GETU offers a free, immersive astronomy experience led by university astronomers and featuring guest speakers including NASA astronauts, culminating in a day trip to Green Bank Observatory.
The Go Explore the Universe (GETU) program offers middle schoolers an engaging summer experience at the University of Virginia, designed to ignite their interest and curiosity in astronomy and science. The camp provides a comfortable environment that encourages exploration through hands-on activities. Participants will have the opportunity to look at the Sun with solar telescopes, build mock Mars rovers, and simulate a NASA mission to Mars. They will also make real observations with a radio telescope, learn about exoplanets by calculating their sizes, masses, and surface temperatures, and explore historical and current images of the Sun using Helioviewer.org. The program features astronomers as primary leaders and includes guest speakers such as science journalists and NASA astronauts, offering insights into various astronomy-related careers.
A typical day involves hands-on astronomy activities, potentially including solar observations, building models, and learning from astronomers and guest speakers.
This camp is best for middle schoolers eager to explore astronomy and science through interactive experiences and learn from experts in the field.
McCormick Observatory, University of Virginia
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