Shortest Day of the Year Event Celebrates Solstice

Tennessee Tech’s Oakley STEM Center will host a Shortest Day of the Year Celebration for the Winter Solstice Thursday.

Outreach coordinator Carlos Galindo said the event highlights Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in the community.

The event will offer an astrophotography class as part of the solstice celebration. (Photo: TN Tech)

“It’s an event where we have the opportunity to use STEM and space-related activities, which we have a lot of them,” Galindo said. “And it is an opportunity for community and families to come and celebrate, just not only that but to learn about solstice and why it happens.”

Galindo said participants can take a class on astrophotography, watch a 3D space movie, and create a space satellite, among other activities.

“We are also going to have a virtual reality tent going and that is going to be space-themed as well,” Galindo said. “And that is for more grown-ups but they will be able to get into Star Wars and fix some robots.”

Galindo said Tech hopes the event helps to inspire children to take part in STEM education.

“Each activity has a STEM education behind it.  And they are going to be learning something from it. On top of that,” Galindo said. “They are going to be able to take stuff home that they made. A part of that for the family, it’s an event where they can spend some time together, watch a movie. And it is all sponsored by us.”

The Shortest Day of the Year event will take place on December 20 starting at 6 pm. Families may come and go as they please. Visit the Tennessee Tech website to make reservations.