Northwest Florida Astronomy Association Gives Hands-on Presentation to WMS 8th Graders
March 30, 2017
On Thursday, March 29th, the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association gave a hands-on presentation to Walton Middle School eighth grade science students about the sun and other stars. The group brought four different telescopes so students could look at the sun safely. They brought a hydrogen alpha telescope that only allows red light in to view the prominences and granulation of the sun. The second telescope was a spectroscope for viewing elements in the solar atmosphere. Another telescope allowed students to view the sun's outline and used the power of the sun to start a fire through the lens. A fourth telescope used a stainless steel lens to filter light, allowing students to see sunspots. Students were also given special glasses, which allowed them to look directly at the sun. Walton Middle School graciously thanks the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association for taking time to give students this phenomenal opportunity. Submitted by Kristen Rhodes.