Pennsylvania

A Week With the Scientists at Penn State University

Program No. 14314RJ
Discover the science behind weather forecasting, searching for planets and how to detect black holes — captivating discussions and exciting excursions with Penn State experts.

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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
2
Campus Tour, Solar System, Naked Eye Astronomy
University Park/State College, PA
4
The Milky Way, The Big Bang Theory
University Park/State College, PA
6
Review, Program Concludes
University Park/State College, PA
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

The sky is not the limit on this learning adventure! Choose your week to study astronomy, meteorology, or physics alongside some of the nation’s leading scientists at Penn State University. Behind-the-scenes excursions and expert-led discussions allow for the exploration of weather patterns or asteroid impacts, while using the most cutting-edge technology the university has to offer. Discover how the universe was created and learn about detecting black holes and neutron star and visit a nuclear reactor with Penn State experts.
Activity Level
Easy Going
A trolley is available to transport participants from the hotel to the campus.

What You'll Learn

  • Choose the meteorology date and learn how to read radar, observational networks and understand numerical weather prediction with demonstrations from expert meteorologists.
  • Choose the astronomy date and learn from knowledgeable astronomers about Mars in 3-D and dark energy while searching for planets and life around other stars.
  • Choose the astronomy date and view astronomical objects through a variety of telescopes including one large research-grade telescope.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Nolan Hines
Nolan Hines is a native Ohioan, born on a farm just south of Columbus. He attended Ohio State University intending to become a veterinarian, the became involved in singing and theatre activities. He spent eight years on the ships of Holland America Line as an entertainer, excursion assistant, and cruise director, then four years aboard The American Queen steamboat. Nolan now lives in Florida and since 2017 has enjoyed discovering the treasures of new places and helping participants to enjoy cultural highlights with Road programs.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Jon Nese
Jon M. Nese View biography
Jon is associate head of undergraduate programs and a teaching professor in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State, where he teaches a variety of undergraduate courses. He was previously chief meteorologist at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and on-air storm analyst at The Weather Channel. He has co-authored two books: "The Philadelphia Area Weather Book," which received the 2005 Louis J. Battan Author’s Award from the American Meteorological Society, and a college-level introductory textbook, "A World of Weather: Fundamentals of Meteorology."
Profile Image of Nolan Hines
Nolan Hines View biography
Nolan Hines is a native Ohioan, born on a farm just south of Columbus. He attended Ohio State University intending to become a veterinarian, the became involved in singing and theatre activities. He spent eight years on the ships of Holland America Line as an entertainer, excursion assistant, and cruise director, then four years aboard The American Queen steamboat. Nolan now lives in Florida and since 2017 has enjoyed discovering the treasures of new places and helping participants to enjoy cultural highlights with Road programs.
Profile Image of Chris Palma
Chris Palma View biography
Chris Palma is the associate dean for undergraduate students in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State University. He earned a B.S. in astronomy and astrophysics from Penn State and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Virginia. For his research, he studies dwarf galaxies near the Milky Way as well as educational practices for introductory astronomy. He is actively involved in the training of K-12 science teachers.
Profile Image of Kevin Luhman
Kevin Luhman View biography
Kevin Luhman is a professor at Penn State University. He earned B.S. degrees in astronomy and physics from the University of Texas and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Arizona. For his research, he studies brown dwarfs and the birth of stars and planets.
Profile Image of Jane Charlton
Jane Charlton View biography
Jane Charlton graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1983 with a B.S. in chemistry and physics. She received her Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Chicago in 1987. After postdoctoral positions at Cornell University and the University of Arizona, she came to Penn State in 1992. She is now a professor of astronomy and astrophysics, working on a variety of topics including galaxy evolution, interacting galaxies, and quasars. Charlton developed a science fiction story-based online course in Astronomy for Penn State undergraduates.
Profile Image of Bill Syrett
Bill Syrett View biography
Bill Syrett was born in Bristol, Connecticut and has been fascinated by "bad" weather since he was five years old. He received his B.S. and M.S. in meteorology and was then hired by Penn State as a research assistant. In 1995, he began his tenure as the manager of Penn State's University Park weather observatory, now the Joel N. Myers Weather Center. In that position, he oversees the daily recording of official cooperative weather observations for State College, Pennsylvania.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Year
2024
  • 2024
Date
Jun 09 - Jun 14
  • May 19 - May 24
  • Jun 02 - Jun 07
  • Jun 09 - Jun 14
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Astronomy: Planets, Stars, Galaxies and the Universe.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Jun 09 - Jun 14
  • May 19 - May 24
  • Jun 02 - Jun 07
  • Jun 09 - Jun 14
Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Astronomy: Planets, Stars, Galaxies and the Universe.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5 B 4 L 4 D
DAY
1
Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Intro to Universe
University Park/State College, PA
D
Hyatt Place State College

Activity note: Inn check in from 4:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:30-6:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room with the professors. Choose what you like from the dinner buffet with coffee, tea, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Three instructors will lead lessons and field trips, each with their own style and areas of expertise. All instructional sessions will take place at Davey Lab, which is about ½ a mile from the hotel. Transportation will be provided for those who prefer not to walk. Given the nature of celestial observation, some activities — the telescopic observation evening activity in particular — may be altered depending on weather conditions. To account for these weather conditions, night observation will take place on 1 of 3 evenings and the other 2 will be at leisure. For lunches, participants will receive prepaid debit cards to choose and buy lunch (included in the program cost) from an extensive selection at the Hetzel Union Building. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll wrap up as our presenters give an introduction to astronomy! Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

DAY
2
Campus Tour, Solar System, Naked Eye Astronomy
University Park/State College, PA
B,L,D
Hyatt Place State College

Activity note: Getting on/off a trolley necessitating a few steps.

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet.

Morning: We’ll set off on a narrated trolley ride around the Penn State campus. After arriving at Davey Lab, we’ll get started with an orientation to the solar system with our instructors.

Lunch: At the Hetzel Union Biulding (HUB), participants will be given prepaid debit cards with which to buy lunch included in the program cost. Among many other choices, the most popular option is the Soup & Garden, which offers choices from a diverse salad and hot main dish bar.

Afternoon: After returning to Davey Lab, we’ll have four specialist lectures given by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors on Naked Eye Astronomy, "Why did we stop calling the Sun a planet?", Solar Observing and Buying a Telescope.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: Weather permitting, on the rooftop observatory on Davey Lab led by our instructors, we will view astronomical objects through a variety of telescopes including one large research-grade telescope. The night this happens depends on local conditions.

DAY
3
Stars, Black Holes, Wormholes, James Webb Space Telescope
University Park/State College, PA
B,L
Hyatt Place State College

Activity note: Getting on/off a trolley necessitating a few steps.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: At the Davey Lab with our instructors, we’ll learn about the birth and evolution of stars.

Lunch: At the Hertzel Union Building (HUB).

Afternoon: Our lecture series will continue in Davey Lab with our instructors to address black holes and The James Webb Space Telescope.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to visit other attractions on campus and in town on your own or just relax at the hotel. Telescope night viewing rescheduled here if needed due to weather.

DAY
4
The Milky Way, The Big Bang Theory
University Park/State College, PA
B,L,D
Hyatt Place State College

Activity note: Getting on/off a trolley necessitating a few steps; five minute walk to dinner.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Strap in for lectures on The Milky Way and Galactic Cannibals in the Davey Lab.

Lunch: At the Hertzel Union Building (HUB).

Afternoon: We’ll have 2 lectures in Davey Lab including a brief history of the universe and The Big Bang & dark energy.

Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Telescope night viewing rescheduled here if needed due to weather.

DAY
5
Time travel, life near stars, asteroids, Astro Jeopardy
University Park/State College, PA
B,L,D
Hyatt Place State College

Activity note: Getting on/off a trolley necessitating a few steps.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: At the Davey Lab, we’ll start off the day with a lecture about time travel, wormholes, and the multiverse

Lunch: At the Hertzel Union Building (HUB).

Afternoon: Attend 2 lectures about searching for planets & life around other stars and asteroid impacts. These are followed by an open discussion.

Dinner: Hotel buffet.

Evening: Enjoy a fun and friendly game of Astro Jeopardy with your fellow Road Scholars using the knowledge you’ve gained over the course of the program!

DAY
6
Review, Program Concludes
University Park/State College, PA
B

Activity note: Hotel check out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: For our final meal of the program together, our professors from week will join us for the breakfast buffet.

Morning: This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy all your Road Scholar learning adventures and we look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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