On Tuesday, January 28th, Fairbanks’ Best Home School joined the Geophysics Institute for rocket exploration, hands-on activities and Stargaze afternoons inside the planetarium. This event was open to the public for free. Despite their cold winter weather, 200 participants were interested in the scientific efforts of Alaska-based researchers, along with cutting-edge research conducted by NASA rocket scientists.
Family and friends present learned about two NASA rocket missions studying flickering and disappearing aurora. Ground imaging into rocket surveys of the Aurora’s high-speed features (Giraff) and black and diffuse Aurora Scientific Surveyor (Badass). Visitors had the opportunity to sign up for text notifications related to the launch window. The Planetarium presentation touches on some of the big ideas of Heliophysics, along with three questions that drive NASA’s Heliophysics Research.
What is the impact of solar change on humanity? How do Earth, solar system and Heliosphere respond to changes in the sun? What causes the sun to change?
The event also offered hands-on solar-related activities offered by the University of Alaska Northern Museum.
The event was offered to the community in collaboration with the Alaska Science Lecture Series and the 2025 NASA Sound Rocket Campaign. All attendees left something exciting to think about. Parents and educators interested in learning more about Aurora and doing participatory science may check out NASA’s Aurorasaurus Civic Science Project.
The Geophysics Institute at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks is a joint research team of the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (NASA Heat), which is part of NASA’s scientific activation portfolio. Learn more about how Science Activation combines experiences with NASA science experts, content and community leaders to do science in ways that promote a deeper understanding of our world and beyond: https://www. /science.nasa.gov/learn
Aurorasaurus Education Resource List
Fairbanks Best Home School
