National Star Party

By Jim Gerard, INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL

Last night, Wednesday, December 14, the INSPIRE Online Learning Community hosted it's first National Star Party. 84 OLC members took time to step outdoors to join together in an observing network that spanned five time zones! Participants worked from an Observation Plan that asked students to record observations of the night sky. Geared toward naked-eye observations, telescopes or binoculars were welcome. Even those who were clouded out contributed to the observations.

After spending time outside, students returned to the OLC to record their observations in a special quiz. This quiz allowed us to tabulate the data, while providing those students with 25 points for their efforts. A LiveChat room was then opened to allow the participating students a chance to virtually share their observations with each other. Students collective built maps by placing icons representing their observations on a map of the US. They were able to see how location could effect some observations, as well as determine the extent of weather systems that prevented some from seeing the night sky. Today, a quiz based on the LiveChat will open for an additional 25 points. We invite any students who was unable to attend the Star Party to watch the archive of the LiveChat and take the quiz for the same 25 points.

One underlying sentiment in the ongoing chat was the desire to do it again. So we'll be looking for another opportunity for a National Star Party. Until then, keep your eye on the sky! These early winter evenings are perfect for getting some quality star gazing in without being out too late.

Here's to clear skies!