium celebrated 69th anniversary
of dedication on 2008 Oct. 24.
More information and mission updates

Walsh, Glenn. "Historic Plaque Erected on Buhl Planetarium." E-Mail List Message.
South Hills Backyard Astronomers 2008 Oct. 11

Boren, Jeremy. "Historian focuses on telescope pioneer Brashear."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 Sept. 29.
Also reprinted --
Boren, Jeremy. "Historian Focuses on Telescope Pioneer Brashear."
Sky and Telescope Magazine On-Line 2008 Sept. 29.
Mentions architectural tours of the Buhl Planetarium and old Allegheny Post Office.

"Planning commission OKs several requests."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 Sept. 24.
Boren, Jeremy. "Panel approves South Side restaurant."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 Sept. 24.
City Planning Commission approved Science Center Master Plan,
after Carnegie Science Center Interim Co-Director Ron Baillie stated
that failure of the Master Plan to show a Siderostat Observatory on the
roof of the proposed 80,000 square-foot west building addition was simply
because planning for the building addition had not yet reached that "level of
detail." At the request of the City Planning Commission, Mr. Baillie also agreed
to provide the Commission with a copy of the legal Memorandum of Understanding,
between the City and the Science Center, which states that the Science Center
agreed to reassemble and reuse the 10-inch Siderostat-type Refractor Telescope
on their expansion of the Science Center building.
More information
Also see: Sale and Demolition of Carnegie Warehouse for Construction of PAT Rail Station

Walsh, Glenn. "Science Center Master Plan: Siderostat Observatory Missing."
Address. Pittsburgh City Planning Commission. 2008 Sept. 23.
More information
Also see: Sale and Demolition of Carnegie Warehouse for Construction of PAT Rail Station

"Astronaut's son spending his fortune to fly."
CNN/AP 2008 July 31.
Richard Garriott will become the first child of an American astronaut to reach
outer space on Oct. 12. Sergei Volkov, son of former cosmonaut Alexander Volkov,
has been living on the International Space Station since April, Russia's
first second-generation space traveler; Richard Garriott and Sergei Volkov will
return to Earth together. Launching with Richard Garriott in a Russian Soyuz
spacecraft will be NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke, who credits Pittsburgh's original
Buhl Planetarium for his interest in becoming an astronaut. Mike Fincke will be
staying on the International Space Station for his second tour-of-duty,
for six months.

McClelland, Clark C. "A past Space Shuttle ScO, admits ET's are Real.
And this ScO has seen them, himself with another witness!"
Stargate Chronicles 2008 July 29
< http://www.stargate-chronicles.com/release_mitchell.html >.
Clark C. McClelland was an Astronomy instructor at Pittsburgh's original
Buhl Planetarium, for several years in the middle of the twentieth century.
Mr. McClelland strongly supports similar statements recently broadcast in a
British radio interview by former NASA Astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell, who walked on
the Moon during the mission of Apollo 14. More information:
"Ex-Astronaut: Aliens Are Real and NASA Knows It."
FOX News 2008 July 24.

Belko, Mark. "Buhl Building rehab unveiled."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 Oct. 24.
2008 Oct. 24 is also 69th anniversary of Pittsburgh's original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, constructed by
the Buhl Foundation after the death of Henry Buhl, Jr.
Lowry, Patricia. "Buhl Building ready for its closeup."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 July 4.
Six-floor office building at 200 Fifth Avenue (corner of Fifth Avenue and
Market Street, Downtown), purchased by Henry Buhl, Jr. in 1923 (built
ten years earlier), whose Buhl Foundation built Buhl Planetarium in 1939.

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Address. Pittsburgh City Council. 2008 April 29.
Prepared Text *** Large-Print Version

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Address. Board of Directors, Allegheny Regional Asset District. 2008 April 28.
Prepared Text *** Large-Print Version

* Graham, Francis. " Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Letter. To City and County Public Officials. 2008 April 24.

* Letters to Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh President Dr. David M. Hillenbrand,
regarding refusal to allow Friends of the Zeiss Project Director Glenn A. Walsh
to tour Carnegie Science Center Warehouse (where historic Buhl Planetarium artifacts
are stored), with Port Authority of Allegheny County tour group:
** Walsh, Glenn A. Letter to Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh President
Dr. David M. Hillenbrand. 2008 April 10.

* Walsh, Glenn A. Letters-to-the-Editor:
"About my views." (Last letter of six letters on web page)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 March 29.
Response to letter-to-the-editor personal attack,
regarding both Carnegie Library and Buhl Planetarium,
published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2008 January 1.
Original, more detailed response was e-mailed to the
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2008 January 5.

* Walsh, Glenn A. Letter-to-the-Editor:
"Demanding transparency from local museum." (Second of two letters on web page)
Pittsburgh City Paper 2008 March 19.
Regarding current Carnegie Science Center "Bodies" exhibition,
and the sale, in the 1990s, of original Buhl Planetarium human-anatomy exhibit,
"Transpara," to the Cleveland Health Museum to be used as spare parts
for their transparent woman exhibit.

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Response to Personal Attack in Post-Gazette."
Address. Allegheny County Council. 2008 March 18.
Response of Glenn A. Walsh to personal attack in "Belated opposition"
letter-to-the-editor in 2008 Jan. 1 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, regarding
both Carnegie Library and Buhl Planetarium.

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Response to Personal Attack in Post-Gazette."
Address. Pittsburgh City Council. 2008 March 18.
Response of Glenn A. Walsh to personal attack in "Belated opposition"
letter-to-the-editor in 2008 Jan. 1 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, regarding
both Carnegie Library and Buhl Planetarium.

* 2008 Feb. - Recent News of Controversy Regarding "Bodies...the Exhibition"
at The Carnegie Science Center,
Including claims of use of bodies of Chinese political prisoners
by the ABC-TV news show "20/20."

* NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis Mission STS 122 Updates Click Here --
Mission STS 122 commanded by Pittsburgh-area native Stephen N. Frick, who was inspired by
Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Response to Personal Attack in Post-Gazette."
Address. Board of Directors, Allegheny County Library Association. 2008 Feb. 18.
Response of Glenn A. Walsh to personal attack in "Belated opposition"
letter-to-the-editor in 2008 Jan. 1 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, regarding
both Carnegie Library and Buhl Planetarium.

* Rothstein, Edward. "Planetarium Review, Looking at the Stars From Angles Old and New."
The New York Times 2008 Feb. 16.
Regarding Adler Planetarium, Chicago.

* Space Shuttle Atlantis Launched 2008 Feb. 7, 2:45:31 p.m. EST,
commanded by Pittsburgh-area native Stephen N. Frick, who was inspired by
Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science --
** Zapadka, Pete. "Space shuttle commanded by Richland grad lifts off."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On-Line 2008 Feb. 7.
** "NASA was anxious to get Atlantis flying."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review/AP 2008 Feb. 8.

* LATE Wednesday Night/EARLY Thursday Morning, January 16-17, 2008 -
Former Buhl Planetarium Curator James J. Mullaney will be interviewed
on the nationally-syndicated, overnight radio program, Coast to Coast AM
LATE Wednesday Night/EARLY Thursday Morning, January 16-17, 2008,
which begins at 1:00 a.m. EST (interview will probably occur 2:00 to 5:00 a.m.).
In Pittsburgh, the interview can be heard on WPGB-FM 104.7 MHZ and WPTT-AM 1360 KHZ.
Additionally, you can scan the AM radio dial at night and find the program on numerous
out-of-town AM radio stations from cities such as Charlotte, Richmond, Cleveland,
Des Moines, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Albany, Louisville, and Youngstown.
More Details.

* 2008 Jan. 7 - Reuse, by The Carnegie Science Center (beginning in 2007) of original Buhl Planetarium
"Snowballs on Summer Solstice Day" promotion (from 1985).

* 2007 Oct. 23 - The Times-Herald, Newnan GA:
Carnegie Library prospects hailed by an expert on Carnegie libraries, Glenn A. Walsh.
By W. WINSTON SKINNER
(Article appeared under banner headline, at top of first page.)
Mentions Friends of the Zeiss, The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular
Science, and the historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector.

* 2007 Oct. - Historic Abraham Lincoln Artifacts Sold-off by
County of Allegheny, Pennsylvania to the
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center

* 2007 Aug. 27 - Public Statement:
Before Allegheny Regional Asset District
By Glenn A. Walsh:
Children’s Museum Needs Additional Revenue
Prepared Text *** Large-Print Version
Utilizing historic Buhl Planetarium equipment and artifacts will produce
additional revenue, to help offest the loss of $200,000 of State funding,
while helping teach Science to children visiting Children's Museum. Also,
money for additional computers would provide more public benefit by being
granted to the library systems' Electronic Information Network.

* 2007 July 19 - New Interactive On-Line Guide to International Space Station --
With video introduction and narration by NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke, who credits
Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science for his
interest in becoming an astronaut. Mike Fincke served as a science officer and
flight engineer on the International Space Station during Expedition 9.
NASA News Release *** Science Daily/UPI News Story
ISS Web Site with On-Line Interactive Tour *** Biography of NASA Astronaut Mike Fincke

* 2007 March 27 - News Release:
Science Center Misses Second Deadline to Reassemble Historic Zeiss Projector
Despite $1 Million Planetarium Rehab in 2006
“It is now quite clear that The Carnegie Science Center has no interest
in the historic Buhl Planetarium artifacts and has no intentions of
reassembling them; they do not see display of these artifacts as part
of their mission. All of their ‘delays’ are simply meant to drag-out
the process, hoping that people will forget these artifacts exist—the old adage:
‘out of sight, out of mind’ !” according to Friends of the Zeiss Project
Director Glenn A. Walsh.

Walsh, Glenn A. "The Historic Mission of Apollo 11
Man Walks on the Moon for the First Time
A Personal Remembrance From 40 Years Ago."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 July 20.
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/bio/Apolloremembrance.htm >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Sighting Opportunities -- International Space Station."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 July 6.
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/FAQ/sightopportun/ISS.html >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Citizen Science Projects."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 June 9.
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/FAQ/citizenscience.html >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Children's Planetarium Shows at
Pittsburgh's Original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 May 22.
< http://buhlplanetarium3.tripod.com/skyshow/children/ >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Foreign Language Festival at
Pittsburgh's Original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 May 20.
< http://buhlplanetarium3.tripod.com/skyshow/foreignlanguage/ >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Historic "The Star of Bethlehem" Planetarium Sky Drama
At Pittsburgh's Original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 May 13.
< http://buhlplanetarium3.tripod.com/skyshow/bethlehem/ >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Planetarium Sky Dramas at Pittsburgh's Original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science -
The Sky Shows."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 May 13.
< http://buhlplanetarium3.tripod.com/skyshow >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Visit to the Astronomical Observatory of Pittsburgh's Original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science by the
Alternative Curriculum Astronomy Workshop, The Tripoli Federation
1975 April 2
And Annual Workshop Exhibit at Buhl Planetarium."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2009 March 14.
< http://buhlplanetarium3.tripod.com/observatory/tripolivisit.html >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Art in Pittsburgh’s Original Buhl Planetarium."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2008 April.
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/art-buhlplanetarium.htm >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Allegheny Public Square Plaza/Park, North Side, Pittsburgh
(formerly Ober Park)."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2008 Jan.
< https://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com/allegsq/EM-AllegSq.htm >.

Walsh, Glenn A. ""Firsts" & World Records of
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2006 Oct. 11
< https://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com/Buhl_Planetarium_Firsts.htm >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania U.S.A.
Quick History and
Current Use of Building by Children's Museum."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2006 March.
< http://venustransit.pghfree.net/fotz/quickhistory.html >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "The Challenger Disaster Viewed at
Pittsburgh’s Buhl Planetarium
A Personal Remembrance From 20 Years Ago."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2006 Jan.
< http://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/bio/2006ChallengerBuhl.htm >.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Amateur Science Clubs at
The Buhl Planetarium and
Institute of Popular Science
Pittsburgh."
History of Buhl Planetarium Web Site 2005 June 3.
< http://buhlplanetarium3.tripod.com/amateurscience.html >.

Astronomy, Space, and Science News

NASA Mission Updates--

Knoll, Corina. "Founders fear Stony Ridge Observatory might be lost in Station fire." Blog: L.A. Now.
Los Angeles Times On-Line 2009 Sept. 2.

Johnson Jr., John. "Fire forces scientists to halt research at Mt. Wilson Observatory."
Los Angeles Times 2009 Sept. 2.

Malik, Tariq. "Trash in Space May Force Shuttle, Station to Dodge."
Yahoo/Space.com 2009 Sept. 2.

Adegoke, Yinka and Alexei Oreskovic. "YouTube may stream movie rentals."
The Washington Post On-Line 2009 Sept. 2.

Dunn, Marcia. "Space shuttle blasts off, finally flying on try 3."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review/AP On-Line 2009 Aug. 29.

"NASA's Shuttle Discovery Launches to Enhance Space Station Science."
NASA 2009 Aug. 29.

Kalson, Sally. "City's ToonSeum growing up."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 Aug. 29.
Emerging Pittsburgh Cartoon museum expanding beyond Children's Museum.

Hoag, Christina. "Calif. firefighters wage fierce wildfire battles."
Google/AP 2009 Aug. 28.
"The fire above La Canada Flintridge was moving eastward and residents of adjacent
Altadena were likely to see flames, said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Stanton Florea.
A major goal was to keep the fire from spreading up Mount Wilson, where many of the
region's broadcast and communications antennas and the historic Mount Wilson Observatory
are located, Florea said."

"NASA Selects 16 Small Business Research and Technology Projects."
NASA 2009 Aug. 28.

Borenstein, Seth. "To the moon, NASA? Not on this budget, experts say."
Yahoo/AP 2009 Aug. 26.

Spatter, Sam. "CCAC to build $20 million science building on North Side."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 Aug. 26.

Cronin, Mike. "Carnegie Mellon scientists' software a step to treating complex diseases."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2009 Aug. 26.

"Flashback to Neptune's Moon Triton."
Jet Propulsion Laboratory/NASA 2009 Aug. 25.

"NASA Sets New Target Launch Date for Space Shuttle Discovery."
NASA 2009 Aug. 25.

Dunn, Marcia. "NASA preps space shuttle for early morning launch."
Yahoo/AP 2009 Aug. 24.

Rao, Joe. "Space Shuttle Launch Visible from East Coast."
Yahoo/Space.com 2009 Aug. 24.

"Mars rover still stuck in Martian sand."
UPI 2009 Aug. 24.

Pawlowski, A. "What's a planet? Debate over Pluto rages on."
CNN 2009 Aug. 24.

Grossman, Lisa. "Landing sites on Europa identified."
New Scientist Magazine 2009 Aug. 24.

O'Brien, Jeffrey M. "First electric cars, now electric planes." Blog: Brainstorm Tech.
CNN/Fortune Magazine On-Line 2009 Aug. 24.

Null, Christopher. "It ain't poltergeists: Cell phone activates oven." Blog: The Working Guy.
tech.yahoo.com 2009 Aug. 24.

Boitard, Catherine. "Fires rob pollution-choked Athens of fresh air filter.
Yahoo/AFP 2009 Aug. 24.

Choi, Charles Q. "The Appendix: Useful and in Fact Promising."
Yahoo/LiveScience.com 2009 Aug. 24.

Burns, Judith. "Upwards lightning caught on film."
BBC 2009 Aug. 23.

"Why Sleep? Snoozing May Be Strategy To Increase Efficiency, Minimize Risk."
Science Daily 2009 Aug. 23.

"NASA To Air Stephen Colbert Message On Eve Of Shuttle Launch."
NASA 2009 Aug. 21.

Beatty, Kelly. "Jupiter's Impact: Gone in 30 Days."
Sky and Telescope Magazine On-Line 2009 Aug. 21.

"Chandra Turns Ten."
NASA 2009 Aug. 19.
X-Ray Observatory in space still providing good science.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Zeiss to be Reassembled: Science Center Announcement." News Release.
Friends of the Zeiss 2009 Aug. 18.
Friends of the Zeiss statement regarding Carnegie Science Center announcement
that historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector would be reassembled as exhibit, to be
displayed in Carnegie Science Center atrium by late 2010.

"NASA Launches New Technology: An Inflatable Heat Shield."
NASA 2009 Aug. 17.

"We have a 'right to starlight,' astronomers say."
Statement of International Astronomical Union
Physorg.com/AFP 2009 Aug. 15.

Barry, Patrick. "In Search of Antimatter Galaxies."
NASA 2009 Aug. 14.

Britt, Robert Roy. "Strong Meteor Shower Expected Tonight."
Yahoo/Space.com 2009 Aug. 11.

Hsu, Spencer S. and Cecilia Kang. "U.S. Web-Tracking Plan Stirs Privacy Fears."
The Washington Post 2009 Aug. 11.

Johnson, Carla K. "Aspirin shows promise for colon cancer patients."
Yahoo/AP 2009 Aug. 11.

Phillips, Dr. Tony. "Horse Flies and Meteors."
NASA 2009 Aug. 10.
Regarding upcoming Perseid Meteor Shower, Aug. 11-13.

"Meteorite Found On Mars Yields Clues About Planet's Past."
NASA 2009 Aug. 10.

Klotz, Irene. "NASA wants proposals for space taxis."
Yahoo/Reuters 2009 Aug. 10.

Moskowitz, Clara. "Two Worlds Collide in Deep Space."
Yahoo/Space.com 2009 Aug. 10.

"Optimistic Women Live Longer, Healthier."
Yahoo/LiveScience.com 2009 Aug. 10.
Dr. Hilary A. Tindle, lead author of the study and assistant professor
of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.

Lin Erdman, Shelby. "Kepler telescope makes quick discovery."
CNN 2009 Aug. 9.

"Pittsburgh-area Native and NASA Astronaut Commander Inspects Latrobe
Specialty Steel's Production of Space-worthy Alloy."
Entrepreneur.com 2009 Aug. 8.
Astronaut and Col. Mike Fincke, who credits Pittsburgh's original
Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science
for his career choice.

"NASA'S Orion Spacecraft Makes Stops During Florida-Texas Trek."
NASA 2009 Aug. 7.

"What Hit Jupiter?"
NASA 2009 Aug. 3.

"Lack of Vitamin D in Children 'Shocking'."
Yahoo/LiveScience.com 2009 Aug. 3.

David, Brian. "Obituary: Michael Eversmeyer / Architect worked to save historic Pittsburgh buildings."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2009 Aug. 3.

"Vitamin D may live up to hype."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review/AP 2009 Aug. 2.

"Mysterious bright spot found on Venus."
New Scientist Magazine On-Line 2009 July 29.

"Astronaut tool bag to drop on earth."
Deccan Chronicle On The Web 2009 July 29.

Dunn, Marcia. "Shuttle undocks after 11 days at space station."
Yahoo/AP 2009 July 28.

"Total Amateurs Discover 'Green Pea' Galaxies."
Yahoo/Space.com 2009 July 28.

"NASA Honors Apollo Astronaut Al Worden With Moon Rock."
The Houston Chronicle 2009 July 28.

"Save Swine Flu Drugs for Younger Patients, Study Urges."
Yahoo/HealthDay 2009 July 28.

Krebs, Brian. "'Smart Grid' Raises Security Concerns."
The Washington Post 2009 July 28.

Vogel, Carol. "Stripping Away the Darkness as Murals Are Reborn."
The New York Times 2009 July 26.

Kardel, Scott. "Lost History?" Blog.
Palomar Skies 2009 July 25.

Naeye, Robert. "Clouds Part for Solar Eclipse."
Sky and Telescope Magazine On-Line 2009 July 22.

"The Impact on Jupiter!"
Sky and Telescope Magazine On-Line 2009 July 20.

MacRobert, Alan. "Apollo Landers Seen on the Moon."
Sky and Telescope Magazine On-Line 2009 July 17.

Huge Robot Exhibit To Prevent Display of Zeiss II Planetarium Projector

In 2002, Science Center officials had promised the City of Pittsburgh that some of this
second floor space, near the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium (now also known as the
Buhl Digital Dome), would be used for a "Final Frontier" exhibit, which would include
display of the historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projecctor,
the oldest, operable major planetarium projector in the world prior to its 2002
October dismantling. Also included in the "Final Frontier" exhibit was to be another original
Buhl Planetarium artifact, the large Mercator's Projection Map of the World, which was considered
the world's largest such map when first installed at the 1939-1940 World's Fair in
New York City.

The "Final Frontier" exhibit, which was not supposed to be dependent on the
proposed $90 million expansion project which was cancelled in May of 2003, has never
been developed. Nor has there been any word about the future of this proposed exhibit,
which was a major reason why the City of Pittsburgh permitted the Science Center to
remove the Zeiss II Planetarium Projecctor and the large
Mercator's Projection Map of the World from the original Buhl Planetarium building.
Now it seems this large, new, permanent robotics exhibit will preclude the ability to
install the "Final Frontier" exhibit next to the
Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium.

Friends of the Zeiss has always contended that the best place for the historic
Buhl Planetarium artifacts is the original Buhl Planetarium building, the only place
(due to custom-construction of the building) where the Zeiss II Planetarium Projecctor and the
10-inch Siderostat-type Refractor Telescope can be fully unitlized
to teach science to children visiting the Children's Museum.

* "Zeiss projector restoration."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2002 Dec. 30.
Regarding proposed "Final Frontier" exhibit.

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Address. Pittsburgh City Council. 2008 April 29.
Prepared Text *** Large-Print Version

* Walsh, Glenn A. "Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Address. Board of Directors, Allegheny Regional Asset District. 2008 April 28.
Prepared Text *** Large-Print Version

* Graham, Francis. " Science Center Space Lost for Display of Planetarium Artifacts."
Letter. To City and County Public Officials. 2008 April 24.

* "CMU'S ROBOT HALL OF FAME."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 April 19.
* Templeton,, David. "Robots coming to life in 2009 exhibit."
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2008 April 10.
* Houser, Mark. "Roboworld could cement 'Burgh as robotics capital."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 10.
* Houser, Mark. "Robot exhibit coming to Carnegie Science Center."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review On-Line 2008 April 9.
* "Carnegie Science Center will open comprehensive robotics exhibition."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 7.
* Houser, Mark. "CMU at forefront in building thinking machines."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 6.
* "What is artificial intelligence?."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 6.
* "Will A.I. work lead to robots taking over the world?"
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 6.
* Houser, Mark. "Robots do a little networking."
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 2008 April 9.

* 2007 Oct. 23 - Public Statement:
ABRAHAM LINCOLN ARTIFACTS:
SEMI-PERMANENT LOAN
NOT
OWNERSHIP TRANSFER
Written statement of Glenn A. Walsh to members of Allegheny County Council.

* 2007 Oct. 25 - Results of the KQV-AM 1410 News Radio Phone Poll
Do you support the county donating Lincoln’s artifacts to the Heinz History Center?
Internet Results
Yes: 310....33%
No: 623....67%
Total: 933...100%
Phone Results
Yes: 138....23%
No: 458....77%
Total: 596...100%

* 2007 Oct. 24 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Lincoln's furniture center of debate
By Karamagi Rujumba

* 2007 Oct. 24 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Allegheny County hands over Lincoln bed
By Justin Vellucci

* 2007 Oct. 26 - MSNBC/AP:
NASA to search files on '65 UFO incident
Government agency fought the move in federal court
UFO incident occurred in suburban Pittsburgh.

* 2007 Oct. 23 - The Times-Herald, Newnan GA:
Carnegie Library prospects hailed by an expert on Carnegie libraries, Glenn A. Walsh.
By W. WINSTON SKINNER
(Article appeared under banner headline, at top of first page.)
Mentions Friends of the Zeiss, The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular
Science, and the historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector.

* 2007 March 17 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Imagining the perfect playhouse
By Rosa Colucci
Including playhouse (with photo) designed to look like original Buhl Planetarium.

* 2007 March 8 - Pittsburgh City Paper:
Letter-to-the-Editor
Driven up the wall
By Glenn A. Walsh, Project Director, Friends of the Zeiss
Regarding fragments of astronomical inscription from the Bible
previously on exterior wall of original Buhl Planetarium,
removed for large window highlighted in Feb. 22 column.

* Reuse, by The Carnegie Science Center (beginning in 2007) of original Buhl Planetarium
"Snowballs on Summer Solstice Day" promotion (from 1985).

* 2007 Jan. 15 - Pittsburgh Trib p.m., page 9:
(Excerpt from half-page, tabloid-newspaper advertisement
by The Carnegie Science Center)
"Snowball Challenge!
Anyone who brings a snowball to Carnegie Science Center on the Summer
Solstice, June 21, will receive FREE general admission. Plan ahead and
make your snowball as soon as you can!"
Reuse of original Buhl Planetarium promotion from mid-1980s !

* Pittsburgh Public Transit Agency Proposes Drastic Service Cuts
effective 2007 June 24, Fare Increase effective 2008 Jan. 1.

* "Update" Year-End Report for 2008 December:
Buhl Planetarium and Carnegie Library

* 2006 Annual News Update: Buhl Planetarium

* News Release - 2006 Nov. 28:

THIS MONTH'S
ASTRONOMICAL CALENDAR

Past Months/Calendar Archives
Astro-Glossary of Terms Used
10,000 Year Calendar

2009 November
American Diabetes Month

Meteor Showers:
* South Taurid Meteor Shower: Nov. 5
* North Taurid Meteor Shower: Nov. 12
* Leonid Meteor Shower: Nov. 17

Autumn Foliage Report:
PA * OH * WV * MD
NE USA * SE USA
Midwest USA
"The Foliage Network"
Peak Viewing Maps
National Forests:
Eastern Region * Home Page
Why Leaves Change Color

Moon Phases:
Today Next 27.322 Days
(Orbital Period)

Constellations *** Star Chart
View ISS (Space Station)

Astronomical Glossary
of Terms Used

* Sun., Nov. 1, 2:00 a.m. EDST - DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS - Change in Federal law thus that return to Standard Time occurs 2:00 a.m. EDST (which becomes 1:00 a.m. EST) on Sunday, November 1.

* Sun., Nov. 1, 3:00 a.m. EST - Mars 0.05 degree south of Beehive Star Cluster (M44).

* Sun., Nov. 1, 9:00 p.m. EST - Venus 4 degrees north of Star Spica.

* Mon., Nov. 2, 2:14 p.m. EST - Full Moon (Hunters' Moon or Beaver Moon).

* Wed., Nov. 4, 12:00 Midnight EST - Moon 0.02 degree south of Pleiades Star Cluster (M45).

* Thur., Nov. 5, 3:00 a.m. EST - Mercury in superior conjunction with Sun (Mercury not visible).

* Thur., Nov. 5, 5:00 a.m. EST - Peak of South Taurid Meteor Shower

* Fri., Nov. 6, 6:00 a.m. EST - Moon 0.9 degree north of M35 Star Cluster.

* Fri., Nov. 6, 1:59 p.m. EST - Double-shadow (shadows of 2 Galilean Moons) transit on Jupiter; visible, with difficulty, through telescope.

* Sat., Nov. 7, 1:42 a.m. EST - Actual Astronomical Cross-Quarter Day Samhain or "All-Hallowsmas" (fourth and last actual cross-quarter day of the year); also see traditional cross-quarter day.

* Sat., Nov. 7, 2:00 a.m. EST - Moon at perigee: 368,903 kilometers.

* Mon., Nov. 9, 1:00 a.m. EST - Mars 3 degrees north of Moon.

* Mon., Nov. 9, 10:56 a.m. EST - Last Quarter Moon.

* Thur., Nov. 12, 5:00 a.m. EST - Peak of North Taurid Meteor Shower

* Thur., Nov. 12, 8:00 p.m. EST - Saturn 8 degrees north of Moon.

* Nov. 15 to 21 - Winter Safety Awareness Week (Ohio)

* Mon., Nov. 16, 2:14 p.m. EST - New Moon: Lunation 1075.

* Tue., Nov. 17 - Mercury at aphelion.

* Tue., Nov. 17, 11:00 a.m. EST - Peak of Leonid Meteor Shower

* Sun., Nov. 22, 3:00 p.m. EST - Moon at apogee: 404,733 kilometers.

* Mon., Nov. 23, 5:00 p.m. EST - Jupiter 4 degrees south of Moon.

* Tue., Nov. 24, 4:39 p.m. EST - First Quarter Moon.