CAMPUS LIFE

MAY 2, 2022 | NORTHERNIOWAN.COM | VOLUME 118, ISSUE 54

View the night sky with UNI’s Observatory Show

EMMA KOEHLER

Staff Writer

A group of roughly 20 individuals gathered around the polar bear artifact showcased within McCollum Science Hall at promptly 9 p.m. on April 28, unsure of what to exactly expect as they anticipated the start of UNI’s Observatory Show. Led by Professor of Astronomy and Department Head, Professor Siobahn M. Morgan and student assistant Billy Lange, participants trekked up several flights of stairs onto the rooftop of McCollum where they could view constellations in the night sky as well as UNI’s own telescope.

On this night, conditions for star gazing were not ideal, as it was chilly, windy and the sky was hazy. But many stars and constellations could still be seen every so often, as the clouds would drift apart, and the sky would open for a few short minutes at a time.

“Even though it was cloudy, I still had an amazing time learning about different stars and constellations!” said junior English education major, Kennedy Halsrud. Guided by a wooden platform decorated with red lights, the group carefully made their way across the expanse of the roof and gathered around to listen to Lange’s vast knowledge of the night sky. Pointing with a red light saber, Lange explained the stories of Greek mythology relating to constellations, such as Cassiopeia. He also highlighted the zodiac signs that could be viewed during this time of the year, such as one bright star the group could see within the constellation of Taurus. Morgan guided the group into and around UNI’s telescope, housed in what resembles a bullet-shaped hatch of a building. The building itself rotates and opens a portion to the night sky, allowing the telescope direct view to any object of viewing interest. Morgan also explained how telescopes work: gathering an image through collection of light with curved mirrors. UNI’s telescope has the capability to stay trained upon an object in the sky for long periods of time by following its movement.

As it was such a hazy night, the telescope was not focused onto any specific stars or other astronomical objects. However, a southeastern star made a brief appearance, and three lucky individuals had the opportunity to view it through the telescope before it was hidden again in the haze. Despite the imperfect sky conditions, Morgan and Lange provided a great opportunity for students and the public to learn and gain a great view of the night sky. Keep in mind, some patience is required as the night sky operates all on its own.

“Although it was cloudy, it was still a beautiful experience and I’d love to go again!” said freshman biology major Samantha Dick.

Emma Koehler / Northern Iowan

Every Thursday during the last few weeks of the semester, McCollum Science Hall hosts an observatory show from 9-10 p.m.

Emma Koehler / Northern Iowan

Even with the not so ideal stargazing conditions, atendees were still able to see a few constellations at the observatory.

DIGITAL MEDIA

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Beyond the Upper Midwest Emmy Foundation, various Digital Media students received recognition for their work at the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival. Founded in 2001, it is an outlet for the best Iowa filmmakers at Student, Pro-Am, and Professional levels to showcase their work to the public. Two UNI students were award recipients of the festival’s Eddy Awards. Eddy Awards, as presented on the festival’s website, are: “(The term Eddy) is defined as ‘a current moving contrary to the direction of the main current,’ which is a suitable description for independent filmmakers, who often go against the current trends in mainstream cinema.” Held Easter weekend, class of 2019 graduate Tarrell Christie was the recipient of the Student Long Form Gold Eddy for his direction in the film “Flava.” Jenna Wilson was the recipient of the Student Freestyle Silver Eddy for her music video titled “Ticks.” Some nominees and finalists have waited years for recognition as past festivals were postponed due to COVID-19. Wilson, a senior digital production major and Silver Eddy recipient explains the timeline between submitting her work and being awarded. “This project was originally my final project for Digital Media Production 1 with Professor Soans back in the fall of 2019. I submitted it to this festival early 2020. I was then selected as a finalist, but with the pandemic, things were pushed back, and the festival wasn’t held until this year,” she said. Five other UNI current students and recent graduates were selected as finalists. Jacob Ruth and Kaylee Daniels for their direction, production and editing of “Finding a Forever Home,” writer and director Kazek Israni-Winger created “The Idea List (of how to get my purse back),” Jasmine Aquino for the direction of “This Is For Her” and lastly, Director Quinn Rauchenecker for “Weeds in the Garden.” Many of these projects and films are available on Youtube for public viewing. Or at the request of the students. These students have put in an immense amount of work to be recognized statewide and regionally. All are encouraged to watch these award-worthy pieces. Wilson explains why it is essential to support and appreciate student work. “It definitely feels good when something you spent time and effort creating is shared and awarded. I feel a sense of validation in what I am doing. This recognition will drive me to keep working hard and achieve new goals,” Wilson said.

MAY 2, 2022 | NORTHERNIOWAN.COM | VOLUME 118, ISSUE 54 Panther Portrait: CAB Concert