Observatory Opens Doors to Young Students

Grinnell College’s Summer Astronomy Program for students entering sixth, seventh, or eighth grade this fall offers the opportunity to explore planets, stars, and galaxies.

The program, set for 8 p.m. July 21, 22, and 23, features presentations, activities, and discussions. Weather permitting, each two-hour session will include observing astronomical objects with the telescope at the College's Grant O. Gale Observatory.

The observatory is north of Tenth Avenue and west of the railroad tracks; north of the baseball diamond and track.

Topics to be covered are:

July 21: Planets

What are planets like?

What makes a planet suitable for life?

Is there life elsewhere in our solar system, or in other solar systems?

July 22: Stars

What makes stars shine?

Where do stars come from and why do some of them end their lives as black holes?

What kinds of stars might have planets that could support life?

July 23: Galaxies and the Universe

What is the universe like?

How much do we know about where it came from and what will happen to it in the future?

The program is free and open to students entering sixth, seventh, and eighth grade this fall. Students who will start ninth grade this fall also may attend, if space permits. To register, call 269-3172 by Friday, July 17.

Although participants are encouraged to attend all three sessions, it’s possible to attend one or two. Each student may be accompanied by one adult.

For more information, contact Professor of Physics Bob Cadmus at 269-3016, 269-3014, or 236-8398.