Posted by Davin Flateau on 27 Feb 2006 at 4:04 pm.
Filed under General, Astronomy.
Andrew Shaner of the University of Arizona writes us that great things happen when kids and space get together:
This image was taken by a camera on a high altitude balloon two weeks ago. This image was taken at an altitude of over 95,000 ft.
This balloon launch was part of the Changes in Altitude program sponsored by the Arizona Space Grant Consortium, Northern Arizona University, and the Phoenix Mission E/PO program. The camera was part of a payload that was designed, built, and programmed by a group of middle school kids from Picacho Peak Middle School which is about 45 miles northwest of Tucson. If you think these kids are not absolutely thrilled by this, you should check your pulse. Especially since they were up until midnight the night before trying to finish the payload and still weren’t sure if it would work. I haven’t had a chance to talk to the kids yet, but I’m sure they are freaking out.
SpaceGrant is funded by NASA as part of NASA’s education and public outreach. If one of NASA’s education goals is to “inspire and excite” students to become scientists and engineers, which I believe Changes in Altitude does, it makes you wonder why they cut education budgets for future missions by 75%.
Rita Shaner on 27 Feb 2006 at 4:19 pm: 1
How exciting to read Andy’s email in
How exciting to read Andy’s email in Stars Over Kansas!
Peggy Barrington on 28 Feb 2006 at 12:35 am: 2
Very interesting article and the picture is simply fantastic..! Way to go Kids…!
Sue Frazier on 28 Feb 2006 at 9:30 am: 3
This sounds like a wonderful program! What a marvelous motivational tool. Two thumbs up!
Davin Flateau on 28 Feb 2006 at 4:34 pm: 4
Andrew will be joining Exploration Place for AstroFest 2006 on May 6! Workshop, lecture, and activities! Details about the event are coming soon!