Astronomy Day is a modern tradition, started in 1973 by Doug Berger, then president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California to share the wonder and science of astronomy with communities that aren’t often engaged with it regularly. The event happens twice a year, first in the spring close to the first quarter moon between April and May, and again in autumn close to the first quarter moon between September and October. This year I was able to assist the Southern Regional Climate Center in presenting educational materials, demonstrations, and giveaways during Astronomy Day festivities at the Highland Park Observatory in Baton Rouge. We got to provide hands on demonstrations of vorticity and air pressure with “tornadoes” and “eggs” in a bottle. We also displayed and provided web-tools and information sources for teachers and interested individuals to find data and ideas for presenting and learning about regional climate conditions and processes. Overall the event was a hit with kids, their parents, and the public who came out for a day of curiosity quenching fun, and we got to learn a thing or two while we were at it (for instance, never let me and flammable materials mix).

What does the Earth have to do with astronomy? Stop by next year and I’ll be happy to tell you!