Space Science Lab
The Space Science Lab is a program for high school students to participate in observations of the Moon to contribute observations to the Lunar Impact Team at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The students begin their observations as resident scientists at PARI during the summer, and then continue their observations remotely during the school year. Space Science Lab students learn and develop skills in digital imaging, computer sciences, astronomy, physics and earth sciences.
What's Space Science Lab About?
Apply to be a 2009-2010 Space Science Lab Scholar!
Registration is Open
Download a PDF application to print
or Complete the form online
Supported by a grant from the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Student Science Enrichment Program, 30 underrepresented high school students per year from counties in Western North Carolina become PARI resident scientists conducting optical observations of the Moon. These young scientists will interact with scientists around the world sharing their data.
The motivation for the Space Science Lab is the hope that the students will become interested in pursuing careers in research or other science-related areas after they live and work at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute campus with professional scientists.

The objectives are aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for grades 9-12, in the areas of Earth/Environmental Science, Physical Science and Physics Curriculum Goals. We expect the students’ enthusiasm for science will increase by experiencing research investigations that are fun and relevant to their understanding of the world around them. Each student will participate in a one week session at PARI, with continued participation throughout the school year.
For more information contact:
Christi Whitworth
Education Director
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute
828-862-5554
cwhitworth@pari.edu