A rare opportunity will provide the setting for the Kaneland Science Club’s first big event next month.
The club, which is in its first year, has planned its first Family Astronomy Night for June 5 at Kaneland High School. The event will run from 4:30 to 10 p.m. The big draw will be a chance to experience the transit of Venus, which means that the planet will pass directly between the sun and Earth. That chance won’t come again until 2117.
“It is an extremely rare event,” said Joanna Edelman, a Kaneland science teacher who –along with fellow teacher Patrick Carter – is a co-sponsor of the group.
Edelman said club members aren’t sure what to expect as far as turnout, but there is excitement about the event and the chance to let people know about the group. Edelman said there have been about 20 members in the club, which includes all kinds of students, not just those interested in pursuing careers in science.
Although club member Rebecca Arnold will have graduated, she plans to attend the event. A senior now, she said she is going to study general science at Waubonsee Community College. Although Kaneland’s graduation is June 2, she wouldn’t want to miss the club’s first big event. She said she has enjoyed her time with the club.
“It’s really helped to develop my interest,” she said.
Arnold said the group has done projects with teachers, and members have been able to get to know one another. She said she jumped at the chance to join.
“When I heard about it, I was really excited,” she said. “I’ve always loved science.”
Arnold said those who might be interested should attend the astronomy night.
“If you just give it a chance, you would see why people like it,” she said.
The event isn’t going to be all about Venus. There will be a bonfire as well as food and beverages. In addition, kid-friendly activities and science demonstrations will take place. Also, Edelman said, there will be solar glasses on sale.
“You shouldn’t look at the sun directly,” she said.
The school is at 47W326 Keslinger Road in Maple Park. Information about the Kaneland Science Club can be found by searching for the group on Facebook.