< Citizen Scientists Track the Skies

Introducing "Citizen Scientists Track the Skies"
by Clare Moran, Anh-Thu Ngo, and Laura Neuhaus

In the era of Cold War politics, the U.S. not only strived to demonstrate the moral superiority of its democratic governance over Communism but also aspired to reign supreme in the domains of scientific and technological advancement, in order to ensure its standing as a world leader. With the Soviet Union as its main rival, the U.S. trained its visions of conquest on territories far and wide, including the cosmos. The Space Race was an integral component of the competition. The pursuit to control the skies occupied many an imagination. Citizens quickly became enthralled with the idea of putting an earthly being or object in orbit. Classroom educations in science, math and technology could be mobilized and translated into practical engagement with the heavens. Teenagers and adults alike built their own telescopes, listened for radio signals, launched model rockets and kept up-to-date with the latest Space Age news.

Out of this citizen fervor grew a movement called Operation Moonwatch, begun in 1956, in Cambridge, MA. Sponsored by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Moonwatch consisted of a corps of amateur scientists who contributed their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to track new satellites. When the Soviet Union launched Sputnik on October 4, 1957, Moonwatchers' activities gained importance in the effort to sight and trace the rival satellite. Their observation and recording abilities were crucial to complement professionals' endeavors, at times blurring the distinction between the two spheres. In the exhibit, we collect their stories and memento objects to showcase the citizen-scientist spirit of the times.

Foyer Exhibition Space, Science Center 371

black foamboard with red LEDs representing Sputnik flying across the sky

shelf with books for public's perusal

period desk/workstation with Sputnik blueprint