Virtual Astronomy Merit Badge

What: Since before recorded history, man has looked to night sky as a source of guidance, inspiration and faith. From simple stargazing to powerful radio telescopes in orbit, Astronomers – both professional and amateur – continue to study the celestial bodies that populate the universe. In this merit badge, we will begin to explore the cosmos from our back yards, learn about the tools we can use to look out into space, and discuss the meaning of what we find there.

 Meet your Counselor -  Andy Rees is a Space Systems Supplier Quality Engineer at Collins Aerospace in Connecticut. He currently serves as a camp master for Yawgoog Scout Reservation, where he previously worked as the director of the Kelley Environmental Education Center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and journalism from the Rochester Institute of Technology and spends a good chunk of his free time building and flying virtual rockets in Kerbal Space Program.

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  This Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 15 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

June 2, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM 

June 9, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM 

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day of scheduled class. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES:  4(a), 5(b), 5(d), 6(a), 6(b), 8  Further details will be provided in class for completion by the second class.