Maria Mitchell Association Monthly e-Comet Newsletter | |
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Dear Friends –
March is Women's History Month, and I'd like to recognize the remarkable women who honor the legacy of Maria Mitchell. We are grateful to have a team of brilliant, dedicated stewards who are experts in history, science, astronomy, education, and leadership, who are truly helping to change the world.
I invite you to consider this—in what ways have you been inspired by the contributions of women in your life? Jane Goodall, Georgia O'Keefe, Mary Jackson, and Maya Angelou are four who come to my mind. Goodall's work as an anthropologist, O'Keefe's work as an artist, Mary Jackson's work as a mathematician and scientist, Angelou's work as a writer, all changed the path for women.
The MMA has a long heritage of nurturing women in astronomy, and Nantucket has a long history of being a place where women were leaders. Maria and her contemporaries led the way for women to be recognized for their achievements. We recognize all the women on our island who contribute to the fabric of this community, and who lift other women up to do the same, and we thank the men who believe in and support our rights and agency.
Our future is bright,
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Save the Date: Our Stargazer Gala is July 27 | |
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We are all explorers of the natural world.
Caravan with us to the shores of Polpis Harbor, to a field of tents, where we'll dine and dance under the very stars that have guided the explorers before us.
July 27, 2023 | 6:30pm. Tickets available in May.
Please email Logan Gomes regarding sponsorship opportunities.
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In honor of Women's History Month, the MMA and the NHA will focus on Nantucket Women as the theme for their On the Road collaboration—a series of talks and presentations about Nantucket history, hosted at senior centers around the island. These presentations are free and open to all. | |
After School & School Break Discovery Programs | |
On island for February Break? It's not too late to sign up for our School Break Discovery program happening this week. Registration sign-up is per day, and the cost is $25. Register below for Thursday, March 2, or Friday, March 3. | |
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Additional opportunities to attend our Discovery Series this month include:
- Afterschool Discovery Series, March 7-9, grades 1-5
- Afterschool Discovery Series, March 14-16, grades 1-5
- Early Release Day, March 15, grades 1-5
Details and sign-up links can be found on the link below.
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Keep Calm and Bird On
By Ginger Andrews
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"If you don't look, you don't see. You have to go and look."
-Edith Andrews
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"March is a tough month for birds as well as birders—the seesaw between winter and spring continues." | |
"All About Octopuses" with Jack Dubinsky | |
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As part of this year's One Book One Island initiative, MMA Aquarium Director, Jack Dubinsky, will host a talk about the unique biology of octopuses, with a focus on examining some of the common myths about these peculiar cephalopods. He will also share some of his favorite stories from raising Cthulhu, our mischievous octopus.
March 30, 2023
5:30-6:30pm
Whaling Museum, 13 Broad Street
This event is free to all. Click the link below to register through the Nantucket Historical Association (NHA).
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"Soul of the Ocean" Exhibition | |
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The MMA will collaborate with the Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) for the opening reception of their One Book One Island exhibition. The theme of the show is "Soul of the Ocean," to go along with the book's title, "Soul of an Octopus." MMA Aquarium Director, Jack Dubinsky, and MMA Natural Science Museum Director, Izzy Gaw, will represent the MMA with our mobile touch tank! This exhibition is open to all.
March 24, 2023
4-5:30pm
Please check the AAN’s website for more details closer to the event.
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Image courtesy of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This photo was captured by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) on March 20, 2019. | |
The spring, or vernal, equinox will occur March 20, 2023, at 4:17pm on Nantucket. An equinox is the moment the Sun shines directly on Earth's equator, creating nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of fall in the Southern Hemisphere. | |
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Looking Skyward
Listen to the podcast "Looking Skyward," with MMA Director of Astronomy, Dr. Regina Jorgenson as she discusses the latest news in the world of astronomy on the local NPR station. This podcast is released every other week with CAI's John Basile.
Listen here!
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The Nature of Nantucket and The Star Report
Check out our own podcast, "The Nature of Nantucket," brought to you by 97.7 ACKFM. This program airs on 97.7 every Sunday at 7:20am. You can listen to full episodes on Apple or Spotify. While you're there, don't forget to check out our weekly "Star Report," written and presented by MMA astronomy research fellows.
Listen here!
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Maria Mitchell's Attic
Learn more about Maria Mitchell and the MMA with "Maria Mitchell's Attic," a blog written on a weekly basis by MMA Deputy Director and Curator, Jascin Leonardo Finger.
Read here!
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Our MMA gift selection includes cold weather goodies, science-themed pet supplies, and other gifts that represent the nature and history of Nantucket and the MMA. Stop by the Hinchman House Natural Science Museum gift shop Friday through Sunday, or shop online anytime! | |
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The Maria Mitchell Association creates opportunities for all to develop a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island.
Support the Maria Mitchell Association:
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