The Dickinson branch of the American Association of University Women (AARP) is sponsoring a Sister-to-Sister Summit on Saturday, Sept. 30, for girls in grades 5-8. The course is from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Dickinson Sate University ag building.
The theme is "Reach for the Stars." Participants will observe the moon, stars, planetary nebula and galaxies as presented by Dr. Corinne Krauss, assistant professor of physics at DSU.
Krauss studied physics at Montana State University and received a master's degree and doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Colorado. Her research focuses on the surface and atmosphere of Mars.
Krauss is using a 14-inch telescope during the presentation.
"It's a good hands-on opportunity to do some astronomy," she said. "The larger the telescope is in diameter, the more light it collects. We can see the outer layers of dead stars and places where stars are being born."
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"You need someone, not only to drive the telescope, but who can explain exactly what you're seeing through the telescope and to share the excitement. For me, I love astronomy and the chance to share that is very important."
Krauss has a long-time interest in space.
"Now, NASA is planning a mission of sending people to Mars in the future. There's lots of things we need to know before it's safe to send people there," she said.
Krass said many career opportunities are available in astronomy.
"Astronomy is a great tool to teach other topics and there's also the chance to try something you wouldn't normally get to do. You might actually like science, but until you've met someone who does it for real, how are you supposed to know that," she said.
Krauss teaches physics, astronomy, weather and climate at DSU. She uses the telescope for presentations, but it has the potential for other uses.
"We're going to do more public nights for different groups of people. This is the first of many," she said.
While Krauss points out the constellations, Barbara Laman will explain the Greek mythological stories associated with them.
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Laman received her doctorate in English from the University of Miami and came to DSU in 1992.
Laman is interested in constellations because they tell Greek mythology stories and are a part of literature. She will tell the stories related to the constellations that can be seen at this time of year.
"Hercules is not just a Greek name. It has a story to it," said Krauss. "Cassiopeia is not just a 'W' in the sky. Cassiopeia was a vain queen. She ended up in the sky because of her vanity."
In case of cloudy skies, the observation day is rescheduled for Oct. 28.
The Sister-to-Sister Project is an opportunity to explore non-traditional careers. Through role modeling and enrichment activities, girls gain exposure to careers focusing on math, sciences and technology. They also receive encouragement as they explore careers in those fields.
The project includes the eight-county area and the Fort Berthold and Standing Rock reservations.
The project is limited to 60 participants. The cost is $3. For more information, call Kathy Lowe, chairman of the fall summit, at 483-5693.
The project is held with support of coalition partners, Dickinson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dickinson Public Schools, DSU, Girl Scouts of Sakakawea Council, Western Wellness Foundation and its Best Friends program and the West River Teachers Center.
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This project was made possible in part by a grant from the AAUW Educational Foundation.
AAUW is an association of members who promote equity for women, scholarships and encourages self-development over the life span.
