NASA is now not only teaching students about astronomy – but astrology and mythology as well in a joint venture with the Tom Green County Library System with reading materials, interactive exhibits, and educational programs.
NASA teaching students about astrology and mythology
In a first of its kind program, the Tom Green County Library System in San Angelo, Texas, has been chosen by NASA to be the first in the country to roll out its NASA@my library program.
Several projects will be launched in the future under this NASA program. The Tom Green County Library System was selected as the sole pilot project library out of 70 other libraries that were under consideration.
If the program succeeds, it will become the blueprint for other similar programs across the country.
According to NASA:
The NASA@ My Library: “leverages the STAR Library Network (STAR Net) to advance the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) vision for education by engaging public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning. STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals facilitate STEM learning for their patrons by providing “science-technology activities and resources” (STAR) and training to use those resources.”
NASA wants to create an interest in astrology
A representative for NASA said the goal of the project is to create an interest in mythology and astrology among students, which is ultimately aimed at developing an interest in earth and space science.
The hope is that it will kindle a deeper interest in students and motivate them towards checking out books on these subjects or participating in a related educational program that is offered at the library.
The library says it has already seen an enormous and “statistically significant” increase in the number of materials checked out on these subjects, as well as participation in its educational programs.
NASA focus on Earth Day
Next month, NASA plans to create an interactive exhibit at the Tom Green County Library System which will focus on Earth Day.
Earth Day started on April 22, 1970, as an environmental protection event. Earth Day 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of the event.
But there’s much more related to Earth Day than conservation.
Gaia and Earth Day
There is also mythology related to Earth Day. Many people celebrate the Greek goddess Gaia, who is considered the “great mother of all” and said to be the first deity from whom all other gods were born, according to Greek mythology.
It is Gaia from whom we derive the term “Mother Earth.” Gaia was worshiped in ancient Greece.