In the past few days, I’ve had the pleasure to learn about a woman in Chicago who is truly taking the ideals of astronomy outreach and education to heart. Her name is Audrey Fischer, and she’s a member of the Chicago Astronomical Society. Currently, Audrey is working on two proposals to help spread astronomy education and get children excited about this science. And she’s allowed me to share with you one idea that I find just fascinating.
It’s called StarParks, and it’s a program for Boy and Girl Scouts to build awareness about light pollution and improve dark skies in their areas. In this program, scouts first would learn the basics of light pollution (i.e. understand its effect on people, nature, the environment, and the night sky; know how to identify a good light fixture versus one that contributes to light pollution). Then, they would choose particular sites that are of concern in their areas (ballparks, play grounds, national parks, parking lots, etc.) and petition to make changes to these locations so they can be dark-sky friendly (and become “StarParks”). All efforts would be recognized with certificates, but a telescope would be given in honor of an effort that had significant results. An additional goal would be to have a sponsor adopt one of these StarParks and build an observatory for the children there.
According to Fischer, a recent meeting has determined that StarParks will get its first introduction to scouts Saturday, October 25 at the Out of This World Webelos Campfire and Boy Scouts Camporall in Willow Springs, Illinois. Other members of the Chicago Astronomical Society will be there with their scopes, StarPals, and a computer hook up for robotic astrophotography in New Mexico.
I hope Fischer has great success with this outreach endeavor and her other projects as well. Her enthusiasm for astronomy is one I greatly admire.