2025 Summer Reading Program Theme: Color Our World
Astronomy Twist: Color Our Universe
Our world is filled with color, and that includes our sky! For thousands of years astronomers have been using light - it’s different colors and wavelengths - to study the Universe. Dudley at Siena offers an innovative curriculum that combines art and science to illustrate how astronomers uncover the color of our Universe. Activities can be combined to create a custom program for your library.
Below are some activities we offer. If you have other topics you’d like to cover, please ask and we will try to accommodate.
DIY Spectroscope (middle and high school)
Most appropriate for teens and up, Dr. Townsend will talk about the light spectrum and how it corresponds to different temperatures and energies, and students will create their own spectroscope.
How Telescope Filters Work (elementary, middle, high school)
Students will learn how astronomers use filters to block out certain types of light so they can study extra special things in the Universe.
Seeing Invisible Light (elementary, middle, high school)
Light isn’t always something we can see. Sometimes light is invisible and astronomers need special equipment to see it. Students will explore how seeing this invisible light can reveal hidden patterns.
Color a Supernova (late elementary, middle, high school)
Oh no! The Chandra X-ray Telescope just spotted a supernova, but some of the data has been corrupted! They need you to help figure out what the missing data is and create an image of the newly-discovered supernova!
Nebula Spin Art (elementary, middle, high school)
Nebula are clouds of gas and dust that can either be leftover from a supernova explosion or the birthplace of stars. Astronomers study these objects by looking at the light produced by different elements. Students will learn about nebulae and make their own nebula spin art.
Stained Glass Galaxy (elementary, middle, high school)
Galaxies are made up of billions of stars, and each star has a color. Students will learn about how many of each color star are usually found in galaxies and why their eyes may deceive them.
Bespoke Programming:
As always, many other topics of engaging chats and hands on Astro Labs are available with both predesigned content or we can customize topics and engaging activities suitable for your patrons ages 5 and up. Explore the universe with us for just $175 per hour and embark on an unforgettable journey through the cosmos.
Reach out to us at info@dudleyobservatory.org for more information and to begin designing your library outreach programming today!
If you would like a more immersive nightsky planetarium experience, our StarLab portable planetarium is also available to travel to our library partners. More information about StarLab such as pricing and space restrictions can be found here: https://dudleyobservatory.org/starlab/
