Transit of Venus: KHS Science Campers Get Once in Lifetime Opportunity

The timing of hosting its first summer science camps couldn't be more perfect to spark young peoples' interest in the field of astronomy.

About 25 campers in Kirkwood High School's Astronomy Camp will observe the Transit of Venus starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Not only do campers get to witness the Transit of Venus but they get to do so under the guidance of experts using state-of-the-art technology.

Physics and space and planetary science teacher explains how students will experience the significant astronomical event:

A group of about 5 students will kick off the night by observing the Transit of Venus around 5 p.m. The majority of campers will arrive by 6:30 or 7 p.m. to observe the transit and participate in outside activities using the iPads to observe the constellations. Campers will be inside the Earl and Myrtle Walker Science Center from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. to spend some time in the planetarium dome, and will go back outside after sunset to see a few objects (Saturn and Mars) and constellations in the night sky. Students will use simple telescopes they built in camp, the high school's telescopes, and iPads to view the constellations.

The Kirkwood High School science camps are possible through a generous donation from Blanton Whitmire, a Glendale resident passionate about helping students get real-world experiences in science at an early age.