Here, Eve Amato works with Co-director Scott Holson at the Horizons Observatory several years ago. Over the past two decades, the observatory has become central to local science education. (Photo Provided)
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Rob Hanson and Scott Holson, co-directors of the Horizons Observatory at The Prosper Valley School in Pomfret, have seen hundreds of students come and go over the last 18 years from what has become known as the center for science education in the Woodstock area.
And, local students who have gone through the program have fond memories of their experience. “We photographed a galaxy that I loved doing because of the hands-on experience and the reward that we got at the end of the year,” said 7th-grader William Coates.
Seventh-grader Aidan Reed was always fascinated by what he observed, and 6th-grader Grace Modarai spoke of her memorable experience this year: “We went out and took a photo with the telescope of the Pleiades. It was really fun because there is a mini telescope and we got to look through it and see a clear view of the seven sisters.”
Henry Trimpi worked in the observatory last year as a 6th-grader: “Mr. Hanson kept reminding me and the class that this was a very special opportunity because other students may not ever have a chance like this and most adults won’t either, so I felt pretty special.”