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A World of Discovery: The DeSantis Family Observatory
In Tower Hill’s new Introduction to Astronomy class, students are not told the speed of light. They use a high-powered telescope to photograph the moons of Jupiter and then make the calculation. The observational approach helps students better understand how scientists learn about the universe and verify results.
“How do we know what we know, and how can we figure these things out?” says Science Department Chair Tom Hoch. “Those are the kinds of questions we explore, and then we do it ourselves.”
Hoch developed the course in conjunction with the opening of the DeSantis Family Observatory in the Math and Science Center this fall for seniors to study outer space while incorporating math and physics.
The facility has a reflecting telescope to examine the moon, stars and planets; a solar telescope to look at the sun; and satellite-synced software that can direct the telescope to focus on specific targets. The one-semester elective class starts with the solar system and progresses to black holes, galaxies and the cosmos, with history and folklore woven into students’ lessons.
Hoch developed the course in conjunction with the opening of the DeSantis Family Observatory in the Math and Science Center this fall for seniors to study outer space while incorporating math and physics.
The facility has a reflecting telescope to examine the moon, stars and planets; a solar telescope to look at the sun; and satellite-synced software that can direct the telescope to focus on specific targets. The one-semester elective class starts with the solar system and progresses to black holes, galaxies and the cosmos, with history and folklore woven into students’ lessons.
“Their minds just start spinning,” Hoch says. “The connections are endless.”
Recently in class students were able to view a solar flare — a phenomenon that causes minor disruptions to satellite and internet communications. The nine-foot observatory dome opens and rotates, and students are trained to operate the telescopes. Some class sessions take place in the evenings for better visibility.
The finely calibrated equipment is comparable to that in the Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory in Greenville. In fact, Hoch has worked closely with Mount Cuba’s lead astronomer, Greg Weaver, to get Tower Hill’s facility up and running.
The finely calibrated equipment is comparable to that in the Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory in Greenville. In fact, Hoch has worked closely with Mount Cuba’s lead astronomer, Greg Weaver, to get Tower Hill’s facility up and running.
No other school in the state has such an observatory, and Hoch says teachers from other schools are already interested in visiting for field trips. In the near future, Hoch hopes to open use up to lower and middle school students and hold public stargazing events.
The telescopes were donated by the family of Elizabeth Wuerstle, who graduated last spring. Elizabeth had an interest in astronomy and took an independent study course with Hoch last year. Those kinds of experiences can open up new worlds to students and nurture a fascination with science and math.
“There is a small percentage of people who if they look through a telescope, it will literally change their lives,” Hoch says. “It will be an inspiration to learn more.”The telescopes were donated by the family of Elizabeth Wuerstle, who graduated last spring. Elizabeth had an interest in astronomy and took an independent study course with Hoch last year. Those kinds of experiences can open up new worlds to students and nurture a fascination with science and math.
