Astrophysics Junior Fellows of the Hayden Planetarium

Assistant Principal, Joseph LaCascia                
Hayden Astrophysics Director, Larry Greenbush

This is a very exclusive program for students interested in Astronomy and Space Science. Students are selected by the Planetarium in Seventh Grade and will continue with the program into high school. They attend the special Planetarium workshops and activities one Saturday a month.

Students to date have viewed a lunar eclipse, visited Columbia University's observatory, participated in a national tour about Mars (an event called Marsapalooza), and sat in on a lecture from visiting astronaut Dave Williams. They have also had Saturday lessons on the geology of Mars, and began to ask the question: What are the conditions necessary for life? Could there have been life on Mars at one time? We have been attempting to answer these questions with museum resources and a combination of astronomy, earth science, and physical science activities. Two of our Hayden Astrophysics students participated in the NYC Science Olympiad and won silver medals in the astronomy event.

"Exploratorium/AMNH, a collection of more than 35 engaging interactive exhibits on loan from the renowned Exploratorium in San Francisco invites visitors to spin, swing, sculpt, and play as they explore fundamental principles in nature from light and reflextions to spinning storms and shifting sand dunes. Drawing on four themes - earth processes, rotation, mirrors and illusion, and pendulums - the exhibition allows audiences of all ages and all levels of scientific knowledge, from preschoolers to professors, to experience firsthand the fun and excitement of scientific discovery."

The rover spirit landed on Mars in Gusev's crater on January 4, 2004; and the rover opportunity followed almost a month later on January 25, 2004 landing at a site named Meridiani Planum. Both have driven off of their platforms and are sending fantastic data back to scientists here on earth. This is a great opportunity to get students involved in science as it happens now. Go to the webpage http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html and use the data in your classroom. This will inspire your students.