Students will explore three research telescopes and investigate the science of astronomy.
At a radio telescope, students will discuss the idea of light and the limitations of our eyes. After a short drive (5 min) up Mount Locke to the Harlan J. Smith Telescope, students will ascend to the dome floor to observe telescope motion and learn how telescopes collect light. The last stop will bring students to the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, one of the largest telescopes in the world. Students will explore the engineering of a multi-mirror telescope and be inspired by the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment.
Extended: See the Sun
If your time allows, add an additional learning opportunity for your students to experience a live exploration of the Sun (weather permitting).
For groups 35 or fewer, students will work outside safely operating solar telescopes and searching for sunspots. For larger groups, students will explore the Sun in our theater where live solar images are projected on a screen.