Maria Mitchell Association Monthly e-Comet Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we come to the close of the year, we’ve been reflecting on the impact we have on science and in turn, our world. For more than 100 years, we’ve been cultivating thinkers and scientists, nurturing curious minds, and connecting learners of all ages to nature. We’ve mentored hundreds of interns in astronomy, natural science, history, and marine biology. Your support helps us change the world – one intern, one visitor, one camper, one explorer of the natural world at a time. 

We are grateful for all the ways your support shows up – ideas, volunteerism, art, research, restoration, environmental stewardship, time, and of course dollars. It is truly these diverse ways of giving that enriches the culture of our organization and in turn the fabric of our community. Thank you. 

Wishing you all peace during this holiday season,

Joanna Roche

Executive Director

jroche@mariamitchell.org

Natural Science Museum Open on Weekends,

Museum Programming and Ginger's Bird Walks

While we button up our properties for the winter, we wanted to remind you that our Natural Science Museum is open on weekends through December 16! Visit us on: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10AM - 2PM

We are also offering weekly museum programming until December 16.

RAVENOUS REPTILES, BUG BONANZAS, and NATURE STORY HOURS

Nantucket Bird Walks continue with Ginger Andrews

December 3, 10 & 17 from 1:45PM - 4PM

Complimentary "Look Up" Stargazing Nights at Loines Observatory

December 1, 8 & 15 from 6:30PM - 7:30PM

Gifting That Has Impact

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new MMA online store!

As you make your way down your holiday shopping list this year, consider giving gifts that have an impact. Your support enables us to cultivate and serve future leaders in science and education.

REU Interns to Present at the American Astronomical Society in 2023

In January, the REU interns and the MMA Astronomy team head to Seattle, Washington for the 241st annual American Astronomical Society (AAS) Meeting to present their summer research findings. Each summer, six college students participate in the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Astronomy internship, funded by the National Science Foundation. The interns conduct their own individual research projects, as well as lead twice-weekly Open Nights at Loines Observatory. According to Dr. Jorgenson, MMA’s Director of Astronomy, "The AAS meeting is both a highlight and the grand conclusion of the summer research experience for each student. The interns work hard all summer and this is their chance to share their research with professional astronomers from around the world. This summer’s interns were fantastic ambassadors for the Maria Mitchell Association and science on Nantucket Island.”

Women Scientists Roundtable Discussion

Date: Friday, December 9th

Time: 7PM — 8:30 PM 

Location: Great Hall, Nantucket Atheneum

Host: Dr. Kimal McCarthy (DEI Director)

Dr. Sarah Treanor Bois is the Director of Research and Education for the Linda Loring Nature Foundation (LLNF) on Nantucket. Dr. Bois is a plant ecologist, her research has focused on a myriad of conservation and biodiversity topics. Dr. Bois received her Ph.D. from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Valerie Hall is an educator at heart. Known throughout the community as Val, Dr. Hall taught and implemented a 9th grade Marine Science curriculum at Nantucket High School from 1976 to 2004. Dr. Hall earned her M.Sc. Marine Biology from Boston University in 1984 and continued to teach Marine Science up to her retirement. After, Dr. Hall entered the graduate program in Marine Science and Technology at the University of Massachusetts and was awarded her Ph.D. in 2014. 

Dr. Regina Jorgenson is the Director of Astronomy at the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA). Dr. Jorgenson received a B.S. in physics from the University of Puget Sound and a M.S. and Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, San Diego. Prior to starting at the MMA, Dr. Jorgenson held research positions in the United Kingdom and Hawai’i where she used the largest optical telescopes in the world to unravel the mysteries of galaxy formation in the early universe.

Dr. Jennifer Karberg is the Director of Research and Partnerships for the Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Nantucket. Dr. Karberg is a wetland and plant ecologist and her research on Nantucket focuses on salt marsh ecology and wetlands coastal resilience. Dr. Karberg received her Ph.D. from Michigan Tech University in 2008 studying carnivorous plant ecology.

Question and Answer will be hosted by Danielle O’Dell, Wildlife Research Ecologist at Nantucket Conservation Foundation, and Jónelle Gurley, Director of Science and Programming at Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association.

Sponsored by the Town of Nantucket’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office and the Nantucket Atheneum.

Help Us Change the World

Here are four ways you can support the MMA this holiday season.

Join, Renew, or Gift a Membership

Our members receive unlimited complimentary admission to our properties and Open Nights, invites to workshops and private events, and more. Learn more about memberships here.

Support our Year-End Campaign

Your generosity has an immediate impact on our ability to cultivate and serve future leaders in science and education. Click here to make your contribution and join us in changing the world.

Shop our Online Store

Our MMA swag selection includes plenty of cold-weather goodies for the holiday season—to gift or to keep! Shop our online store here.

Use AmazonSmile 

AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice, every time you shop, at no cost to you.

• Visit smile.amazon.com.
• Sign in with your Amazon account.
• Search for and select Maria Mitchell Association from the list of charities.
• Start shopping! Remember to checkout at smile.amazon.com (tip: create a bookmark in your web browser for quicker access).

Keep Calm and Bird On

By Ginger Andrews

"If you don't look, you don't see. You have to go and look."

-Edith Andrews

Perhaps the biggest challenge to winter birding on Nantucket is not the cold as measured by thermometer, but the wind. Wind’s icy fingers, at about 25-30 MPH, can penetrate most clothing. Yes, layers are important. But the real trick comes in always trying to find a lee in which to set up a scope. A dune, a bush, or with enough space to angle it as a windbreak, your car, can make the difference between invigorating and bone-chilling. Another tip is to pick the location to get the sun behind you, so it illuminates the scene rather than shining into your eyes.

Initial Assessment Shows Excellent Performance for Artemis Moon Rocket

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket performed with precision, meeting or exceeding all expectations during its debut launch on Artemis I. The world’s most powerful rocket set NASA’s Orion spacecraft on course for a journey beyond the Moon and back, and laying the foundation for the first mission with astronauts on Artemis II and humanity’s return to the lunar surface beginning with Artemis III.



“The first launch of the Space Launch System rocket was simply eye-watering,” said Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager. “While our mission with Orion is still underway and we continue to learn over the course of our flight, the rocket’s systems performed as designed and as expected in every case.”



NASA Press Release November 30,2022

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!

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.

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