As part of Palmetto Bay’s Earth Week activities, the Southern Cross Astronomical Society (SCAS) participated with the village in two locations, according to village spokesman Bill Kress and Barb Yager, SCAS outreach director.
“Monday I did an astronomical program for about 25 fifth graders in their Perrine Elementary School Library and displayed Spaceweather and NASA photos,” Yager said.
“Tuesday I did another one hour program for 125 students from first through sixth grade in the large vestry of Christ Fellowship Church, at 8900 SW 168 St. Then they all lined up to see my NASA and astronomical photos before going to the large chickee outside to line up for safe solar viewing where Mike Smith, SCAS’s solar expert, had his large 11-inch diameter telescope aimed at the Sun with the professional filter that protects our eyes from UV rays to prevent blindness.”
Although minimal activity occurred on the solar surface, Yager reports that she displayed a large poster showing the Sun and the protective magnetic field that surrounds Earth, and that she fielded lots of questions from some very bright students.
Bill Kress said he was impressed with the presentation.
“This was the perfect turnkey event for the village,” Kress said. “The SCAS provided a great program for the kids that fit in with Earth Week activities and we were pleased to have them participate.”
