This year’s Family Science Day at the College of San Mateo broke recent attendance records with an estimated 2,500 attendees! It was so successful that the Planetarium is considering doubling the number of shows next year to accommodate demand.
Although it was the first time without a couple of our dear long time board members, homage was given to them in their own ways. For instance, in the absence of Ken Lum, the Society had his solar scope bearing his name. His absence was sorely missed but many felt his spirit through his telescope. Long lines demonstrated its popularity, as with many of the activities at the event. Then in the absence of our well known Comet Chef, Ed Pieret, we were fortunate to have his eager granddaughter, Loki Ingalls, step-in to carry on his tradition. She told the Board she grew up seeing him give these demonstrations and it was obvious as she interacted with the crowds and the children.
The evening presentation was successful with approximately 130 people attending Dr. Pascal Lee’s talk about going to the moon and Mars. It was a condensed version of the two presentations that he gave to the Society March 7 and May 2. Many patrons lined up and waited several minutes to have the chance to follow up with Dr. Lee.
Thank you to everyone below who helped with delivering the wonder of science and astronomy to the community this year! Below is this year’s SMCAS team that made it happen. (Hopefully no one was missed.)
Ken Lum Solar Viewing Scope: Chanan Greenberg, Ravi Kumar, Jason Zaman
Comet Chef: Loki Ingalls
How a Telescope Works: Kimberly Alger, Karen Boyer, Stephen Kwong, Caleb Kwong, Marion Weiler and three student volunteers
Planispheres: Ed Ching, Michele Morales Torres and four student volunteers
Solar System Model: Michael Cooke
Membership Table: Andy & Alexa Thanos
Reception Catering: Karen Boyer, Ed Ching, Michelle Morales Torres, Marion Weiler and four student volunteers
Shopping, snack room, pizza run: Colette Rudd, Marion Weiler
To see Marion Weiler’s entire photo album go to: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvUQf
For the CSM photographer’s photo album:
https://www.flickr.com/gp/collegeofsanmateo/3Q3HfHXt16