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Bullfrog Films
P.O. Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
Tel: 610/779-8226
Fax: 610/370-1978
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A Sidewalk Astronomer (Short Version)
John Dobson has revolutionized astronomy and helped thousands to look in wonder at their own universe.
55 minutes
DVD-R version available
(75-minute version also available)
Color / Stereo
Grade Level: 7 - 12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 2006
Copyright Date: 2005
ISBN (VHS): 1-59458-538-5
ISBN (DVD): 1-59458-539-3
Directed by Jeffrey Jacobs
Produced by Jacobs Entertainment, Inc.
Editor: Jean Vitale
Camera: Jeffrey Jacobs
Music: John Angier
Featuring John Dobson
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"An inspiring film about an inspired teacher." Dana Stevens, New York Times
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On any given night around the world, thousands of people peer into deep space because of John Dobson. An 89-year old with a white ponytail and a knack for comedy, John Dobson revolutionized astronomy.
"Possessing a quicksilver wit, a gift for turning a phrase that makes scientific concepts accessible, and an energy that belies his nearly 90 cycles around the sun, Mr. Dobson is one of history's greatest popularizers of science," (Wall Street Journal). He is the inventor of the Dobsonian telescope mount, which changed the field of astronomy dramatically, making telescopes accessible to the public on every continent.
A former Vedanta monk, he is a co-founder of "Sidewalk Astronomers," an organization that encourages amateurs to share their telescopes and knowledge with others on busy city streets and in national parks "so people can see something of the Universe in which they were born."
The film follows John as he tours the country from the sidewalks of San Francisco to Stellafane, a convention of telescope makers in Vermont. It features sequences on sidewalk astronomy, telescope making, the Moon, Sun, major planets, galaxies, Big Bang Theory, and the nature of time and space.
We also get to know Dobson, a fascinating thinker, philosopher, teacher, and human being. This astronomical and cosmological journey is illustrated with actual film footage and stills of space shot from satellites and spacecraft courtesy of NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center and the Hubble Space Telescope Institute.
The DVD version of this program is recorded on DVD-R which is not compatible with some older DVD players. See the new DVD page for more details.
Awards:
Tribeca Film Festival
Singapore International Film Festival
Maine International Film Festival
International Film Festival of the Spirit
Avignon Film Festival
Reviews:
"'A Sidewalk Astronomer' is an inspiring film about an inspired teacher. It should leave all viewers with an ounce of curiosity eager to hit the streets with Dobsonian telescopes of their own." Dana Stevens, New York Times
"This film will thrill astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts. It provides a look into the life and accomplishments of a folk-hero among astronomers, and gives much to ponder about the universe and the nature of time and space. Non-astronomers should find enough to inspire an interest in the universe and its wonders. Recommended, Highly Recommended for astronomers." David Bertuca, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Educational Media Reviews Online
"Here is a spectacular, and masterfully produced presentation, starring the inventor of the Dobson telescope, who boldly and humorously devastates two sacred cows of cosmology, the Big Bang and the expanding universe interpretation of the red shift." 21st Century Science & Technology Magazine
"Resource meets CLRN Review Criteria." California Learning Resource Network
About John Dobson
""It's not that he thinks outside the box," reflects filmmaker Jacobs. "He doesn't even see the box." Or, for that matter, believe in the Big Bang. "First of all, they have it coming out of nothing and that's impossible," he says. "And then they have it coming out of a black hole and that's just as impossible." Dobson believes in something bigger than the bang. "He thinks he's got the secret to the universe," complains one astronomer. Chortles Dobson, "Hundreds of years ago they would have already burned me at the stake." Smithsonian Magazine
Related Subjects:
American Studies
Anthropology
Astronomy
Biography
Environmental Ethics
Humor
Philosophy
Physical Science
Science
Technology and Society
Sociology
Technology
Related Titles:
A Sidewalk Astronomer: John Dobson and his simple telescope mount have revolutionized astronomy.
Galileo's Sons: A rare behind-the-scenes look at the Vatican Observatory, and the cosmological questions tackled by the Jesuit astronomers there.
The Mystery of Chaco Canyon: Unveiling the ancient astronomy of southwestern Pueblo Indians.
The Sun Dagger: The astonishing discovery of an ancient celestial calendar in Chaco Canyon, NM.
In the Light of Reverence: A stunning portrait of land-use conflicts over Native American sacred sites on public and private land around the West.
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