On Thursday 6/26, I, Chuck Schlemm, Nashville Outpost of the Moon Society, did an astronomy presentation for 11 Junior Rangers and 4 leaders at Hidden Lake Trails from 8:30-9:30 am.
I used posters and planet models to discuss the Earth and Moon, solar system, stars, constellations, star clusters, novas, galaxies and more. Their interest was high and they had a lot of good questions. Pics below.
I showed them scale Earth and Moon globes and their travel time and distance apart compared to LEO spacecraft, the Moon’s phases, and its near vs far side. I talked about Apollo and Artemis missions.
They all experienced the gravity differences between Earth and the Moon and Mars, Phobos and Jupiter using my “planetary milk jugs” demonstration.
I explained a little about telescopes and they got to look through the my 8” Dobsonian scope at some distant leaves. No sun viewing due to clouds. We even had to scramble under cover from some rain. I did invite them to Friday night’s star party in Montgomery Bell State Park.
The JR leaders Lisa and Sydnie thanked me for my program and planned with me to come back in the future.
Chuck Schlemm
Nashville Outpost of the Moon Society
NASA Solar System Ambassador
