Sky & Telescope - February 2022 - 31

PITTS AND SCOPE: THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE; BIG DIPPER: ADE ASHFORD
focusing on creating systems and spaces that are intentionally
focused on inclusion, equity, access, or accessibility, " he
stresses. " Then diversity is the natural result - the evidence
that all of these things are working. "
Thinking back on my own early astronomy experiences, I
reflect on how Pitts's work plays off some of the most classic
concepts found in Newtonian physics. Take, for example,
the famous equation F = ma. The force of an object in motion
(F) equals its mass (m) multiplied by acceleration (a). Now
imagine that the force we're talking about is the effect of
astronomy on a young child and its influence on that child's
future. How do you maximize that force? Increase the acceleration.
Get there fast, don't worry about their age, and just
put them in front of an eyepiece and let them say " Wow! "
over and over again.
Here's another equation: Ff = μFN, where the friction force
(Ff) working against an object's motion is the product of a
friction constant (μ) that's unique to that material, multiplied
by the normal force of the object (FN). When it comes
to engagement, remove the friction. Forget the complex math
and invite an amateur astronomer with a star map to show
them the night sky.
Perhaps most important of all is the gravitational force
equation: F = GMm/r2, where the gravitational force (F)
between two objects is equal to the product of their masses
(M, m) divided by the square of the distance between their
centers of mass (r2), multiplied by the gravitational constant
(G). To really engage with kids, decrease the distance between
them and astronomy to increase the pull of the science. Meet
them where they are - in their neighborhoods and in the
community centers their families already know well.
Do these things, and just like that, astronomy becomes an
egalitarian science. Suddenly, every kid can reach for the stars.
How to Get Involved
Do you want to help share the sky with a kid in need? You
don't need a telescope or an observatory. You don't even need
your own kid.
Mission to Mars launched in January 2022, but you don't
have to wait for the program to come to your region to get
involved. All you need is your knowledge and a local organization
that sponsors out-of-school-time activities. Contact your
library or community center to get started. Offer to come
to their location and host an observing session. Should you
want to leave the center with a gift they can use at future star
parties, consider an inexpensive Galileoscope (available at
galileoscope.org).
Once you're outside with the kids introduce them to the
objects that they're most likely to notice right after sundown:
the Moon and the bright planets. Encourage kids to keep
watching these planets as they move across the sky in the
months that follow. Point out bright stars and invite the kids
EASY TARGETS Even the most casual stargazer is familiar with the
Big Dipper. The asterism is both bright and easily recognized, which
makes it an ideal sight for public observing nights under urban skies.
sk yand tele scope .o r g * FEBRUARY 2022 31
SCOPE PILOT Pitts presides over the Franklin Institute's 10-inch
Zeiss telescope at the Holt & Miller Observatory on the museum's roof.
Visitors can safely observe the Sun as well as objects in the night sky.
to track how their positions change throughout the night
and even the seasons. Get students excited about space-based
science research by spotting the International Space Station
at dusk - an activity that offers a great opportunity to
connect with a human scientific endeavor in real time. Find
an observing schedule for the International Space Station
(including a texting app to alert you when the ISS is visible in
your area) at spotthestation.nasa.gov.
Doesn't this kind of outreach sound like something you'd
like to be a part of? Derrick Pitts and educators like him have
a simple message to share: You can.
¢ Science journalist NICOLE NAZZARO spent many happy
hours visiting the Franklin Institute while growing up in the
Philadelphia area. Today she writes and observes the stars
from her home in Edmonds, Washington.
https://spotthestation.nasa.gov http://www.galileoscope.org
Sky & Telescope - February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sky & Telescope - February 2022
