Skynet Junior Scholars is a
National Science Foundation supported program facilitated in Oneida County by
trained 4-H volunteers. Youth in middle
and high school connect online with research telescopes from around the world
to take pictures of stars, galaxies, planets, nebulae, and other night sky
objects.  Youth are trained in: the use
of filters, exposure time, astronomical comparison of distance and brightness,
astronomy career opportunities, and the development of astronomy investigative
techniques.  Activities are hands-on, and
youth are able to participate in forums with other youth and adult scientists
around the world.  The adult volunteers
have completed their training through connection with staff at the Yerkes
Observatory in Walworth County, Wisconsin as well as the National Radio
Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia.

The spring session of the 4-H
Skynet program starts Saturday March 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. in the lower level of the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport.  A total of 5 sessions will complete this
introductory course, with sessions 2-5 to be scheduled with youth/adult availability
in mind. Following the introductory
sessions, youth will be able to further their astronomy work by attaining
telescope time through the leaders.

There is no registration fee
for the Skynet program, but youth will need to enroll through the 4honline.com
website.  It is preferred that youth
bring a laptop.  For those without, teams
will be developed with use of the limited UW-Extension laptops available. Please RSVP with the UW-Extension office at
715-365-2750.  UW-Extension provides
equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX
requirements.