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The SOFIA Ambassador program allows me to do this, and I am very grateful to have this rare opportunity that few people get.вЂќ She said, вЂњMy goal is to make astronomy, and generally science, technology, and math, accessible to all. She manages the observatoryвЂ™s collection of historical artifacts and designs educational exhibits. Thompson is Curator at Lowell Observatory. Lowell director Jeffrey Hall said, вЂњLowell Observatory has long been involved scientifically with SOFIA, so itвЂ™s very appropriate to have one of our staff members take part in the ambassador program.вЂќ One of the instruments on SOFIA is the High Speed Imaging Photometer for Occultation (HIPO), a device built by astronomer Ted Dunham and his engineering team at Lowell Observatory. Flying at altitudes between 39,000 and 45,000 feet, the craft collects data from the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a modified 747SP jetliner equipped with a 100-inch telescope. Krueger said, вЂњWhen we take the exhibit to Wheeler Park and classrooms, my students will go and help teach the concepts in the exhibits.вЂќ

Plus, KruegerвЂ™s students will gain valuable firsthand experience. Thompson said, вЂњWe will create one exhibit here at Lowell and one that travels around to STEM fairs, the Festival of Science, schools and elsewhere.вЂќД«ecause these displays will be shown at both informal (Lowell) and formal (schools) education sites, they will reach a wide range of audiences. In the case of Thompson and Krueger, one unique aspect involved exhibits the team will build. All the ones that were selected had some interesting twists.вЂќ In evaluating the projects, Backman said, вЂњWe want to see something thatвЂ™s innovative.

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The educators have to talk about how they are going to improve the science and STEM education within their institutions, plus they have to have a public engagement plan, a way to somehow leverage their experience into the local neighborhood.вЂќД«ecause of the limited number of opportunities to fly, many more applications come in than can be accepted. Dana Backman, SOFIA Outreach Manager, said вЂњThere are two components to the applications. Each year, a new group of educator teams are chosen to fulfil this mission. The goal of the Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program is to increase scientific literacy. Afterward, the educators share what they learned with their classrooms and local communities.

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Each team of ambassadors will work with a professional astronomer to experience airborne astronomical research first-hand.

The Thompson/Krueger team was just one of 14 chosen from a highly competitive, nationwide field of educators. Later this year, they will take flight alongside scientists on NASAвЂ™s flying observatory. Samantha Thompson of Lowell Observatory and Rich Krueger of the Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy (FALA) have been selected for the SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program.