The Mobile Earth and Space Observatory accompanied by astrophysicists and astronomers will lead four after-school programs next week at Miller Middle School.
Each after-school program will focus on its own space science-themed topic, ranging from telescopes and technology to the science behind gravity and black holes. The Durango Education Foundation and Parent Teacher Organization funded MESO’s scheduled appearance next week from Tuesday through Jan. 28.
The programs are free to access for Durango School District 9-R students as well as students outside of the district, according to Sarah Margoles, eighth grade science teacher at Miller. The programs have limited capacity, so students must RSVP to Margoles (smargoles@durangoschools.org) to ensure a place in the program of their choice.
The programs are scheduled from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, Jan. 27, and from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28.
“Telescopes and Instruments” will be the focus of the Tuesday program and is for grades three to eight with a maximum of 25 students.
The program will teach students how light and information travels. Students will get to build their own spectroscopes.
On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the program topic is “Water in the Solar System,” which will address the possibility of water across the solar system and explain how comets are a source of water on Earth.
Students can create their own comets after learning about the materials real comets are made of, such as frozen water, gasses, organic compounds, dust and particles, according to the event flyer.
“Gravity and Black Holes” can be explored Thursday, Jan. 27.
“Learn how massive objects bend the fabric of space around them and why planets orbit around stars,” says the MESO flyer.
Students will get the chance to model gravitational systems and study the paths of planets in their orbits around the sun. They will also get to learn about Albert Einstein’s influence on scientific understanding with his theory of relativity.
On Friday, Jan. 28, students of all grade levels are invited to attend a “Star Party” where children will get to experiment with MESO equipment, including telescopes, gravity wells, spectroscopy, a sand table and infrared cameras.
Students can also bring their own telescopes.
Masks will be required for all indoor after-school programs.
cburney@durangoherald.com
