Students see sun as never before

Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project executive director Stephen W. Ramsden set up powerful telescopes with special sunlight filters in the parking lot of the Freshman Academy Monday. Students saw solar flares and sunspots through the lens.

Ramsden, an air-traffic controller at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, runs the non-profit astronomy project, traveling around the Southeast and providing students with a chance to view the sun without harming their eyes. He passed out “Eclipse Shades” from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to all the students, which allow the wearer to stare directly at the sun.

Ramsden said he started the astronomy project after the death of his close friend, Charlie Bates, who prior to his own death, had lost his wife Susan. Ramsden said he aimed to do something positive in their honor.

“I decided to rename and expand my outreach program in his honor so that others could feel the warmth of his generosity through my efforts,” said Ramsden. “I think Charlie and Susan would be happy with the results and I know they would love to have been able to see the kids’ faces when they peer through the telescopes for the first time.”

For more about the astronomy project, visit www.charliebates.org, or e-mail Ramsden at info@charliebates.org