When astronauts were sent to the Moon, they experienced periods of radio blackout with mission controllers here on Earth. Is this a result of weak signals being used, or the structure and properties of the Moon? The Sun produces light across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, including radio. To demonstrate this, a simple satellite radio dish can be attached to a signal finder and aimed at objects known to produce signals (like the Sun). We know that the Moon blocks the Sun’s light during an eclipse. Using this phenomenon, we can conduct a test to see if it blocks more than just visible light, in this case, radio waves.

Biography:

Thomas Quayle is an Education Program Specialist at Clark Planetarium and a NASA Solar System Ambassador. He develops immersive science education experiences through Science on a Sphere, dome theater programming, and classroom outreach across Utah. With experience as both an Analog Astronaut and longtime co-administrator of the “Mission to Mars” student simulation program, Thomas is passionate about inspiring curiosity and exploration through science.