On October 19th, 2023 Montclair High School teachers Ms. Manzanares and Ms. Markley hosted a Star Party. There were three different telescopes showcasing three different planets: the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn.
With the big telescope, students were able to see Saturn close up and view the actual rings and the colors on the actual planet. On the two smaller telescopes we were able to see the Moon and Jupiter. From the Moon we were able to see the Crescent phase and gaze at the actual craters on the Moon. When we looked through the telescope at Jupiter, we were able to see the whole of the planet and it’s surrounding stars.
One student who attended, Jose Hernandez said his favorite thing about the star party was “hanging around my friends and getting to see Saturn up close.”
When asked about what changes she would do differently, MOHI student Ariana Andujo states “I would suggest more activities for the students to do, like volleyball or maybe an art station.”
Students were talking and interacting with one another and bonding with the teachers hosting the party. Many were also playing Soccer and spending time together. There was pizza for first comers and many brought their own blankets as well as snacks and drinks to enjoy for themselves.
One of the teachers who hosted the star party, Ms. Markley stated she is “one of two astronomy teachers.” When asked about why the astronomy teachers do the star party’s she said “It’s about the collaboration of the community and the students. There was a beautiful turnout of students coming together.”
Students who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves and hope to come back again next year for another Star Party.
