Faculty and students from Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Chemistry and Physics will bring the science of the sun to southeast Missouri during a community Solar Star Party on March 21 in Poplar Bluff.
The event, held at Poplar Bluff Junior High from 11:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., will give community members the opportunity to observe the sun through specialized telescopes and learn about solar science from SEMO astronomers.
Organized in partnership with the Poplar Bluff Public Library as part of its Book in the Bluff programming, the event is expected to draw between 200 and 300 attendees.
SEMO faculty and astronomy students will set up solar telescopes, each designed to highlight a different aspect of solar observation and astrophysics. Visitors will rotate through a series of interactive stations where they can safely observe the sun while learning about the science behind what they see.
Educational stations will explore topics including:
- Safe solar observing, demonstrating proper techniques for viewing the sun through telescopes and explaining the importance of optical safety
- Solar eclipses and coronal physics, examining solar prominences and the science behind total solar eclipses
- Sunspots, magnetic activity and aurora, exploring how solar activity influences space weather and auroral displays on Earth
- The sun as a star, placing our nearest star in the broader context of astrophysics and modern solar research
SEMO faculty and students participating in the outreach were involved in scientific observation projects in coordination with NASA during recent total solar eclipses visible from the region, including coordinated imaging and data collection efforts used in solar physics research. Those experiences will be incorporated into the demonstrations, giving attendees insight into how eclipse observations contribute to ongoing scientific discovery.
If weather prevents direct viewing of the sun, the program will continue indoors using live streams and recorded solar imagery, so participants can explore solar science and space weather even without clear skies.
The Solar Star Party builds on SEMO’s commitment to hands-on science education. The University recently dedicated the Vollink Family Observatory, located near the Show Me Center on the Cape Girardeau campus, which serves as an academic and outreach resource for astronomy education and research.
At SEMO, students are encouraged to explore boldly and discover the science shaping our world. Find your fearless at semo.edu/chemistry-physics.