Photo courtesy of NASA/Johns Hopkins APL: An illustration of NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) as it approaches its target moon around the asteroid Didymos.

By Kara Camp/EAC

THATCHER – Join us for an exciting evening on Saturday, August 24, at Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park. Dr. Will Oldroyd will give an in-depth presentation on NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission. The free event will be held at 6 p.m. in the Jupiter Room in Discovery Park.

Dr. Oldroyd will provide an update on DART, NASA’s groundbreaking space mission designed to test a method of planetary defense against near-Earth objects. The goal of the DART mission is to test the effectiveness of a head-on impact with an asteroid to transfer momentum and divert its trajectory.

This family-friendly presentation is open to the public and is followed by exciting activities, including rides on the Polaris Shuttle and observations of the night sky through the 20-inch Tinsley Telescope.

Event details

Date: Saturday, 24 August 2024

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: EAC Discovery Park, Jupiter Space

Permit: Free

For more information, visit eac.edu/community/discovery-park or contact Director Paul Anger at (928) 428-6260 or email [email protected]. Learn more about this innovative mission and enjoy a fun evening under the stars!

About EAC SBDC

Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park in Safford, Arizona, is a dynamic education and research center. It offers visits to the Mt. Graham International Observatory and provides tours of the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, the Arizona Radio Observatory’s Submillimeter (Radio) Telescope and the Large Binocular Telescope, the world’s most powerful telescope. The park also offers science field trips for area students in grades 1-12, offering hands-on activities in astronomy, ecology and natural habitats at no cost to schools. In addition, EAC’s Discovery Park offers college courses in rocketry and environmental biology and makes its facilities, including the Ranch House Conference Facility, available for group rentals. The park is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information about public tours, educational programs, or reservations, email [email protected] or call (982) 428-6260.

About Eastern Arizona College

Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, making students’ dreams a reality. With a faculty of qualified and dedicated faculty, EAC prepares its students for challenging careers and further studies at top universities.

Offering a diverse range of over 90 degree programs and certificates, EAC features the state’s leading nursing school, an arts program with Arizona’s only community college marching band, and an engineering program that prepares students for success in top companies and universities.

Beyond academics, EAC is a vibrant community where students thrive and make lifelong connections. Experience on-campus housing, get involved in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intercollegiate sporting events, and cheer on nationally recognized sports and esports teams.

What sets EAC apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, which enables most students to graduate debt-free.

Choose EAC as your Smart Higher Education destination. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (928) 428-8272.