Notes On Stargazing, For 9th Grade Astrochemists

Dear Families of 9th Grade Astrochemists,

Your student has an exciting choice for their assignment, this weekend. The class is thinking about space; specifically how electromagnetic radiation can unlock secrets about stars and nebulae. They are really knowledgeable. You should ask them about it!

Every December, Earth travels through space dust created from a nearby asteroid named 3200 Pheathon. The dust from this asteroid is mostly pebble-sized or smaller, but some bits can be as large as a golf ball. These small pieces of rock burn up and disintegrate as they enter our atmosphere, creating flashes of color and streaks of light. Some larger Geminid meteors will create brilliant green or orange fireballs.

The peak time to view the Geminid meteor shower is between 3am to 5am this Monday morning, December 14. Astrochemistry students have the opportunity to choose between a "normal" stargazing activity and an "extreme" stargazing activity. The "extreme" activity is to wake up and go outside to watch the Geminid meteor shower between 3am and 4:30am, Monday morning! Many in the class have chosen this option. I did have the students "lock in" to their choice, but we talked about checking in with parents to confirm they are allowed to do the "extreme" version! Whatever you say, goes!

The students who are going to watch the meteor shower in the wee hours only need to do so for 25 minutes. It would be a good idea to prepare the evening before with a lawn chair in place, and warm coats and blankets ready to go at the door. Adult support to *actually* get students out of bed would be a huge help but of course the entire endeavor can be their responsibility.

Students who have chosen the "normal" path still have an exciting assignment involving the stars at night, but it can be completed at any time of night, on any day this weekend. They have all the needed details.

Regardless of what path your student takes this weekend, my hope is that these assignments help them UNPLUG and truly have time to consider their place in our vast world.

Ad Astra,

Molly Holden

Natural Sciences and Music
Dean of the Class of 2022