By Janessa Bretner
Science, Math and Options Teacher SW Junior High

Science 9 students attended a field trip to the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. Students engaged with astrophysicists who shared insights into the technologies and methods used to explore the universe. During the visit, students participated in a hands-on field activity using surveying equipment and applied their understanding of scale factor and parallax to calculate distances.

Researchers also shared details about their current work, including their studies of a distance exoplanet, and two colliding galaxies. One of the highlights of the trip was touring the observatory’s three telescopes. Students also had the rare opportunity to hold a piece of an asteroid and use specialized solar telescopes to observe the sun.