Library’s solar launch party continues despite delayed launch
Alpena — Families gathered in front of the George Fletcher Public Library on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the launch of NASA’s Parker Probe.
There was only one problem. The probe launch was delayed for two weeks. That wasn’t stopping families and the library from celebrating. Kids could look through a solar telescope at the sun, color in hand-drawn space themed pictures from a local artist, learn about solar heat, enjoy a snack, and play with an infrared camera.
“Kids can come in and experiment with things that we have to offer like our inferred camera and they can see the different colors and shades of heat objects give off,” said Department Head of Public Services Christina St. John. “I think being able to have kids do hands on activities such as that inspires them to go into science or think better of science.”
The Parker Probe will become the first space vessel to get within four million miles of the sun’s surface. The launch date is expected to take place between August 11 and August 19. The probe will provide new data on solar activity and make critical contributions to NASA’s ability to forecast major space-weather events that impact life on Earth. For more information on the Parker Probe, visit the website http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/
