Dark energy and spring galaxies
IUK Observatory open house, April 13; Also, KATS summer youth athletic camps announced
How is dark energy expanding the universe?
Learn more about efforts to understand and measure its effects at Indiana University Kokomo’s free Observatory open house this Sunday (April 13).
Patrick Motl, dean of the School of Sciences and professor of physics, will begin the open house at 8 p.m. with recent results from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) experiment, which indicates a variable dark energy and has measured distances to millions of galaxies.
The DESI survey is being conducted on the Mayall 4-meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, Arizona.
After the presentation, stargazers may be able to see Jupiter and Mars as well as the spring highlights – the spring galaxies in Leo, Coma and Virgo – through the Observatory’s telescopes. They include a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope and a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope mounted together. The Takahashi provides exceptionally sharp images of planets, while the Meade allows viewers to see fainter objects in the sky, due to its larger light-collecting area.
Observation will continue through 10 p.m., weather permitting.
The Observatory is at 2660 S. Washington St. Free parking is available on campus.
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.
KHS announces Summer Youth Athletic KATS Camps
Kokomo High School is gearing up for an action-packed summer with its youth athletic KATS - Kids Active Training and Skills - Camps, featuring an incredible lineup of programs designed to keep kids active and engaged throughout the summer while inspiring and developing young athletes.
These dynamic KATS Camps, running throughout June and July, provide expert coaching in a variety of sports, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, speed and strength training, tennis, and track and field. Additionally, KHS proudly offers a specialized youth wrestling summer intensive clinic, where former Iowa University standouts return for the second consecutive year to provide exceptional mat-side coaching and an exciting takedown tournament.
Open to all area youth and catering to a wide range of ages and abilities, KATS Camps offer unique opportunities for children to enhance their athletic skills, stay active, make new friends, and gain confidence in a fun, supportive environment. Led by Kokomo High School’s experienced varsity coaches and dedicated KHS student-athletes, KATS Campers will receive high-quality instruction tailored to their age and skill level.
These summer camps provide a comprehensive experience that introduces essential skills and fundamental techniques for young athletes, while also enhancing the competitive edge and refining the abilities of older and more advanced participants.
“We are excited to offer youth athletic camps to our community and beyond,” said Dr. Mike Sargent, Superintendent of Kokomo School Corporation. “Our KHS Athletic Department provides campers with an immersive, high-energy, and welcoming environment where children can belong and thrive, empowering them to reach their full potential both on and off the fields and courts.”
Registration is now open and can be completed online at kokomoathletics.com/registrations. Families are encouraged to secure their spots early, as spaces may be limited.
Kokomo High School Athletic Director Nick Sale expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming camps, stating, “These campers will experience the Wildkat spirit firsthand, where the excitement extends beyond sports! Our summer youth athletic KATS Camps provide avenues for kids to join in new activities, receive valuable training, develop their character, and build essential skills. KHS is proud to offer a comprehensive athletic program that emphasizes sportsmanship and teamwork, so kids can play the Wildkat way.”
Don’t miss out on opportunities for your child to engage in activities this summer! Register online now and train this summer on the fields and courts of Kokomo High School, where athletic opportunities inspire legacy!
Following are the dates, locations, and fees for each of the KATS Camps":
Track and Field, June 2-5, KHS Track, $20.00
Boys/Girls Soccer, June 23-26, Soccer Fields, $25.00
Football (K-6), July 14, 16, 17, KHS Football Field, $50.00
Football (7/8), July 21, 23, 24, KHS Football Field, $50.00
Boys & Girls Tennis, June 9-12, KHS Courts, $30.00
Baseball, June 9-11, Kokomo Municipal Stadium, $40.00
Boys/Girls Basketball, June 16-18, Memorial Gym, $40.00
Softball, July 15-18, KHS Softball Fields, $30.00
Strength/Speed, July 7-10, Weight Room/KHS, $40.00
Strength/Speed, July 14-17, Weight Room/KHS, $40.00
Wrestling, June 24-28, KHS Gyms, $200.00
For more information, please contact the Kokomo High School Athletic Department at 765-455-8053 or nsale@kokomo.k12.in.us .