2 Southampton teachers to fly with NASA

Two Southampton science teachers have been chosen to fly with NASA scientists next spring to study atmospheric conditions and planetary observations in a new research program geared toward educators.

Ryan Munkwitz, a Southampton High School astronomy teacher, and John Walsh, an earth science teacher in the Southampton Intermediate School, will join 24 other U.S. educators, in addition to some international educators, for NASA's first SOFIA -- Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy -- program in California.

As Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors, they will be the first group of teachers to be aboard the plane. NASA conducted a pilot run last year.

The teachers will pair up with NASA scientists to take two 10-hour flights aboard a specially outfitted 747 that holds an infrared telescope. Scientists use the telescope to study the formation of stars and planets, among other discoveries, as well as capture energy that has been traveling for millions of years toward Earth, according to Nicholas Veronico, of the NASA Ames Research Center in California.

"With infrared, we see things that are usually hidden by dust and gases," Veronico said. "We can see stars being born, stars dying."

The 747 flies from 39,000 to 45,000 feet high above 99 percent of water vapor to observe the skies, said Veronico. Walsh and Munkwitz said they have not been given a specific flight date, but according to Veronico, the participating teachers will be given a "target" research assignment and be involved in the planning before taking flight.

NASA officials said applications to the program were "robust," though they could not cite a number. Munkwitz and Walsh learned of the program through their professional work.

For Munkwitz, 27, whose classes are held in the school's planetarium, the program is about bringing back lessons to his students; not only the science, but to talk to them about careers in the field of space.

"This is the future of astronomy, the business of space, private enterprise," he said. "Making space a commercial business."

Walsh, who has been teaching for more than 20 years, said the NASA ambassadorship program is a great segue to his career's work.

"I hope to learn as much as I can" from the NASA astronomers, he said, "and take that knowledge we learn and data we gather and translate into plans."

Part of the application process was to show ways to take the lessons outside the classroom and into the community at large. Both hope to do just that at community meetings, as well as presentations to national and state science and educational conferences.

"I can't wait to get up in the plane," Munkwitz said.