Learning Outside the Classroom
I'm still learning even when not in school. This is what I have been up too!
Private Pilots Licence
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I received my private pilots licence in late September of 2011. This licence gives me the privilege to fly a single engine fixed-wing(airplane) aircraft. Although I can't use my licence for commercial purposes, I can still take people flying as long as I pay my share. This was a great accomplishment to receive right out of high school.
It took a lot of hard work and money to accomplish this achievement. It took me over 60 hours of flight time to acquire the knowledge to pass the flight exam. This doesn't include the time spent on my own studying from my textbooks. It all payed off when I passed my test and was allowed to go fly without an instructor. The feeling of flying, being up there and looking down at the world, is breathtaking. The problems of the real world seem to almost melt away. You think to yourself that it was impossible for people from a century earlier. To think how far our species' technology has progressed in the such a short time is astounding. |
Salt Lake Astronomical Society
I have also joined the Salt Lake Astronomical Society. They are just great! They hold star parties and other astronomical events that are open to the public. As a member of the Astronomical Society you are able to take lessons on the various telescopes so you can use them on your own. I have already taken my first lesson on the smallest telescope there, named Bogden. It is a 200 mm (7.9") Brandt refractor.
Attending these events is a great place to meet people with similar interests. You also get to meet many amateur astronomers that come and talk to everyone. The event that I went to was the Orionid meteor shower. It was very informative and I can't wait to go back!
Attending these events is a great place to meet people with similar interests. You also get to meet many amateur astronomers that come and talk to everyone. The event that I went to was the Orionid meteor shower. It was very informative and I can't wait to go back!
The Planetary Society In spring of 2014 I did my part to contribute the future of space flight and exploration in the United States by joining the planetary society. By doing this I have gained access to the planetary news feed and am able to help put my word in on what I think NASA should be doing.
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Personal Research
I have done lots of personal research on my own in regards to my major in astronomy. I have read many books by famous astronomers and physicists. I have read the works of other great scientist from other fields of science, here are a few of the authors I have read: Carl Sagan, Richard Dawkins, and Stephen Hawking.
Not only have I just read book to further my learning, I have watched many documentaries on the subject of the universe and other scientific topics. I personally really enjoy them, they inspire me to be a better person and pursue my dreams of being a scientist. I want to learn more about the world around us, and to one day help advance human knowledge.
Here are some books that I have read click here to check it out!
I have also purchased a Orion telescope that I will use to start to learn the stars in the sky and hopefully see some amazing things.
Not only have I just read book to further my learning, I have watched many documentaries on the subject of the universe and other scientific topics. I personally really enjoy them, they inspire me to be a better person and pursue my dreams of being a scientist. I want to learn more about the world around us, and to one day help advance human knowledge.
Here are some books that I have read click here to check it out!
I have also purchased a Orion telescope that I will use to start to learn the stars in the sky and hopefully see some amazing things.