Day 2

On Monday we spent time learning about the atoms and molecules that permeate space, and how to identify them. We also learned how to measure distances using just a ruler, your arm, your fist, and your pinky. Astronomers use "parallax", or the apparent change in the position of an object when the observer moves, to measure distances to the nearest stars. We also spent some time building hand-held telescopes, and models of the solar system. The day was capped off with a tour of the night sky in the UW planetarium. The forecast for the rest of the week is much better, so we will finally get some opportunities to see the night sky for ourselves!

Pictures from Day 2














Building spectroscopes












Using spectroscopes to identify different types of atoms.

























Learning about parallax












Practicing parallax before going outside and measuring the distance to a distant object like a far-off tree.
























Planetarium show