North holds Annual Stargazing Night

On Mon., Nov. 19, 2012, from 6:30-8 p.m., Parkway North will hold its annual Stargazing Night. People can find several student run booths about astronomy, and there will be a telescope on the football field where one can stargaze. This event is hosted by Dr. Karen LaFever’s astronomy/meteorology classes.

“This event will give people a chance to see the sky through a telescope, and get their [astronomy] questions answered from the astronomical society,” said LaFever. “It gives a chance for the community to see what we do at Parkway North. I believe it is important for other schools [and our community] to see the work we do here, since I am very proud of our science program.”

There will be several activities one can find to do at stargazing night.

“We have telescopes outside [on the football field], and the St. Louis astronomical society will be there. In the commons our students will teach a concept of astronomy. Downstairs in the palestra, there will be an interactive star lab,” said LaFever.

There is a wide variety of activities for all ages. For the little kids, there will be “Oreo Cookie Moon Phases,” and there will be an exhibit about space travel for older kids. There will be over a dozen exhibits to view that evening.

“I am going to run the iStronomy booth where I will teach about the planets, stars, consolations through mobile apps,” said junior Kara Jacobson.

At the event, the St. Louis Astronomical society will bring their telescope onto the football field. If the sky is overcast, they have a machine that will make the stars visible through the clouds. “You get to use a high power telescope, and you will see the planets like you’ve never seen them before,” said Jacobson.

This event is open to the entire community. In previous years, members of the Parkway school board and the superintendents attended this event. Also, several Boy and Girl Scout troops attended this as well.

“It a fun free night to spend with your family and friends,” said Jacobson. “You will learn a lot, and have fun learning.”

This event will be held at Parkway North High School from 6-8:30 P.M. (12860 Fee Fee Road St. Louis, MO 63146). There will be another Stargazing Night at an undetermined date in the spring.

by Brandon Fredman