Spark After Dark at SEA-Tech SparkLab Spark After Dark illuminated learning in New Hanover County as students gathered at the SEA-Tech SparkLab for a three-session exploration of astrophotography.

Led by SparkLab Leader Sara Toothman, scholars engaged in hands-on, after-hours learning that blended science, technology and creativity beyond the traditional school day. Students were joined by Dave Glenn of STARBASE, who introduced the tools and techniques behind capturing images of the night sky, alongside Michelle Hafey from UNCW’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. George Knipps and Penny Wolfe, lab leaders from New Hanover and Pender County Schools collaborated on this experience. Across three sessions, scholars experimented with smart telescopes, DSLR cameras, and smartphones while learning image stacking and post-processing techniques. Students who complete the series earn SparkPoints, and a final three-session Spark After Dark series will be held this April, offering additional opportunities to explore the science and art of astrophotography.