Archive for April 2019
So You Want to Save the Planet
On Monday, your social media was probably filled with beautiful photos of our home planet. If you missed it, April 22 was Earth Day! NASA’s Kepler telescope has discovered over 4,000 exoplanets and many other exoplanet candidates, but as far as we know, Earth is the only planet where we can live, so it’s important…
Read MoreAstronaut Spotlight: Charlie Duke
Astronaut Charlie Duke Charlie Duke was born on October 3rd, 1935 in Charlotte North Carolina. Growing up, he was active in the Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He went on to attend and graduate the U.S. Naval Academy earning degrees in naval science, aeronautics, and astronautics. He cross-commissioned into the United States…
Read MoreHaving a PoSSUM Time!
In late March I had the opportunity to participate in Advanced PoSSUM Academy at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. This academy is run through Project PoSSUM, an organization that focuses on studying a special type of cloud called noctilucent clouds (NLCs), which give clues about climate change. The best way to study these clouds…
Read MoreLook to the Stars
“It’s such a beautiful thing to see!” I told myself after each breathtaking view of the starry night through the telescopes at 3 Rivers Foundation. I’m pretty sure that’s what all of the other ambassadors there also thought. March 29th will probably be one of the most significant moments of my life due to all…
Read MoreThis Month In Zodiac: Aires
Aries, Latin for “ram,” is the zodiac sign from March 21-April 19. In Greek mythology it is said that King Athamas married the cloud nymph Nephele and had twins Phyrixus and Helle. King Athamas then fell in love with Ino and left his nymph wife. Ino became jealous of Phyrixus and Helle and plotted their…
Read MoreLunar Knights and the Search for the Holy Grail
On April 3rd, I had the opportunity to participate in a historic event: the unveiling of a new painting by internationally acclaimed portrait artist Maciej Maga. I knew that the painting was called “Lunar Knights,” perhaps as in those who went to battle in ancient suits of armor, or knights as in the brave. Or…
Read More3, 2, 1… Blast Off!
I have built many rockets in my lifetime. From bottle rockets to big models to ones with eggstronauts. Though, of all the experiences I’ve had building rockets, the one at 3RF was the best. The student ambassadors arrived at 3RF and the Dallas Area Rocketry Society has many of their models on display. My jaw…
Read MoreSo Much Space Deep in the Heart of Texas
7:00 PM March 29th – 9:30 AM March 31st. Those 38 hours were possibly the most packed, fun, and information filled of my life. After landing and nearly getting lost in the Dallas airport, I met up with a few of the ambassadors who I would be driving with to the 3 Rivers Foundation. Although…
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