In the ten years I have lived on island I have never missed an AstroDay. This year was no change to that streak, I volunteered to do the last shift on the Keck Observatory table, 2-4pm. Show up at lunchtime, enjoy the activities myself for a while, say hi to everyone I know there, then do my shift on the table… Good plan.
I was pleasantly surprised with this little thermal camera, it does a nice job costing only a few hundred dollars. Using the iPad linked to a large display using AirPlay the setup worked quite well in practice. I could handle the camera with no wires to tether me to one place.
The kids do enjoy the thermal camera, it is a view of the world they may not know when they arrive about but seem to understand quite quickly. I love showing them how a hand print can be left behind on a tabletop just from residual heat. Once you have them hooked we can explain why infrared is useful in astronomy, seeing the universe in a different light. Slip a little science into the conversation.
AstroDay is a lot of fun, a chance to connect with the community. Definitely worth the drive over the island.