Mission: Astronomy (Grades 4-10)

Participants get hands on with astronomy including a start party where attendees and their families will enjoy exploring the sky together. Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure with Mission: Astronomy 1! This exciting course takes students on a journey through the stars, exploring the wonders of celestial objects, space, and the universe with hands on activities. Participants will love learning about the fascinating history of astronomy and the amazing electromagnetic spectrum. We'll dive into the colorful world of visible light and the mysterious realm of radio waves, discovering how each helps us unlock the secrets of space. Plus, we'll explore the cool ways scientists are using these tools to study the cosmos. Join us for a stellar experience that's fun for all - and ends with a star party included for the entire family! 🚀✨🌌 Students will participate in four primary hands on activities: • Studying the sun by remotely controlling and collecting data leveraging a 34-meter diameter radio telescope located in the Mojave Desert in California. This portion of the program is facilitated and made possible by the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope (GAVRT)(If telescope is available for use). • Studying the sun leveraging a telescope with a solar filter. Students will be able to take pictures of the sun that will be emailed to them following the conclusion of the program. • Building a simple refracting telescope. • That night we will take a tour of the sky, observing the moon, planets, and deep space objects leveraging Gateway's telescopes. (This portion of the program is delivered offsite the evening of the course and is open to the immediate family of each student. In the event of an overcast sky, an alternate date for this portion of the program will be scheduled.) Students who have participated in Mission: Astronomy 1 will have the opportunity to engage in future missions through GAVRT focused on the search for black holes and studying Jupiter. The class will be delivered in two sections. The first section will be delivered at Gateway from 11AM to 4:00PM. The second section will be held from 8-10 PM at a nearby location (less than 10 minutes from Gateway) with a field with a limited amount of light pollution and a great view of the sky! The address for the second section will be provided at the time of registration. The entire family is welcome to join the second section of the course. Students should bring a sack lunch for the daytime portion of the program.