This month, we turn our STEM spotlight on Cedar Amateur Astronomers (CAA), a local organization that has been providing firsthand astronomy teaching and learning opportunities for nearly five decades.

The CAA was founded in 1979 with a sole mission to promote STEM through astronomy. Throughout the year, CAA hosts observing sessions and special programs available to community organizations, scouting groups, church groups, schools, colleges, universities, and the general public.

CAA hosts at least 12 public-night events every year, welcoming more than 2,100 guests annually to the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center (EIOLC). CAA also hosts multiple school groups and scouting groups from the Linn County region and beyond.

These visits provide students with a valuable opportunity to hear about astronomy, physics, and math—and how it is applied. Students then have the opportunity to use research-grade instruments to see what they are learning. In addition, CAA has demonstrations set up for spectroscopy, infrared light, the electromagnetic spectrum, and gravity using a GravBox—an augmented reality sandbox that lets users visualize how variations in gravity can affect moving objects—sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Click here to learn more about all the engaging STEM opportunities Cedar Amateur Astronomers has to offer this fall and throughout the year.

*Photo courtesy of Jim Messina, CAA member, Prairie Wings Media Productions, LLC.