Students in Dutch Fork High School’s astronomy classes got a rare opportunity when NASA Ambassador Larry “Sunspot” Metcalf visited the school.

During his visit, Metcalf shared his expertise about the sun and allowed students to operate his specialized helio-telescopes, giving them a view of the sun they had never experienced before.  

Metcalf emphasized the importance of safety, warning students to never use a regular telescope or binoculars to view the sun, as it can cause serious eye damage. His telescope is specifically designed for safe solar observation. 

“While I was observing the sun with the special telescope, I saw the sunspots and flares, it was truly magnificent sight to see,” said sophomore Zulieka M. “Seeing how the Sun looks with the human eye in a safe way showed me how the sun truly looks and things I didn’t know the sun had on it.” 

Metcalf explained that the large number of sunspots students observed is due to the current Solar Maximum, part of the sun’s 11-year electromagnetic activity cycle.  

“It was an experience I wish I could witness again and again because it was one of the best sights to see,” said student Kerlss K. 

Here are some other comments from students quoted in the press release from Lexington-Richland School District Five: 

Junior Aiden H.: "It was such a perspective changing experience, I'll never see the sun as I did before after actually seeing sunspots!"

Emma J. said it was truly a phenomenal experience which everyone enjoyed; It was a great opportunity, and an amazing learning experience