The third Saturday in July of 2024 brought cloudy, but dry skies and a festive atmosphere at Archie Spigner Park in Jamaica, Queens. The veterans of the Black Spectrum Theater Festival were all present, with the familiar live music, family-friendly vendors, and of course, the St. Albans Under the Stars (SUTS) group and representatives from the Amateur Astronomers Association.
The look of the park was slightly different this year, as parking vehicles on the grounds was not permitted. Unlike prior years, more of the regulars also came prepared for rain with large, sturdy tents. Also of note was that the paths throughout the park directed patrons in a more restrictive path from both the playground and the bathrooms.
Much has changed, but SUTS saw another successful year. Dr. Gerceida Jones, Paramjot Kaur, Camille Hart, Bernadette Davis, and Blake Karteron set up their exhibits for chemistry, physics, astrobiology, and astronomy to make sure the community gained summertime exposure to STEM subjects. And dozens of children and their families came.
Many M&Ms and Skittles helped children understand that everything in the universe is made up of the same elements that stars create. And colorful and musical strings helped teach the meaning of string theory and how it may successfully connect the seemingly incompatible theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. Telescopes were an important part of teaching about both technology and the means of scientific observation, and visitors were able to bring home their own mini-telescopes to remind them to look up at the sky. SUTS also handed out science fiction literature to keep readers thinking about the adventures scientists have.
One last exciting, new development was that Katrina Adams joined from Chicago. Adams has dedicated herself to creating similar programs in her hometown, Chicago, Illinois. She offered many perspectives on her experience as a student during her childhood, and she shared an infectious passion for inspiring children to learn.
SUTS looks forward to putting on many more exhibits, perhaps even more frequently throughout the year.