Students use solar telescope

Last week, students studying astronomy at Sisters High were able to stare at the sun -- using a specially filtered solar telescope, of course.

Bob Grosfeld, who works for the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory Educational Facility, set up the telescope which allowed the students to observe sunspots and a solar prominence (a hydrogen storm on the surface of the sun).

Because of the filter, sun-gazers can peer at our closest star without damage to the eyes.

"Just the telescope costs around $1,200." Grosfeld said. "But the solar filter was $2,800."

Besides the solar telescope demonstration, Grosfeld presented an intriguing slide show, with the latest pictures from the Galileo space craft.

"One of Jupiter's moons, Europa, is of special interest to space researchers," he said. "Its surface is covered with ice, and there are plans for a probe to be dropped beneath the surface. Of all the places in our solar system, Europa holds the most promise of signs of life."

Grosfeld encouraged the students to seriously consider future studies in the field of astronomy.

"Any of the sciences can be applied to astronomy," he said.

Grosfeld's lecture was part of teacher Rima Givot's plan to incorporate a variety of resources into her astronomy class.

"We've already had my dad, Irv Givot, and Rick Kang from the University of Oregon come and speak," she said. "The students respond really well to the guest speakers.

"On November 8, Jeff Barnes -- the man who created the Mars Pathfinder weather equipment -- will come and teach," said Givot.

The community is always welcome to visit the astronomy class and hear lectures.

Participation in the weekly sky watches is encouraged.

Call the school at 549-4051 to make arrangements with Givot.