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ASTEROID IMPACT

Have you ever thought what would happen if an asteroid threatens to hit our world? After watching a movie like Armageddon, did you think that such a scenario could really happen?

Today, June 30, is celebrated as the International Asteroid Day. Since today has been announced as “Asteroid Day” to create global awareness of asteroids, we will take a journey on asteroids, the threats posed by asteroids, and how we can be protected from asteroid strike in this article.

WHAT ARE ASTEROIDS AND HOW ARE ASTEROIDS DISTINGUISHED?

"What are asteroids and how are asteroids distinguished?" It is among the most fascinating topics when it comes to our beautiful sky. The most famous asteroid we know crashed Earth millions of years ago, causing the extinction of dinosaurs. Scientists describe asteroids as "rocky celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are much smaller than planets". There are thousands of oddly shaped asteroids in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid belt is thought to be either residuals from a planet formed due to Jupiter's close-up force, or "rubble" left over from a planet shattered by a collision.

Ceres, the largest of the asteroids, whose dimensions can vary from 10 meters to 1000 kilometers wide, is about 960 km wide. One of the biggest reasons for scientific interest in asteroids is the possibility of having relatively unchanged remnants of the solar system's formation process from 4.6 billion years ago.

WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ASTEROID HITS OUR PLANET?

It is totally acceptable to worry about an asteroid crashing into the Earth, even though most asteroids are smashed before they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Just like the asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, they can leave their orbits and hit the Earth.

So what happens if the bad scenario happens, that is, an asteroid hits Earth? With an asteroid hitting the Earth; dust and smoke rising in the atmosphere prevents sunlight from reaching our world and causes the total temperature to drop. This event can lead to the death of many living things. If an asteroid the size of an apartment hits Earth, this blow could possibly destroy a small city. If an asteroid the size of a 20-storey building hits Earth, this blow can completely flatten a small country.

The biggest reasons for scientists to research asteroids, in addition to having more information about the solar system, is that they want to learn their total numbers and learn more about their trajectories and physical properties. If the course of an asteroid turns towards us, of course we would like to know!

On June 30, 1908, a 40-meter asteroid hit the Tunguska region in Siberia. This impact destroyed a London-sized woodland, making it the most influential and most important asteroid impact in recent world history. On June 30, 2016, it was declared as "International Asteroid Day" by the United Nations, and it was aimed to raise awareness about the threat of collision with Earth, created by countless celestial bodies floating in space. Every year on Asteroid Day, scientists, astronauts, and celebrities come together to help raise awareness about the dangers our planet faces from Earth-crossing asteroids. In these events, our poor defense state in space is emphasized against potential asteroid collisions, and in the event that these dangerous and free-floating celestial objects turn to Earth, science fiction scenarios and possible solutions are explained.

So how can we protect our home, our Earth, from this threat?

The only way to eliminate the threat of the asteroid hitting the Earth is to detect them and divert them from their course. Many organizations, primarily NASA, perform regular scans of the sky to identify celestial bodies at risk of hitting our planet. These organizations actively seek out the best ways to protect the Earth from celestial bodies that could hit it. By preparing with good planning, we can prevent the destructive effect an asteroid can have.

These studies, called planetary defense, consist of five steps.

• Detecting the Asteroid
  We cannot prevent an asteroid from hitting the Earth, if we do not know about its existence. Astronomers use ground-space-based telescopes to detect celestial bodies that could pose a threat of impact. In addition, infrared imaging tools help find objects that are too dark to see through the reflected lights.
  
  
• Observing the Asteroid
  Even if we find the asteroid, how do we know if it will hit Earth? We may need to monitor and obtain information with several telescopic observations that last for days, months or even years and every information we acquire helps us determine the estimated trajectory of the asteroid.
  
  
• Defining the Asteroid
  We can use many telescopic and spacecraft observations that can tell us about the features of the asteroid such as rotation rate, structure, speed, and if they threaten the Earth, we can use it to change their routes.
  
  
• Changing the Course of the Asteroid
  What do we do when an asteroid headed towards Earth is spotted? The possibility that this asteroid destroys a city or creates a giant tsunami is not something we want to think about in the first place. There are possible preparedness techniques for bad scenarios; however, these scenarios need further development and testing. Depending on the situation, our options vary depending on how much time we have, whether we are faced with a large or small size asteroid. Measures that can be applied in such a case include the development of techniques regarding the use of a gravitational builder (changing the course of the asteroid by creating gravitational force with a spacecraft), medium-distance collision (hitting one or more spacecraft on the asteroid), or a laser beam (heating a part of it to generate a thrust force on the asteroid). As a last resort, nuclear options can be used to break down the asteroid.
  
  
• Training and Coordination
  Any asteroid hitting the Earth will require international disaster response. In addition, training is required in disaster and emergency management institutions and the public regarding the asteroid threat. It is important that everyone is aware of the level of threats and the potential to eliminate this threat.

Apart from all these, amateur astronomers can work together with scientists to defend our planet. Amateur astronomers can help identify smaller and potentially destructive asteroids hidden in the universe.

So would you like to be an amateur astronomer?

Who knows, maybe you can be one of the guards of our "home"!

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Space Camp Turkey, which was founded by late Kaya Tuncer as an Aegean Free Zone Development & Operating Company (ESBAS) enterprise on June 12th, 2000, opened its doors to the youth in Turkey and in the world to inspire them in shaping their career paths, exploring different cultures, and building international friendships.

Space Camp Turkey, one of the two space camps in the world, is continuously updating its curriculum and facility with the latest technological advancements. Every academic year, Space Camp Turkey is focused on increasing its program options while offering different educational content which include robotic designs, astronaut training simulators or space shuttle simulation mission to kids between the ages of 7-18.

STATE-OF-THE-ART IMPROVEMENTS

Since 2000, we have had the opportunity to bring many innovations to life, both in our program content and in physical conditions of the facility. By adding a space station module to our simulated space shuttle mission, missions that were performed by NASA for 30 years, we had the opportunity to present a more realistic and challenging task to an activity that is known as the most beautiful and special activity we have implemented in Space Camp programs. By enriching our 6-day International Galactic Summer Camp programs, we have had some students return year after year to attend our camp programs for a total of 6 years.

With the renovation projects we have done; we renewed several different activities starting from the popular observatory activity to the “Generation: Mars” area, where we discover Mars and represent exemplary living quarters, with designs that inspire and capture the age. In order to offer the most up-to-date training content to our participants, we always followed the agenda closely; and with that we created the "Minecraft" program. We showed that there is no limit to creativity by using 3D Printer technology, and we sailed to unique adventures on the Moon surface and around Mars with “RIOT 3D” and “Hurricane 360” simulators using virtual reality technology. After continuing its renovation efforts in recent years, our institution has prepared its surprises for the students that will attend the International Galactic Summer Camp programs in August of 2020.

Over 24 special guests, including astronaut Douglas Hurley, who went to space with the SpaceX Demo-2 mission, and Charlie Duke, one of the 12 astronauts that walked on the moon, were hosted at Space Camp Turkey since its establishment.

Let's check out the important events that took place over the years at Space Camp Turkey;

• 2000 - Space Camp Turkey opened its doors to the world's youth on June 12, 2000 by the late Kaya Tuncer.
• 2002 - Through Global Friendship Through Space Education Foundation (GFTSE), young people from different countries and cultures found the opportunity to participate in the programs.
• 2003 - With the Partner School Science Program, Turkish and world youth came together to make joint studies in the fields of science and space technologies.
• 2004 - The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation (NECO) awarded our founder, Kaya Tuncer, the 2004 Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a gala ceremony on New York City’s Ellis Island for his contributions to international peace.
  
• 2004 - 2008 - Between these years, 445 scholarship participants from 71 different cities attended the National Space Camp Week and received training in the field of space sciences and technologies and made international friendships.
• 2010 - Space Camp Turkey turns 10! More than 100 thousand participants from 45 different countries attended the camp.

• 2011 - STS-135 Atlantis Crew Astronaut Douglas Hurley and other crew members that took part in NASA’s last space shuttle mission "STS 135", came together with our participants at Space Camp Turkey after returning from the historic mission.
  

• 2012 - Partner School Science Program – Online education was started with video conferencing connections with schools in Europe.
  
• 2013 - 10th year of Partner School Science Program! In 10 years, over 5.500 students from Turkey and the world has attended the program.
  
• 2013 - Charlie Duke, who served as lunar module pilot during NASA's Apollo 16 program, met with the participants of Space Camp Turkey as a special guest.
  

• 2014 - The "Competence-Based Learning Key to Successful Methodology- KEYS" project meeting, which was organizes as a part of the European Union Commission "LLP - Comenius", was completed. Six moderators from Bulgaria, Belgium and Italy, and 45 teachers from Izmir participated in the meeting held at Space Camp Turkey.
• 2014 - We Renovated! Along with the "Magic Planet" 360 viewing projection system, Mars tour with virtual reality and the planetarium system, we have also renovated our rocket construction, rocket design, and Suit Me Up classrooms.
• 2014 - 100th connection with NASA! The Partner School Science Program (PSSP) participants made a live videoconference connection with NASA and received information from expert Scott Anderson about the "Manned Flights to Mars" project.
  
• 2014 - ESBAS and Space Camp Turkey founder, the late Kaya Tuncer, was inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
  
• 2015 - Space Camp Turkey turns 15!  

• 2016 - The first Family Space Camp Tour was organized.
  
• 2017 - Space Camp Turkey adds 2 brand new simulators to its programs. In the 360 ​​degree rotating Hurricane 360 ​​VR Simulator; VR glasses provide an exciting, high adrenaline virtual reality adventure, while the RIOT 3D Ride Simulator provides a true 3D ride on the Moon!
  
• 2017 - ESBAS, the parent company of Space Camp Turkey, was awarded the “2017 Turkey Excellence Award” by Quality Foundation (KalDer) during the 26th National Quality Congress award ceremony. KalDer evaluated Space Camp Turkey as ‘Good Practice’ in terms of ‘Sustainable Future Creation’.
  
• 2018 - Space Camp Turkey's interactive educational area "Generation Mars" Exhibit has its grand opening! The exhibit consists of different modules such as the habitat, laboratory, research and supply unit and also provides a chance to watch a short movie called "Life on Mars" with three-dimensional mapping technology. The students also learn about the difficulties of living on Mars and the technologies necessary to overcome these difficulties.
  

• 2019 - An exclusive Space Camp Tour for Teachers organized for the first time. 
• 2020 - ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) connection was established! Live radio connection with NASA Astronaut Andrew Morgan at the International Space Station (UUI).
  

 

Our institution, which has been providing nonstop service for 20 years to raise the leaders of the future, is happy to continuously improve its service quality by being aware of how important the satisfaction of our teachers and students is. Our determination to add value to the cores of education will continue with each innovation we carry out. Space Camp Turkey is an experience every child should discover at least once in their lives. We hope to shed light on the visions of the children all over the world for many years.     

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As Space Camp family, we will find answers to the curious questions about space and space sciences and share the details of space related researches already made or to be done. Our expert guests that will illuminate the deep and dark space that contains the unknowns since the past will also be with you in this program. Before we begin our journey, let’s talk about what Space Camp Turkey is and what is being done there.

(Make sure to turn on the subtitles)

Space Camp Turkey, which was considered to be a gift to the youth of the world and was founded by late Kaya Tuncer and his wife Mary Tuncer as an ESBAS enterprise in the Aegean Free Zone, contains 7 space training simulators, 1 space shuttle flight simulator and 2 virtual reality simulations. Along with all these, several special concept classrooms where space related education takes place and an exhibit area that contains modules influenced by the future Mars colony ideas, can be found at Space Camp Turkey. Participants receive their training using these simulators and simulations in most daily and accommodated programs at Space Camp Turkey.

Along with the programs offered throughout the year for children and young people aged 7-18, there are also program options that can be customized for adults. You can also find detailed information about Space Camp programs at www.spacecampturkey.com

For now, it’s time to say goodbye. We will continue to keep in touch, either from the depths of the universe, or from somewhere within the solar system, and will explore space together.

Stay with love, stay at home!

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The 50th anniversary of the first humans landing on the Moon as part of NASA's Apollo 11 lunar mission was celebrated at Space Camp Turkey with various activities during a special week titled “Apollo Week”.

170 students and teachers from a total of 6 countries, including Bulgaria, Romania and Greece, attended this special concept week, which was held on July 14-20. Throughout the program, participants had the chance to learn the mysteries of the Moon, which is the only celestial body on which human beings have set foot in the solar system, through hands-on training.

During the program, the participants learned about the positions of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the Eclipse and other scientific facts about the Moon with the Moon Phases calendar that they have designed while also attending other activities of Space Camp Turkey. During the Moon Observation with a telescope session, students who closely explored the surface characteristics of the Moon and the landing areas of Apollo astronauts with a 30 cm telescope also designed a Moon Lander using scientific concepts such as kinetic and potential energy transformations, gravity, air resistance, and aerodynamics.

Moon Phase Calendar Workshop

In this activity, which was specially prepared for the Apollo Week, the participants made their own lunar phase calendars which shows the moon phase for each day of the year. Students who also used these calendars during the Moon observation had the chance to study the Moon up to its craters.

Landing on the Moon

During the activity the campers design a Moon Lander. Students tried to ensure that the astronauts inside the Moon Lander, which are released by free fall movements from certain heights, remained within the lander without being affected by the shocks that would occur during the landing. Thus, they learned about scientific terms such as kinetic and potential energy transformations, gravity, force and motion, collision, air resistance, aerodynamics. By using engineering design processes, students had a great time trying to create a system that minimizes the impact of collision during the landing of the Moon Lander.

Survival on the Moon

This activity encouraged the campers to explore new worlds and also learn how to survive in these new environments. The students compared the challenges faced by explorers through the ages, checking for prior knowledge about conditions for survival on the Moon. During the activity, campers took on the roles of astronauts who are part of a crew landing on the Moon in the year 2024. Campers were challenged to rank items for survival in this new world and develop a deeper understanding of space exploration. Campers learned how to rank the materials they have, in order to survive after a problem of the propellant of the Moon Lander.

Space Camp Turkey, one of the two space camps in the world, aims to provide a holiday experience that is beyond the dreams of the students and continues to do so with its 2019 summer youth camp programs. Among the Galactic Summer Camp programs, which start with the closure of schools and continue with different options and contents for different age groups, the camp that will take place in August 18-24 will be hosting the Future Explorers Summit as part of Space Camp Turkey’s distance learning programs.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE APOLLO 11 MISSION?

Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon. Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin formed the American crew that landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969, at 20:17 UTC. Armstrong became the first person to step onto the lunar surface six hours 39 minutes later on July 21 at 02:56 UTC. Command module pilot Michael Collins flew the command module Columbia alone in lunar orbit while they were on the Moon's surface. All three crew members returned to Earth after eight days in space.

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131 students and 15 teachers from 7 countries, including Poland, the United Kingdom, Lithuania and the United States, participated in the 17th E-Pal Week as part of the Partner School Science Program (PSSP), which was organized by Global Friendship Through Space Education Foundation and Space Camp Turkey on June 30-July 6, 2019.

Participants ranging in age from 9 to 15 participated in fun and educational activities such as training with astronaut simulators, rocket construction and launching, virtual space flight mission with space station, virtual Mars tour, astronomy via magic planet, special events night, and barbecue party. During the Science Fair organized for E-Pal Week, participants shared the projects that they have been working on throughout the year with their friends.

GFTSE and Educational Outreach Department Manager Tolga Yildirim, who manages the program throughout the year, said “Students in the Partner School Science Program gain knowledge about science, astronomy and space technologies with the help of educational packages that are developed using STEAM based teaching methods. We create opportunities for students to integrate science with space by offering projects such as ’Mission Patch’ and ‘Solar System Vacation’. Thus, students have the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary studies and broaden their horizons through hands-on training. Students that work on several different projects together throughout the academic year not only develop themselves academically, they also contribute to their social development by being in the same team with students from different countries and have the opportunity to establish long-term friendships.”

What is Partner School Science Program?

Since 2003, GFTSE and the PSSP have been bringing together science classrooms from around the world, using a common interest in space science and space travel that is shared amongst all participants. Using effective NASA based learning materials, STEAM and project based teaching methods – to open communication, appreciation, and understanding between partner school students that goes beyond cultures and language.

At the end of the year, students exhibit their projects at Space Camp Turkey while learning about the different cultures and building new friendships as well as developing personal skills during the Galactic Summer Camp While the children are able to learn in an exciting and stimulating environment, GFTSE assigns “E-Pals” to children from different cultures. These E-Pals have the opportunity to make life-long friendships and memories, as students E-mail each other not only about space-related topics and projects but also their daily lives. This gives PSSP a unique multi-cultural aspect that keeps teachers and students returning from year-to-year.

The program has hosted several astronauts such as Michael Foreman, Richard Linnehan, and Jean-Francois Clervoy as special guests during the E-pal weeks in the past years. During these sessions, the students get the chance to ask all the space related questions they have on their minds and also listen to what astronauts have to say about living and working in space.

10th year anniversary celebrations of Partner School Science Program (2013)

PSSP in numbers;

• Since 2003, 448 videoconferences were conducted as a part of the project.
• So far, a total of 63 schools and over 7 thousand students from Bulgaria, Canada, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Slovenia, United Kingdom, and United States participated in the program.
• 82 videoconferences were conducted with NASA's Glenn Research, Marshall, Stennis, and Johnson Space Centers.
• In 2003 and 2004, an amateur radio connection was established with the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
• As a part of the program, 17 special guests have participated in different E-pal week sessions.
• The program offers 9 different project topics that the students can choose from.

Space Camp Turkey’s programs which are offered for students in the 7-18 age group and range from 1.5 days to 6 days, will continue until the end of August.

[description] => 131 students and 15 teachers from 7 countries, including Poland, the United Kingdom, Lithuania and the United States, participated in the 17th E-Pal Week as part of the Partner School Science Program (PSSP), which was organized by Global Friendship Through Space Education Foundation and Space Camp Turkey on June 30-July 6, 2019. [keywords] => Global Friendship Through Space Education, E-Pal Week, pssp, educational activities, Science Fair, space science, NASA based learning materials, project based teaching methods, [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2019-12-18 17:38:06 [updated_date] => 2020-05-06 16:25:10 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) )