August is a great time to look up for meteoric activity! Watching these streaks of light can be a magical experience, especially when we let our imaginations run wild. If you tend to dwell in the land of “what ifs” or simply are in the mood for an astronomical change, check out these reads and resources.
READ: Quincredible Volume 1 by Rodney Barnes
After a mysterious meteor shower makes him invulnerable but with no other powers to complement it, Quinton West realizes, with the help of his new superhero mentor, that he can use his quirky hobby of creating Rube Goldberg devices to outsmart the opposition.
Questions to think about while you read:
- How do you feel about the author’s incorporation of cosmic elements into the story?
- In what ways does this graphic novel affect your thinking about outer space?
- Which passages involving “The Event” stand out to you? Why?
LISTEN: YouTube: Live Stream of Perseids Meteor Shower
Join the Lowell Observatory, located in Arizona, as they break down meteor science for amateur astronomers. Learn more about the origins and significance of meteors while Research Assistant Megan Gialluca uses the All-Sky Camera at the Lowell Discovery Telescope to showcase the 2020 Perseids meteor shower, which occurs annually between mid-July and late August.
Questions to think about while you listen:
- In what ways are your observations and discoveries valuable to astronomers?
- Where might be a good spot in and around Jacksonville to hunt for meteors? Why?
- How did this presentation satisfy or further spark your curiosity about meteors?
EXPLORE: Astro-Poetry
Capture your feelings about the night sky on paper! If you have not yet had any success hunting for meteors, take a look at some of NASA's Astronomy Pictures of the Day for inspiration.
Not sure where to start? Pay attention to the details of the object, particularly its lighting or structure, and brainstorm a variety of nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs that describe it. As soon as a word comes to mind, write it down on a notecard. Once you have about 30 words, spread out your notecards and mix and match as you see fit, using words such as like, than, as, etc. to form phrases and sentences.
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all teen programs and events offered this week.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
