Asteroid Day in Kansas

Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomer's League NEKAAL

Learn about rocks from space! We'll see how scientists study asteroids and meteorites, and what their hazards and benefits might be. There will be some samples to see and simulations to explore.

Asteroid Day in Kansas is a program for all ages exploring asteroids and meteorites. We'll see how scientists learn about asteroids and meteorites, and what they can tell us about how our own solar system, including planet Earth came to be. We'll learn about the hazards and potential benefits of these space rocks, how they have shaped life on earth and how we may use them in the future as resources and possibly vehicles for traveling in the Solar System. Visitors will also learn about the crucial role the State of Kansas has played in providing meteorites for scientific study, and how observers from Kansas continue to contribute crucial data to scientists who study asteroids. The program will include a live presentation by members of the Northeast Kansas Amateur Astronomer's League (NEKAAL), as well as displays of actual meteorites, a demonstration of a device that measures reflected light as a way of determining what these rocks are made of, and an interactive computer simulation that will allow visitors to create their own asteroid impact on Earth (and see how much damage it might cause). Members of NEKAAL will be on-hand to guide you through these demonstrations and answer questions.

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