Comments and anecdotes about the event:
The TriState Astronomers (TSA) were excited to participate in the Franklin County Science Fair held at Waynesboro Area Middle School on Saturday, March 21, 2026. What began as a potentially cloudy day turned into a fantastic opportunity when the forecast shifted to mostly clear skies just 24 hours before the event—allowing us to offer both indoor engagement and live solar observing outdoors. Five TSA members—Wil Laska, Tim Delaney, Jim Ashworth, John Komorovski, and Dan Kaminsky—volunteered their time to make the event both educational and memorable. This dual setup proved to be a major success, enabling us to connect with visitors throughout the day as they entered and exited the school. Outside at the main entrance, Jim Ashworth and Tim Delaney operated our solar observing station, featuring a Lunt Hydrogen-Alpha solar telescope and a 10 inch Dobsonian telescope equipped with a Baader solar filter. Nearly 200 students and guests had the chance to safely observe the Sun in real time. Many were amazed to see sunspots, solar prominences, and surface detail—often for the first time. The ability to witness our dynamic star up close sparked curiosity and excitement among visitors of all ages. Inside, Wil Laska managed the TSA information table, which was stocked with astronomy literature and featured our always-popular astronomy cornhole game, drawing in students and families alike. Tim Delaney and Dan Kaminsky rotated between indoor and outdoor stations, helping maximize engagement across both areas. At the indoor table alone, we interacted with 96 students and parents, discussing topics ranging from basic stargazing to careers in astronomy and space science. Throughout the event, the TSA team worked together seamlessly, creating an inviting and energetic atmosphere that encouraged questions, exploration, and hands-on learning. The combination of interactive activities and real-time solar observing provided a well-rounded educational experience that truly captured the imagination of attendees. Overall, the event was a tremendous success. We were able to inspire students to explore astronomy, physics, and space science, while reinforcing the idea that science is not only educational—but exciting and fun. The TSA looks forward to continuing our outreach efforts and helping the next generation discover the wonders of the universe.