Moon Landing Day: Teaching Astronomy With a Strong Laser Pointer

What is Moon Landing Day?

It has been 55 years since Neil Armstrong stepped out of Apollo 11’s Eagle lunar landing module and placed his feet on earth’s only moon. We honor this remarkable achievement – and the years of intense effort it took by many teams of earthbound humans – every year on July 20, the day that the landing and those fateful steps took place.

Teaching Love for Astronomy

Every sighted human has seen the moon or a fraction of it. Unlike the vast scale of space, the moon is relatable, a touchstone for earthlings or – better – a jumping off point to explore space’s further reaches. Like teaching adults, kids respond to what they know. Starting with the moon is an entry point to teaching kids about the stars or helping them gain a love for outer space. Using a tool, like a strong laser pointer in red or green, can help engage kids in learning and make the moon easier to find in the night sky. 

Green vs Red Laser Pointer: Which is Stronger for Teaching Astronomy?

In astronomy, where you use a laser pointer is important. A red laser pointer is popular in planetariums and in classroom settings. Green is commonly seen in outdoor situations, such as star gazing. Having both on hand in a single tool enables indoor teaching and demonstrating, as well as teaching outside while pointing at the night sky. In any dual use case, Alpec’s Emerald Duo Red and Green Pointer is ideal. Both colors and capabilities are available in a single pointer. Rad, right?

Each color has its benefits:

• The green laser pointer has a range of 6,000 feet and is very bright, 30 times brighter than red. The human eye is drawn to it and it works well to cast a slender beam far into the deep of space.

• Red has a range of 1,500 feet. It is the preferred color for planetariums as it has a comfortably bright and pinpoint accurate beam whether the room lights are on or off.  Many educators prefer red for indoor teaching environments because it is a bit easier on the eyes.

Use Tools to Engage 

There are lots of ways to engage young minds around astronomy. Following the moon each day of the school year or for a month at a time can demonstrate the rhythms of our universe. Arbor Scientific’s YouTube channel has lots of videos on various aspects of space. They even have a great video demonstrating how to use a green laser pointer in the classroom.

The warmer weather of summer and early fall is the perfect time to plan a stargazing trip. Maybe it is the perfect way to kick-off the new school year’s STEM lessons?

This article was first posted on July 11, 2022